30.10.04
Irish Independent
Children 'risk cancer from burning tyres'
CHILDREN face a real risk of developing cancers and other health defects from tyres being burnt on Halloween bonfires nationwide, Environment Minister Dick Roche warned yesterday.
Announcing an investigation into the way tyre retailers dispose of their tyres, the minister pleaded with parents to halt the practice of burning tyres on bonfires over the weekend. "The Halloween bonfire is a great Irish tradition going back to our very earliest time. However, this tradition does not give us licence to burn wastes which give off toxic smoke," said Mr Roche.
The uncontrolled burning of tyres produced dense smoke and toxic fumes, polluting air, water, soil and vegetation. Many of the toxic fumes released had the capacity to cause a genetic mutation that could lead to cancer in future generations, he warned.
"It is thought that the uncontrolled burning of tyres is eight times more likely to cause genetic mutation than the burning of plastic. In addition, water used to control these fires can cause pollutants to be washed into the ground and watercourses. "
"While tyres can be reused - on farmyards for example - there is no doubt huge numbers of tyres are either burnt, are disposed of inappropriately, or are left in unauthorised stockpiles, which can themselves pose a hazard to people and the environment," Mr Roche warned.
He also expressed concerns about an environmental levy some tyre retailers are imposing for the disposal of waste tyres. He is to raise the issue with the Director of Consumer Affairs.
Treacy Hogan
Environment Correspondent
Children 'risk cancer from burning tyres'
CHILDREN face a real risk of developing cancers and other health defects from tyres being burnt on Halloween bonfires nationwide, Environment Minister Dick Roche warned yesterday.
Announcing an investigation into the way tyre retailers dispose of their tyres, the minister pleaded with parents to halt the practice of burning tyres on bonfires over the weekend. "The Halloween bonfire is a great Irish tradition going back to our very earliest time. However, this tradition does not give us licence to burn wastes which give off toxic smoke," said Mr Roche.
The uncontrolled burning of tyres produced dense smoke and toxic fumes, polluting air, water, soil and vegetation. Many of the toxic fumes released had the capacity to cause a genetic mutation that could lead to cancer in future generations, he warned.
"It is thought that the uncontrolled burning of tyres is eight times more likely to cause genetic mutation than the burning of plastic. In addition, water used to control these fires can cause pollutants to be washed into the ground and watercourses. "
"While tyres can be reused - on farmyards for example - there is no doubt huge numbers of tyres are either burnt, are disposed of inappropriately, or are left in unauthorised stockpiles, which can themselves pose a hazard to people and the environment," Mr Roche warned.
He also expressed concerns about an environmental levy some tyre retailers are imposing for the disposal of waste tyres. He is to raise the issue with the Director of Consumer Affairs.
Treacy Hogan
Environment Correspondent
