HC Deb 20 April 1999 vol 329 cc478-9W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received concerning the incidence of serious illnesses amongst women employed in the electronics industry who are, or have been, exposed to organic solvents and other chemicals; and if he will make a statement. [81127]

Mr. Meale

I have received no recent direct representations on this subject. I am, however, aware of media interest and public concern surrounding the issue.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what information he has obtained concerning the possible link between the exposure to organic solvents of women employed in the electronics industry and the incidence amongst women of0(a) leukaemia, (b) breast cancer, (c) other forms of cancer and (d) foetal abnormalities; and if he will make a statement. [81126]

Mr. Meale

Some organic solvents used in the electronics industry at exposure levels above the legal occupational exposure limits can cause a variety of known health effects, but the Health and Safety Executive believes there is no link with leukaemia, breast cancer or other forms of cancer.

There is a body of scientific literature suggesting a possible association between excessive exposure to various organic solvents and foetal abnormalities, but the evidence is inconclusive and it is not specific to the electronics industry.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has commissioned recently on the effects on workers of the use of organic solvents in industry; and if he will make a statement. [81129]

Mr. Meale

Over the past three years, the Health and Safety Executive has commissioned much research on the effects on workers of the use of organic solvents.

Specific studies have included an investigation into spontaneous abortion in the UK semiconductor industry, an assessment of the hazards from cleaning chemical use in the catering industry, and the neurotoxicity of paint solvents.