§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the current standard for carbon monoxide alarms. [20758]
§ Angela EagleThe current British Standard entitled "Carbon Monoxide detectors (electrical) for domestic use" (BS 7860) for carbon monoxide alarms was published in March 1996. The aim of monitors meeting this standard is to save lives by detecting high levels of carbon monoxide; it is not intended to detect carbon monoxide levels that may give rise to chronic illness.
My Department and the Department of Health jointly commissioned a comprehensive assessment of the risks associated with exposure to carbon monoxide in the home. This report is to be published next year. We will review the need for additional action in light of this assessment and the information from the Carbon Monoxide Support's research.
§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to establish the prevalence of long term exposure to carbon monoxide in the home and in the workplace; and what steps he is taking to increase public awareness of this issue. [20757]
§ Angela EagleMy Department and the Department of Health jointly commissioned the Medical Research Council's Institute for Environmental Health to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the risks associated with exposure to carbon monoxide in the home. This assessment has been endorsed by the Department of Health's Advisory Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution (COMEAP) and is to be published in the New Year. My Department is now considering what further measures should be taken in light of this report.
349WIn 1997, the Health and Safety Commission's (HSC) Working Group on the Assessment of Toxic Chemicals endorsed the Health and Safety Executive's risk assessment of occupational exposure to carbon monoxide, which includes an assessment of repeated exposure. A proposal to reduce the occupational exposure standards will be considered by HSC's Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances and, if they agree, will be subject to public consultation in May 1998.
My Department and other Government Departments will continue to highlight the dangers of acute poisoning by carbon monoxide through public information campaigns. These include the leaflet"Gas Appliances: Get them checked, keep them safe" (Health and Safety Executive) which is available in English and Welsh and has recently been published in five Asian languages and mailed to relevant community organisations. Also, the Department of Trade and Industry is to circulate information to all gas users warning the public of the dangers of faulty gas appliances. We are also considering a separate leaflet publicising the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning from solid fuels.