asked the Minister for Labour if legislation exists which bans the use or production of the carcinogenic chemical agents benzidene, 2-naphthylamine and its salts, 4-aminodiphenyl and its salts and 4-nitrodiphenyl; and, if not, whether he will be introducing legislation in the near future to deal with these substances.
Written Answers. - Carcinogenic Substances.
601.
The Factories (Carcinogenic Substances) (Processes) Regulations, 1972 prohibit the manufacture, formation, use or introduction into any factory of the following substances benzidene, 2-naphthylamine, 4-aminodiphenyl and 4-nitrodiphenyl and their salts and any substances containing any of the foregoing.
602.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will make available details of current regulations governing the production and use of substances recognised as being carcinogenic; and if he is satisfied with the implementation and monitoring of these regulations.
Current legislation administered by my Department governing carcinogens consists of the Safety in Industry Acts 1955 and 1980 in general and in addition the Factories (Asbestos Processes) Regulations, 1975; Factories (Carcinogenic Substances) (Processes) Regulations, 1972; Cellulose Solutions Regulations, 1939; Factories (Chemical Factories) Regulations, 1975; Factories (Spinning by Self Acting Mules) (Health) Regulations, 1973; European Communities (Dangerous Substances and Preparations) (Marketing and Use) Regulations, 1979; and European Communities (Dangerous Substances and Preparations) (Marketing and Use) Regulations, 1981. Monitoring of the implementation of these regulations forms part of the ongoing inspection duties of the industrial inspectorate of my Department.