Numerous studies have been carried out to examine links between landfill and health impacts. There is no definitive answer to the question of whether living near landfill affects health. However, SWARD is concerned by the findings of studies that have found associated links with congenital anomalies (birth defects), skin problems, cancers, respiratory problems. We also believe that we must consider the broadest definition of health as given by The World Health Organisation: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." It took decades to prove a causal link between smoking and negative health impacts. Do we want to wait till it's too late?

15/12/2007READ MORE >>

SWARD is campaigning for the Precautionary Principle to be applied when considering the hazardous waste site at Wingmoor Farm. We believe that lack of evidence of harm should not be taken as evidence of no harm when dealing with a site handling some of the most hazardous waste types.

15/12/2005READ MORE >>

SWARD has been part of the steering group for a community health impact assessment (HIA) that began in January2007, suffered an unexplained break after July 2007 and restarted in October 2008. The purpose was to try to explore the health impacts of the Wingmoor waste sites. The HIA looked at health in the broadest sense, including the impact of stress. We are concerned to learn that asthma rates within 3km of the Wingmoor sites are higher than those for Gloucestershire, which are already higher than those for the UK as a whole. Whilst NHS Gloucestershire stated that this was not "statistically significant", we are concerned as to why local asthma rates should be any higher than those for the county. The HIA recommends that this be investigated further We are also concerned that only a narrow range of health data is collected for local residents, and no long term health tracking has been undertaken, for example of children born withiin close proximity to the site, for a wider range of health impacts known to be associated with landfill.

04/04/2009READ MORE >>