COUNCIL RESOLUTION of 30 May 1978 on fluorocarbons in the environment

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),

Whereas, as stated in the resolution of the Council of the European Communities and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council of 17 May 1977 on the continuation and implementation of a European Community policy and action programme on the environment (3), it is necessary to review continuously at Community level the impact of chemicals on the environment;

Whereas the problems of the effects of fluorocarbons on the ozone layer and the relationship between ultraviolet radiation and health are at present being studied at international level ; whereas, although a final assessment of the effect of fluorocarbons on man and the environment is not yet possible, the correlated problems nevertheless need to be examined;

Whereas Member States are carrying out national research on the problem of the possible threat posed by fluorocarbons to the ozone layer;

Considering the scientific data known in April 1977;

Whereas, with regard to the economic and social repercussions of possible measures to regulate fluorocarbons and aerosols, the Commission is currently preparing, in addition to studies already being undertaken nationally and internationally, a detailed study on a Community basis, the results of which will be reported in the second half of 1978;

Whereas, nevertheless, in the context of the proper functioning of the common market, certain Member States are already considering the adoption of regulations on the basis of currently available data,

HEREBY ADOPTS THIS RESOLUTION:

1. The problems of the effects of fluorocarbons on the ozone layer and of ultraviolet radiation on health cannot be ignored. In so far as Member States are carrying out research on these problems nationally, it is desirable that they should cooperate on a Community basis in planning this research and in making available and interpreting the results. The Community of course recognizes the overall coordinating role of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) in relation to research.

2. Immediate steps should be taken to encourage all the aerosol and plastic foam industries using chlorofluorocarbons F-11 (CCl3F) and F-12 (CCl2F2) to intensify research into alternative products and to promote the development of alternative methods of application.

(1) OJ No C 6, 9.1.1978, p. 140. (2) OJ No C 101, 26.4.1978, p. 29. (3) OJ No C 139, 13.6.1977, p. 1. 3. Immediate steps should be taken to encourage the manufacturers and users of equipment containing chlorofluorocarbons F-11 and F-12 to eliminate the discharge of these compounds.

4. All appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that the industry situated within the Community does not increase its production capacity in respect of chlorofluorocarbons F-11 and F-12.

5. In the second half of 1978 the effect of fluorocarbons on the environment will be re-examined in the light of the information then available with a view to arriving at a Community policy.