Brussels, 20/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 19 February, the European Parliament adopted the report by Jan Andersson (PES, Sweden) on “minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields)” (co-decision procedure, 1st reading). In so doing, the Parliament approved the European Commission proposal to delay the coming into effect of the directive on the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields until 2012. This directive was due originally to be transposed by member states by April 2008, but the medical community expressed concern at its consequences on the use of magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) techniques, the EP says in a press release.
With MRI being essential to the diagnosis and treatment of a number of illnesses, the Commission responded by launching an impact study, the conclusions of which are due to be sent to the EP and member states at the start of 2008. Given that studies carried out by member states and international organisations have confirmed the need to review the directive to raise the limit value thresholds, the Commission has proposed a further delay of four years. The EP press release adds that this delay will allow full consideration of the studies being carried out and an in-depth impact assessment to be completed, not only on the effects of the directive on the medical activities but also on a number of industrial activities which could be affected. (G.B.)