§ Ms. RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department is aware of any research indicating links between dioxins and birth deformities.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Department is aware of toxicological studies indicating that some dioxins can cause deformities in certain species of laboratory animals. The significance of these findings for humans is currently being assessed by the Department's advisory committee on the toxicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment as part of a review of all the toxicity data on PCDDs and PCDFs. The committee's advice is expected shortly.