Database

The German risk assessment institute concludes that there is a statistically significant association between exposure to pesticides and development of Parkinson’s Disease. There is insufficient evidence to determine the mechanism of this association. Evidence from: BfR Expert Opinion No. 033/2006, 27 June 2006 “Pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease (PD): BfR sees association but no causal relationship” Further detail: 6#9-10 8

The report lists current and developing applications of non-food crops and other measures designed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to increase sustainability and to reduce environmental impact. It also lists current drivers and barriers to uptake. In our view, opinion as to drivers and barriers is essential when forming opinion of potential liability exposure should there be any potential for harm associated with the product. Evidence from: DEFRA/DTI Nov 2006 “A strategy for non-food crops and uses Two year progress report” Renewable fuels produce large quantities of waste biomass and ash. Small scale bio-fuels production may escape appropriate engineering and operation standards or inspection. Waste management facilities may be inadequate. Further detail: 6#9-10 7

The ELD introduces a common framework for the assessment of damage, standards and financing of remediation. Many of the provisions already operate in England, Wales and NI. New defences are proposed but, in our view, would have limited scope if the directive is transposed as described in this consultation. New liabilities for remediation following release of micro and macro organisms are identified. New options of complementary and compensatory remediation are likely to be introduced. The Government proposes to resist the use of a “permit” and “development risk” defences. The ELD creates the possibility of using these defences but each jurisdiction can define the scope that applies. The choice of scope could be challenged. In our view, insurance against the costs of remediation would not experience a step change as a result of this directive and the way the UK government intends to transpose it. Liabilities to third parties would probably be unaffected though there may be more scope fo

The Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food has reconsidered its view of the toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA). New research points to the prescription of a lower degree of protection. BPA has been associated with endocrine disruption. Evidence from: The EFSA Journal (2006) 428 “2,2-BIS(4-HYDROXYPHENYL)PROPANE (Bisphenol A)” Applying the standard safety margins, the tolerable daily intake (TDI) rate for humans has now been set at 50 microgrammes per kg body weight; the previous TDI was set at 10 microgrammes per kg body weight. This is 100 times lower than the no observable adverse effect level in rat experiments. Further detail: 6#9-10 5

The report confirms the concerns about unintentional exposure to antineoplastic drugs and highlights several guidance notes that are generally available on this subject. Guidance began to appear in 1981. Medical consequences of exposure include the possibility of those with long latency periods e.g. heart disease. Occupational exposures would tend to be more complex than those of patients and, last much longer. Evidence from: TH Connor et al. CA Cancer J Clin (2006) Vol.56 p 354–365 “Preventing Occupational Exposures to Antineoplastic Drugs in Health Care Settings” Unlike patients, health care workers may be exposed at a low level for many years. Further detail: 6#9-10 4

Evidence of a significantly increased risk of TB among smokers is presented. Risks associated with passive smoking are less clear. Evidence from: HH Lin et al. PLoS Med 4(1): e20. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0040020 “Tobacco Smoke, Indoor Air Pollution and Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” Several reports have suggested that exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of catching Tuberculosis (TB) or, at least remaining in a disease state. This review attempts to consolidate opinion and quantify the risk. Further detail: 6#9-10 3