91998E0105

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0105/98 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE) to the Commission (30 January 1998)

Subject: Classification of tobacco smoke as a carcinogenic agent

In his answer to my question E-2247/97 ((OJ C 76, 11.3.1998, p. 82. )), Commissioner Flynn stated that the Commission does not at present propose to classify tobacco smoke as a carcinogenic agent. There is a great deal of undisputed scientific evidence about the link between tobacco smoke and cancer. However, the Commission does not intend to take account of this in its programme on protecting non-smokers from the effects of passive smoking.

In view of the above, I should like to put a follow-up question:

How does the Commission justify the fact that it does not intend to classify tobacco smoke as a carcinogenic agent even though the link between tobacco smoke and cancer is at the very heart of the debate on passive smoking?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (17 March 1998)

The Commission has no doubts in agreeing with the Honourable Member that there is convincing scientific evidence that there is a increased risk of cancer and other diseases for people systematically exposed to tobacco smoke. The Commission also agrees that this justifies measures to protect non-smokers from the health effects of breathing tobacco smoke of other people.

For the same reasons the Council adopted a Resolution on the matter of tobacco smoke in public places in 1989 ((OJ C 189, 26.7.1989. )) which was subject of a Commission report in 1996 ((COM(96) 573 final. )) setting out the measures taken by Member States to give it effect.

Furthermore within the framework of Community legislation concerned with the protection of workers, specific measures regarding smoking at the workplace are already in effect (for example work with asbestos, the dangers of smoking to pregnant women) and the Commission is examining how these rules could be reinforced especially to protect all workers at their place of employment from suffering the effects of passive smoking.

The use of the term 'classification' in the context of these activities is perhaps not the most appropriate. What is important is the recognition that tobacco smoke, or a component of the smoke, can cause cancer or other diseases and that measures should be taken which effectively deal with the issue.

This is why the Commission communication on smoking prevention ((COM(96) 609 final. )) sets out practical measures to limit the effects of passive smoking. These measures are considered to have the best potential for effective impact on the public so that people realise the dangers both in their daily life and at their place of work.