EC launches action plan to cut pollution related diseases

09 June 2004 16:15  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (CNI)--The European Commission (EC) launched an action plan on Wednesday to reduce diseases caused by pollution.

 

The environment and health action plan is the EC’s main contribution to the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which takes place in Budapest, Hungary, on 23-25 June 2004.

 

Included in the plan's initiatives to cut chemical-related diseases is the proposed European registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals (Reach) system.

 

The EC added that it will report to the WHO on progress in adoption and implementation of Reach.

 

The EC’s action plan covers the period 2004-2010 and focuses on:

 

• Better understanding the environment-health link and establishing how environmental exposure leads to epidemiological effects.
• Strengthening European research activities, including the four priority diseases identified: asthma/allergy, neuro-developmental disorders, cancers and endocrine disrupting effects.
• Drawing conclusions from the improved information to review and adjust risk reduction policy as well as enhance communication.

Commenting on the EC's action plan, the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) restated the industry's commitment to tackle environmentally-related diseases but stressed that this plan should address all contributory factors.

Alain Perroy, director general of Cefic, said: “The plan must be built on well-grounded scientific facts to provide proper assessment of potential risk. It should also identify and prioritise all environmental factors, including physical, biological, chemical, life-style, and socio-economic.”

Through its global Long-range Research Initiative (LRI), the chemical industry funds independent research to further understanding of the interactions between chemicals, human health and the environment, Cefic pointed out.

By: Russell Ong
+44 208 652 3214

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