§ 79. Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what research has been carried out, or is being carried out, concerning the effects of nitrogen dioxide on the health of children at levels currently being experienced in Leicester.
§ Mrs. CurrieWe are not aware of any research projects in Leicester. Health effects were extensively reviewed when the limit value for the EC air quality directive for nitrogen dioxide (85/203/EEC) was set, and when the recently published World Health Organisation guidelines were drawn up. Measurements of nitrogen dioxide commissioned by the Department of the Environment indicated that Leicester was unlikely to breach the directive limit value or exceed the WHO guideline. Adverse health effects for even particularly sensitive children or adults are most unlikely, even at the limit value or guideline levels.