Calls for fresh probe into Cornwall tap-water poisoning after second death linked to case Mr Gibbon's son-in-law Phil Reed said: "After his death we asked for tests to be performed to establish if there was any evidence of aluminium accumulation in his brain tissue. Initial tests were performed, which proved to be inconclusive for aluminium. Unfortunately these tests were performed on small samples of tissue rather than the whole brain. We requested that the test be re-run but using the whole brain to establish if there was any accumulation. After the second test it turns out that Richard's brain did indeed have high levels of aluminium particularly in the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for short term memory. The two people tested for brain aluminium levels, Carole Cross and now Richard Gibbons, have shown high levels of aluminium in their brain tissue. This evidence shows the need for further study amongst the population exposed in July 1988. The poisoning happened when a relief delivery driver inadvertently dumped 20 tons of aluminium sulphate directly into the unmanned treatment works. It polluted the supply to 20,000 people but authorities insisted it was safe and even suggested the "foul" taste could be disguised by mixing it with orange juice. Locals quickly began reporting stomach cramps, rashes, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers and aching joints - and some complained that their hair turned green. Richard, of Tintagel, Cornwall, later complained of short-term memory loss, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and kidney damage. He also had decaying finger and toe nails, skin problems and recurring gum and ear infections, which he believed were linked to the tainted water. A recent study by the Government-appointed Lowermoor Sub Group of the Committee on Toxicity said there was "no conclusive link" between the leak and the chronic symptoms and diseases reported. But it called for further research to examine the long-term neurological effects on young kids and babies born in the immediate aftermath.