WRITTEN QUESTION E-2648/99

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(12 January 2000)

Subject: Pollution by electromagnetic waves

On 11 June 1998 the proposal for a Council recommendation on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields 0 Hz to 300GHz (COM(98) 268 final) was published.

In Italy, and especially in Rome, the problem of pollution from electromagnetic waves is at present a highly contentious issue, because it has been taken up by residents and consumer and environmental groups.

The municipality of Rome has also recently published an opinion on the problem (No 5187, 29 December 1998), which is, however, completely inadequate because of the limited guarantees it suggests for safeguarding public health.

In the light of the answer to the previous question on this subject of 11 July 1997 (E-2630/97)(1) it is clear that a measure is needed for accurately monitoring pollution by electromagnetic waves, but at present monitoring of this kind is, in practice, impossible because the responsible local health administrations do not possess the necessary technical equipment.

In the light of the above:

1. Does the Commission believe that ETACS, DCS and DECT mobile telephone antennas should be included in the required regulations?

2. Should an additional limit not be laid down, within the limits for exposure to electromagnetic waves, for cases where there is proximity to a population at special risk, such as those with medical prostheses like pacemakers etc. (for instance, near hospitals) and especially near schools?

3. Should the electromagnetic pollution report not take into account the overall values in the area and not just those relevant to the equipment to be installed?

4. Does the Commission not consider it advisable for equipment that does not fall within public health safety limits to be dismantled?

5. Does the Commission not agree that the proliferation of mobile telephone relay antennas could be restricted by using roaming between different operators?

6. What are the Commission's general views on this matter?

(1) OJ C 102, 3.4.1998, p. 78.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(23 February 2000)

The Commission, in its proposal for a Recommendation on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz)(1) adopted by the Council on 12 July 1999 (Recommendation 1999/519/EC) wanted to contribute as much as possible to ensuring a high level of health protection for European citizens in a sensitive area which had not previously been subject to Community law.

The text of the Recommendation does not refer to any particular equipment. All sources of non-ionising radiation are covered, including mobile telephone relay antennas. Interference with sensitive medical equipment is addressed in the context of electromagnetic compatibility and the legislation governing medical devices.

The upcoming European standards, which will ensure conformity of equipment with the reference levels and recommended basic restrictions, will open the way to measuring the environmental fields. If these measurements show that the population is exposed to values in excess of the recommended limits, technical adaptation measures will be adopted (roaming between operators, reconfiguration of the networks).

The Commission is keeping this dossier under very close scrutiny and will if necessary propose legislation if the ongoing research programmes under its aegis reveal the emergence of new health risks.

(1) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999.