§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report in tabular form the main causative cancer agents and parts of the body related to occupational cancers which are either (a) prescribed as industrial diseases, or (b) not so prescribed.
§ Mr. Mayhew,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 12 July 1979; Vol. 970, c. 243], gave the following answer:
453WThe information requested in respect of diseases which have been prescribed
Prescribed disease number Causative cancer agent Part of body 4 Arsenic or a compound of arsenic … … The prescription is in terms of " poisoning by " but cancer (of the lung) can be accepted as a sequela. 7 Benzene or a homologue … … … The prescription is in terms of " poisoning by " but cancer (of the blood) can be accepted as a sequela. 23(c) Arsenic, tar, pitch, bitumen, mineral oil (including paraffin), soot or any compound product (including quinine), or hydroquinone), or residue of any of these substances. Squamous-celled carcinoma of the skin. 25 Electro-magnetic radiations other than radiant heat, or ionising particles. Malignant disease of the skin, or subcutaneous tissues or of the bones, or blood dyscrasia. 37 Nickel produced by decomposition of a gaseous nickel compound. (a) Carcinoma of the mucous membrane of the nose or associated air sinuses. (b) Primary carcinoma of a bronchus or of a lung. 39 (i) Alpha-naphthylamine or betanaphthylamine. Primary neoplasm of the epithelial lining of the urinary bladder (Papilloma of the bladder) or of the epithelial lining of the renal pelvis, ureter or urethra. (ii) Diphenyl substituted by at least one nitro or primary amino group or by at least one nitro and primary amino group. (iii) Any of the substances mentioned in sub paragraph (ii) above if further ring substituted by halogeno, methyl or methoxy groups, but not by other groups. (iv) The salts of any of the substances mentioned in sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) above. (v) Auramine or magneta. 44 Asbestos or any admixture of asbestos … Primary malignant neoplasm of the mesothelium (diffuse mesothelioma) of the pleura or of the peritoneum. 45 Manufacture of wooden furniture, (the carcinogen is not known but is suspected to be present in certain wood dusts). Adeno-carcinoma of the nasal cavity or associated air sinuses. 50 Vinyl chloride monomer … … … Angiosarcoma of the liver. 51 Manufacture and repair of leather footwear. (The carcinogen is not known but is suspected to be present in the dust arising from the working of leather or fibre board.) Carcinoma of the nasal cavity or associated air sinuses. I am informed by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that, in addition to the above there are a number of substances in respect of which there is
Causative cancer agent Part of body Acrylonitrile … … … Sites undetermined Asbestos … … … … Lung, pleura and peritoneum Biochloromethyl ether … … Lung Chromates manufacture … … Lung Isopropyl oil … … … Paranasal sinuses, larynx and lung Mustard gas … … … Lung, larynx and nasal sinuses The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council is currently reviewing the schedule of prescribed industrial diseases. I am 454W as industrial diseases under the Social Security Act 1975 is as follows:—
now general agreement that occupational exposure to the substance would, in certain circumstances, cause an increased risk of cancer. These are listed below:
advised that the secretary to the council would be pleased to receive any evidence which the hon. Member wishes to offer.