HC Deb 28 April 1998 vol 311 c84W
Mr. Levitt

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the toxicity of the isocyanate MDI. [39573]

Angela Eagle

In preparation for EU negotiations under the Dangerous Substances Directive, expert toxicologists from the Health and Safety Executive have assessed evidence, supplied by Sweden, on the toxicity of MDI. They have concluded that the evidence meets the criteria for classification as Toxic, by inhalation, sensitising, by inhalation and by skin contact; and irritating to skin, eyes and the respiratory tract.

Mr. Levitt

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the Swedish proposal for the EU to reclassify MDI from harmful to toxic. [39574]

Angela Eagle

In preparation for EU negotiations under the Dangerous Substances Directive, expert toxicologists from the Health and Safety Executive have assessed evidence, supplied by Sweden, on the acute toxicity by inhalation of MDI. On the basis of the evidence, the UK experts supported the Swedish proposal. The European Commission will now consider the next steps.