Unborn and newborn babies are the most vulnerable and the most likely group to suffer should an accident occur at an incinerator, a Dutch paediatrician told a hearing of An Bord Pleanála yesterday.
The opening of the second week of an oral hearing into a proposed toxic incinerator at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork saw evidence given by Dr Gavin ten Tuscher, who said that the chance of accidental exposure is always present when an incinerator is in a region.
A specialist on the effects of dioxins on the foetus and newborn baby, Dr ten Tuscher told the hearing that accidental exposure to dioxins leaves a legacy for many years, as dioxins can never be removed from the system.
A study of a range of accidents worldwide involving PCBs, dioxins and Furons revealed a range of ill-effects, he said.
According to Dr ten Tuscher, two Asian incidents involving the contamination of rice oil gave rise to a range of negative behavioural effects amongst the offspring of mothers who ingested the oil.
"Mortality was high, with 25 per cent of these babies dying within four years of birth, with respiratory distress and pneumonia common during the first six months of life," Dr ten Tuscher said.
He also referred to a study, which revealed a high incidence of cleft lips and palates following the incineration of chemicals near a maternity clinic in the Netherlands.
"The results are shocking - there was a surge of incidence in palates in Zeeburg which was seven times the national average," the doctor said, adding "my one piece of advice is don't build this incinerator".
Cork East TD Mr David Stanton lent his support to the anti-incinerator campaign when he urged An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission on the grounds that it is not needed.
Meanwhile, the company behind the proposed incinerator, Invader Ireland, yesterday told the hearing that it would not pursue a license to import waste from Northern Ireland.
The actor Mr Jeremy Irons is due to give evidence opposing the incinerator when the hearing resumes this morning.