91998E2544

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2544/98

by Kirsten Jensen (PSE) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Allergies and intolerance

What initiatives will the Commission take in regard to intolerance of inhaling odours, chemicals and fumes (MCS)?

Have funds been earmarked for research into the origin of this form of intolerance?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 1998)

Heightened responses to chemicals at levels far lower than those at which most people respond are often referred to as, or associated with, chemical intolerance or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). In the absence of compelling scientific evidence on the relation between exposure to specific agents and health effects, surveys as to the existence and nature of conditions commonly named MCS have concluded that the lack of definitions and diagnosis presents the most important obstacle in collecting valid data on MCS. The Commission supported such work in 1994. In this context, the Honourable Member is also referred to the Commission's answer to Written Question E-2904/97 by Mrs Breyer(1). More generally, a rising prevalence of allergies and manifestations of allergic diseases can be observed throughout the Community. This has prompted the Commission to propose a public health action programme on pollution-related diseases by which it intends to tackle this problem, together with diseases linked to environmental pollution(2). Work on definitions and diagnosis on conditions such as MCS might be initiated under such a programme.

People working professionally with chemicals are covered by the Community legislation on health and safety at work, such as Council Directive 80/1107/EEC(3), 89/391/EEC(4), 90/394/EEC(5) and 98/24/EC(6). Such directives lay down minimum requirements under Article 118A which are to be applied in the workplace.

Within the programme on biomedicine and health research (Biomed 2, 1994-1998), namely under the area occupational and environmental health, research on allergies of public and occupational health importance is currently supported. This aims to improve the scientific knowledge needed to increase the safety and health protection of workers with an emphasis on the prevention of occupational diseases. Within the programme on environment and climate (1994-1998), research on identification of early indicators of health impairment from exposure to environmental pollutants is currently supported, including projects on indicators of metal sensitisation and health effects of air pollution.

In the Commission proposals for the fifth framework programme, research into diseases and allergies related to or influenced by the environment, and research into their treatment and prevention has been included in the key action 1 "health, food and environmental factors" within the thematic programme "quality of life and management of living resources".

(1) OJ C 134, 30.4.1998.

(2) OJ C 214, 16.7.1997.

(3) OJ L 327, 3.12.1980.

(4) OJ L 138, 29.6.1989.

(5) OJ L 196, 26.7.1990.

(6) OJ L 131, 5.5.1998.