HEALTH chiefs are urging the public not to panic over the claims that there is a link between living next to a landfill site and birth defects in babies.

A report in The Lancet revealed that living 'within 3km of a landfill site was associated with a significantly raised risk of congenital anomaly. Warrington has three landfill sites at Risley, Arpley and Sankey.

The report adds that "there was a fairly consistent decrease in risk with distance away from the sites." It lists a number of abnormalities. These include neural tube defects such as spina bifida, malformations of cardiac arteries and disorders which involve the mixing up of the windpipe and tube leading to the stomach.

Director of Public Health for North Cheshire Health, Dr Paula Grey, said: "The article in The Lancet is very interesting, but it does not prove that landfill sites are the cause of congenital abnormalities.

"There does seem to be some connection. It is not enormous, but it is more than you would expect. The report shows that there is a link, but what is it? We need to ask a lot more questions.

"The number of congenital abnormalities reported in Warrington is very low and it would be very difficult to prove the landfill sites are to blame. We need to do more national and regional research and take into consideration exposure, class and age. We shouldn't jump to any conclusions.

"We routinely monitor congenital abnormalities and we haven't had a great increase. We want to reassure people that these abnormalities are very rare and there is no local increase. We are not complacent, but there is no real evidence to worry the public."

If expectant mums are worried by the report Dr Grey advises them to speak to their midwife or obstetrician.

And she advises women who are trying for a baby and want to give their babies the healthiest start to take folic acid, eat a nutritional diet and stop smoking.

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