WRITTEN QUESTION E-1104/00 by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission. Synthetic drugs and consequences for health.
Date: 2000-04-07
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European social policy, drug addiction

C 46 E/124

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.2.2001

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(19 May 2000)

The Commission(cid:146)s decision approving part-financing of Spanish promotional measures for quality beef,
delayed by the need to obtain more information on regional quality marks, was taken on 28 April.

(2001/C 46 E/134)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1104/00

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

Subject: Synthetic drugs and consequences for health

(7 April 2000)

The spread of synthetic drugs among young people in Europe is still on the increase. Commentators,
doctors and educators are issuing warnings about the impact on health of taking such drugs. Ecstasy in
particular seems to be the most widespread. It is even advertised on the Internet, which also provides
instructions for manufacturing it at home.

In view of this scourge and the differing opinions about its consequences, can the Commission confirm:

1.

2.

3.

4.

that the increased incidence of Parkinson(cid:146)s disease among young people can undoubtedly be attributed
to the devastating effects of ecstasy and other synthetic drugs on the brain;

that there is definite medical and scientific evidence that taking such drugs damages the nervous
system;

that there are research programmes partly funded by the EU;

that there are plans to disseminate this information to schools?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(22 May 2000)

According to the latest figures from the European monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction
(EMCDDA), 0,5 to 3 % of the general adult population in Europe and between 1 to 5 % of young adults
have tried ecstasy (MDMA). Locally and within specific groups the figures are much higher and in general,
EMCDDA information confirms an upward trend in the use of ecstasy and other synthetic drugs.

As yet, little is known about the long-term effect of ecstasy use. Based on recent research findings, it is
thought that ecstasy causes damage to the neurones that use the chemical serotonin to communicate with
other neurones. Some research findings link ecstasy use to long term damage to those parts of the brain
critical to thought and memory. There are also increasing concerns about the possibility of mental health
problems, especially chronic depression, in connection with heavy long-term use of the drug.

MDMA structure and effects are related to metamphetamine, which has been shown to cause degeneration
of neurones containing the neurotransmitter dopamine. Damage to these neurones is the underlying cause
of the motoric disturbances seen in Parkinson(cid:146)s disease. However, much more research is needed in order
to establish a scientifically reliable link between the use of ecstasy and Parkinson(cid:146)s disease.

The fifth framework programme on research has a specific action line on public health research which also
addresses drug related health problems. Research priorities include determining the social, psychological
and socio-economic factors related to drug dependence and developing better understanding of the long-
term health and social consequences of drug use. Four projects have been selected for funding this year

13.2.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 46 E/125

and the Commission can assure the Honourable Member that the programme will be effectively used for
funding high quality studies in this field.

The risks posed by synthetic drugs are among the challenges identified in the Community drug strategy
2000-2004. The strategy emphasises the need for providing young people with accurate and reliable
information on the effects of these substances. The Commission can confirm that every effort is made to
ensure that this information is disseminated in schools. Already, many projects funded by the Community
drug prevention programme have concentrated on the prevention of the use of synthetic drugs.

(2001/C 46 E/135)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1105/00

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(7 April 2000)

Subject: Effects of exposure to asbestos

Asbestos was banned in western Europe in the nineteen seventies. However, as an Italian epidemiologist
has pointed out, the effects of exposure to asbestos on various groups of workers in the last few decades
are continuing to grow. The development of asbestos-related cancer takes many years to produce a
clinically manifest tumour. In the United States, where asbestos was banned about 20 years earlier than in
Europe, the mesothelioma epidemic has already peaked. In Europe it is still growing and the number of
deaths caused by this kind of tumour is forecast to double in the next twenty years.

What steps will the Commission take to tackle this situation and to help the families of the workers
affected?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(15 June 2000)

The Commission shares the concerns expressed by the Honourable Member about the health effects of
asbestos. A significant body of Community legislation already exists which aims to protect the health of
workers and the public from the effects of asbestos. In particular, Council Directive 83/477/EEC of
19 September 1983 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work
(second individual Directive within the meaning of Article 8 of Directive 80/1107/EEC) (1) as amended by
Council Directive 91/382/EEC of 25 June 1991 (2) covers the protection of workers exposed to asbestos at
work.

In response to the Council conclusions of 7 April 1998 on this subject (3) the Commission is drafting a
proposal to amend the above Directive with a view, in particular, to refocusing protective measures on
those who are now most at risk, improving training and information for the workers concerned, lowering
the limits for permissible concentrations in the air at the workplace and reviewing the assessment of
asbestos fibres.

Although the Commission Recommendation 90/326/EEC of 22 May 1990 to the Member States
concerning the adoption of a European schedule of occupational diseases (4) refers to all diseases caused
by exposure to asbestos, compensation for occupational diseases and possible help for the families of
workers affected are matters of Member State competence.

(1) OJ L 263, 24.9.1983.
(2) OJ L 206, 29.7.1991.
(3) OJ C 142, 7.5.1998.
(4) OJ L 160, 26.6.1990.