The European Parliament is about to endorse moves which will require EU member-states to radically reduce air pollution and improve water quality. A report by a British Labour MEP, Ms Anita Pollack, backs a Commission proposal to set legally-binding limits on car fumes; lead; particulate matter (dust); and sulphur-dioxide caused mainly by the burning of fossil fuels, particularly in power plants.
Urban areas which do not meet the new limits when the directive comes into force - it is expected this year - will have to draw up action plans to achieve necessary reductions in air pollution by the year 2005.
Current pollution levels suggest that seven out of 10 EU cities cannot meet all the new limits, Ms Pollack said yesterday.
Countries would be fined heavily by the Commission if long-term objectives were not met, she added. "The limits are tough but they are necessary for public health."
A report by a British MEP, Mr Ken Collins, on behalf of the Parliament's environment committee, supports a draft directive from the Commission on permitted levels of lead, other metals, disinfectants and pesticides in drinking water.
It would require large-scale replacement of lead piping in supply systems, he said. "There is no lead in most petrol so why should we tolerate it in our tap water? The sooner lead pipes are replaced the better."
The report also expresses concern about the level of what are known as "endocrine disrupters" in some water supplies.
Both reports were welcomed by Ms Bernie Malone (Lab), who said they would ensure better air and water standards in Dublin in particular. "Earlier EU laws laid down targets for reducing air pollution. These directives put a legal obligation on the Irish Government to tackle the problem."
According to the Green MEP, Ms Nuala Ahern, the air standards would play a vital role in attempts to reduce respiratory diseases in cities and towns.
