MEPs call for EU action on killer disease

STRASBOURG: A written declaration calling for better prevention, treatment and research into a condition that will be the third largest global killer by 2020 was presented in parliament Wednesday.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), a mixture of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, presently kills 200,000 – 300,000 each year in the EU.

PES group member Catherine Stihler who prepared the declaration said it was vital for member states to implement comprehensive smoke-free policies, and also called on the EU to publish a green paper on indoor air.

“This kills more people in Scotland than breast cancer, alcoholic liver disease, illegal drug use and transport accidents put together,” she said.

“The impact on lives and the economy is enormous.”

Professor William MacNee, the past president of the European respiratory society, told journalists that the condition is far commoner than thought.

“Between four and 10 per cent of the adult European population suffer from this,” he said.

“We need better diagnoses, better treatment and better figures.

“Scientific surveys are needed to show where patients are, and to better target treatment.”

Irish MEP Avril Doyle added that in Ireland, one in 20 die from this condition.

“We have failed miserably at stopping young people from smoking,” she said.

“We need to buy into the world of our youngsters and get the message across that this is a chronic condition that destroys your health.”

Tobacco smoke remains the most important cause but passive smoking and other air pollutants are contributory factors.

The declaration’s co-sponsors are Jerzy Buzek, Paolo Costa, Avril Doyle and Gerard Onesta.

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