Facts
Health and Environment

Review of available studies on health and environmental impacts of Waste Incinerators

It concludes that “there is no known scientific evidence” of a significant impact on the environment and the health of people living nearby

One of the largest studies to date shows no evidence that Waste-to-Energy plants affect babies

“no evidence for increased risk of a range of birth outcomes, including birth weight, preterm delivery and infant mortality, in relation to either MWI emissions or living near an MWI”

INERIS report on accuracy of air emissions measurement

This report addresses the reliability and accuracy of measurements at very low concentrations. This is essential in guaranteeing that the very low emission limits set in the legislation can be monitored in a reliable way.

UK Study on Particulate Exposure 

A study by the Imperial College London estimates Particulate Exposure from Incinerators in the UK…

Emissions from UK incinerators

This study funded by Public Health England searched for emissions around facilities in the UK.

Incinerator emissions “do not reduce the quality of milk and vegetables”

Dutch searchers found that levels of certain contaminants were similar whether they grew next to a Waste-to-Energy plant or not.

Bolzano Waste-to-Energy plant “not a significant source of PCDD/F”

In 2013 researchers checked 10 years of emission data of PCDD/F, fine, and ultra-fine particles from the Bolzano Waste-to-Energy plant in Italy.

Tarragona Waste-to-Energy plant “does not produce additional health risks”

This 2012 study presents results from monitoring PCCD/F in soil, vegetation and air between 2009-2010.

Ultrafine particle concentrations similar to “those found in ambient air”

In 2012, researchers compared ultrafine particle concentrations in Waste-to-Energy plants emissions and other activities.

Review of research shows “no rise of any significant effect on health “

This report reviewed more than 40 published research papers and other studies on Waste-to-Energy plant emissions.

Populations near Waste-to-Energy plants “do not manifest increased levels of heavy metals”

Researchers studied concentrations of heavy metals in samples from populations both around and away from Bilbao’s Waste-to-Energy plant.

Portugal: “incineration does not impact on dioxin blood levels”

In this 2007 research, dioxin concentrations in blood samples from 138 adults living near Waste-to-Energy plants were studied.

Incineration “no longer significant in terms of emissions of dioxins, dust and heavy metals”

This 2005 paper from the German Ministry of Environment focused on the evolution of emissions from Waste-to-Energy plants.

See also


Life Cycle Assessment