A High Court judge has now agreed that the birth defects may have resulted from pregnant mums inhaling toxins during the 1980s and ‘90s and ruled that the local authority had been negligent. Although an unusual case, it brings into focus the very serious risks of environmental hazards and the need to minimise any possible effects on public health.

One environmental expert, who launched a service to identify these very risks earlier this year, believes people need to be much more informed about the dangers on their doorsteps. Philip Wilbourn, a Chartered Environmental Surveyor and managing director of the environmental website GreenASAP, said the Corby case had given local families the answers they wanted but stressed the need for greater awareness of potential problems.

“This was an extreme case of what might happen when the proper safeguards aren’t in place and we all need to make sure we do everything we can to look after ourselves and our families,” he said. “One way people can now do that is to find out the precise land history of any home they’re considering buying to ensure they know about any environmental impediments as early as possible.” One of Mr Wilbourn’s latest initiatives is the introduction of the GreenLight Report which house-hunters can buy online to uncover vital information about any residential property for sale in England and Wales. The report is compiled by environmental specialists and, among other things, it will reveal if a dwelling is located on or near historical and current landfill sites or situated in an area affected by other environmental activity.

A GreenLight Report costs £29.99 and is produced in under four hours using sophisticated technology and land data. Customers can log on to www.greenlightreport.co.uk to place an order. They can also pick up a host of information and useful tips about home-buying and other issues on the website or join the green forum to ask questions and share their views.

“Being forewarned and fully informed about environmental risks is more crucial than ever and a GreenLight Report will provide all the answers people need to protect themselves and make informed decisions about where they choose to live,” added Mr Wilbourn.