Archived press release

FACTORIES STILL SPEWING OVER 10,000 TONNES OF CANCER-CAUSING CHEMICALS TO AIR. FOE Demands Tougher Pollution Laws

12 May 1999

Friends of the Earth's analysis of the Environment Agency's Pollution Inventory, published today, shows that Britain's biggest factories are still releasing over 10,000 tonnes of cancer-causing chemicals into the air (see tables) [1]. Associated Octel in Ellesmere Port are still worst of the bunch, releasing 4,090 tonnes of cancer-causing chemicals, down from 5,340 tonnes in 1996 (the last data published). Total reported ICI releases from factories in Runcorn and Middlesborough have increased by over 800 tonnes to 4382 tonnes. Glaxo Wellcome's releases at Ulverston have increased by almost 20 per cent to 992 tonnes.

FOE is calling for the Government to set a statutory target to reduce the release of hazardous substances by 80 per cent by 2005. FOE is also demanding that the Pollution Prevention and Control Bill - currently before Parliament - is amended to give the public a comprehensive picture on pollution released into their area (including pollution from smaller factories, landfill sites, transport, etc). Environment Minister, Michael Meacher MP,made an election promise to introduce comprehensive pollution inventories which he has yet to deliver on. The Environment Agency say they are keen to develop a better inventory.

In February, FOE launched Factory Watch, which named and shamed those companies releasing most cancer-causing chemicals. The Environment Agency's Pollution Inventory has shied away from using the same approach and does not outline the health threats associated with the chemicals released. FOE has carried out a preliminary analysis of the data but will be carrying out a more thorough analysis shortly and publish national and regional “cancer-threat” league tables. FOE has also recently published research showing industrial pollution hits poorer communities harder (www.foe.co.uk/pollution-injustice).

Mike Childs, Senior Pollution Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said:
“People are still being bombarded by thousand of tonnes of hazardous chemicals from Britain's filthy factories. The Government must make drastic cuts in this pollution if they are serious about protecting public health. They must also deliver on their election promise to give people a decent right to know about all the pollution in their neighbourhoods.”

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust