WRITTEN QUESTION P-1049/01

by Pietro-Paolo Mennea (ELDR) to the Commission

(26 March 2001)

Subject: Electromagnetic pollution in Barletta

In a central area of the city of Barletta (Bari), in Via S. Antonio and Via Renato Coletta, there are two large-scale electromagnetic installations: a radio mast placed on the flat roof of a block of flats and a telecommunications exchange located on the ground and mezzanine floors of another building. Residents of these areas and all those living in Barletta have been justifiably alarmed by the presence of these installations, which is worsening the serious electromagnetic pollution problem. Recently, the rise in cases of tumours and leukaemia diagnosed, in particular, in those living in buildings in the area have increased residents' concerns.

The presence of pollution of this kind can easily be detected through malfunctions and interference in televisions, compasses and other equipment disabled by the electromagnetic waves generated by the installations. In some of the areas involved, the multi-area preventive health team from the Bari/4 local health unit had already detected electromagnetic values which exceeded the safety limit laid down by law by as much as six volts per metre. Power lines should be monitored over a wider area to ascertain levels of electromagnetic pollution inside and outside homes. The devastating scourge of electromagnetic pollution and the damage it causes to health and public safety is of international importance. A framework law on protection from exposure to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields was recently adopted in Italy.

In view of the above, will the Commission:

- ascertain whether the electromagnetic waves produced by the above-mentioned installations cause pollution levels exceeding the limits set down in the law, damaging public health?

- ascertain whether, with regard to this case, the local municipal administration of Barletta and the ministers responsible have begun monitoring the power lines in the area involved in order to check whether levels of electromagnetic pollution inside and outside the relevant homes exceed safety limits?

- say whether the police and legal bodies responsible have completed further proper and accurate investigations, to ascertain whether there have been any irregularities and consequent liability on the part of all those who have directly or indirectly caused this type of pollution?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(6 June 2001)

The Community regulatory framework on radio products and telecommunications in a competitive environment makes Member States responsible for ensuring that radiation emitted by GSM base station antennas do not expose the public to levels which might be hazardous. In particular article 3.1.a of Directive 1999/5/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equiment and the mutual recognition of their conformity(1) obliges manufacturers to ensure, that their products do not affect the health when installed for its intended purpose. Article 7.2 of this Directive furthermore allows Member States to regulate the installation of radio transmitters so as to ensure that the health of the public is not affected. Under Article 9(2) of Directive 97/33/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 1997 on interconnection in Telecommunications with regard to ensuring universal service and interoperability through application of the principles of Open Network Provision (ONP)(2) the national regulatory authority is further empowered to set out ex ante conditions for installation of radio transmitters.

The Community has provided further guidance to Member States to exercise its responsibility. On 12 July 1999 the Council recommended to Member States limits to be applied for exposure of the general public

to electromagnetic fields (0 Herz (Hz) to 300 Gigaherz (GHz), 1999/519/EC: Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz))(3). The full respect of the basic restrictions and reference levels included in the Recommendation will ensure users a high level of protection against acute and long-term effects of non-ionising radiation emitted by such devices.

In parallel, the Commission has recently asked its Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment to deliver an update of its previous opinion published in June 1998 on health risks associated to electromagnetic fields regarding new technological developments and conditions of exposure. This will be published in July 2001 and used, if necessary, to elaborate new Community legislative proposals in the field.

The local implementation of those rules falls under the responsibility of local authorities and Member States which should ensure that the protection objectives adopted by the legislator are respected in all cases.

(1) OJ L 91, 7.4.1999.

(2) OJ L 199, 26.7.1997.

(3) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999.