WRITTEN QUESTION E-1576/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(23 May 2000)

Subject: Impact of particulate matter PM 10 and PM 2,5 on mortality

Studies carried out by the World Health Organisation have emphasised the linear relationship between the increase in mortality following an increase in the atmosphere of the quantities of particulate matter PM 10 and PM 2,5 (smaller than 10 m and 2,5 m respectively).

1. Are measurements of PM 10 and PM 2,5 being taken in the Member States? If so, what are the findings for Greece?

2. Are studies being funded for each Member State analysing, in numerical terms, the increase in acute and chronic mortality following an increase in the quantities of PM 10 and PM 2,5 in the atmosphere?

3. If such activities are not receiving funding, does the Commission intend to contribute towards their implementation?

4. Will the Commission take measures to address the problem?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(7 July 2000)

1. Council Directive 80/779/EC of 15 July 1980 on air quality limit values and guide values for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates(1) at present requires Member States to measure particulate matter (PM) by either the black smoke method or the total suspended particles (TSP) method. The Directive will be superseded by Council Directive 1999/30/EC of 22 April 1999 relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air(2), which, amongst other things, will require Member States to measure PM 10 and PM 2,5 from 31 July 2001.

2. In the field of research, Community support has been given to a number of projects investigating the link between air pollution (including particulate matter) and mortality, under the third research and techological development (RTD) framework programme (1990-1994) and the fourth RTD framework programme (1994-1998), as part of the Environment and climate research programme. In particular, the APHEA-2 project under the fourth framework programme is examining the relationship between air pollution and daily mortality and other health effects in 32 European areas, including Athens. This project, the largest in this field in Europe, is co-ordinated by the University of Athens.

The fifth RTD framework programme in the quality of life programme, key action 4 Environment and health is supporting two projects aimed at improving knowledge of the links between air pollution and health, especially the impact of particulate matter, to a total amount of around 3 million. The first of these projects, Helios, is looking at the impact of ozone on the permeability of the lung membrane to pollutants, including particulate matter, and its relation to both chronic and acute health effects. The second project, Hepmeap, is a multicentre project looking at the impact of automobile engine exhaust, including particulate matter, and ambient air pollution on health.

In addition, the pollution-related diseases action programme is currently funding a project of the Institut de Veille Sanitaire on the creation of an European information system on the effects of air pollution on health in Europe.

It is expected that several other research projects in this field will be funded during 2000 as a result of the year 2000 calls for applications.

Directive 1999/30/EC sets limit values for PM 10, to be met by 31 December 2005. Member States will be required to develop action programmes for the worst areas, showing how they will meet the limit values. These action programmes should aim also to reduce concentrations of PM 2,5. The Commission will report on implementation by the end of 2003 and will examine at that time whether to propose confirmation of further indicative limit values for PM 10 to be met in 2010 and whether to propose limit values for PM 2,5 or some other measure of particulate matter. Recent legislation on vehicle emissions takes into account the need to meet limit values for PM 10.

(1) OJ L 229, 30.8.1980.

(2) OJ L 163, 29.6.1999.