“However, it is the presence of pollutants in the gases emitted from MSWI
chimneys that attracts most concern, and in particular, the presence of dioxins (Box 3) because
they are suspected of causing cancer and are widely distributed throughout the food chain.
Of other air pollutants, acid gases and particulates, for instance, can harm people with respiratory
illnesses. A report from the Department of Health’s Committee on the Medical Effects of Air
Pollution (COMEAP) concluded that PM10 pollution from all urban sources hastens (‘brings
forward’) 8,100 deaths/yr, and increases or brings forward hospital admissions by 10,500/yr.”
http://www.parliament.uk/documents/post/pn149.pdf
Parliamentary Copyright 2000
The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, 7 Millbank,
London SW1P 3JA, tel: [020] 7219 2840.
See also www.parliament.uk/post/home.htm
Download PDF : pn149