asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of an article in the media recently (details supplied) which linked work in tobacco factories with a high incidence of miscarriage; and if so, if he intends to pursue the matter.
Written Answers. - Tobacco Industry Article.
622.
I am aware of the article referred to by the Deputy. The article seeks to dissuade pregnant women from smoking. Reference is made to a 1902 survey which showed an increase in the miscarriage rate in French and Austrian women working in the tobacco industry. It is not clear whether the increase could be attributed to the high incidence of cigarette smoking in this group of workers, due to cigarettes being freely available, or to occupational exposure to nicotine. In any event there is no evidence available to me to suggest an increased number of miscarriages in women workers in the Irish tobacco industry.