§ Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research has been carried out by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (Porton Down) to investigate whether short-term exposure to chlorine can cause long-term illnesses; when this research was carried out; and what were the results. [55331]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThis is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 21 October 1998:
I have been asked to reply to your question about research into possible long term health effects from short term exposure to chlorine.I informed you in my letter of 21 July, printed in the Official Report Col 469 dated 21 July, that DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence sector (CBD) had not carried out any research into possible long term effects of chlorine. This is still the case.My earlier letter also explained that CBD is aware of the general toxicology and health effects of chlorine gas, as reported in the open literature, particularly in relation to exposure occurring through industrial accidents.I hope this is helpful.