Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 10 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 June 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 June 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the impact on human health of (a) paints containing a high amount of volatile solvents and (b) adhesives and sealants marketed for use in the home; what advice has been given to the public relating to their use; and if he will make a statement. - Including ref to ww.doh.gov.uk/comeap/pdfs/comeap9798.pdf and www.le.ac.uk/ieh/pdf/vocslflt.pdf.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on human health of (a) paints containing a high amount of volatile solvents and (b) adhesives and sealants marketed for use in the home; what advice has been given to the public relating to their use; and if he will make a statement. [119086] Miss Melanie Johnson: The Department's Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) considered the health effects of exposures to volatile organic compounds in the home in 1997. This applied to volatile organic compounds from a variety of sources. COMEAP's conclusions are published on its website at: www.doh.gov.uk/comeap/pdfs/comeap9798.pdf The Government commissioned the Medical Research Council Institute for Environment and Health to produce a leaflet to assist environmental health officers in giving advice to members of the public. This leaflet is available at: www.le.ac.uk/ieh/pdf/vocslflt.pdf

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 119086; 407 c277-8W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Chemicals Health Health hazards Environmental health Hazardous substances Health education Paint Adhesives
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk