WRITTEN QUESTION E-2722/02

by Peter Skinner (PSE) and Helle Thorning-Schmidt (PSE) to the Commission

(30 September 2002)

Subject: Council Directive 1999/38/EC and the need for further research into wood additives

The Council has passed Directive 1999/38/EC(1) in which all hardwoods were classified as carcinogenic work materials. People engaged in the wood-treatment and wood-processing industries are still continually exposed to wood dust, with damaging effects on their health. These have been documented in the European list of occupational illnesses Nos 304.03 and 305.01, and elsewhere. Above all, however, it has been shown in many epidemiological studies that certain tumours may be caused by specific types of wood dust. However, the exact carcinogenic agent remains obscure.

In recent years, scientific attention has also been paid to chemical substances carried into wood throughout its lifetime. Among other studies, the Heidelberg Cancer Research Centre found indications that employees in the wood-processing industry were contaminated not only by wood dust, but also by chemical substances (chromate) carried by wood, which subsequently penetrate the human organism via wood dust(2). Moreover, the increased use of recycled wood infiltrates more chemical substances into the woodworking industry.

The above-mentioned research shows a multifactorial hazard for workers exposed to wood. This is alarming also because a high percentage of wood samples examined by the Heidelberg researchers was declared as untreated but included chromates. The question then arises at what stage during the growth, logging and processing cycle of the timber could such an ingress have occurred? This might for example have come about during forestry operations.

What knowledge does the Commission have about the ingress of unwanted chemicals into timber and wood products over the course of its growth, logging and processing cycle?

Does the Commission share the opinion that prevention measures are necessary against exposure to wood dust as well as against exposure to chemical substances which are added to wood?

Does the Commission share the opinion regarding effective protection of workers that further investigation is necessary into the different hazards and substances to which workers in the woodworking industry are exposed?

(1) OJ L 138, 1.6.1999, p. 66.

(2) R.G. Klein et al: Carcinogenicity essays of wood dust and wood additives in rats exposed to long-term inhalation. Springer Verlag 2001 Germany.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(31 October 2002)

The Commission is aware of the mixed exposure to wood dust and chemicals such as additives, preservatives or adhesives contained in wood at the workplace. This issue was addressed in the recent evaluation of wood dust by the Scientific Committee for Occupational Exposure Limits. The Committee concluded that the available experimental data have numerous limitations and do not allow to reach a scientific evaluation of the effects caused to humans from exposure to wood dust containing chemicals.

The application of the preventive measures specified in Council Directive 98/24/EC of 7 April 1998, on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work(1) and in Council Directive 90/394/EC of 28 June 1990 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens at work(2) as modified by Council Directives 97/42/EC of 27 June 1997(3) and 1999/38/EC of 29 April 1999, provide effective protection of workers, according to the available scientific evidence. However, this does not preclude further research to be undertaken or adaptation of the provisions of the legislation if new scientific results so require.

In this respect, the Commission has announced in its Communication: Adapting to change in work and society: a new Community strategy on health and safety at work 2002-2006(4) its intention to propose extending the scope of the directive on carcinogenic agents.

Furthermore, all chemical substances used for preservation of wood are covered by Directive 98/8/EC of the Parliament and the Council of 16 February 1998, concerning the placing on the market of biocidal products(5). The Directive establishes that only authorised biocidal products can be placed on the market, which have no unacceptable effects on human health or the environment. All existing active substances used in biocidal products will be subject to a very thorough evaluation regarding their effects on human health and the environment within a 10 year work programme.

Wood preservatives are among the product types having highest priority for this evaluation. Full dossiers are due by 28 March 2004. The assessments to be carried out will include assessments of the use of wood preservatives including any relevant production and disposal issue either of the wood preservative itself or any wood treated with it.

(1) OJ L 131, 5.5.1998.

(2) OJ L 196, 26.7.1990.

(3) OJ L 179, 8.7.1997.

(4) COM(2002) 118 final.

(5) OJ L 123, 24.4.1998.