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Summary of environment-related research areas developed in the frame of the 5th Framework Programme of the European Commission.

Following the decision of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 1998, The European Commission has launched its Fifth Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration (RTD) which will run from 1999 to 2002. The activities will be carried out in the frame of four thematic programmes and three horizontal ones. The first calls for proposals were published in March 1999. Detailed information on the work programme of each activity is available through the Internet at the following address http://www.cordis.lu/fp5 and through direct contact with the programme's help-desks. The present summary gives an outline of environment-related research activities covered by 5th FWP.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗

Industrial platforms--a unique feature of the European Commission's biotechnology R&D programme.

The European Commission's research, technological development and demonstration programmes aim to strengthen European research and technological development, and to increase the competitiveness of European industries. The creation and development of Industrial Platforms play an important role in these processes by improving the transition from research to commercial application. Industrial Platforms are technology-based industrial groupings established by industry with the aims of enabling the exploitation or dissemination of research results, encouraging academic-industrial collaborations and providing their members with a means of voicing their opinion on present and future research policies.

Biotechnology↗

Uncertainties and data needs in risk assessment of three commercial polybrominated diphenyl ethers: probabilistic exposure analysis and comparison with European Commission results.

Some environmental monitoring programs have reported increasing levels of certain polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) isomers in aquatic biota and in human breast milk. The commercial PBDE products are known as penta-, octa-, and deca-brominated diphenyl ethers (PeBDE, OBDE and DBDE, respectively). Aside from the current European Commission's risk assessment initiative and efforts underway in Sweden, Canada and elsewhere to evaluate environmental levels, little is understood about sources of exposure and risks to humans. In this study, a multi-pathway human health risk assessment was performed to predict theoretical chronic daily intakes (CDIs) of PeBDE, OBDE, and DBDE by five different age groups: 0-2, 2-6, 6-12, 12-18, and 18-70 years. Sources of exposure included air, drinking water, consumption of fish, vegetables, meat and dairy products, and ingestion of breast milk by infants. In addition to a deterministic analysis, the risk assessment included a probabilistic analysis to derive the probability density functions describing the range of plausible exposures associated with eight different pathways, as well as aggregate lifetime exposures for each age group. The results were compared to CDI point estimates calculated by the European Chemicals Bureau as part of the European Commission's Existing Substances Programme. The major sources of uncertainties are discussed, including environmental sources, levels in different environmental compartments, toxicity, and human exposure. This paper also discusses the limitations in the current state-of-the-science and provides recommendations for improving the scientific relevance and accuracy of future environmental risk assessments of PBDEs.

Adolescent↗

[Environmental and occupational exposure to vitreous fibers: the initiatives of the European Commission].

The recent classification of a certain number of glass fibres by the European Commission within the framework of the Council Directive 67/548/CEE has reopened the debate on the carcinogenicity of these fibres at the level of the European Union. There is the risk of a law suit being field before the Court of Justice in Luxembourg against Germany, "guilty" of not having observed Community regulations. As regards worker protection, the recent Council Directive on chemical agents reviews the legal aspects concerning both preventive measures and the setting of limit values of occupational exposure.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

The European Commission's White Paper "strategy for a future chemicals policy": a review.

The European Commission has proposed a radical new policy for the regulation of chemicals in the EU in the form of a White Paper. The current system has separate regulatory provisions for "new" chemicals (introduced to the market since September 18, 1981) and "existing" chemicals (on the market before September 18,1981). The proposed future policy will have a single unified regulatory system for all chemicals, which should result in better regulation of chemicals in the EU single market. It will be better because risk assessments will be targeted at the chemicals of greatest concern. Furthermore, the system will be streamlined, making regulatory decisions faster, and thus reducing the so-called burden of the past (the large number of chemicals that have never been assessed for their risks to human health or the environment). The new system incorporates the precautionary principle, which will be applied where there is an early indication of unacceptable risk or where there is undue delay in the regulatory process. Moreover, the new strategy is intended to promote greater transparency for all stakeholders.

Chemical Industry↗

European School of Oncology Advisory report to the European Commission for the "Europe Against Cancer Programme" European Code Against Cancer.

