§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what he estimates the cost to the NHS will be of the proposed new Health and Safety Executive regulations on asbestos. [39288]
§ Dr. Whitehead[holding answer 1 March 2002]I have been asked to reply.
Total costs for the removal of asbestos from NHS hospitals and among all other health care facilities excluding hospitals are shown in the table. These figures have been revised upwards since publication of the consultative document, and include costs arising from the provisions implementing the chemical agents directive. 552W
Costs in NHS hospitals and all other health care establishments £ million Sector Costs over 50 years (not discounted) Yearly costs averaged over the first 5 years Hospitals (NHS) 36 4 Other health care (all) 31 4 Total 67 8
§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence he has evaluated that white asbestos is more dangerous than asbestos substitutes. [39290]
§ Dr. Whitehead[holding answer 1 March 2002]I have been asked to reply.
The Institute for Environment and Health undertook a study for the Health and Safety Executive in 1998. Copies of the report "Chrysotile and its substitutes: a critical evaluation" is available in the Libraries of both Houses.
The report stated that white asbestos at high enough exposures could cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. It also confirmed that this type was often contaminated with other higher risk types such as blue brown asbestos. It judged three substitutes to be less harmful, polyvinyl alcohol, aramid and cellulose. The report recognised that exposure to white asbestos will arise from asbestos-containing materials in buildings. While it indicated that exposure would be lower than in manufacturing, it was a persistent problem that would remain for many years to come. It therefore recommended wherever practicable the safer substitutes should be used.