WRITTEN QUESTION P-2194/99 by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission. Microwave radiation and electromagnetic fields.
Date: 1999-11-19
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU research policy, electromagnetic interference, legal basis, mobile phone

C 203 E/148

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.7.2000

The Commission would add that on 26 August 1999 it issued a reasoned opinion in accordance with
Article 226 (formerly Article 169) of the EC Treaty. If Greece does not comply, the Commission could
pursue the matter with the Court of Justice.

(1) OJ C 323, 23.10.1998.

(2000/C 203 E/188)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2194/99

by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission

(19 November 1999)

Subject: Microwave radiation and electromagnetic fields

Can the Commission inform us what research, if any, has been undertaken into the dangers caused by
microwave dishes for mobile phones? Are there any plans for further investigation in this area? How does
the Commission react to claims that people exposed to microwave radiation could be prone to leukaemia
and other cancers? Is there any EU legislation in place which deals with this subject? How do different
states differ in their approach and regulation on this matter?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(16 December 1999)

On 9 March 1999, the Council and the Parliament adopted Directive 1999/5/EC on radio equipment and
telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (1). This 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
minimum distances between the transmitter and the public.

On 12 July 1999, the Council adopted Recommendation 1999/519/EC 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 Commis-
sion(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.

If there is any adverse health effect,
it can only be a longer term effect, which is as yet unknown.
Therefore, research should further continue to measure such longer term effects. The results of on-going
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 Fifth framework programme for research, technological development and demonstra-
tion, the programme on (cid:145)Quality of life and management of living resources(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 (point 2 of the quality of
life work pro-
gramme) (3). 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) Commission decision no C/99/493 of 4.3.1999.