the European Parliament has voted in favour of cutting the use of some paint and varnish solvents, as these chemicals contribute significantly to the total emissions of volatile organic compounds (vocs). The latter lead to the formation of ground level ozone, also known as photochemical smog, which causes respiratory illnesses and crop damage.

The proposed directive, passed by a full session of European parliamentarians in late March, is expected to easily win the support of national governments. "Greening our paints is not a question of colour, but of reducing the content of dangerous solvents they contain,' said Margot Walstrom, eu environment commissioner. But campaign group European Environment Bureau called on eu countries to go beyond this directive and adopt more stringent national measures in this regard.

The reduction is to take place in two steps