A report by the European Commission into the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields, has found that there is no unequivocal link to increased rates of cancer.
Its preliminary opinion published today, is an update of a 2009 study, which aims to take account of new technological developments. It is based on over five hundred studies, most of which were published since 2009.
The European Commission, and specifically, its Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) has now launched a public consultation on the preliminary opinion, which will run until April 16th.
Using epidemiological studies, the report found that radio frequency and electromagnetic fields exposure “do not unequivocally indicate an increased risk of brain tumours, and do not indicate an increased risk for other cancers the head and neck region, or other malignant diseases including childhood cancer.”
The European Union already sets limits on exposure to radio frequency and electromagnetic fields, for example, how much energy is absorbed by the head area when using mobile phones.
Today’s report found that mobile phones are still the most frequent sources of human exposure to electromagnetic fields, though it found that the recent GSM technology has not had the effect of increasing emissions.
The report found that “overall there is a lack of evidence that RF radiation affects cognitive functions in humans.”
Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields are emitted by mobile phones and broadcast transmitters, as well as from extremely low frequency magnetic fields originating from power lines and regular electrical household appliances.
The health impact of electricity pylons has emerged as a contentious issue in the government’s plan to strengthen the national grid through the erection of pylons across the country .
Irish MEP Mairead Mc Guinness is due to meet EU health commissioner Toni Borg to discuss the report this evening in Strasbourg.
Marian Harkin MEP, who has campaigned strongly on the health implication of pylons, will hold a public meeting on the issue in Trim, County Meath next Monday
Last week the government announced plans to set up a commission chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Catherine McGuinness to oversee new studies examining underground alternatives to proposed overhead high-voltage networks.
The issue is expected to emerge as a central domestic issue in the forthcoming local and European elections which will take place in less than three months time.