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Transport in Rural Areas, Parliamentary Elections Voting System, Organosphates Insecticides, Forum Submission to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Special Debate
Northern Ireland Forum
for
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ORGANOPHOSPHATE INSECTICIDES -
THEIR USE BY THE FARMING COMMUNITY
A REPORT
prepared by
STANDING COMMITTEE D
(AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES ISSUES)
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Presented to the Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue
on 3 April 1998
Adopted CR25
This report has been prepared by Standing
Committee D for the consideration of the Northern
Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue. Until adopted
by the Forum in accordance with its Rules, this report
may not be reproduced in whole or in part or used for
broadcast purposes.
Note
DRAFT REPORTS
ORGANOPHOSPHATE INSECTICIDES -
THEIR USE BY THE FARMING COMMUNITY
A short while ago I came upon the following quotation from
"A Pride of Tigers" by Sybil Marshall:
"I fell to wondering why it is that 'experts' so often get things
wrong. Once they become experts they know all the answers, so
they don't ask questions. They simply reach out and take the
most likely ready made explanation from the peg and use it,
whether it fits the case in point or not."
OP victims are tired of, and distressed by a medical profession
which tells them that they should see a psychologist, or that
conventional medicine can do nothing for them, simply because
the medical profession is confounded by the multitude of
symptoms with which their patients present, and there is no easy
explanation in the medical literature and no clear lead from the
Department of Health.
The Countess of Mar
House of Lords
Hansard - 24 June 1997
Column 1559
ORGANOPHOSPHATE INSECTICIDES -
THEIR USE BY THE FARMING COMMUNITY
CONTENTS
Section Page
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. ORGANOPHOSPHATES 3
- What are they? 3
- How are OPs controlled? 3
- How are they used by farmers? 4
3. ORGANOPHOSPHOROUS POISONING 6
4. CONCLUSIONS 16
5. RECOMMENDATIONS 20
ANNEXES
A MEMBERSHIP OF STANDING COMMITTEE D
B. LIST OF PERSONS AND BODIES WHO HAVE
PROVIDED EVIDENCE
C. MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
D. MINUTES OF EVIDENCE
E. WRITTEN EVIDENCE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 In August 1997, Mr Ernie Patterson, the then Press Officer of the newly
formed Northern Ireland Organophosphorous Sufferers' Association
(NIOPSA) contacted the Secretary of Standing Committee D to arrange a
meeting with the Committee at which the problems being faced by
NIOPSA members could be aired. In anticipation of this meeting, and as
the Forum was then in recess until early September, Mr Patterson agreed
to prepare a written submission for presentation to the Committee. A
copy of this submission is attached at Annex E.
1.2 The Committee met with Mr Patterson and other members of NIOPSA on
30 October 1997 and a copy of the Minutes of Evidence of this meeting is
attached at Annex D. Following this meeting, the Committee decided to
seek evidence from the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland,
the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and Social
Services, the Employment Medical Advisory Service of the Department of
Economic Development and the Health and Safety Executive. Copies of
the written responses received are attached at Annex E.
1.3 On 24 November 1997, representatives of the Committee attended a
meeting of NIOPSA held in the White Gables Hotel, Hillsborough. A note
of the meeting is attached at Annex E.
1.4 Further Oral Evidence Sessions were then arranged as follows:
27 November 1997- Ulster Farmers' Union
12 February 1998 - NIOPSA
26 February 1998 - Dr H Campbell - Chief Medical Officer, DHSS
Dr D Skan - Employment Medical Advisory Service
Mr M McAllister - Chief Environmental Health
Officer
Copies of the Minutes of Evidence for each of these Oral Evidence
Sessions are attached at Annex D.
1.5 The Committee wishes formally to thank all those persons and bodies who
assisted in the production of this report. A list of names of those
concerned is attached at Annex B.
2. ORGANOPHOSPHATE COMPOUNDS
What are they?
2.1 Organophosphate (OP) compounds, first recognised in 1854 and
developed by Germany during the Second World War as a product of
nerve gas development, are the most widely used group of insecticides.
OP compounds are derived from phosphoric acid and are generally among
the most acutely toxic of all pesticides to vertebrate animals. They come
in liquid or powder form and are either diluted with water and sprayed or
directly applied as granules.
