France reviews environment and health plan

The French government has issued a first review of a national environment and health action plan launched in summer 2004 to improve water and air quality and reduce environment-related diseases (EED 13/02/05). Actions already taken include evaluations of VOC and formaldehyde pollution and a measure restricting public exposure to refractory ceramic fibres, the environment ministry said. Steps have also been taken to cut industrial emissions of lead, dioxins, mercury, benzene, cadmium and chlorine. Four ministries hosted a conference on Tuesday to discuss progress implementing the plan. See press release.