§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies he has made of the quality of air and the levels of air pollution, and the effect this has on the incidence of420W asthma; and if he will publish any figures available to him on the level of asthma suffered during the months of 1991, together with any indication of correlation to the quality of air.
§ Mr. DorrellThe advisory group on the medical aspects of air pollution episodes has completed a detailed report on ozone and its effects on health. The full report was published on 1 August by HMSO and a copy is available in the Library.
The main conclusion of the group is that although individuals with asthma or other respiratory disorders appear to be no more likely than healthy individuals to be sensitive to ozone, the effects of ozone may be more troublesome in individuals who already have some impairment of lung function. The group is now considering the winter pollutants with particular regard to sulphur dioxide.
Figures on the levels of asthma suffered during 1991 are unavailable. However, there are approximately 2 million asthmatics in the United Kingdom, of whom 700,000 are children and adolescents under the age of 16.
It is not currently possible to determine whether air pollution episodes have any bearing on the numbers of sufferers experiencing difficulties.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what response he has made to the first report on ozone of the advisory group on the medical aspects of air pollution episodes published in July.
§ Mr. DorrellThe report and its recommendations have been accepted by the Government.
In response to the advisory group's recommendations. the air quality bulletin system, set up by the Department of the Environment and the Meteorological Office, now includes a separate air quality health advice telephone line which, in the summer months, offers advice on the effects of current ozone levels and on how those who are particularly sensitive to ozone can minimise their exposure.