§ 53. Mr. Urwinasked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received concerning the use of enzymes in the manufacture of detergents; and, in view of the health hazards 382W involved, if he will seek to impose a national ban on the use of such substances.
§ Mr. BoothThe health hazard from enzymes in the manufacture of detergents was recognised some years ago. After discussions with the Factory Inspectorate the industry set up a committee chaired by Professor Scott to co-ordinate preventive action.
Medical advisers of my Department initiated studies of workers handling enzymes and are co-operating with works medical officers of the major manufacturers in a survey to study the long-term effects of exposure to enzymes.
Improvements in environmental control of the processes in recent years have achieved a substantial reduction of air contamination to a level well below the published threshold limit value for proteolytic enzymes. A sensitive system of continous monitoring and the use of personal sampling equipment allow very close control to be exercised and I am not convinced that a national ban on the use of such substances is called for.