Pyre health risk warning

The disposal operation in Devon has alarmed locals

Burning pyres of animals slaughtered in the foot-and-mouth crisis could cause health problems for people living nearby, the government has warned.

People less than half a kilometre from burning sites may be exposed to high levels of irritants such as sulphur dioxide, according to new advice from the Department of Health.

The guidelines, released on Tuesday, advise people living close to pyres to avoid prolonged exposure, and warn that asthma sufferers may find their condition worsens.

But carcinogenic dioxins released during the incineration process do not pose a health risk to people, the guidance states.

People less than 0.5 km from pyres will be exposed to high concentrations of irritants

Government advice

Many people living close to incineration sites have already complained of the effects on their health from the fumes and chemicals released by pyres.

According to the guidance, pyres of less than 250 carcasses burning for three days should be at least 2km from local communities.

"Closer to the pyre, those suffering from asthma may experience a temporary worsening of their condition," the report says.

"Such effects should be reversed using standard medication.

"People less than 0.5 km from pyres will be exposed to high concentrations of irritants, including sulphur dioxide and particles.

"Members of the public should be advised to avoid such exposure."

Dioxins 'no threat'

Larger pyres of more than 1,000 animals should be at least 3km from local communities, but members of the public are advised to avoid "sustained exposure" to such pyres.

Smaller, rather than larger pyres should be constructed where possible, the guidance states.

The government also moved to dismiss suggestions that dioxin deposits could pose a public health risk.

The guidance states that increased dioxin levels will quickly return to normal and will not pose any long-term threat.

But the Food Standards Agency will be monitoring levels in food and in samples taken from the vicinity of larger pyres to ensure there are no long-term safety issues.

Water warning

The guidance also says that micro-organisms from carcasses could enter local water supplies.

This should not cause problems for public water companies, which already have monitoring and treatment processes to deal with any organisms or chemicals in their supplies.

But the government warns that private water supplies should be closely monitored to avoid contamination.

The report also recommends that local public health chiefs should be a part of every disease control team.

Government scientists have begun testing for a range of pollutants at sites in Devon and Wales.

A pyre near Holsworthy in Devon has provoked strong local hostility from residents fearful of the long-term health implications.

Local doctor Asad Al-Doori said people have already visited him with headaches and respiratory problems which they attribute to the fumes.

Bill Harper, chairman of the National Beef Association south-west region, spoke earlier of his fears that dioxins could enter the food chain through animals.

"I understand the principle that dioxins go up in the air and fall on the ground, but if it falls on grass then it stands to reason that more will be picked up by animals than humans."

He said he was concerned that a two-tier beef market could develop, and that farmers selling dioxin-infected meat would be "severely disadvantaged".

"The whole issue needs to be addressed," he added. "Either it gets taken out of the food chain or it gets a clean bill of health."