Strasbourg, 10/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - With the adoption at second reading, on Tuesday, of the text relating to the proposal for a directive aimed at banning the sale of measuring devices containing mercury drafted by Maria Sornosa Martinez (PES, Spain), the European Parliament came fully into line with the common position reached by the Environment Council at the end of June (EUROPE 9455), which opens the way to final adoption of the text. The draft directive aims to phase out the use of toxic mercury in measuring devices, where it can be substituted by safer alternatives, in order to protect health and environment. The agreement between Parliament and Council will phase out the use of mercury in new fever thermometers for professional and private use and in all other measuring devices such as room thermometers, blood-pressure gauges, and - after two years - barometers which are sold to the general public. Antique instruments will not be affected by the proposal.
At first reading, the Parliament had supported the ban recommended by the Commission but had suggested a series of amendments. The Council accepted most of Parliament's first-reading amendments, including a demand that the Commission carry out a review of safer alternatives for mercury-containing sphygmomanometers (blood pressure measuring instruments) and other devices in healthcare and other professional and industrial uses. Another Parliament amendment accepted by the Council stipulates that mercury measuring devices may be imported if they are more than 50 years old, since they are to be classified as antiques or cultural goods. However, a further amendment calling for a complete exemption for traditional barometer manufacturers was rejected by the Council. The text adopted on Tuesday, drafted by Ms Sornosa Martinez, is in line with the compromise proposed by the Council, namely a two-year transition period. (ol)