§ Mr. SummersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any recommendations have been made by the advisory group on the medical aspects of air pollution episodes about the advice that should be given to the public during periods of high ozone concentrations.
§ Mr. DorrellThe advisory group has recently completed a detailed report on ozone and its effects on health and this will be published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office as soon as possible. The executive summary of the report is published today and copies have been placed in the Library. Copies of the summary are available to the public from the Department.
The main conclusion of the group is that the ozone levels experienced in the United Kingdom during hot summer weather are unlikely to produce any permanent lung damage and general warnings to the public are not justified. However, during periods of high ozone concentration some individuals sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms while taking vigorous exercise out of doors, and these symptoms may be more troublesome in those with some impairment of lung function. The group has recommended that advice should be made available so that individuals who are particularly sensitive to ozone can take steps to reduce exposure.
The group's recommendations have been accepted by Government and will be implemented immediately. Information and advice about ozone levels and their effects and how to minimise exposure to ozone is available on the air quality help line set up by the Department of the Environment and the Meteorological Office. The Chief Medical Officer has written to all doctors setting out the report's main conclusions.