§ 53. Dr. Strossasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what research is being made into the problem of fluorine gas contamination of the atmosphere, resulting from the firing of sanitary and other ware in continuous kilns; and whether he will make a statement on the effects of the inhalation of this gas by human beings.
§ Mr. MolsonIn 1947 the British Pottery Research Association, which is now part of the British Ceramic Research Association, completed a thorough investigation of this problem. Their recommendations for the avoidance of the nuisance were agreed to and published by the Chief Inspector of Alkali Works in his report for that year. As regards the second part of the Question, fluorine gas does not occur free in nature and when given off in an industrial process quickly combines with the moisture in the air to form hydrogen fluoride. If hydrogen fluoride is present in sufficient concentration it causes irritation of the eyes and respiratory system. I am advised that no record can be found of cases of hydrogen fluoride poisoning in this country.