MEP urges caution over increasing exposure to electromagnetic fields
April 2, 2009 12:00 AM
The European Parliament today backed a report that calls on the European Commission to review safe levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields in order to bring them in line with the huge increase in use of mobile phones, wireless internet and satellite navigation systems in the decade since the safe levels were last decided.
Commenting, Elspeth Attwooll, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, said:
"The fact that the technologies have moved so fast makes it hard to establish the effects of long term exposure to electromagnetic fields.
What we do know is that our exposure to these fields has increased dramatically in recent times and that studies are increasingly raising concern about this.
Until scientists can reliably establish the exact effects, it is important that we exercise proper caution in decision-making. This means regularly reviewing limits to make sure that places like schools and hospitals are not overexposed, and raising awareness of potential dangers to public health."
END
Notes:
• The limits on exposure to electromagnetic fields have not been adjusted since 1999.
• A growing number of studies have shown that prolonged exposure to electromagnetic waves could cause sleep disorder, psychological problems over even cancer or Alzheimer's.
• The report by Belgian Liberal Frederique Ries calls for a review of the scientific basis of the safety of electromagnetic fields and for the application of the "precautionary principle" to decisions made on the location of this like mobile phone masts, for example.
• For more see http://www.alde.eu/en/details/news/ep-turns-up-the-pressure-to-lower-exposure-of-citizens-to-electromagnetic-waves/
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