It is interesting to see the considerable worry generated over the Irish pork story. Of course, the dioxins that have caused the quite proper concern are the same as those that will soon be coming from the incinerator at Newhaven.

Dioxins are persistent, which means that once in the body they will remain there and accumulate until present in sufficient concentration to affect the health of the person or their offspring as dioxins affect unfertilised eggs or sperm.

This can then cause deformities in the foetus. Animals are similarly affected. See what happened to babies in Vietnam when Agent Orange, contaminated with dioxins, was used to defoliate vast areas of forest.

Thus one small dose from a pork pie is unlikely to do harm but the vast majority of The Argus readership will be breathing them in or ingesting them with food or water – remember, the fallout will come down and pollute waterways and reservoirs – for the next 20 years.

I have already asked East Sussex County Council for details of its insurers on the advice of a firm of solicitors specialising in pollution-type cases. So far I’ve had no reply.

It is anticipated a “class action” may concentrate the council’s minds a bit more.

Martin Cross, Beresford Road, Newhaven