§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the known toxicological effects of epichlorohydrin on the central nervous system, mitochondria, kidneys and liver; and what are its known mutagenci and carcinogenic properties and the effects upon humans of acute and chronic exposure. [HL1084]
§ Baroness HaymanEpichlorohydrin was evaluated under the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the report (Environmental Health Criteria 33) was published in 1984. Animal studies indicated that the central nervous system did not appear to be the most significant target. The kidney was particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of epichlorohydrin and degenerative changes in the liver were also reported. The degenerative changes of the kidney described in rats and mice were not reported in humans.
Epichlorohydrin is mutagenic in most short-term assays and carcinogenic in long-term studies in experimental animals when administered by inhalation, orally or by subcutaneous injection. It can also sensitise the skin.
The EHC evaluation concluded that epichlorohydrin is a possible human carcinogen.
§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 1 March 1993 (WA 31–32), whether the stabiliser (Swiss Priority Patent 348284 dated 30 November 1956) was epichlorohydrin; and, if so, what was its action in relation to diazinon in sheep dips. [HL1085]
§ Baroness HaymanThe stabiliser was epichlorohydrin, which acted as a water scavenger in diazinon-based sheep dips, preventing the formation of toxic degradation products such as SULPHOTEPP.
§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the stabiliser epichlorohydrin is, or has ever been, used in any other products containing diazinon; and, if so, which. [HL1087]
§ Baroness HaymanNo currently authorised diazinon-based veterinary medicinal or pesticide product contains epichlorohydrin and records show that no expired diazinon-based pesticide contained epichlorohydrin. Identifying whether any previously licensed veterinary medicinal product contained epichlorohydrin could only be done at disproportionate cost.