HC Deb 19 September 2002 vol 390 c260W
Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the health effects on (i) humans, (ii) animals and (iii) plants caused by the disposal of plastic products. [70259]

Mr. Meacher

Research in this area concentrates on the health effects of waste management in general, rather than being related to specific materials in the waste stream.

The Environment Agency is currently undertaking various projects to improve knowledge of the health impacts of waste management options (including incineration, landfill and waste recovery facilities) and is looking into the development and use of Health Impact Assessments.

My Department recently hosted a seminar to consider where there are gaps in the research on health impacts of all waste management options and to help prioritise future research. Conducting such research will allow local authorities and others to make more informed choices about the range, type and location of facility they wish to operate.