ANYONE concerned about the adverse health effects of burning waste (article, 2 August 2017) should be shocked at the continuing negligence of those supposed to be protecting our health.
The Argus article “Incinerators ‘no health threat’ – Newport AM” (14 July 2011), started: “Wales’ new environment minister says official advice on incinerators is that they pose no noticeable danger to health,” and included the comment by John Griffiths AM that: “the Health Protection Agency’s advice on energy from waste says there are no significant identifiable health impacts.”
Mr Griffiths might not have known that on 22 May 2008, both the Dorking Advertiser and the Surrey Mirror reported that the Health Protection Agency (HPA) had admitted failing to examine relevant data around any incinerator, nor that on 1 May 2011, the HPA’s promise that a study to examine infant mortality rates around incinerators was first reported.
That study remains unpublished, but the myth that emissions from incinerators don’t harm health continues and permits for such plants are issued on the basis of false opinions that lack any evidence.
Michael Ryan
Gains Avenue
Bicton Heath
Shrewsbury
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here