The Department, through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has commissioned the Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards to deliver research on ‘Chemical Exposure and Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders’. One project within this research theme concerns organophosphate pesticide exposures in domestic and occupational settings. The project aims to assess exposure and also any effects on cognitive function.

The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health. It is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics or conditions. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality. In all areas, the amount of NIHR funding depends on the volume and quality of scientific activity.

Pesticides are only authorised for use if a scientific risk assessment shows that they are not expected to have a harmful effect on human health. Individual risk assessments are reviewed at regular intervals, and the risk assessment process is kept up to date at EU and national level to ensure that it reflects new knowledge and the latest research. There are established monitoring schemes, such as that operated by the National Poisons Information Service, which are designed to pick up possible health effects. The results from these schemes indicate that the authorisation system is working as intended.

It is expected that papers from the project will be submitted by the Small Area Health Statistics Unit to peer reviewed journals in early 2018, and it is likely that the papers will be published a few months after submission.

The impact of plastic pollution on human health was assessed in a recent report by the Government Science Office titled “Future of the Seas: Plastic Pollution”. This found that the current evidence on the effect of microplastic pollution on human health does not indicate that consumption of fish and shellfish is harmful to human health. It also acknowledged that more work is needed to fully understand the impact of microplastics and macroplastics on the marine environment and potential links to human health.

The new bi-mode trains will be cleaner than the diesel trains that they replace. In addition, when running on the electrified part of the network the engines can be switched off completely and therefore will not produce any diesel particulates.

The table below shows the emissions standards met by Intercity Express Train (Class 800) rolling stock. From 2017, Class 800 trains will progressively replace Class 43 rolling stock on the network (also shown below):

The standards shown above are maximum emission levels, shown in grams per unit of energy (kilowatt hours). Class 800 trains can operate under diesel or overhead electrical power; the above data relates to diesel operation only.

The effects of modern municipal waste incinerators on human health were reviewed by the Health Protection Agency, whose functions were transferred to Public Health England (PHE) on 1 April 2013. The report, published in September 2009, concluded “Modern, well managed incinerators make only a small contribution to local concentrations of air pollutants. It is possible that such small additions could have an impact on health but such effects, if they exist, are likely to be very small and not detectable.”

PHE will review its advice in light of new substantial research on the health effects of incinerators published in peer reviewed journals. To date, PHE is not aware of any evidence that requires a change in their position statement.

The effects of modern municipal waste incinerators on human health were reviewed by the Health Protection Agency, whose functions were transferred to Public Health England (PHE) 1 April 2013. The report, published in September 2009, concluded “Modern, well managed incinerators make only a small contribution to local concentrations of air pollutants. It is possible that such small additions could have an impact on health but such effects, if they exist, are likely to be very small and not detectable.”

PHE will review its advice in light of new substantial research on the health effects of incinerators published in peer reviewed journals. To date, PHE is not aware of any evidence that requires a change in their position statement.

Hydrogen Sulphide levels are measured every 2 weeks by passive monitoring as required by Planning Condition 25 stipulated by North Yorkshire County Council. This information is provided in Third Energy’s Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Plan, a requirement of both the Environment Agency’s permit and North Yorkshire County Council planning permission conditions. Both these permissions are required before an operator can apply to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for hydraulic fracturing consent.

The Department is carefully considering the evidence relating to the KM8 site and will respond appropriately in due course.

Public Health England (PHE) reviews the evidence base on the health impacts of chemical and radiological emissions associated with shale gas extraction as it emerges, considering the available evidence as a whole. Currently, PHE has not identified any significant new evidence that would make the Department change its view that the potential risks to public health from exposure to emissions associated with shale gas extraction will be low if operations are properly run and regulated. This means that good on-site management and appropriate regulation of all aspects from exploratory drilling, gas capture, use and storage of fracking fluid, and post-operations decommissioning are essential to minimise the risk to the environment and public health. If significant new evidence emerged this would be discussed with the Department of Health and other Government departments.

Public Health England (PHE) has commissioned a study to extend the evidence base further as to whether emissions from modern municipal waste incinerators affect human health.

From the outset of this study, PHE highlighted that its current position, that well run and regulated modern waste incinerators are not a significant risk to public health, remains valid.

PHE will review its advice in light of new substantial research on the health effects of incinerators published in peer reviewed journals. To date, PHE is not aware of any evidence that requires a change in their position statement.

The Government is committed to improving the safety of cosmetic procedures through better training, robust qualifications for practitioners, and better information so that people can make informed decisions about their care. We are currently exploring options to further support this commitment.

Tattooing is not a Care Quality Commission regulated activity. However, providers of acupuncture, tattooing, ear and cosmetic piercing, electrolysis (hair removal) and skin colouring, operate under local authority license and within local bye-laws covering cleanliness and sterilisation.

Legislation is also in place which makes it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to have a tattoo. There is no distinction in law at this time regarding eyeball tattoos.

Regulatory provisions for radioactive substances activities, including the accumulation and management of radioactive waste, are contained in Schedule 23 of the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016.

On 5 October the government published draft updates to Schedule 23 in “Consultation on Revised requirements for radiological protection: regulation of public exposures and the justification of practices”. The proposals are based on current scientific evidence, as reflected in the latest safety standards issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the requirements of the corresponding Euratom Basic Safety Standards Directive, which enters into force in 2018.

The public consultation closed on 15 November. Once the consultation responses have been considered, and subject to parliamentary timetables, updated regulations will be laid before this House in 2018.

No such assessment has been made.

The FCO's travel advice pages include links to both the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS (Scotland)'s websites. Travellers are encouraged to consult these pages before visiting Cyprus.