91999E2193

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2193/99

by Herman Schmid (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(19 November 1999)

Subject: Trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene is a highly volatile solvent which damages the nervous system and is considered to be carcinogenic. The Commission has traditionally taken a lenient attitude towards this solvent. In Sweden, however, trichloroethylene, like certain other chlorinated solvents, has been prohibited in consumer products since 1993 and in industry since 1996.

Has the Commission and its own experts in this field taken in the latest research findings pursuant to which trichloroethylene should be classified as carcinogenic?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(4 January 2000)

Since 1976 trichloroethylene has a Community wide harmonised classification as a dangerous substance in Annex I of Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances(1). Since 1988 trichloroethylene falls into category 3 of the carcinogenic substances (possible carcinogenic effects on man). Furthermore it is classified as dangerous to the environment since 1996.

Concerning the ban on trichloroethylene in Sweden, it is important to note that there are a number of exemptions for industry from this ban.

The regular expert meetings held on behalf of the Commission have been intensively discussing trichloroethylene since 1996 to review its classification and labelling. In doing so they consider latest research results. This includes dicussions at national level such as the meeting of experts on 2 December 1999 in Frankfurt am Main, where a number of epidemiological studies causing concern were critically evaluated.

The frequent discussions on trichloroethylene and the careful evaluation of existing data show that it is inappropriate to claim that the Commission has traditionally taken a lenient attitude towards this substance.

(1) OJ 196, 16.8.1967.