Dangerous chemical pollution caused by burning waste in incinerators has been grossly underestimated, a public inquiry was told.

Seaford-based environment group Probe said incinerating waste was a major source of dioxins and other persistent chemicals.

Director Laurie Jackson said councils should abandon plans to build burners and take a precautionary approach to avoid harming human health.

He said: "The strong possibility exists we are grossly underestimating the amount of dioxins emitted by industry and incineration."

He told the public inquiry examining council waste plans the system for measuring the amount of pollution was inadequate.

He said dioxins could cause an increase in some cancers and disrupt sexual development in men and women. The developing embryo and foetus was particularly vulnerable, even to low levels of exposure.

He said incineration could be avoided if more waste was recycled and the plans would delay implementing more sustainable solutions.

The Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council plans propose incinerator sites at North Quay, Newhaven, and Mountfield Mine, near Robertsbridge.

The authorities have already signed a waste disposal deal with contractor Onyx Aurora, which wants to build a single burner at Newhaven.

Planning expert Mark Lintell, representing the councils, said they shared the ambition to boost recycling but were concerned it was not realistic during the plan's ten-year life.

Mr Jackson was among individuals and groups who have been giving evidence at the hearing.

The councils intend to put detailed evidence about pollution claims to the inquiry in the autumn.

Both authorities have consistently claimed modern incinerators are safer than their older counterparts and pollution would be minimal.

Monday July 14, 2003