Official figures indicate that in six weeks of the crisis, up to April 6, the pyres had released 63 grams of dioxins. This compares with 88 grams released by all of Britain's biggest, most dangerous, factories in a year. By now, the emissions from the burning heaps of animals will almost certainly have exceeded those from factories.
Dioxins are among the most poisonous man-made chemicals.
They affect children's growth and possibly cause cancer. Even low level exposure is known to interfere with the immune and reproductive systems. Environmental campaigners have warned that dioxins accumulate in fat and milk and will work their way through the food chain. We have told them the situation is not acceptable. Up to 7,000 animals are to be burned on the Arscott fire, which was due to be lit last night.