WRITTEN QUESTION P-3837/97 by Johannes Blokland (I-EDN) to the Commission (21 November 1997)

Subject: Carcinogenic substance emitted by diesel engines

According to an article in the New Scientist of 25 October 1997, Japanese scientists have discovered a substance known as 3-nitrobenzanthrone which has a highly mutagenic effect. It is released in extremely small concentrations from diesel engines but appears to have a highly carcinogenic effect. It causes one quarter more mutations of bacterial DNA than the next most mutagenic substance. It is apparently released when diesel engines in lorries are heavily loaded.

The scientists believe there is a link between the recent increase in the incidence of lung cancer in urban areas and emissions of this substance.

1. Can the Commission confirm the results of the Japanese research into this highly carcinogenic substance?

2. What conclusions does the Commission draw from the Japanese study with regard to EU research policy and policy on heavy lorries with diesel engines?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (19 December 1997)

The Commission is aware of the research to which the Honourable Member refers. The results of this Japanese research on 3-nitrobenzanthrone have been published very recently and have not yet been evaluated by the wider scientific community and in particular the International agency for research and cancer (IARC). The Commission is therefore not in a position to confirm these results.

Epidemiological evidence points to the consumption of tobacco products as the main cause for the increase in lung cancer. It would be premature to alter this assessment on the basis of one study and the reported personal opinion of the researchers.

3-nitrobenzanthrone is one of many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emitted by road vehicles and through the combustion of other fossil fuels. PAHs as a class are known carcinogens. Emissions of PAHs are closely associated with emissions of particulate matter from both diesel and gasoline engines and other sources. Reductions in emissions of particulate matter can be expected also to reduce emissions of PAHs.

On 8 October 1997 the Commission adopted a proposal ((COM(97) 500. )) for a Council directive which will set air quality limit values for a number of pollutants, including particulate matter. The proposal is aimed mainly at reducing the non-carcinogenic effects of particulate matter on human health, but should also result in further reductions in emissions of PAHs from both transport and non-transport sources. A proposal for air quality limit values for PAHs will follow in due course.

The Community has legislated or is in the process of legislating for the progressive reduction of total particulate emissions from diesel vehicles (totalling a reduction of approximately 70% between 1990 and 2010), most recently as a result of the first Auto Oil programme ((COM(96) 248 final. )). In relation to heavy duty vehicles the Commission has adopted a proposal on EURO III standards ((COM(97) 627. )) which will take effect from the year 2000 and will have the effect of reducing total particulate emissions by 30% in comparison to EURO II standards.

The Commission's Auto-Oil II programme, which is currently under way, will investigate further abatement measures from road transport and other sources with the aim of achieving air quality standards in the most cost-effective way by the year 2010. It will take into account any available information on the implications for emissions of PAH's.

In the light of the programme and as part of an integrated strategy, the Commission will propose further vehicle emission and fuel quality standards to be implemented in 2005, confirming or modifying the indicative standards contained in the current proposed directives on emission from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, and proposing emission standards for heavy duty vehicles in 2005.

Current and future research and policy development in the Commission will deepen the understanding not only of the physicochemical nature of particulate matter in urban air, but also of the causal relationship between vehicle exhaust emissions and human health and consider the need for further targeting of measures to reduce emissions, including the possible application of regulatory standards for new pollutants and the use of new measuring techniques.