§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps his Department is taking to investigate the findings of research information indicating a significant differential incidence of cancer among female staffs of surgical operating theatres, compared with other functional groups within the hospital service.
§ Mr. MoyleThere have been reports of increased incidence of certain types of cancer in operating department staff, but so far none of these has been confirmed. A national study into the epidemiology of possible risks from working in operating departments is in progress.
The main theory to account for these possible risks is exposure to waste anaesthetic gases. In July guidance was issued to all health authorities advising them how to reduce pollution from waste anaesthetic gases in operating departments and asking them to put the necessary work in hand in this financial year. Improved methods of controlling and monitoring atmospheric pollution in operating departments are being investigated.