Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “European Union”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

[Bioterrorism and health security in the European Union].

A PROGRAM OF ACTION AND COOPERATION: Since 2001, a series of measures have been taken by the Member States, the European Union and the International authorities to reinforce the preparation and response to biological and chemical terrorist acts. It is essential that the Member States can mutually consult and coordinate their preparation and response as widely as possible. THE ROLE OF THE HEALTH SECURITY COMMITTEE: Together with the health security committee, the European Union has setup a mechanism of consultation and coordination that can be recommend and guide joint action in an emergency, and guarantee the coherence of the counter-actions throughout the Union. This is a committee also constitutes the framework within which the emergency strategies and model-simulations are exchange, and in which assistance in the form of expertise and other resources can be obtained among the Member States. IN THE YEARS TO COME: The future European Centre for the prevention and control of disease, the implantation and functioning of which will start in Sweden in 2005, will play a fundamental part in the harmonisation of the European response to any eventual terrorist acts, whether biological or chemical.

Bioterrorism↗
PubMed2004

Distribution of sickness absence in the European Union countries.

AIMS: To determine the sickness absence frequency in European Union (EU) countries. METHODS: Sickness absence was measured by questionnaire using the Third European Survey on Working Conditions. Employees were considered to have sickness absence if they reported to be absent at least one day in the past 12 months because of an accident at work, work related problems, or by other health problems. RESULTS: Sickness absence percentages were lower in Southern European countries compared with Central and Northern European countries, and, in general, slightly higher in men than in women. CONCLUSION: This is the first description of sickness absence in each of the 15 EU countries. Examination of the sickness absence patterning between EU countries could indicate countries where important lessons to reduce sickness absence are to be learned and diffused across the EU.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed2003

[European Union legislation related to patulin].

In the following review, European Union legislation concerning maximum level of patulin in foodstuffs was reported. Commission Regulation (EC) No 1425/2003 of 11 August 2003 amending Regulation (EC) No 466/2001, Commission Directive 2003/78/EC of 11 August 2003 laying down the sampling methods and the methods of analysis for the official control of the levels of patulin in foodstuffs and Commission Recommendation of 11 August 2003 on the prevention and reduction of patulin contamination in apple juice and apple juice ingredients in other beverages as regards patulin was reported.

Beverages↗
PubMed2004

Perceptions of environmental opportunities for physical activity in the European Union.

OBJECTIVES: This article is the last in a series of four that present data about physical activity in 15 member states of the European Union collected by the Eurobarometer 58.2. The focus of this article is on the perception of environmental opportunities for physical activity across the European Union. METHODS: Data were collected in 2002 as part of the Eurobarometer by face-to-face interviews. A total of 16,230 respondents age 15 years and older were interviewed. Sample sizes ranged about 1,000 respondents in most nations. Physical activity was assessed with the last 7-days short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: Results indicate relationships between the perceptions of environmental opportunities; gross household income and physical activity level (in MET-hours/per week) of respondents. Respondents who reported lower income and less physical activity had also more negative perceptions of environmental opportunities. Across nations, respondents in Denmark, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Western Germany had the highest satisfaction with environmental opportunities for physical activity. In some nations, positive correlations between the perception of environmental opportunities and physical activity levels could be observed. CONCLUSION: Results show variations in the perception of environmental opportunities across the EU. Overall, the majority of respondents rated their environmental opportunities for physical activity favourable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Biological monitoring and Biological Limit Values (BLV): the strategy of the European Union.

Occupational standards concerning allowable concentrations of chemical compounds in the ambient air of workplaces have been established in several countries worldwide. With the integration of the European Union (EU), there has been a need of establishing harmonised Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL). The European Commission Directive 95/320/EC of 12 July 1995 has given the tasks to a Scientific Committee for Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) to propose, based on scientific data and where appropriate, occupational limit values which may include the 8-h time-weighted average (TWA), short-term limits/excursion limits (STEL) and Biological Limit Values (BLVs). In 2000, the European Union issued a list of 62 chemical substances with Occupational Exposure Limits. Of these, 25 substances received a "skin" notation, indicating that toxicologically significant amounts may be taken up via the skin. For such substances, monitoring of concentrations in ambient air may not be sufficient, and biological monitoring strategies appear of potential importance in the medical surveillance of exposed workers. Recent progress has been made with respect to formulation of a strategy related to health-based BLVs.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed2003

Food additives used in meat processing according to the Polish and European Union legislation.

