Michael Joe Cosgrave
Question:24 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on health issues and incineration; and his policy in this regard. [19351/01]
Written Answers. - Waste Management.
There is an ongoing debate on the use of incineration and other thermal treatments as part of an integrated approach to waste management. I am advised that at present there are no incineration facilities for dealing with municipal waste in operation here.
The main human health concerns in regard to incineration of waste relate to possibly harmful emissions following incineration and the disposal of possibly toxic residues and ash from the site. Emissions from waste incineration can contain dioxins which are persistent organic pollutants. Dioxins can enter the food chain via grazing animals. Cows milk is monitored here by the EPA to determine dioxin levels. Levels monitored to date have been insignificant in terms of potential human health impact.
The development of policy on waste management including the use of incineration for refuse disposal is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. I would be concerned to ensure that the implications for public health of decisions in this area are taken into account.
In general waste management objectives are designed to minimise waste production and to encourage recycling and energy recovery while ensuring safe and nuisance free management and disposal so as to protect public health and safeguard the environment.
I am advised that there is no preference to date for any particular method of disposal or hard evidence that one method is preferable to another as being less injurious to health. From a human health perspective the principal concern is that whatever method is used should be properly managed, regulated and monitored to minimise pollution and emissions and safeguard public health and the environment.