Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 91996E1221

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1221/96 by Martina GREDLER to the Commission. Low-allergen latex** 
  
*Official Journal C 305 , 15/10/1996 P. 0067*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1221/96 by Martina Gredler (ELDR) to the Commission (23 May 1996)

Subject: Low-allergen latex

Latex can trigger serious allergies. A reduction in the allergenic properties of latex would be an important step forward, since latex products are frequently used in medicine. At present, neither ambulances nor hospitals are normally equipped with latex-free emergency equipment.

Have any investigations been carried out into the incidence of latex allergies in the Member States?

Have there been any investigations into the cost of treating latex allergies in the Member States?

Does the Commission intend to draw up a proposal for a regulation to ensure the development of low-allergen latex?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (12 July 1996)

The Commission has become aware of this type of problem and is working on the subject of bio-compatibility with the European Committee for Standardisation and experts on standardising. This work is being undertaken in two different directions:

\* establishing harmonised European standards on bio-compatibility. This area also covers allergic reactions. Some of these standards concerning bio-compatibility in general are already approved and support the application of directives on the general mechanisms;

\* allergic reactions specifically caused by latex. A proposal has been made to undertake co-normative and pre-normative research in order to devise a methodology for studying the allergenic effects of latex and other materials used in similar fields. These studies are the subject of the STAR programme.

The Commission does not possess data or carry out research on the prevalence and treatment of allergies caused by latex in the Member States. It does not intend to propose any regulations on this subject.

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