§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the permitted level of methylene chloride in decaffeinated coffee; if his Department has studied United States Food and Drug Administration surveys of the potentially harmful effects of methylene chloride in hairsprays; and if he will make a statement on the levels of methylene chloride permitted.
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§ Mrs. CurrieWe are advised that methylene chloride is a solvent with many uses, which includes the decaffeination of coffee. Any residue in the final coffee product must not exceed five parts per million.
The only recent research from the United States of America of which we are aware tested for carcinogenic effects on animals and was concerned with the effects of inhalation of methylene chloride in general, rather than hairsprays in particular. Whilst carcinogenic effects were indicated in animals exposed, the doses involves were vastly in excess of any which could be received from using a hairspray. Earlier studies of workers showed no adverse effects from methylene chloride.
We are awaiting further advice on the safety in use of methylene chloride in the light of these recent studies. There are at present no statutory limits on the amount of methylene chloride which hairsprays may contain. In the light of the independent advice received, it will be for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to consider any action which may be required.