Sheep dip review call

SCIENTISTS yesterday called for a review of controls onsheep- dip chemicals, prompting calls from MPs and farming campaigners for tough action.

The dispute over possible links between organophosphates and ill health in humans was fuelled by a report from a working group chaired by Professor Frank Woods.

The study follows concernabout the use of organophosphates in sheep dip and fears of long-term health effects, mainly on the nervous system. The group did not seek a ban, but asked for more study of people with a genetic disposition to suffer organophosphate poisoning. Professor Woods told BBC Radio 4's The World at One: "I think there are sufficient indications to change the way these compounds are used."

Baroness Hayman, Agriculture minister, said government experts would examine the report and a response would be made as soon as possible.