92001E1589

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1589/01

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(1 June 2001)

Subject: Causes of the increased incidence of tumours

The annual Tumour Register meeting held in Alghero (in the province of Sassari) revealed an increase of approximately 0,5 % in the incidence of

tumours worldwide. This increase is cause for concern and raises questions about the possible causes. It suggests the hypothesis that leukaemia and lymphomas may be linked to various forms of pollution, possibly including electromagnetic pollution.

In the light of this, can the Commission say:

1. whether it already knows about this;

2. whether any studies and research are being carried out in Europe to ascertain the increase and the possible links with electromagnetic pollution, in order to prevent the situation from deteriorating further and, if so, whether it can communicate the results?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 2001)

The Honourable Member expresses concern about the slight increase of the global cancer incidence reported on the instance of an annual meeting of a regional Tumor Registry in Alghero, Italy. These figures most likely derive from the World health organisation (WHO)/IARC Globocan/Cancer in five Continents database, of which the European figures are provided for by the European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR) with the support of the Europe against Cancer Programme.

The Commission's support to the ENCR, to the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), and to a multitude of research institutions funded under the Research Programmes, aims at narrowing down the causes of cancer to finally prevent cancer, or to improve survival and the quality of life of cancer stricken Europeans through an improvement of early diagnosis and treatment.

In addition, numerous scientific studies into the health effects of electromagnetic fields are under way as part of the Fifth framework programme for research and technological development (Quality of Life Programme, Key Action 4: Environment and Health), which is funding 5 projects for a total of approximately 9 million. These projects, essentially looking into carcinogenic risks potentially associated with radiofrequencies, were launched at the start of 2000 and will bear fruit over the next 4 years. To augment these studies, other calls for proposals published within the same framework will explore possible biological health effects such as headaches or disturbed sleep patterns.

In parallel, the Commission has recently asked its Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment to deliver an update of its previous opinion published in June 1998 on health risks associated with electromagnetic fields regarding new technological developments and conditions of exposure. This will be published during the autumn of 2001 and used, if necessary, to elaborate new Community legislative proposals in the field.

The Commission will react to any new scientific evidence regarding health risks not already taken into consideration.