Public health: Programme of Community action 1999-2003 on pollution-related diseases

The Committee endorses the action programme because it is well reasoned and the proposed measures are clearly set out. It is also timely, well-founded and provides for a major Community contribution to the measures being taken in the field of public health. In addition, and even if there is already a large body of information on pollution-related diseases, the programme will yield necessary added value. The Committee would highlight the importance of cooperation with national authorities, the European Environment Agency, the WHO and third countries; and to acknowledge the work that the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has carried out in the field of risk assessment and management with respect to pollution related-diseases. In order to avoid unnecessary duplication of work, the Committee urges the Commission to ensure that the proposed measures are consistent with and complementary to actions envisaged under the health monitoring programme and any other Community action relevant to pollution-related diseases. In the view of the Committee, it would be desirable if the Commission could put forward at least an outline of the funding requirements for the years 2000-2003, and if the budgetary authorities could ensure that such requirements were subsequently met. �