WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1472/99 by W.G. van VELZEN Effect on public health of mobile phone transmitter masts
Date: 1999-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, VAN VELZEN W G
Subjects: EU research policy, medical research, mobile phone

C 27 E/84

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.1.2000

(2000/C 27 E/103)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1472/99

by W.G. van Velzen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Effect on public health of mobile phone transmitter masts

In recent months concern has been expressed in several Member States of the European Union at the
alleged harmful effect on health of mobile phone transmitters, in particular when they are installed on the
roofs of flats, hospitals and health-care establishments.

Can the Commission say what research data it has on the possible harmful effects on health of

1.
installing masts on the roofs of buildings in the various Member States?

In the light of recent research findings, can the Commission indicate the possible harmful effects on

2.
health (cid:129) in particular, the non-thermal effects (cid:129) for users who make frequent use of mobile phones?

3.
Given the concern that has been expressed, is the Commission prepared to earmark money in the
budget for EU research programmes for a European study into the possible harmful, non-thermal effects of
installing mobile phone transmitters and the possible harmful effects on the users of mobile phones?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(4 October 1999)

The Commission has taken due note of concerns on possible harmful effects on health of electromagnetic
fields.

On 9 March 1999, the Council and the Parliament adopted Directive 1999/5/CE on radio equipment and
telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (1). This Directive
lays down the requirements that radio transmitters need to meet in order to be placed on the market and
be operated. It envisages that Member States may restrict operation for health reasons, e.g. by imposing
certain minimum distances between the transmitter and the public.

On 2 July 1999, the Council adopted a recommendation proposed by the Commission on the limitation of
exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (2). This takes account of the scientific opinion of
the International commission on non-ionizing radiation, supported by the Commission(cid:146)s scientific steering
committee referring to established effects on human health of exposure to electromagnetic fields.

In this context, it should be noted that the extensive research done in Europe through the co-ordinated
action of the COST 244 and 244bis projects over the last decade has not demonstrated any reproducible
detrimental effects on health at the levels of radio-frequency emissions typical of mobile phones and cell
masts.

As a result of widespread use of mobile phones, it is clear that if there is an adverse health effect, it could
be a longer term effect. Therefore, research should continue to measure such effects and the results of
current and future research in this area will be considered in the context of the reporting procedure
provided for in the text of the recommendation.

In the context of the 5th framework programme for research, technological development and demonstra-
tion (3), the programme on (cid:145)quality of life and management of living resources (4)(cid:146) foresees in its key action
4 (cid:145)environment and health(cid:146) specific research on the health effects of electromagnetic radiation and in
particular epidemiological and biomedical studies to determine possible effects linked to non-ionising
radiation, particularly from cellular phones and antennas. Several applications relevant to this field are now
being evaluated and are processed for possible funding for the 1999 budget.

(1) OJ L 91, 7.4.1999.
(2) OJ L 199, 30.7.1999.
(3) OJ C 173, 7.6.1997.
(4) COM(98) 305 final.