Brussels, 26/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 26 October, the European Commission proposed to postpone for four years (until 30 April 2012) the deadline for introducing legislation on workers' exposure to electromagnetic fields because the legislation could have had an adverse effect on the use of technologies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In a press release, the European Commission explains that the idea behind the postponement is to prepare a substantial amendment to Directive 2004/40/EC to ensure that the exposure limits do not have an adverse effect on the practice of MRI, whilst ensuring appropriate protection of personnel. Moreover, it is intended to review the situation for all sectors where personnel are exposed to electromagnetic fields in the course of their work. 'The Commission recognises MRI as a technology offering clear benefits to patients, and continues to support MRI research financially,' explained EU Social Affairs Commissioner Vladimir Spidla, adding: 'While this review is ongoing, the Commission recommends that member states put the transposition of the current Directive on hold.' Directive 2004/40/EC was adopted by the European Parliament and Council in April 2004 and was due to come into force in April 2008. Its content was based on what was at the time up-to-date scientific knowledge, as established by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). (G.B.)