This paper presents the legal regulations related to the use of food additives in meat production in Poland and the European Union. The Polish legal definition of food additives is given as well as the classification of permitted food additives added to food and stimulants by their technological function. In addition, a definition of processing aids in the food industry is included. It shows that Polish legislation includes food additives used to ensure or improve food nutritional value, whereas in the EU legislation, these substances are not included in the list of food additives. Moreover, the Council Directives include food additive specific purity criteria, whereas the Polish regulations do not mention the legal regulations of this issue in practice. The European Union use mechanisms and procedures for the introduction of new food additives into internal markets as well as controlling the circulation of additives. The Polish legislation in practice, however, does not determine approval or methods for the introduction of new food additives to the market. Legal regulations on the monitoring of food additives no exist.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Analytical approaches of European Union laboratories to drugs of abuse analysis.

We report a survey on urine drug testing within a total of 269 laboratories of the European Union. Clinical laboratories predominated over forensic laboratories (59.5% vs 28.5%). Screening without identification/quantification was the common approach used by clinical laboratories, whereas screening with identification/quantification was the approach used by almost all forensic laboratories. Screening was primarily performed by immunoassay in both types of laboratories. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was the main analytical method used for specific identification/quantification of drugs, but other methods (including immunoassays) were also used. Cutoff values applied varied by laboratory type, country, and method used. A high percentage of laboratories did not use or report cutoff values. Overall, countries of the European Union vary significantly in regards to drugs tested, analytical approach, and screening and identification cutoff values. It is recommended to clearly state the analytical method and the cutoff values used when reporting results for drugs of abuse testing.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗
PubMed1999

Physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle and obesity in the European Union.

BACKGROUND: Diverging trends of decreasing energy intake and increasing prevalence of obesity suggest that physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle may be one of the key determinants of the growing rates of overweight/obesity in Western populations information about the impact of physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles on the prevalence of obesity among the general adult population in the European Union is sparse. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the association of leisure-time sedentary and non-sedentary activities with body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) and with the prevalence of obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2) in a sample of the 15 member states of the European Union. METHODS: Professional interviewers administered standardized in-home questionnaires to 15,239 men and women aged 15 years upwards, selected by a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling with quotas applied to ensure national and European representativeness. Energy expenditure during leisure time was calculated based on data on frequency of and amount of time participating in various physical activities, assigning metabolic equivalents (METS) to each activity. Sedentary lifestyle was assessed by means of self-reported hours spent sitting down during leisure time. Multiple linear regression models with BMI as the dependent variable, and logistic regression models with obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2) as the outcome, were fitted. RESULTS: Independent associations of leisure-time physical activity (inverse) and amount of time spent sitting down (direct) with BMI were found. The adjusted prevalence odds ratio (OR) for obesity was 0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.43-0.64, P<0.001] for the upper quintile of physical activity (>30 METS) compared with the most physically inactive quintile (<1.75 METS). A positive independent association was also evident for the time spent sitting down, with an adjusted OR= 1.61(95% CI: 1.33-1.95, P<0.001) for those who spent more than 35 h of their leisure time sitting down compared with those who spent less than 15 h. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and higher body weight are strongly associated with a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity in the adult population of the European Union. These results, however, need to be interpreted with caution due to the cross-sectional design. Nonetheless, they are consistent with the view that a reduction in energy expenditure during leisure time may be the main determinant of the current epidemic of obesity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Prevalence of physical activity in the European Union.

OBJECTIVES: This article is the second in a series of four that present data about physical activity in the 15 member states of the European Union collected by the Eurobarometer 58.2. The focus of this article is on days of vigorous and moderate physical activity, days of walking, and metabolic equivalence estimates (METs) for total physical activity from 15 member states of the European Union using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). METHODS: Data were collected in 2002 as part of the Eurobarometer by face-to-face interviews. A total of 16,230 respondents age 15 years and older were interviewed. Sample sizes ranged about 1000 respondents in most nations. Physical activity was assessed with the last 7-days short version of the IPAQ. RESULTS: Median METs estimates in hours per week were the highest in The Netherlands (39.43 MET-hours/week), Germany (34.65 MET-hours/week in the eastern part, 33.90 MET-hours/week in the western part), and Luxembourg (31.55 MET-hours/week). The lowest METs estimates were reported in Northern Ireland (11.55 MET-hours/week), Sweden (18.65 MET-hours/week) and France (19.55 MET-hours/week). CONCLUSION: A comparison of the results with existing data on physical activity prevalence in the member states indicate some inconsistencies between studies which may be related to measurement problems, as well as to conceptual differences in the assessment of physical activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Waste Management in the European Union: National Self-Sufficiency and Harmonization at the Expense of Economic Efficiency?

