Incinerators a health hazard, say doctors
Two recent reports in the medical literature support this position.
In the first, data from an ongoing study involving more than 500,000 participants showed that air pollution from particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size is important in determining the risk of death from heart disease.
Incineration releases such particles, which are not subject to statutory guidelines in Ireland.
The second report investigated congenital anomalies, stillbirths and deaths shortly after birth, and found an increased incidence of these conditions in the vicinity of incinerators.
The recent Health Research Board report did not consider particulate matter of this size and in any event stated that we did not have adequate surveillance methods to detect adverse health effects from incineration.
Despite grossly inadequate recycling facilities, more and more people are reducing the amount of their waste that is going to landfill.
Waste reduction and recycling are health issues and incineration is not part of the solution.
Dr Elizabeth Cullen,
Irish Doctors Environmental Association,
Thomastown,
Kilcullen,
Co Kildare.
