§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to promote water-based paint products in the construction industry as a replacement for solvent-based products.
§ Mr. ForthThe Health and Safety Executive has produced industry-specific guidance including two leaflets, "Health Hazards to Painters" and "Solvents and You", setting out the risks attached to work with solvents and outlining the control and preventive measures to be taken. Exposure to solvents can be minimised by the use of low-solvent or solvent-free materials. However, such products may contain other toxic substances and employers must therefore assess the relative health risk of alternative products available.