Air pollution experts say modern incinerators are no significant threat to public health

INCINERATORS that are well run and regulated do not pose a significant threat to public health, according to air pollution experts.

The Health Protection Agency has reviewed the latest scientific evidence on the health effects of modern municipal waste incinerators.

The Agency report concludes that while it is not possible to rule out adverse health effects completely, any potential damage from modern, well run and regulated incinerators is likely to be so small that it would be undetectable.

An Agency spokesman said: “The evidence suggests that air pollution from incinerators makes up a fraction of one percent of the country’s particulate emissions. Industry and traffic account for more than fifty per cent.

“European Union Directives aimed at minimising landfill are leading to an increased use of incineration, and research suggests that this will not cause any significant adverse health effects.

“The evidence suggests that any potential damage to health of those living close to incinerators is likely to be very small, if detectable. The Agency therefore does not believe that studies of public health around individual incinerators are scientifically justifiable.”