But government guidance published on Tuesday states that dioxin levels should pose no long-term health threat, although it admits that people close to large pyres may suffer exposure to irritants. One local doctor has already treated patients complaining of headaches and respiratory problems. Although he cannot prove a direct association with smoke inhalation he believes there is a possible link, which could pose a long-term risk to health. I hope the government and Maff have done their homework. We don't know what the long-term effects are.
People are concerned for themselves and their children.
Homes closest to the site of the pyre were evacuated and their owners temporarily re-housed by Torridge district council. So far the wind has blown the smoke away from the town, but if it changes direction, existing fears will be intensified. Guidelines The Department of Health guidelines state that people living close to pyres may suffer exposure to irritants such as sulphur dioxide, and asthmatics may find their condition worsens temporarily. The government also admits that micro-organisms from carcasses could enter local water supplies, although public water companies are equipped to filter their supplies. But the guidance states that dioxin levels around incineration sites will quickly return to normal and pose no long-term health threat, although levels in food and other samples taken from areas around larger pyres will be monitored.