2.2 Marketed by many of the world's major agrochemical companies, OPs
have a wide range of pest control applications as contact, systemic and
fumigant insecticides. They are widely used by the agriculture industry,
but they are also used in other spheres, eg
- against household pests;
- against catering industry pests;
- against head lice in human beings;
- against pests found among domestic pets;
- against pests which attack cereals and vegetables.
How are OPs controlled?
2.3 The approval, carriage, supply of OPs and in the case of sheep-dips
containing OPs, sale, are subject to Government regulation, the stated aim
of which is to ensure that OP products, if used in accordance with
approval or authorisation, will not give rise to adverse health effects on
humans.
2.4 In approving pesticides, Ministers are advised by the Advisory Committee
on Pesticides, the members of which are independent of Government.
This Committee considers toxicity to man and animals as well as
environmental effects when laying down conditions of approval through
the Veterinary Products Committee. Further information on the controls
on the use of OPs are contained in the letter dated 28 November 1997
from Dr Delia Skan of the Employment Medical Advisory Service and
also in the letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Department of
Agriculture for Northern Ireland, Mr Peter Small, dated 3 December 1997.
Both these letters are attached at Annex E.
How are they used by farmers?
2.5 In his evidence to the Committee on 30 October 1997, Mr Ernie Patterson
of NIOPSA explained that while OPs are used in many areas of farming
practice most notably as veterinary products, they are mainly used in
sheep-dips. He pointed out that OPs were introduced as a sheep dip in the
1960s and under the Sheep Scab (Northern Ireland) Order 1970, sheep
farmers were required to dip their sheep each year, using an approved
product - the Government approved product being an OP sheep dip. In
later years, he said, compulsory sheep dipping was required twice a year,
the requirement to dip being withdrawn in Great Britain in 1992 and
shortly afterwards in Northern Ireland. Following the withdrawal of the
compulsory dipping of sheep the Government introduced a certificate of
competence for those who wished to use OP sheep dips, this certificate
being awarded following attendance at a training course and the passing of
a written test.
3. ORGANOPHOSPHOROUS POISONING
3.1 OPs inhibit enzymes of the nervous system which play a vital role in nerve
impulse transmission. They can be absorbed through the skin, lungs and
eyes. The typical symptoms of OP exposure in human beings can include
the following:
- chronic breathing problems;
- pains in the joints and muscles;
- hand, leg and muscle tremors;
- impaired co-ordination;
- weakness, headache, giddiness;
- nausea and diarrhoea;
- blurred vision;
- excess salivation and sweating;
- heart and digestive problems;
- incontinence, vomiting;
- depression, lack of concentration and memory impairment;
- occasional uncontainable rage.
3.2 In his paper 'Dangerous Dips - The Truth About Organophosphates'
produced in October 1996 (see Annex E), the then Shadow Secretary of
State for Environmental Protection Mr Michael Meacher MP, indicated
that recent evidence of further risks from OPs includes studies on damage
to the peripheral, central and autonomic nervous systems, damage to bone
cell function and research on OPs, Affective Disorders and Suicide.
3.3 In addition, OP use during the Gulf War has also been identified with 'Gulf
War Syndrome' which has affected Gulf War veterans.
3.4 OP poisoning is not a new phenomenon. As early as 1951 a Working
Party under the chairmanship of the then Solly Zuckerman presented a
Report 'Toxic Chemicals in Agriculture' to the Minister of Agriculture and
Fisheries. This Report addressed precautionary measures against toxic
chemicals used in agriculture. A copy of this Report is attached at
Annex E.
3.5 At paragraph V6 of the Report, it is pointed out that illness caused by
'organo-phosphorous' compounds had caused apprehension. At
paragraph V19 Zuckerman, in relation to certain OP compounds indicated
that they can be absorbed through the skin and by inhalation and ingestion,
that repeated absorption may result in cumulative poisoning and that death
could occur as the result of a single exposure. Zuckerman took the view
that the chemical compounds with which the enquiry was concerned, were
fulfilling an important role in the control of weeds and pests and were thus
contributing in no small measure to efficient agricultural production.
However, he did recommend measures for the protection of workers who
handle these chemical compounds in agriculture. These recommendations
included
- the provision of "adequate protection" viz "rubber gloves, rubber
boots, an eye shield, white cotton overalls with a hood and in confined
spaces a respirator".
