European Commission, Brussels
Report on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on the limitation of exposure of the
general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz – 300 GHz)
(1999/519/EC) in the EU Member States
CONTRACT NUMBER- SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06
Commission staff working paper
FINAL
May 2008
Subcontractor:
BiPRO Beratungsgesellschaft für integrierte Problemlösungen
TÜV SÜD
Industrie Service GmbH
SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 ii
Document Identification
Project Number SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06
Project Title Report on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz – 300 GHz) (1999/519/EC) in the EU Member States
Deliverable title Commission staff working paper
Date 8 May 2008
Release 2.1
Document Approval
Responsibility Organisation Person Date
Project Co-ordinator BiPRO GmbH Reinhard Joas 14.03.2008
Alexandra Polcher 15.05.2008
Subcontratctor TÜV SÜD Thomas Gritsch 15.05.2008
EC officer DG SANCO Laurent Bontoux
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Executive summary
The general public is exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) of various frequencies generated by a
fast growing variety of sources. Exposure to EMF may have biological effects, depending on the
frequency of fields, intensity and modalities of exposure. Protection of public health against the
potential adverse effects of exposure to EMF falls under the Member States' responsibility.. In order to
provide a common framework of basic restrictions and reference levels to the Member States, the
Council adopted in 1999 Recommendation 1999/519/EC on the limitation of the exposure of the
general public to EMF (0-300 GHz), which also serves as a basis for EU legislation on products and
devices emitting EMF. The Recommendation is based on the guidelines of the International Council for
Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which are derived from acute effects of EMF exposure on
humans, considered by ICNIRP the only effects for which proven scientific evidence is available.
The Recommendation foresees that the Commission reports on its implementation to the European
Council and the European Parliament on the basis of the information from the Member States and the
latest scientific evidence. The First Implementation Report was presented by the Commission in 2002.
This Second Implementation Report provides a synopsis of the situation in the enlarged Union, as well
as the main scientific developments since the first report. However, it does not intend to address the
general policy and regulatory issues related to EMF emission rules and standards for products,
installation and devices.
The present Commission staff working document provides further details on the legal measures,
monitoring, communication and research activities in EU 27 and Switzerland. Furthermore the
situation in the countries is assessed and is presented in form of overall pictures which allow an easy
identification of the current situation.
Most Member States have implemented the Council Recommendation and/or the ICNIRP guidelines.
The measures address the most common sources of EMF such as mobile telecommunications, radio
and TV broadcasting, high-voltage power lines, transportation and home wiring and appliances. A few
Member States apply more stringent limits on a precautionary basis and one country has introduced
less stringent limits on the basis of a new scientific approach.
Subsequently most Member States have transposed the limits set by the Council Recommendation
into their legislation and have legally binding measures to control EMF exposure of the general public.
Bulgaria is in the process of implementing the Recommendation and the Slovak Republic is amending
the current legislation. Germany and the Netherlands have only implemented a limited number of
measures foreseen in the Recommendation (in particular on ELF), but are designing new legislative
measures to ensure a more complete implementation. Denmark has not implemented legally binding
measures, but they follow the ICNIRP guidelines for the assessment of the exposure of the general
public. In Ireland the ICNIRP guidelines have only been adopted in relation to the licensing conditions
by the Communication Regulator. In Spain the autonomous communities may implement stricter
measures than those in the national legislation. Belgium is the only country with regional differences in
the legislative provisions for the protection of the public in relation to EMF.
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Some Member States have suggested that some modifications should be made to the
Recommendation: more stringent restrictions and reference levels for extremely low frequencies (ELF,
0-300 Hz) given concerns on possible increased risk of childhood leukaemia (Finland, Sweden and the
Netherlands), more strict restrictions and reference levels at fields of 10 kHz-300 GHz (Lithuania), long-
term and non-thermal effects of EMF (Bulgaria), information on product safety (Poland) and the
restrictions and reference levels for radio frequencies (RF) radiation (Sweden).
Additional safety measures are applied mainly for mobile telecommunication stations, radio and TV
broadcasting stations and for high-voltage power lines. The key measures to reduce the exposure of
the public to EMF are safety zones around EMF sources, network infrastructure sharing of facilities,
special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc. or on the basis of
total local emissions by type of EMF; and other miscellaneous measures. Some countries apply also
specific restrictions for certain EMF types, for some appliances and for situations of high overall
exposure.
The Council Recommendation asks the national authorities to monitor the levels of EMF exposure and
check whether they exceed the limits set in the Recommendation. Most of the countries monitor EMF
levels in the areas of concern (telecommunication base stations, power lines etc.) by asking the
authorities to carry out special studies the results of which are generally published on the Internet
together with the permit information.
Communication with the public refers to actions aiming at informing the citizens on the potential risks
of electromagnetic fields and on the protection measures taken in their environment. The most
common channels of information are the Internet, special publications, meetings with citizens'
committees and local authorities, newspapers and magazines. Some countries have established citizen
blogs and/or juries for dialogue and may use TV and/or radio programmes (Cyprus, Bulgaria, and
Lithuania). These vectors raise the general public awareness and enable the authorities to determine
areas of concern. Special environmental impact assessment meetings are also organised related to the
setting up of a new installation which may have a significant impact on the environment.
