Call for action on pollution-related diseases
In April, the European Parliament and the Council adopted a programme setting aside 3.9 million euro for action on pollution related diseases from 1999 to 2001. Now the European Commission is implementing the programme with the announcement of a call for proposals for action in this field. The call specifically relates to actions to improve information on pollution-related diseases, giving a better understanding of how pollution causes or aggravates diseases in the Community. At the same time, the Commission wants to take a pro-active approach to finding better ways of assessing and managing pollution-related diseases. Proposals must aim to meet some or all of the following objectives: - Collect data on the epidemiology and/or toxicology of pollution-related disease; - Examine the quality of existing data and identify areas where data is lacking; - Establish priorities for the identification of diseases in which specific pollutants are considered to play an role (for example, by comparing the prevalence of the disease with environmental diseases in the EU Member States); - Contribute towards improving data comparability; - Support the exchange of information aimed to achieve better public understanding of pollution-related health risks; - Promote actions and exchanges of information among the public and the bodies concerned. Projects must also take account of the public health priorities established by international health organisations such as WHO (the World Health Organisation) and the European Science Foundation. The priority fields include indoor and outdoor air pollution; water pollution; pollution from non-ionising radiation; and pollution form chemical exposure. The official text for this call, which is published in the official Journal of the European Communities, provides more detailed information about this call. For further information, please contact: European Commission Programme 'Pollution-related-diseases' DG V - Employment, Industrial Relations and Social Affairs Bâtiment Jean Monnet (F/2) Plateau de Kirchberg L-2920 Luxembourg Fax +352-4301-34511