Babies in Belfast are at risk from deformity due to toxic waste.

The eminent medical journal `The Lancet' recently published research which shows that mothers living within three kilometres of a toxic landfill site are at risk of giving birth to children with birth defects, including neural damage, spina bifida and hydrocephaly (``water on the brain'').

The research, based on studies of 21 landfill sites in five EU countries, showed a 33% increase in birth defects in areas within three kilometres of these sites.

Belfast City Council has recently applied for a five year extension of the use of the toxic landfill on Dargan Road. Wards of Ardoyne, Cavehill New Lodge, Duncairn and Waterworks are within a three kilometre radius of the site.

The council are also planning a waste landfill site at Mullaghglass quarry - which will affect the Twinbrook area - to facilitate the demands of electricity manufacturer, Nigen Ltd.

There is a rising tide of opposition to the Mullaghglass proposal by councillors and residents in West Belfast.

West Belfast already has a higher incidence of birth defects and illness than other parts of the city.

Friends of the Earth spokesperson Andy Orr said of these toxic proposals that Belfast was becoming a ``timebomb waiting to go off.''