Written Question · S1W-07055 · Session 1
Whether it will make a statement about the safety of incinerators, taking into account recent reports from the USA that European standards …
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make a statement about the safety of incinerators, taking into account recent reports from the USA that European standards on the levels of harmful chemicals which may be emitted into the atmosphere from industrial processes may not be sufficiently safe.
The answer
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a draft report on dioxins in the environment in 1994. Following substantial criticisms of the basis for its recommendations from many sources, including the UK Government, the EPA has undertaken further analysis. We understand the final report will be published in the summer. We will wait to see what the new report says, and in particular whether it has addressed any of the serious criticisms the UK raised, before commenting on its implications.The Scottish Executive will consider the World Health Organisation's (WHO) re-evaluation of the safe level for human exposure as soon as the scientific evidence and justification for its decision are made publicly available by WHO.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-07055 by reference.