Zuckerman, in pointing out the "astonishing level of carelessness about
their own safety" shown by men engaged in using chemical compounds,
concluded that it was imperative for farmers, contractors etc to be
thoroughly educated in the dangers attendant on their use and in the
precautions to be taken.
3.6 The BBC Factsheet "Disaster - The Chemical Scythe", written to
accompany the programme 'The Chemical Scythe' first broadcast as part of
the 'Disaster' series on 30 January 1997 on BBC (see Annex E) indicates
that a number of recommendations in the Zuckerman Report regarding
safety warnings, notifications to doctors etc were not acted upon by
Government.
3.7 This Factsheet also reveals that having investigated the licensing and use
of OP based products, it appeared that crucial medical and safety
information was not provided or was withheld, and that the system for
licensing chemicals and monitoring reactions was highly inadequate.
3.8 The Factsheet highlights the fact that the committee which licenses OPs
for use in agriculture is the same committee as that which monitors
adverse reactions both in animals and humans. It is pointed out that this
committee is dominated by scientists and advisers who work for or have
links with the agrochemical companies - a conflict of interests "made more
complicated by the fact that, by law, if the Government revokes the
licence for a chemical product, the producers are able to sue. Successive
Government Select Committees have pointed to these anomalies and
recommended a separation of responsibilities and a change in the law. So
far nothing has changed."
3.9 The Factsheet reveals that during the compulsory sheep dipping period
(1976-1992) containers of OP products did state that the chemicals were
potentially hazardous, but no protective clothing and equipment was
recommended nor did containers carry the skull and crossbones.
3.10 With regard to the publishing in 1981 by the Health and Safety Executive
of a medical guidance note on the dangers of OPs, how to detect cases of
OP poisoning and methods of treatment, the Factsheet states that the
document was never circulated to doctors and hospitals - and further,
having been re-published in 1987 it was still not circulated. This
particular point was reinforced in evidence from Mr Patterson of NIOPSA
in relation to this document - MS17 "Biological Monitoring of Workers
exposed to Organophosphorous Pesticides" - when he said that this
information (see Annex E) was never circulated to farmers, vets or
doctors. Mr Patterson also drew attention to key matters covered in
MS17:
- the reference to cumulative toxicity in paragraphs 3 and 12;
- the fact that OP formulation based organic solvents are liable to
penetrate protective clothing - paragraph 8;
Mr Patterson highlights "the scant information with which we have been
provided over the year has been totally inadequate".
3.11 While the necessary information which could have ensured the safety of
farmworkers and other users of OPs was available, it would appear that
nothing had changed from the situation in 1951. It is therefore little
wonder that the conclusion to the BBC Factsheet referred to earlier is as
follows:
"Now sheep-dip products are boldly labelled with safety instructions.
Recommended protective clothing and equipment are now so thorough
that it makes you wonder just how dangerous a chemical you are
handling. Doctors have recently been circulated with a new booklet
on chemical poisoning. Farmers now have to obtain a 'certificate of
competence' before they are allowed to purchase sheep dip
formulations effectively placing the burden for safe use on them only.
Dipping is no longer compulsory and medical companies are starting
to develop more non-OP alternatives. To campaigners and those
suffering from OP poisoning this looks like the Government is trying
to move away from the use of OPs because of the damage they cause,
while simultaneously denying that they have been responsible for the
widespread use and nuisance of an extremely dangerous chemical.
Otherwise compensation claims could be crippling."
3.12 With regard to research, the Committee noted that in October 1995, the
Institute of Occupational Medicine in Edinburgh was awarded £0.5m for
research into the possible long-term human health effects of OP sheep
dips. This exercise is scheduled for completion by April 1999. In
addition in February 1996, the MAFF Minister announced two major
research projects worth £1.2m over three years on a new approach to the
development of a suitable vaccine for sheep scab. Copies of the relevant
MAFF press releases relating to these initiatives are attached at Annex E.
3.13 In October 1996, Mr Meacher, the then Shadow Secretary of State for
Environmental Protection in his paper 'Dangerous Dips - The Truth About
Organophosphates" concluded that successive Governments had failed
- to provide adequate and accurate advice on the potential dangers of
exposure to OP users;
- to provide adequate and accurate advice on protective equipment;
- to provide adequate education for doctors on the known chronic
effects of OP poisoning;
- to ensure that licensing of OPs was not guaranteed by bodies which
relied for research data only from the chemical companies.
