The secret dumping of radioactive waste in landfill sites in Belfast and Derry posed no risk to human health, a British Department of the Environment review has stated.
A conservative approach was taken by allowing the toxic material, much of it from hospitals, to decay for long periods before its disposal, the review added.
Previously confidential UK government files from 1983 disclosed the controlled burials, which included medical (clinical) waste and radioactive wastes from patient diagnosis and treatment.
The report commissioned by Environment Minister Mark Durkan said: “In Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s view this practice presented no plausible risk to people or the environment. “The Public Health Agency (PHA) has been consulted and shares this view in respect of human health.”
So, that’s alright then!