Do landfill sites cause ill health?
Part of the Report consists of a review conducted by the Chemical Incident Response Service of previous studies into links between landfill sites and adverse affects on the health of local residents. The review said studies were inconclusive. However the Messenger is aware of various studies which strongly indicate links: In Hamilton, Ontario, a study of people who lived and/or worked near an industrial dump revealed significantly elevated rates of bronchitis, breathing difficulties, coughs, skin rashes, arthritis, heart problems (angina and heart attacks), muscle weakness, tremors, cramps, headaches, dizziness, lethargy, balance problems and mood symptoms, compared with populations living further from the site (Hertzman, C. et al., “Upper Ottawa Street Landfill Site Health Study,” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 75, 1987, pp 173-195). An American study of 7 waste disposal sites showed increased incidence of dermatitis, respiratory irritation, neurologic symptoms and pancreatic
