WRITTEN QUESTION E-1072/98

by Raimo Ilaskivi (PPE) to the Commission

(6 April 1998)

Subject: Certification of mould damage inspectors

In recent years it has become "fashionable" in several EU Member States to draw attention to the damage to dwellings caused by mould. This has led to an ever growing number of court cases which have centred round liability issues relating to mould discovered following the sale of a house or building, and to compensation for damage caused by mould. In deciding such disputes in Finland, expert opinions have been used which were drawn up by people and firms without adequate, or even any, expert knowledge.

In today's Europe building materials, developers and builders move freely with the protection of the single market from one Member State to another. The problem is thus one which affects the whole European Union. In the light of the above, what measures does the Commission propose to take to guarantee the expertise of persons providing opinions for indoor climate measuring services, for example by certification or some other uniform procedure throughout the Union?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 1998)

The Honourable Member refers to damage caused by mould inside dwellings and other buildings, and in particular to the lack of expert knowledge of the inspectors consulted during subsequent legal proceedings. He asks the Commission what measures it intends to take, e.g. procedures for certification or access to the profession, to ensure that the consultants and inspectors thus called upon actually possess the requisite knowledge.

As yet, the Commission has no plans for an inspector certification procedure common to all the Member States. However, it does consider that the problem of consultant expertise in the construction industry goes beyond the specific aspects of mould and arises at a more general level. Accordingly, the Communication on the competitiveness of the construction industry,(1) adopted by the Commission on 4 November 1997, a main objective of which is to promote quality, mentions that customer confidence will only be possible if customers can turn to specialist professionals with up-to-date knowledge. The Communication recommends that systems of registration and qualification of professionals be set up, based on ability and the mutual recognition of qualifications. The Commission is currently working with representatives of the Member States and the industry to examine the introduction of an action plan to build on certain of the Communication's recommendations, including those mentioned above.

Moulds represent a major problem for the internal environment of buildings, and can affect their occupants' health. To tackle this, one of the essential requirements of the Construction Products Directive(2) specifies that constructions works must be designed and built in such a way that they will not be a threat to the hygiene or health of the occupants as a result, inter alia, of the presence of damp on surfaces within the works. This requirement will also be included in future harmonised construction product standards, which will allow the free movement and use of such products.

Tackling indoor climate problems at source, via minimum requirements for construction materials, is one method of prevention. Another involves control of ventilation in dwellings as part of an overall strategy, known as the building systems approach, that pays attention to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. However, the best way to improve indoor air quality is by education, for there are many measures which can be taken domestically to reduce the potential health risks associated with indoor pollution.

A number of scientific studies have shown that damp indoor climates and moulds increase the risk of asthma, allergic rhinitis and upper respiratory tract infections. The Commission proposal for a Community action programme on pollution-related disease(3) takes stock of the scientific evidence on exposure to moulds and possible health effects. Public awareness campaigns and the targeting of key actors such as consultants and professionals was proposed by the Commission. Activities in this domain might also consist of industry-led practical guidance for constructors and consumers.

(1) COM(97) 539 final.

(2) OJ L 40, 11.2.1989.

(3) COM(97) 266 final and COM(98) 231 final.