WRITTEN QUESTION E-0327/01 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Chlorine in swimming pools.
Date: 2001-02-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: bathing water, chlorine, environmental risk prevention, health policy, health risk, respiratory disease, sports facilities

C 318 E/34

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

13.11.2001

9.

from the Community(cid:146)s health programmes

10. from the Community(cid:146)s social programmes

11. from the programmes for NGOs

12. from the cultural programmes

13. from the programmes for cooperation with third countries (CEEC, CIS)

14. from the town-twinning programmes

15. from other Community programmes?

How successful in the view of the EU, have the measures been?

Supplementary answer
given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 2001)

Further to its answer of 23 March 2001 (1), the Commission is sending the information requested direct to
the Honourable Member and to Parliament(cid:146)s Secretariat.

(1) OJ C 174 E, 19.6.2001, p. 259.

(2001/C 318 E/036)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0327/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 February 2001)

Subject: Chlorine in swimming pools

Press reports based on laboratory research carried out by the University of Louvain have caused
widespread consternation, since this research has found that chlorine used to purify water causes severe
lung problems among children under nine years of age.

Is the Commission aware of the results of this research and, if so, what are its views on the matter?

What measures does it intend to take?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2001)

The study mentioned by the Honourable Member was carried out by the University of Louvain in order to
assess the effects of atmospheric pollution on the pulmonary health of children, comparing children living
in urban areas and children living in rural areas of Belgium. The study reports, among other findings,
a cause-effect relation between frequenting indoor swimming pools as part of school sporting/recreational
activities and compromised pulmonary health. Although no specific pathologies were identified, the health
status of the lungs of the examined children was found to have decreased lung protective barrier function
and being more prone to develop asthmatic type of allergic reactions. The authors postulated that
a possible reason for their observations might be the inadequate ventilation of the indoor swimming pools
involved in the study. The poor ventilation of the pools would have allowed for the accumulation in the
air and subsequent inhalation by children of chlorine-derived toxic chemical species (hypochlorite and
chloramines).

The results of this study are hardly surprising given the toxicity profiles of chlorine and its derivatives. In
fact, effects similar to those reported in the study have been reported in the past following prolonged
exposure to chlorine and its derivatives under closed or poorly ventilated conditions. These toxic gases are
normally formed in all use situations where chlorine or hypochlorite (bleach) is used to sanitise and
disinfect water bodies (drinking water, swimming pools, toilets, etc.) that are likely to contain organic
matter. In use situations conducted outdoors or under ventilation these gases are diluted to background air

13.11.2001

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Official Journal of the European Communities

C 318 E/35

levels. For this reason, most commercially available chlorine or hypochlorite solutions carry warning labels
cautioning the user to utilise these products under ventilation.

On the other hand, the possible health risks related to the use of chlorine in swimming pools must be
weighted against its health benefits as the most effective means to sanitise and disinfect.

In light of this study and the knowledge of the health risks of chlorine, the Commission considers that
proper ventilation of indoor swimming pools remains the most appropriate means to prevent the risks in
question. The need for proper ventilation is well known by the competent authorities of the Member
States, which are responsible in the first instance for health and hygiene measures related to the local
specific conditions of this type of installations.

(2001/C 318 E/037)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0334/01

by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(13 February 2001)

Subject: Lloyd(cid:146)s Insurance

Further to the answer to Question E-3473/00 (1) given by Commissioner Bolkestein on behalf of the
1.
Commission on 21 December 2000, will the Commission say under which UK law and in which year the
first Council Directive 73/239 (2) was correctly implemented in the UK and what steps have been taken by
the Commission since that date to ensure that this law was properly implemented?

2. With regard to complaint number 99/5049 will the Commission explain:

(a)

the continuing delays in reaching a decision as to the lack of solvency certification as directed by
Directive 73/239 and implemented in the UK Insurance Co. Act 1982?

(b) whether they have received any response to their letter to the British Government of 16 October

2000?

(c) what deadlines were defined in the letter of 16 October?

(d) whether the UK Government has complied with the stated deadlines?

(1) OJ C 163 E, 6.6.2001, p. 132.
(2) OJ L 228, 16.8.1973, p. 3.

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2001)

The operation and regulation of Lloyd(cid:146)s is extremely complex. The Commission(cid:146)s understanding is
1.
that the primary requirements of Council Directive 73/239/EEC of 24 July 1973 on the coordination of
laws regulations and administrative provisions relating to the taking-up and pursuit of the business of
direct insurance other than life assurance as regards Lloyd(cid:146)s were first implemented into British national
law by means of the Insurance Companies Act 1982 and amending legislation. The form of the audit
certificates was determined by The Insurance (Lloyd(cid:146)s) Regulations 1983.

In view of the substantial number of complaints received by the Commission from disaffected Lloyd(cid:146)s
Names, the Commission is re-examining the proper application of the Community requirements for
Lloyd(cid:146)s under the Directive.