92000E3887

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3887/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(13 December 2000)

Subject: Discrimination against workers in the nuclear sector

Is the Commission aware of Dr William Cramp's work that led to the development of the Nuclear Precipitation Test, whereby individuals who are particularly sensitive to the effects of radiation may be identified?

Does the Commission take the view that such tests should not be used to pre-select individuals to work in nuclear facilities and that, rather than discriminating on grounds of individual human biology, environments should be made safe for all?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 2001)

The work of Dr W Cramp is know to the Commission. However, in the current state of the art the results and findings of studies on differing sensitivity to radiation cannot yet be put to any practical use.

The Commission therefore shares the view of the Honourable Member that these tests should not be used to pre-select staff, especially as the focus of this particular scientific research into the sensitivity of human organisms to radioactive radiation is the treatment of cancer tumours.

Annual exposure limits are set in order to protect workers against the hazards of ionising radiation. These limits are always based on the latest scientific and technical developments in the field of the biological effects of ionising radiation. Workers in the nuclear industry also undergo annual medical examinations designed to establish their fitness for such work.

These two measures form the basis for EU basic safety standards for radiation protection, the effectiveness of which is highlighted by the high level of protection afforded to workers. The Commission therefore takes the view that no further measures are needed along these lines.