WRITTEN QUESTION P-2194/99 by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission. Microwave radiation and electromagnetic fields.
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- sionís 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 Quality of life and management of living resourcesí foresees in its key action 4 áenvironment and healthí 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