92001E0151

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0151/01

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(31 January 2001)

Subject: Economy class syndrome

The so-called economy class syndrome hit the headlines recently when a young British woman died in a London airport immediately after her flight from Sidney. According to medical studies that have been published, at least 25 people have died over the last eight years as a result of this syndrome, which is observed after long-haul air journeys. The causes of these deaths can in most cases be traced to the formation of blood clots, which are believed to be caused by long periods of immobility. The UK Government has already issued instructions to the airlines obliging them to warn passengers of the danger of the formation of blood clots.

What information does the Commission have on this subject and what does it intend to do prevent similar events occurring in the future?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0151/01, E-0155/01, E-0191/01, E-0233/01, E-0349/01 and P-0353/01 given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(15 March 2001)

The Commission is well aware of recent reports and developments in the field of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and cabin conditions, and is taking passengers' concerns very seriously. It has examined various reports, in particular that of the Select Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Lords.

On the basis of a preliminary assessment, the Commission has not found real substance in the extreme claims about health risks from air travel. However, it takes the danger of health risks most seriously, in particular that of DVT, the more so as data is poor on the incidence of the complaint.

Consequently, as a first precaution, the Commission sent a letter to the presidents of the Association of European Airlines, the European Regions Airlines Association and the International Air Carrier Association, urging their members to take precautionary measures in relation to DVT. In this letter, airlines were urged to act rapidly to minimise the risks by informing passengers when they make reservations or order tickets, on the risks, on predisposing factors and on precautionary measures to take before long flights and advise them, once on board the aircraft, on what to do to lessen the chance of thrombosis.

A number of airlines have already introduced, on their own initiative, pre-boarding warnings and/or in-flight advice (leaflets, videos, in-flight magazines showing exercises, recommending what to do and what to avoid, etc).

The next thing is to obtain balance assessments of health risks. The Commission will, as soon as possible, set up expert groups, one on the effects of DVT and the other on air quality and cabin conditions. They will scrutinise existing research and then draw conclusions on risks to health, the need for further research and on measures that the different actors involved should take.