Brussels, 04/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 1 September, the European Commission adopted a report on the implementation of the Council Recommendation (1999/519/EC) on the limitation of the general public to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 0Hz to 300GHz.
The Recommendation provides a European framework both for measures and national policies to ensure a high level of protection for the public, and for EU legislation and standards on EMF exposure from electric or electronic products and devices. To ensure that the Recommendation remains based on the most up to date scientific evidence, it is reviewed periodically. In 2007, the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) reviewed the scientific knowledge on potential effects on health of EMF and found no consistent scientific evidence showing a need for revising the basic restrictions and reference levels set out in the Council Recommendation, says the report. Nevertheless, the SCENIHR identified gaps in the relevant scientific knowledge and areas where further research is needed, at both national and European levels. The SCENIHR recommendations have already started to be reflected in the calls under the 7th Framework Programme for Research.
The European Commission has monitored the situation in the member states. Most have implemented the Council Recommendation either by means of legislative acts or decrees or through voluntary recommendations. In general, measures in countries, where the Council Recommendation is not yet fully implemented, are being improved, the Commission says, but it adds that specific implementation measures vary significantly from one country to another.
The Eurobarometer survey on citizens' perception of the EMF issue shows that there is considerable dissatisfaction over information and communication. The Commission points out that it remains active and is taking initiatives to respond to public concerns. In particular, through its SCENIHR, it periodically reviews the available scientific evidence to ensure that the Recommendation is based on the most up to date information. A new SCENIHR consultation has recently been launched.
The Commission has also set up a working group of government experts to improve the information exchange and to identify ways of improving coordination and cooperation between member states. This group will support Commission initiatives to enhance research on the exposure of the general public to electromagnetic waves and on potential effects on health, and to identify those parts of the Recommendation where greater effort is required.
The Commission concludes its report by indicating that it intends to continue “monitoring closely the application of this Regulation, promoting the development of scientific knowledge on key aspects of the potential health impact of EMF, re-assess the validity of the Recommendation in the light of any relevant new scientific development and take appropriate action should the need arise”. (O.L./transl.rt)