§ Mr. John EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been undertaken by her Department into potential health risks from chemicals used by dry cleaners; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinI have been asked to reply.
The majority of dry cleaners use either perchloroethylene (tetrachlorethylene), or 1,1,2 trichloro-1,1,2 trifluoroethane (R113). White spirit and trichlorethylene are also known to be used and a few may use 1,1,1 trichloroethane (methyl chloroform) or trichlorotluoromethane) (R11). No specific research into the potential health risks from the use of these chemicals by dry cleaners has been carried out by either the Department of Employment or the Department of Health, but the Health and Safety Executive is currently assessing recently published scientific data concerning health risks associated with exposure to perchloroethylene.