This report is now out of print. However, it remains
College policy and a copy can be downloaded as a PDF file using the
link above.
The Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of
Psychiatrists set up a working party on organophosphate (OP) sheep
dip exposure with a widely drawn membership to hear evidence from
sufferers, from those representing them, and from experts in the
field, with the following terms of reference:
- 1. To advise on clinical management of patients with symptoms
which may be attributable to chronic OP sheep dip exposure.
- 2. To review any new clinical evidence and bring it to the
attention of the Medical and Scientific Panel of the Veterinary
Products Committee and the Advisory Committee on Pesticides.
- 3. To advise on how to undertake clinical studies recommended
by the Medical and Scientific Panel of the Veterinary Products
Committee.
The working party was established at the request of the Chief
Medical Officer, who in turn had been approached by the then Health
Minister, Baroness Cumberlege. She had been made aware of the
problem by the countess of Mar who had drawn attention in the House
of Lords to the concern of farmers and their families that symptons
following exposure to organophosphate (OP) sheep dips were either
unrecognised or being ignored, and that management was often
inadequate.
This council report covers the following areas: Background,
Evidence received concerning symptons, Analysis of clinical
symptons, Evidence received concerning diagnosis and management,
Diagnosis and guidelines, Management, Facilities, and
Research.