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Toxic Emissions from the Chimney

 

Source: Greenpeace

"... this incinerator releases chemicals called dioxins - classified as causing cancer by the World Health Organisation - in significant quantities.

The government has already warned us that one in three people consume more dioxins than is safe - and that half of all babies and toddlers exceed that limit. The Environment Minister has already admitted that emissions from incinerators are extremely toxic."

 

Cancer and Incinerators

"In August ...2000..., research found that between 1974 and 1987, children who had lived within 5km of incinerators were twice as likely to die of cancer."

(Courtesy of Greenpeace, referencing - Knox E.G. (2000) Childhood cancers, birthplaces, incinerators and landfill sites. International Journal of Epidemiology 29:391-397)

 

Deaths Related to Emissions

The Department of Health's Economic Appraisal of Health Effects of Air Pollution (EAHEAP) prepared a cost benefit analysis which calculated 'Number of deaths not brought forward' per tonne of pollution avoided. The figures are 0.02 deaths a year per tonne of NOx, 0.005 deaths per tonne of SO2 and 0.002 deaths per tonne of particulates. (Source: Greenpeace)

Using these figures, the Edmonton incinerator plant would bring about an early death for roughly 15 people each year !  How many will Glenavy ?

 

Source: Energy Justice Network

The non-profit Energy Justice Network describes emissions from poultry litter as “roughly as polluting as coal” emitting NOx, SO2, CO, PM (particulate matter, or soot), hydrochloric acid, antimony, manganese, mercury as well as dioxins and furans.

Emissions of these types are linked (see below) to a range of respiratory health problems, increases in infant mortality rates, increases in low birth weight, heart disease, reproductive disorders and cancer.    Once incineration takes place, these substances go into the atmosphere and spread wherever the wind blows - right across Northern Ireland. 

 

  • Acid gases - exacerbate respiratory problems such as asthma and have been linked to increases in premature deaths of people with respiratory and heart conditions.
  • Cadmium - linked with cancer
  • Mercury - highly toxic and affects the brain and nervous system
  • Dioxins - direct links to cancer