Electromagnetic fields (EMF) can have natural causes (sun, lightning) as well as many artificial causes in the wide spectrum of what is scientifically called “non-ionising radiations and waves”. These come from everyday modern life and its wealth of electrical and electronic equipment and applications. With the mobile telephone revolution, irrational public concerns have arisen over the possible adverse effect of such EMF on our health. In the face of scientific uncertainty, public authorities have proved incapable of addressing public concerns with an appropriate risk communication and have instead concentrated on rushing through legislation on the issue.

In 1999, a “cautionary approach” was acknowledged by the European Union in its Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC aiming at providing a “high-level of protection” to the general public. Its practical operation is based on national legislative measures and the development of European harmonised standards within the

 

 

framework of directives 73/23/EEC (low voltage) and 1999/5/EC (RTTE).

On 29/04/2004, after a 12-year procedure that flouted their own much publicised better regulation principles, EU institutions adopted the 3rd “Physical Agents” 2004/40/EC Directive on “the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from electromagnetic fields”.

Working together with its sister organisation on the social side, CEEMET, ORGALIME continues to monitor this issue closely in order to ensure that protection from EMF exposure remains undisputable, harmonised throughout the EU, practically applicable, without ambiguities for authorities, fair for all (manufacturers, users, infrastructure managers), transparent and thus, accountable, as it is urgent to restore a climate of mutual confidence amongst all stakeholders.

Picture Courtesy of Hydro