Aerotoxic syndrome
9.9.2009
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4453/09
by Frieda Brepoels (Verts/ALE)
to the Commission
More and more worrying articles and studies are being published on aerotoxic syndrome, which is also known as the aviation ‘asbestos scandal’. Aerotoxic syndrome is the collective name for a large number of health problems which arise after the breathing in of contaminated air on board aircraft. Pilots, cabin crew and passengers are affected, sometimes with serious consequences, including incapacity to work.
1. In his reply to Written Question P‑3005/09 Commissioner Tajani referred to Directive 89/391/EEC[1] with regard to the safety and health of workers at work.
- —Could the Commission indicate what steps the 27 Member States have already taken to inform cabin crew and protect them against aerotoxic syndrome?
- —This directive does not of course offer guarantees for passengers. Is the Commission prepared, in consultation with the Member States, to take initiatives to protect passengers against aerotoxic syndrome? If so, what initiatives are planned, and when? If not, why not?
2. In his reply to Written Question P‑3005/09 Commissioner Tajani referred to the results of various scientific studies which are apparently not yet sufficiently conclusive. Could the Commission specifically indicate to what studies it refers?
3. In his reply to Written Question P‑3005/09 Commissioner Tajani referred to a planned call for information by EASA with the intention of gathering data on this topic. Could the Commission indicate what progress has been made in this connection?
- [1] OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1.
OJ C 10 E, 14/01/2011