Hundreds of Grenfell Tower survivors and firefighters could have asbestos poisoning after being exposed to toxic fumes, a coroner has warned.

Dr Fiona Wilcox called on the NHS to set up a screening programme for those who were exposed to smoke and dust during and after the fire.

In a letter to Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, she said action must be taken to prevent future deaths.

Hundreds of Grenfell Tower survivors and firefighters could have asbestos poisoning after being exposed to toxic fumes, in the disaster last year, pictured above

Hundreds of Grenfell Tower survivors and firefighters could have asbestos poisoning after being exposed to toxic fumes, in the disaster last year, pictured above

Dr Wilcox said the impact of the disaster could be ‘wide-ranging’and called for asbestos screening for the victims

Dr Wilcox said the impact of the disaster could be ‘wide-ranging’and called for asbestos screening for the victims

Dr Wilcox said the impact of the disaster could be ‘wide-ranging’and called for asbestos screening for the victims

Citing firefighters and others who suffered health problems years after 9/11 in the US, Dr Wilcox said the impact of the disaster could be ‘wide-ranging’.

She added that ‘real concern’ had been expressed for the survivors, especially children, exposed to smoke and dust.

Dr Wilcox, a senior London coroner, wrote: ‘Without an appropriate system of health screening, there is a risk illness may arise unnoticed or present later in survivors, first responders and site workers, and thus reduce life expectancy.’

Asbestos, now banned, was used in ceilings and cupboards when the tower was built in 1974. If inhaled it can cause mesothelioma, a fatal lung disease.

Public Health England previously said tests had found levels of dust and asbestos at Grenfell Tower were not a concern. 

In a letter to Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, pictured above, Dr Fiona Wilcox said action must be taken to prevent future deaths (File photo)

In a letter to Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, pictured above, Dr Fiona Wilcox said action must be taken to prevent future deaths (File photo)

In a letter to Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, pictured above, Dr Fiona Wilcox said action must be taken to prevent future deaths (File photo)

Public Health England previously said tests had found levels of dust and asbestos at Grenfell Tower were not a concern

Public Health England previously said tests had found levels of dust and asbestos at Grenfell Tower were not a concern

Public Health England previously said tests had found levels of dust and asbestos at Grenfell Tower were not a concern

An NHS England spokesman said it continued to provide ‘extraordinary care’ to survivors.

An illegal immigrant yesterday pleaded guilty to falsely claiming £60,000 in public aid meant for Grenfell survivors.

Tunisian Abdelkarim Rekaya, 28, pretended to be a survivor to take advantage of the Government’s amnesty for illegal immigrants in the block. 

He will be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on November 27.

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