91998E0599

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0599/98 by Panayotis Lambrias (PPE) to the Commission (4 March 1998)

Subject: Substantial benzol pollution in the prefecture of Attica

According to recent measurements, the photochemical smog in Athens has been aggravated by substantial concentrations of benzol. This carcinogenic pollutant is believed to result from the extensive use of catalytic converters in vehicles and a failure to replace them in time.

Will the Commission say whether it intends to take immediate measures to address the greatly increased hazard posed by benzol, and whether the directives currently in force are sufficient to curb this dangerous phenomenon?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (24 April 1998)

This regrettable pollution by the aromatic compound benzene is the result not, as the Honourable Member suggests, of extensive use of catalytic converters, but of failure to use catalytic converters fitted to petrol-engine vehicles (running only on unleaded petrol), or to maintain them properly.

Regarding fuel quality, Council Directive 85/210/EEC of 20 March 1985 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning the lead content of petrol ((OJ L 96, 3.4.1985. )) has thus far allowed a maximum rate of 5% benzene by volume for both leaded and unleaded petrol.

Changes affecting both benzene and aromatics in general are planned in the short term, once Parliament and the Council have adopted the legislation proposed by the Commission under the Auto Oil programme ((COM(96) 248 final. )). On 1 January 2000 a maximum rate of 1% of benzene for leaded and unleaded petrol will become the rule. The maximum rate for aromatics (benzene, but also toluene and xylene) in unleaded petrol will be regulated on the same date and, pending a final decision from the Council and Parliament, should be between 42% and 35% in Europe, compared with levels exceeding 50% in some Member States.

The Auto Oil I programme will also require European manufacturers of petrol-engine vehicles to alter their practice by fitting on-board diagnostic equipment to inform drivers of any faults in their anti-pollution equipment and point them towards the necessary repairs. Lastly, and still under the Auto Oil programme, a directive is being proposed ((COM(98) 117. )) which will simultaneously toughen up inspections and maintenance. All these measures will clearly help improve air quality throughout Europe as from 2000. As for the period beyond 2000, the Auto Oil II programme, currently being drawn up, is due to present its conclusions in mid-1999 regarding the fuel quality and vehicle technology we will need by the year 2005.

In a broader context, Directive 96/62/EC ((OJ L 296, 21.11.1996. )) establishing a framework for the future policy on air quality in Europe is designed to prevent, anticipate and reduce the impact of pollution on human health and the environment. This framework Directive requires the Commission to propose 'daughter' directives establishing air quality standards for 12 individual pollutants. The Commission is currently formulating proposals with a view to setting limit values for benzene.