92000E2844

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2844/00

by Minerva Malliori (PSE) to the Commission

(4 September 2000)

Subject: Toxic chemicals in aeroplanes

International research has established that, in many types of aircraft, the air in the passenger cabin is laden with chemicals, channelled through the ventilation system, posing a risk to the health of both passengers and crew.

Does the Commission intend to carry out its own checks on the above issue and to take the measures necessary to eliminate this public health risk?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(21 September 2000)

The Commission is well aware of the doubts expressed by some as regards the quality of the air in civil aircraft. It is also aware of the studies conducted in this area by various scientists and of the investigations conducted by several European and foreign administrations.

No other aspect of those studies and investigations enables it to be concluded that there is a particular risk that justifies immediate action. Nevertheless, by way of a precaution, the Commission stated in its communication on the protection of air passengers(1) that it was going to set up a group of independent experts in order to identify the factors enabling it to form its own opinion. The work will be continued during 2001.

(1) COM(2000) 365 final.