Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 December 2009. It was answered by Jonathan Shaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Construction: Health Hazards

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect on human health of exposure to the construction material known as SMR; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I have been asked to reply.SMR (structural materials for reinstatement) is a generic term applied to reprocessed materials used in the reinstatement of excavations in construction work. As such it relates to a range of materials with widely differing compositions. No specific assessment has been made on the health impacts of exposure to SMR.I have asked the Health and Safety Executive to consider this matter further though and to write to the hon. Member directly.

Secondary information