Dear sirs, Has London Underground ever been tested for the presence of anthrax in the walls. Regards,

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Our ref: FOI-0122-1920/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 12 April 2019 asking for information about Anthrax tests.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

We have carried out risk assessments in connection with the presence of anthrax spores. This involves ascertaining the age of the building in order to establish whether it was constructed before 1910. The relevance of this date is that in 1908, the Horse Hair Act was passed in the United Kingdom, requiring the sterilization of horse hair used in buildings. If the building is believed to be constructed before this date, the plaster is checked for the presence of horse hair. If it is present, sampling and testing for anthrax spores is normally carried out. Such testing has been carried out at a number of locations over the years.

Our records cover approximately the last 20 years, and I can confirm that all samples during this period tested negative for anthrax spores.

If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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