§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent evidence he has received concerning the damaging effects caused to the health of people living near landfill sites. [35632]
§ Yvette CooperThe Department is aware of a number of research studies published in the scientific literature, which investigate health outcomes in people living near landfill sites. These have been considered by the Department, which has sought advice from the independent expert advisory committee, the committee on the toxicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment (COT). They felt that it was not possible to draw any definite conclusions regarding possible health effects from these studies and further research was warranted. The most recent statement by the COT is available on the Department's website (www.doh.gov.uk/ landh.htm). The Government have commissioned a programme of work on the impacts on health of landfill sites, details of which are also available on the website, and the Department continues to monitor relevant publications.