On 4 September 2008, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the mid-term review of the European Environment and Health Action Plan (2004-2010) (read HEAL related article. One of matter of particular concern to MEPs, is the issue of electromagnetic radiation.

MEP Frédérique Ries (ALDE) says: “A growing number of studies have shown that repeated exposure to electromagnetic waves can result in the risk of cancer (leukaemia in children especially), Alzheimer’s, problems affecting sleep or psychological problems.”

The last few years there has been an accelerated development of wireless technologies and an explosion of new sources of EMR. However, the EU safety limits regulating exposure to EMR, laid out in Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC, are lagging behind on these developments. That is why MEPs are urging the Council to urgently set new and stricter limits for EMR-emitting equipment.

Also, the Commission should call upon Member States, by means of tax concessions and/or other economic incentives, to interest market operators in reducing exposure to electromagnetic radiation in their buildings, establishments and offices.

Commission second implementation report

On 1 September 2008, the Commission issued its second implementation report on the Council Recommendation concerning EMR exposure limits. The purpose of this Recommendation was to provide an EU framework for national policies; it established basic restrictions and reference levels. The implementation report now outlines the actual exposure limits adopted by the different Member States. Most Members have followed the EU Recommendation, some countries like Belgium have adopted stricter limits, others more relaxed ones.