/ Since 1975, the European Union (EU) has developed an impressive body of waste management legislation, although, according to the principle of subsidiarity, responsibilities belong to the most local level at which the tasks can be carried out effectively. Using economic theory, this paper examines several factors that influence the efficient distribution of regulatory authority among the EU and the member states. We specifically analyze the role of harmonization that, in our opinion, will often lead to an overcentralization. Within this context, a second issue is becoming more important, as ongoing discussions show. If no consensus can be reached about harmonization, should member states be allowed to stop cross-border shipments of waste, or should the EU strive for a common market for waste? We take the position that most objections against waste shipments are not convincing, especially if the member states implement minimum standards for landfills and waste processing facilities and common information and control systems. Competition between different national regulations within adequate constraints that, e.g., control transboundary externalities leads to more efficient waste management structures in Europe than national self-sufficiency or centralized decision-making at the EU level. KEY WORDS: Waste management; European Union; Subsidiarity; Institutional competition; Harmonization; Cross-border shipments of waste

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Information technology law and health systems in the European Union.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the impact of European Union (EU) law relating to information technology (IT) on health systems. METHODS: The study identifies EU directives relating to IT, analyzes them in terms of their impact on the use of IT in health systems, and outlines their implications for health technology assessment (HTA). Analysis is based on a review of literature identified through relevant databases and Internet searches. RESULTS: Developments in IT have serious implications for EU health systems, presenting policy makers with new challenges. The European Commission has adopted a range of legal measures to protect consumers in the "information society" However, as few of them are health-specific, it is not evident that they have implications for health, health systems, or HTA, and they may not be effective in protecting consumers in the health sector. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the growing importance of IT in the health sector, legal and nonlegal measures need to be further developed at EU and international level. Where possible, future initiatives should pay attention to the particular characteristics of health goods and services and health systems. Although definitions of HTA usually recognize the importance of evaluating both the indirect, unintended consequences of health technologies and the legal aspects of their application, it seems that, in practice, HTA often overlooks or underestimates legislative matters. Those involved in HTA should be aware of the legal implications of using IT to provide health goods and services and compile, store, transfer, and disseminate health information electronically.

Commerce↗
PubMed2005

Institutions of the European Union: medical perspective.

The way through the institutions of the European Union (EU) is very difficult. The difficulties will increase with the expansion of EU to 25 member states, and even more so in the area of medical societies. Following the agenda of the EU, an efficient public health service is a responsibility of every member country. The possibilities of medical interest are pointed out in this paper

Europe↗
PubMed2006

Defining a common set of indicators to monitor road accidents in the European Union.

BACKGROUND: currently road accidents are mostly monitored through mortality and injury rates. This paper reports the methodology and the results of a project set forth by the European Union (EU) and coordinated by the WHO aimed at identifying and evaluating a core set of indicators to monitor the causal chain of road accident health effects. The project is part of the ECOEHIS (Development of Environment and Health Indicators for European Union Countries). METHODS: a group of experts (WG), identified 14 indicators after a review of the information collected at the EU level, each of them representing a specific aspect of the DPSEEA (Driving, Pressure, State, Exposure, Effect, Action) model applied and adapted to the road accidents. Each indicator was scored according to a list of 16 criteria chosen by the WG. Those found to have a high score were analysed to determine if they were compatible with EU legislation and then tested in the feasibility study. RESULTS: 11 of the 14 indicators found to be relevant and compatible with the criteria of selection were proposed for the feasibility study. Mortality, injury, road accident rate, age of vehicle fleet, and distance travelled are the indicators recommended for immediate implementation. CONCLUSION: after overcoming the limitations that emerged (absence of a common definition of death by road accident and injury severity, underestimation of injuries, differences in information quality) this core set of indicators will allow Member States to carry out effective internal/external comparisons over time.

Acceleration↗
PubMed2000

Cross-border health care in the European Union: recent legal implications of 'Decker and Kohll'.

In the European Union a growing number of citizens are receiving medical treatment in a country other than the one in which they are resident. This concerns migrant (frontier) workers, emergency treatment and preauthorized care. Since 1998 a 'new category' can be discerned of persons going abroad without prior authorization on the basis of the Decker and Kohll rulings of the EC Court of Justice. Local payers would, because of the Decker and Kohll judgements, be obliged to reimburse patients who travel abroad to circumvent the existing problems with the authorization rules. During the past years studies within specific so-called Euregions have been performed to analyse cross-border flows and provide some more insight in the practical and health policy consequences of the Decker and Kohll judgements. The abolishment of current preauthorization is pleaded for by many respondents in these studies. Waiting lists form an important motive (in particular in the Netherlands) to consume health care in another Member State (Belgium and Germany). The familiarity with (health care in) Belgium eases the unofficial Decker and Kohll route. However, when some parts of the health care services seem to be more expensive in the other Member State, the patient has to pay the difference. New court cases are pending before the European Court of Justice. These cases raise new issues such as the tenability of 'benefits-in-kind' systems. So far, the Decker and Kohll rulings could be seen as an incentive to enhance access to cross-border health care in border areas.

