§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence there is of possible health hazards as a result of galvanising plants being sited near residential accommodation.
§ Dr. OwenThe main pollutants from the galvanising process are zinc salts and ammonium chloride. In the concentrations likely to be found outside the galvanising plant, there is no evidence of any long-term health hazard from these compounds. In certain weather conditions there have been reports that a few individuals who are particularly sensitive to these compounds can develop a short-term irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many complaints have been received by his Department during the last 10 years about galvanising plants.
§ Dr. OwenMy right hon. Friend has recently received a complaint concerning the establishment of a new galvanising plant in Wolverhampton. No record can be traced of my Department having received any complaints of a similar nature over the past 10 years.