On our Science Page of 16 May 2006, we published a story headed ‘Vermicide stoves could cause lung cancer.’ We wish to retract this story.

The article referred to problems that occurred with asbestos contamination of vermiculite in the United States (Libby, Montana). However there is no evidence that Ugandan vermiculite contains asbestos.

Canmin Resources Limited, the only producer of vermiculite in Uganda, has done multiple tests with internationally recognised laboratories which clearly state that no asbestos has been detected in Uganda vermiculite.

One such laboratory report is available at http://www.schundler.com/uganda.htm
The New Vision apologises to Canmin for suggesting that Ugandan vermiculite might contain asbestos and for any inconvenience caused by the article.