3.14 Mr Meacher went on to make recommendations which were remarkably
similar in certain aspects to those made in 1951 by Zuckerman. They are
as follows:
- a moratorium on the use of OP products in sheep-dips;
- an urgent study by the Government of known cases where farmers and
others have suffered from OP use;
- a public education programme on the potential dangers of OP use;
- an exercise to ensure that health professionals are fully informed about
symptoms and treatment;
- an examination of the licensing system for OPs to reduce dependence
on manufacturers' toxicity data and to ensure that licences can
speedily be revoked where there is danger to public health;
- products containing OPs should only be sold to the general public
when accompanied by clear advice about potential health risks and
necessary safety precautions.
3.15 On 14 July 1997, the OP Information Network, accompanied by four
medical consultants met with Dr Cunningham and Mr Rooker of MAFF.
It is reported as being a warm, friendly and constructive meeting during
which Dr Cunningham undertook to discuss the provision of diagnostic
centres with the Department of Health, and to attempt to obtain funding
for more fundamental research into the effects of exposure. Following this
meeting, Dr Cunningham appeared on 'Farming Today' and is reported as
saying that he could not ban OPs because of advice from Government
lawyers.
3.16 The Committee is aware of a number of legal cases taken by people
affected by OP poisoning. In the case of Mr John Hill, a farm hand, he
recently won a partial victory in his damages action over debilitating
ill-health which he claimed was caused by OP poisoning. In July 1997 in
Hong Kong, an American musician won damages of £1.9 million and costs
against Ciba Geigy for chronic health damage caused by exposure to a
diazinon insecticide spray in 1987. More recently Mr Robert Shepherd, a
former shepherd who was forced to retire in 1991 after his health was
damaged from exposure to OP sheep dip, was awarded £80,000
compensation in an out-of-court settlement by Lancashire County Council.
A further case in Dublin remains to be settled.
3.17 The Committee completed its evidence gathering exercise by meeting with
NIOPSA for the second time on 12 February 1998 prior to a meeting on
26 February 1998 with the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of
Health and Social Services, Dr Henrietta Campbell, who was
accompanied by Dr Skan of the Employment Medical Advisory Service,
and Mr McAllister, the Chief Environmental Health Officer for Northern
Ireland.
3.18 In her evidence to the Committee, Dr Campbell confirmed the setting up
of a Whitehall Committee on organophosphate products. This Whitehall
Committee, consisting of a high level group of officials from each
Government Department, has been formed to monitor the processes by
which information about OPs is shared among Government Departments
and to co-ordinate action across Departments. Dr Campbell also indicated
that the Government has pledged to fund further research, to examine and
remedy gaps in scientific knowledge regarding OPs and to examine the
procedures by which OP products are licensed. The Whitehall Committee
is scheduled to report in March 1998. Dr Campbell also confirmed the
creation of a Northern Ireland based diagnostic centre.
3.19 Dr Campbell went on to stress the need for more research into and more
evidence on organophosphates. She indicated that a review of all the
available evidence on the effects of exposure to OPs had been commenced
by the Chief Medical Officer in London. Dr Campbell said:
"It will bring together a comprehensive view of all the evidence that is
there and will let us know exactly what the issues are. The evidence
to date has not been conclusive enough for us to know with any
certainty what the real issues are. The report, first of all, will bring
together the evidence and show us what is there in fuller form, but
also I hope that it will show us where the gaps in the evidence are and
will help us to know what research needs to be funded and how we
can set up research programmes. The big problem is that the evidence
to date has not been conclusive."
3.20 The Committee notes that one of the top companies in Northern Ireland,
Randox Laboratories, is to join with a former GP who is now a leading
alternative therapist, to set up a programme which will attempt to identify
why soldiers suffering from Gulf War Syndrome are ill and to put forward
a treatment programme. The Committee understands that Randox
Laboratories have offered its services free, and that the company has an
enzyme test which detects levels of OP poisoning in the body.
Mr Peter Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Randox has indicated that the
company can do tests which are not routinely done in National Health
hospitals. The Committee welcomes and endorses this initiative which
could have far-reaching effects if it proves possible to solve the mystery of
Gulf War Syndrome. The Committee is also conscious that this research
into OP poisoning will assist others who have been exposed to OP
poisoning.
