Division 1.4 Specific priorities for 2009

In the past, two projects related to the same topic have already been supported by the Commission and Parliament:

• In 2001, the Commission supported a project on respiratory health in schools in five European cities in Denmark, France, Italy, Norway and Sweden. The project’s findings revealed common problems such as poor ventilation, high presence of particulates, moulds and allergens. It concluded that a similar study covering all the Member States would be extremely worthwhile^f1.

• In 2008, a pilot project on exposure to indoor air chemicals and possible health risks, which was financed by the European Parliament, was officially presented. Its analysis also included schools and kindergartens in cities across selected EU Member States. Key findings highlight the need for further research to address the burden of indoor air pollution on public health (in particular in indoor environments where children frequently stay, e.g. schools and kindergartens) in the European Union^f2.

• In 2009, in view of the budget available, it was concluded that the pilot project should have a wider geographical coverage across EU Member States, with a particular emphasis on new Member States. Candidate countries and central and eastern European countries are to be included as well. The objective is to produce guidelines on remedial measures to cover a wider array of situations in Europe.

• The pilot project should build on previous projects and create synergy with existing projects in the field (e.g. HITEA)^f3.