A European School of Oncology Advisory Group has reviewed the European Code Against Cancer after its initial use over a 6-year period. With minor modifications, the original ten recommendations were found to be adequate, although it was agreed that an Annex was necessary to explain the scientific evidence supporting each point, and is presented herewith. Tobacco smoking clearly remains the most important cause of cancer, and now it can be quantified better than ever before. It is also clear that it is never too late to stop smoking: stopping even in middle age, prior to the onset of serious illness has a beneficial effect on life expectancy. Alcohol drinking is an important cause of cancer, and yet modest consumption levels protect against cardiovascular disease mortality. The optimal strategy seems to be a consumption not exceeding 2-3 drinks per day, although this limit may be lower for women. Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduction in consumption of fatty foods, reduction of obesity and increased physical activity can all be recommended to reduce cancer risk. Exposure to excessive sunlight remains a problem which should be limited. Control of occupational cancer is a three-way partnership: legislation identifies and limits exposure to known carcinogens, employers enact the legislation and workers should respect the measures introduced. There are a number of signs and symptoms which may lead to cancer being diagnosed earlier, and patients with these should be referred to a doctor. For women, participation in organised programmes of cervical cancer and breast cancer (after 50 years of age) should lead to a reduction in mortality from these forms of cancer. The key element is organised programmes, where quality control and quality assurance are in force. These revised recommendations are the result of an agreement following advice, review and dialogue with cancer experts throughout Europe. They were approved by the European Community Cancer Experts at their meeting in Bonn on 28-29 November 1994. Their implementation by the European population should greatly reduce cancer incidence and mortality.

Alcohol Drinking↗

Application of European Commission reference dose levels in CT examinations in Crete, Greece.

The purpose of this study was to apply European Commission reference dose levels (EC RDLs) to routine CT examinations. The dosimetric quantities proposed in the European Guidelines (EG) for CT are weighted computed tomography dose index (CTDI(w)) for a single slice and dose-length product (DLP) for a complete examination. Patient-related data as well as technical parameters for brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis examinations were collected for four CT scanners in the Euromedica Medical Center. Computed tomography dose index (CTDI) measurements were performed on each scanner and CTDI(w), DLP and effective dose E were estimated for each type of examination for a random sample of 10 typical patients. Mean values of CTDI(w) had a range of 27.0-52.0 mGy for brain and 13.9-26.9 mGy for chest, abdomen and pelvis examinations. Mean values of DLP had a range of 430-758 mGy cm for brain, 348-807 mGy cm for chest, 278-582 mGy cm for abdomen and 306-592 mGy cm for pelvis examinations. Mean values of E were 1.4 mSv for brain, 10.9 mSv for chest, 7.1 mSv for abdomen and 9.3 mSv for pelvis examinations. Results confirm that the Euromedica Medical Center meets EC RDLs for brain, abdomen and pelvis examinations, in terms of radiation dose and examination technique. As far as chest examination is concerned, although CTDI(w) of each scanner is within proposed values, the DLP is consistently exceeded, probably because of the large irradiation volume length L. It is anticipated that a reduction of L, or product mAs, or their combination, will reduce DLP without affecting image quality.

Brain↗

Cost-utility analysis of assistive technologies in the European Commission's TIDE Program. Technology Initiative for Disabled and Elderly People.

Socioeconomic evaluation is an issue dealt with in the European Commission's research program TIDE. The principles of cost-utility analysis have been examined for usability in the assessment of rehabilitative technologies. A case study, the choice of a type of wheelchair, is described to demonstrate how estimates of utility can be derived and how cost-utility ratios can be used to guide decision making.

Aged↗

NoiseChem: an European Commission research project on the effects of exposure to noise and industrial chemicals on hearing and balance.

Exposure to multiple physical and chemical agents is common in occupational environments but workplace hazards and occupational safety criteria for combined exposures are lacking. NoiseChem is an European Commission research project examining the effects of exposure to noise and chemicals on hearing and balance. Partners in Sweden, Finland, France, Denmark, UK and Poland with expert guidance from partners in the USA will examine workers and study the mechanisms of action in animals to determine the levels of risk associated with joint exposure to noise and solvents. This paper briefly outlines the project details.

Animals↗

NoiseChem: An European Commission research project on the effects of exposure to noise and industrial chemicals on hearing and balance.

Exposure to multiple physical and chemical agents is common in occupational environments but workplace hazards and occupational safety criteria for combined exposures is lacking. NoiseChem is an European Commission research project examining the effects of exposure to noise and chemicals on hearing and balance. Partners in Sweden, Finland, France, Denmark, UK and Poland with expert guidance from partners in USA will examine workers and study the mechanisms of action in animals to determine the levels of risk associated with joint exposure to noise and solvents. This paper briefly outlines the project details.

Journal Article↗