3.21 The most recent developments, commencing with Mr Michael Meacher's
paper, and progressing through the OP Information Network's meeting
with the MAFF Minister to the commitment given by Dr Campbell
regarding the creation of a diagnostic centre in Northern Ireland and the
apparent structured examination of the evidence relating to OP exposure,
is re-assuring - however it has taken a long time for Government to reach
this position. The Committee comments further on this in its Conclusions
and Recommendations.
4. CONCLUSIONS
4.1 The Committee congratulates NIOPSA on its advocacy of the case for OP
sufferers in Northern Ireland. The Association, formed in July 1997, has
provided the Committee with a wealth of information on OPs and OP
poisoning and has endeavoured to ensure that the Committee is fully
briefed on these matters. The Committee was most impressed by the
evidence given by those who actually suffer from the effects of exposure
to OPs and thanks them for making the effort to come to the Forum to give
evidence in a formal atmosphere - a journey and a stressful experience
which for some involved major effort. The Committee, having seen and
discussed the effects of OP poisoning with those affected, is convinced of
the connection between OPs and the ailments suffered by those exposed to
the chemicals.
4.2 The Committee regrets that it was necessary for NIOPSA to be formed,
however it has proved to be an essential focus for all those affected by OP
poisoning and who clearly have grounds for complaint against a system
which apparently refuses to acknowledge the nature of their illness.
4.3 The Committee has noted the criticisms levelled at Government about the
clear lack of information on OPs and their effects. In his evidence to the
Committee, Mr Ernie Patterson of NIOPSA indicated that having asked
the Health and Safety Inspectorate of the Department of Agriculture for
Northern Ireland for information on the long term effects of exposure to
OPs, he was sent three documents. The first document was produced by
the Health and Safety Executive, the second by the National Office for
Animal Health in conjunction with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate
and the third by MAFF. He stated that none of these documents covers
long-term effects of OP poisoning, but more unfortunately, the three
documents contradict each other in respect of the protection required when
handling sheep. One document states that gloves must be worn, one says
that gloves may be worn, and the remaining document indicates that
gloves are not required!
4.4 Further to this, Mr Patterson refers to Health and Safety Document MS17
'Biological Monitoring of Workers exposed to Organophosphorous
Pesticides', which was issued in 1981, revised in 1986 and 1987 and states
that the information regarding protective clothing and the dangers of
cumulative toxicity were never circulated to farmers, veterinarians or
doctors. This statement is reiterated in the BBC Factsheet 'Disaster - The
Chemical Scythe' which indicated that crucial medical and safety
information had been withheld. The Committee therefore shares the view
of NIOPSA and the OP Information Network that the information
provided by Government over the years has been inadequate. The
Committee also considers that Agrochemical Manufacturers have a duty of
care to ensure that full information regarding OP products is made
available to users. The Committee is therefore clear that in future free and
full information on OPs and on the effects of OP poisoning must be made
widely available.
4.5 The Committee is convinced that compulsory sheep dipping with OP
compounds required by the Government between 1976 and 1992 placed
farmers at risk. Some 500 farmers in the United Kingdom have now
attributed their ill-health to the use of OP sheep dip.
4.6 The Committee having raised the question of a Diagnostic Centre in
Northern Ireland to which doctors could refer sufferers from OP
poisoning, welcomes the assurance of the Chief Medical Officer,
Dr Campbell that such a Centre will be provided shortly. This news will
be welcomed by all sufferers, who in the past have been required to travel
to the OP Diagnostic Centre in Glasgow. However the Committee wishes
to see a detoxification centre provided for the treatment of chronic OP
poisoning cases and will press for such a Centre.
4.7 The Committee considers that the Government has dragged its feet over
the various issues posed by the use of OPs and the effects of OP
poisoning. The existence of the Zuckerman recommendations in 1951, the
Government's failure to act on them, and the continuing lack of clear
information to OP users and doctors are evidence of this.
4.8 The Committee has noted the recent change in approach by the
Government to OPs. In particular, the move to create regional diagnostic
centres, the increased activity in the research field, the creation of an
inter-departmental Whitehall Committee at senior official level, the
commitment to further research, the examination of the licensing
procedures for OPs, the activities of the Royal Colleges in finalising
up-to-date guidelines for doctors, are all actions which will be welcomed
by sufferers.
