HC Deb 29 February 1984 vol 55 cc233-4W
Ms. Harman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the safe background level of asbestos in the atmosphere in people's homes.

Sir George Young

Department of the Environment guidance on asbestos materials in buildings recommends that airborne asbestos concentrations should be reduced to the lowest reasonably practicable level.

Ms. Harman

asked the Secretary of State of the Environment what assistance the Governemt give local authorities for the minimisation of asbestos pollution.

Sir George Young

The Government provides local authorities with a wide range of advice on reducing exposures of asbestos in the workplace and in the environment. Advice has recently been issued on asbestos in buildings and in the home.

Responsibility for control of the major sources of airborne asbestos emissions from industrial processes has recently been transferred from local authorities to the Industrial Air Pollution Inspectorate.