asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of reports that workers exposed to vinyl chloride are in danger of contracting liver cancer; and if he will lay down safety standards in this regard.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Liver Cancer.
13.
Vinyl chloride is not manufactured or polymerised in this country. However, factories engaged in the moulding of PVC — that is the plastic material poly-vinyl-chloride of which vinyl chloride is the raw material — are at present being visited by industrial inspectors of my Department and their atmospheres are being tested to ascertain their vinyl chloride content. While the Factories Act, 1955, obliges factory occupiers to take all practical measures to protect workers from noxious dust or fumes, the result of this survey will help to determine the need for special regulations to safeguard workers using this material. The indications so far are that our workers are not in any danger.