4.9 The Committee has also noted the call made by Mr Michael Meacher MP
in 1996 when Shadow Secretary of State for Environmental Protection for
a moratorium on the use of OP products in sheep dips. Dr Goran Jamal, a
noted neurologist who is leading expert on OP poisoning and who has
appeared in court to give scientific evidence on behalf of OP sufferers, has
very recently called for a moratorium on the use of OP based pesticides
when he attended a briefing at the House of Commons. Dr Jamal
indicated at this meeting that OP users could be at greater risk than
previously thought. It is the Committee's view that it would be foolish to
ignore the opinion of such an expert.
4.10 The Committee has also noted the success which has been achieved by OP
sufferers in recent legal cases. Successful cases have now been taken in
Australia, Hong Kong, Lancashire and London. However, the Committee
was surprised to learn that in one particular case, where a retired shepherd
had been awarded £80,000 some £40,000 was recouped in respect of
disability payments or sickness payments made to him by the Government
whilst he was unable to work. The Committee considers this action to
have been most unfair.
4.11 The Committee noted the evidence of Mrs Cherry an OP sufferer who
made a plea for doctors to take patients who are OP sufferers seriously.
The Committee also noted that in this case the possibility of the effects of
OP poisoning being passed from mother to daughter was raised. The
Committee considers that this is a topic which would be worthy of further
research.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 The Committee recommends that the Government should without any
delay conduct a Review of all aspects of the use of Organophosphorous
Compounds and Organophosphorous Poisoning including licensing,
conditions of use and the possibility of genetic transmission.
5.2 The Committee recommends that pending completion of this Review, and
acknowledging the advice of Dr Goran Jamal that OP users could be at
even greater risk than previously thought, a moratorium on the use of OP
based pesticides should be introduced by the Government.
5.3 The Committee recommends that the Government should, as a matter of
urgency, exhort chemical manufacturers to develop safer alternatives to
OPs, particularly since recent anecdotal evidence relating to the use of OP
based shampoos, fly sprays, domestic disinfestation products and garden
pesticides has highlighted possible further dangers.
5.4 The Committee recommends that Government must now take action to
ensure that information on OPs and on the effects of OP poisoning is made
freely available to all concerned - farmers, contractors, veterinarians,
doctors - and to the general public. The Committee further recommends
that the Government should not levy any charges for the provision of this
information.
5.5 The Committee recommends that the Government should initiate a public
awareness campaign to draw attention to OPs and the dangers attendant
on their use.
5.6 The Committee while welcoming the establishment of a Diagnostic Centre
in Northern Ireland, recommends that Government should also ensure that
a Detoxification Unit is also established as part of the Centre, and that
these Units are put in place without delay.
5.7 The Committee recommends that the necessary resources for the proper
working of the Diagnostic Centre and Detoxification Unit are provided,
and that necessary training and equipment costs are met. The Committee
further recommends that funding for a programme of clinical investigations
by independent experts of those claiming health damage from OP
exposure should be put in place.
5.8 The Committee recommends that the Government should through regional
Chief Medical Officers institute a programme for the toxicological
education of doctors, to ensure that General Practitioners can recognise
OP poisoning, and that patients suffering from the symptoms of exposure
to OPs are treated seriously.
5.9 The Committee recommends that those farmers, who in the past have
shown a complete disregard for the basic rules for protecting their health
during sheep dipping operations, should now cease putting themselves at
risk by obeying the Health and Safety instructions given to them about the
handling and use of OP compounds.
5.10 The Committee recommends to the Government that the following three
items of required action in relation to OPs which have been identified by
NIOPSA should be implemented:
- ensure that appropriate action is taken in order that no further cases
of OP poisoning occur;
- ensure that those already affected by OP poisoning receive
appropriate treatment and support;
- ensure that those whose lives and livelihoods have been devastated
by OP poisoning receive appropriate redress.
5.11 The Committee recommends that the Department of Health and Social
Services should monitor the research being conducted by Randox
Laboratories in Northern Ireland into the Gulf War Syndrome - in
particular the work which is being done to identify OP poisoning. The
Committee further recommends that the Department should ensure that the
result of this research when published is fed into the Government's work in
relation to OP poisoning for the benefit of all OP sufferers