Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 16 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 March 2000. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 March 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment his Department have made on the impact on health of silica dust from concrete recycling plants. - (Holding answer 21 February 2000).

Answer: Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department have made on the impact on health of silica dust from concrete recycling plants. [111162] Yvette Cooper: [holding answer 21 February 2000]: The Department has not undertaken any specific studies into the effects on health that might be produced by exposure to dust generated by recycling concrete. Crushing or drilling of concrete releases silicious dust and exposure can lead to silicosis. This is uncommon, but can occur among those exposed through their work. Regulation of levels of dust in the workplace is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive while regulation of emissions is the responsibility of the Environment Agency and local authority environmental health departments. Research shows that it is very unlikely that members of the public exposed to low concentrations of dust near to concrete crushing activity would be placed at any significantly increased risk.

Secondary information