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

The Commission's amended proposal adopting a programme of action on pollution-related diseases incorporated 4 of the 12 amendments adopted by Parliament at first reading. These concerned: -the definition of pollution-related diseases, -improving knowledge of the long-term effects of certain pollutants, -the way in which pollution-related diseases may be influenced by behaviour and life style, -the implementation of actions to improve the level of knowledge of specific groups about the impact of different policies on pollution and health. The amendments not incorporated concerned, in particular, the budgetary provisions proposed by Parliament (increasing the allocation) and extending the scope of the programme. The other amendments not incorporated made reference to the Amsterdam Treaty, which has not yet been ratified.