§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has commissioned to study the effect on humans of simultaneous exposure to organophosphates, carbonate and synthetic pyrethroid pesticides at low levels; and what conclusions were reached. [50912]
§ Mr. RookerI have been asked to reply.
The regulatory process does make allowance for combination effects. In particular, when pesticides contain more than one active substance, the potential interactions of these substances are considered and approval is not granted unless these are acceptable. In addition, substantial margins are provided by the use of uncertainty factors in deriving acceptable exposures for individual pesticides.
The Advisory Committee on Pesticides has begun a review of all approved organophosphate and carbamate pesticide active substances. This review will consider the possibility of combination effects between the different substances, and the need for further research will be considered in the light of those findings.