Brussels, 09/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday the European Commission presented its action plan for 2004-10 for the environment and health with a view to reducing the number of diseases in the Union linked to environmental pollution, with particular attention on child health. The thirteen actions are based on the following three areas:
1. Improve the information chain for better understanding of the links between pollution sources and effects on health (setting up an integrated information system on the environment and health via health and environmental monitoring and bio-surveillance of people dangerously exposed to pollution,; development of integrated environmental monitoring that includes data on food; definition of a coherent approach on bio-surveillance in Europe and improvements of the co-ordination of joint activities in environment and health).
2. Completion of knowledge by strengthening research activities in Europe, notably on the four priority diseases (asthma, neurological development problems, cancer and endocrine complications by dealing with questions on environment and health (such s climate change).
3. Re-examine and adapt risk reduction polices and improve communication on conclusions drawn on complementary knowledge.
In a communication, Margot Wallström, Commissioner for the environment declared, "Europe's citizens expect policy makers to act. As individuals we can make certain choices about our lifestyles which affect our health, but we cannot select the quality of air we breathe or always protect ourselves from exposure to pollutants that may build up in our bodies - sometimes even before we are born". David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection was pleased that the action plan was science-based and his new colleague Pavel Telièka added: “Protecting the health of our children from a deteriorating environment is a long-term priority". European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin added: “This array of research actions is expected to lead to a much deeper understanding of environmental health risks.”
The plan is part of the integrated strategy defined by the Commission a year ago (EUROPE 13 June 2003) and will constitute the main contribution to the fourth Pan-European ministerial conference on the environment and health organised by the WHO on 23-25 June in Bucharest.