HC Deb 13 March 1995 vol 256 cc413-4W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research has been carried out by his Department on the effects of alkyl phenol ethoxylates on human health.

Mr. Atkins

We and the Department of Health have commissioned the Institute for Environment and Health to review current information on possible oestrogenic effects of chemicals, including alkyl phenol ethoxylates, entering the environment. It is expected to be completed by mid 1995.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research has been carried out by his Department on the level of alkyl phenol ethoxylates in British rivers.

Mr. Atkins

The report from our current research on the effects of sewage effluent on fish, will include some data on levels of alkyl phenol ethoxylates in rivers. This report is expected to be completed by mid 1995.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action his Department has taken to phase out the use of alkyl phenol ethoxylates.

Mr. Atkins

In accordance with a recommendation of the Paris Commission the United Kingdom is committed to phasing out by the year 2000, those uses of nonyl phenol ethoxylate which lead to discharge to water. This recommendation was agreed in 1992 and, in the UK, is pertinent for uses of nonyl phenol ethoxylate in industrial cleaning agents; it has not been used in domestic cleaning agents for the last 15 years. As part of the phase-out, the UK has surveyed all the main uses of ethoxylates. We are now considering the substitution of materials which are less damaging to the aquatic environment.