Landfill sites and Down's syndrome
Press release January 2002
The report published in the Lancet on 24th January 2003 does not prove a conclusive link between landfill sites and babies being born with Down's syndrome Define Down's syndrome .
The study looks across Europe at chromosomal conditions, of which Down's syndrome is just one.
At Down's Syndrome Scotland we have many families who have not lived near a landfill site. Others who do may have only one of their children affected by the condition.
This research will be particularly distressing for families who are presently expecting a baby and who live near a landfill site.
Down's syndrome is caused by the existence of an extra chromosome Define Chromosome attached to the bodies cells. There is no evidence to suggest that this is caused by environmental factors. On the contrary, evidence suggests that this is a 'chromosomal accident' caused at the point of conception.
It must be remembered that Down's syndrome is the most common form of learning disability Define Learning disability occurring in around one in every thousand births. In every town and city across Scotland there are children and adults with Down's syndrome playing an active and valued role in their community.