How far away is safe?

摘要

ORGANICS RECYCLERS ARE STILL WAITING TO SEE IF THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY (EA) will set new rules recommending that no new composting sites be situated within 250m of homes and workplaces. An EA spokeswoman told MRW that its review of environmental permitting was still "in progress" and is expected to be released by mid-June. This move towards creating a minimum distance between composting sites and nearby homes and workplaces - referred to as 'sensitive receptors' - is designed to mitigate any potential health impact. The concern is around bioaerosol emissions, which are released during the composting process. Bioaerosols are airborne particles that contain living organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, and there is thought to be a link between exposure to bioaerosols and respiratory health problems.