§ Mr. RaynsfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies have been undertaken by or for her Department on correlations between atmospheric pollution and the incidence of asthma and respiratory illnesses.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Department of Health is advised on the effects on health of air pollutants by two committees of independent experts, the Advisory Group on the Medical Aspects of Air Pollution Episodes and the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants.
MAAPE advises on the short-term health effects of episodic exposure to air pollutants and has produced three reports, on ozone, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. All are available in the Library.
COMEAP advises Government on the effects upon health of pollutants in outdoor and indoor air, liaises with other relevant bodies, and assesses existing scientific data, new discoveries and the need for further research. Two sub-groups of COMEAP established in 1993 advise on, respectively, the link between exposure to air pollutants and asthma, and the health effects of particulates.
One research project on the effects of air pollution is being funded directly by the Department of Health. Professor Ross Anderson HR, of St. George's hospital medical school, is currently carrying out research into the air pollution episode in London in December 1991, and its effects on public health.
248WThere are also a number of studies currently being undertaken in connection with asthma, but which are not solely concerned with atmospheric pollution. The social medicine and health services research unit, which is funded by the Department, is currently undertaking two research projects, due to be completed in 1994, into the incidence of asthma in the United Kingdom and the European Community.