Belgium↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A survey of disinfection of irreversible hydrocolloid and silicone impressions in European Union dental schools: epidemiologic study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe corresponding procedures for irreversible hydrocolloid and silicone impressions taught and used in European Union dental schools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire requesting information about rinsing and disinfection methods was sent to each of the 373 heads of prosthodontic, pedodontic, and orthodontic departments in the 131 European Union dental schools. Response rate was 94%. Statistical analysis included chi-square or Fisher exact tests, and ANOVA or Kruskall-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Of the responding departments, 92% systematically rinsed their impressions. Fifteen percent of the departments, mostly orthodontics, never disinfected irreversible hydrocolloid impressions, and 11% never disinfected silicone impressions. The immersion method was used by 65% for irreversible hydrocolloid impressions (73% for silicone), with a disinfection time of 10.3 +/- 6.3 minutes (11.8 +/- 7.4 for silicone). The disinfected impressions were not rinsed by 16% for irreversible hydrocolloid and 14% for silicone. Most departments used brand-name products. CONCLUSION: The same disinfection procedure for both irreversible hydrocolloid and silicone impressions was used by 78% of departments. There was great diversity, however, between departments in the procedure used for each impression material.

Alginates↗
PubMed2001

Pesticide residues in products of plant origin in the European Union. Sampling strategy and results from the co-ordinated EU monitoring programmes in 1996 and 1997.

The results of a co-ordinated monitoring programme for pesticide residues in the European Union and Norway carried out in 1996 and 1997 are presented. The aim of this programme is to work towards a system, which makes it possible to estimate actual dietary pesticide intake for the population of the European Union. Based on a statistically dérived sampling plan and within the limited number of pesticides/commodities analysed, the most critical pesticides (benomyl group and dithiocarbamates) and commodities (mandarine and lettuce) were identified. In case of detected non-compliances, repeated sampling and, if necessary, enforcement actions are to be taken by national authorities. The programme will be continued in the next years.

Benomyl↗
PubMed2002

Priorities for child safety in the European Union: agenda for action.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Children have a right to safety, but this is still not optimally implemented throughout Europe. Furthermore, no joint commitment to change has been undertaken by the European Parliament, European Commission, or collectively by the EU Member States. This paper summarizes a White Book presented to governments entitled 'Priorities for Child Safety in the European Union,' requesting concerted action. METHODS: The report is based on statistics provided by the World Health Organization as well as by research centers in the European Union Member States. Original research was contracted to the Mori Social Research Institute in 2001 in order to obtain an update on parents' and leading government officials' views on child safety. RESULTS: The leading causes of child injury deaths in the EU (road accidents, 48%, other unintentional 16%, intentional 13%, drowning 11%, fires 5%, falls 5%, and poisoning 2%) are the same in all Member States, but it is the distribution of injuries within each category that determines the unique profile of each. Adopting a number of best practices that have been identified for each injury area can reduce these injury deaths. Survey results show that the parents of children in Europe are concerned regarding child injuries, while government officials are still not making strong commitments to advance safety for children. A review of EU standards and legislation related to child safety shows that these are still incomplete and require changes. CONCLUSIONS: A joint commitment to reduce child accidental injury deaths in the EU is advocated, with a clear set of recommendations to act upon.

Accidents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Equity in socioeconomic areas with impact on health in countries of European Union].

It may sometimes be more appropriate to correct inequalities in the domains of education, lifestyles, or nutrition than that of health. The current study proposes to measure existing inequalities in European Union member countries in socioeconomic areas with an impact on the population's health. The Gini coefficient was used to quantify inequalities among member countries with regard to education and cultural activities, lifestyles, nutrition, unemployment, use of health care services, and health expenditures. The indicators with the highest Gini coefficients are the percentage of the population with a secondary school education (level of schooling just preceding the university), per capita butter consumption, and per capita consumption of packaging for medications. It is cause for concern to the health sector that education displays such great inequality in the percentage of individuals enrolled in secondary education within the European Union. Existing inequality in per capita butter consumption is equally important due to the impact nutrition has on the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebral vascular diseases, for example, and the weight these diseases have on the mortality profile.

Diet↗