§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into possible links between breast cancer and pesticides containing Lindane. [50060]
§ Ms JowellThe Department has not commissioned any research into possible links between breast cancer and pesticides containing lindane.
The independent advisory Committee on Carcinogenity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COC) reviewed the available data on breast cancer in women and levels of lindane in serum and breast fat tissue in 1995. COC concluded that there was no clear evidence of an association between serum and fat levels of lindane and breast cancer. COC recommended that the matter be kept under review.
The Department of Health is conducting a search for any new scientific data on lindane and, if fresh information is uncovered, this will be referred to COC for further consideration.