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Article: Landfill sites blamed for birth defects
- Article from:
- The Scotsman
- Article date:
- August 17, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2001 The Scotsman. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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BABIES born in communities near landfill sites containing toxic
waste have a 7 per cent higher risk of being born with
abnormalities, according to a detailed study which was published
yesterday.
A 15-year investigation - the most extensive research of its kind
undertaken - uncovered evidence of defects, including spina bifida
and low birthweight, among children born to mothers living close to
the dumps during pregnancy.
The study, commissioned by the government, found that 80 per cent
of the UK population lives within two kilometres of a landfill site
containing material ranging from toxic chemicals to rubbish from
households, offices or industry.
Last night the findings sparked a fresh ...