As regards research the main objective of most studies on EMF levels is to determine to which levels
the general public, and more specifically children, are exposed and the potential health effects. In
public funded research, strong emphasis is put on is on the effects of mobile communication base
stations and mobile phones as well as on radio and TV broadcasting and high-voltage power lines.
However, areas of new developments such as WiFi, WLAN, etc have also been addressed.
The main areas of research cover both characterization and measurement of exposure to
electromagnetic fields and their possible adverse health effects. Of special interest are effects of EMF
exposure on the body, such as on the brain and the underlying mechanisms of the cellular effects of
EMF, the DNA and possible effects on health and well-being.
Some countries have also promoted studies of risk perception in the area of EMF, examining growing
public concerns about possible damaging effects of electromagnetic radiation.
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List of content
1 Background of present Commission staff working document.................................2
2 Introduction ...................................................................................................................2
3 The Electromagnetic fields Issue ................................................................................3
4 Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) – (1999/519/EC).................................................................................................................4
5 Scientific bases.............................................................................................................6
6 Actions undertaken at Community level.....................................................................8
7 Actions undertaken at Member States level.............................................................11
7.1 AT- Austria ...................................................................................................................11
7.2 BE - Belgium ................................................................................................................12
7.3 BG - Bulgaria................................................................................................................15
7.4 CH - Switzerland ..........................................................................................................18
7.5 CY - Cyprus..................................................................................................................20
7.6 CZ - Czech Republic ....................................................................................................22
7.7 DE - Germany ..............................................................................................................23
7.8 DK - Denmark ..............................................................................................................25
7.9 EE - Estonia .................................................................................................................27
7.10 ES - Spain....................................................................................................................29
7.11 FI - Finland...................................................................................................................31
7.12 FR - France..................................................................................................................33
7.13 GR - Greece.................................................................................................................36
7.14 HU - Hungary ...............................................................................................................41
7.15 IE - Ireland ...................................................................................................................42
7.16 IT – Italy .......................................................................................................................44
7.17 LT - Lithuania ...............................................................................................................46
7.18 LU – Luxembourg.........................................................................................................49
7.19 LV - Latvia ....................................................................................................................52
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7.20 MT - Malta ....................................................................................................................53
7.21 NL - Netherlands..........................................................................................................54
7.22 PL - Poland ..................................................................................................................56
7.23 PT - Portugal ................................................................................................................59
7.24 RO - Romania ..............................................................................................................61
7.25 SE - Sweden ................................................................................................................63
7.26 SI - Slovenia.................................................................................................................65
7.27 SK - Slovak Republic ...................................................................................................69
7.28 UK - United Kingdom ...................................................................................................70
8 Overall picture on the situation in the Member States ............................................75
8.1 Protective Framework ..................................................................................................77
8.2 Scope of the implementation measures.......................................................................82
8.3 Monitoring ....................................................................................................................95
8.4 Communication with the public ....................................................................................99
8.5 Research funding.......................................................................................................102
9 Developments since the first implementation report ............................................106
10 Conclusion.................................................................................................................108
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Abbreviation
Afsset French Agency of the security environmental and occupational safety
AGNIR Advisory Group on Non-ionising radiation
and health
AT Austria
BE Belgium
BEMFV Verordnung über das Nachweisverfahren zur Begrenzung elektromagnetischer
Felder
BG Bulgaria
BImSchV Bundes-Immissionsschutzverordnung
BIPT Belgisch Instituut voor postdiensten en telecommunicatie
BMWi Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology
CE Conformité Européenne, French for European Conformity
CEEX Romanian Research Programme
CH Switzerland
ComReg Communications Regulator
CSTEE Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment
CTE Centre for Transportation and the Environment
CY Cyprus
CZ Czech Republic
DCSF Department for Children, Schools and Families
DE Germany
DECT Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications
DG RTD DG Research
DK Denmark
E.E.A.E. Greek Atomic Energy Commission
EAS Electronic article surveillance
EC European Commission
EE Estonia
ELF Extremely low frequency
EM Electromagnetic
EMF Electromagnetic field
EN European Norm / Standard
ES Spain
ESB Electricity Supply Board
EU European Union
FI Finland
FIOH Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
FP Framework Project
FR France
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GHz Gigahertz
GR Greece
GSM Global system for mobile communication
HERMO Health Risk Assessment of Mobile Communications
HPA Health Protection Agency
HU Hungary
Hz Hertz
ICNIRP International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
ICP Inductively Coupled Plasma
ICT Information and Communication Technology
IE Ireland
IF Intermediate Frequency
IT Italy
LPE Law on the Protection of the Environment in Switzerland
LT Lithuania
LU Luxembourg
LV Latvia
MS Member State
MT Malta
MTHR Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research
NAB Nationaal Antennebeleid/ National Antenna Policy
NL Netherlands
NRP National Research Programme
NRPB National Radiological Protection Board
ONIR Ordinance related to Non Ionizing Radiation in Switzerland
PL Poland
PMR Proton Magnetic Resonance
PT Portugal
R&TTE Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive
RCMSUE La Recomendación de Consejo de Ministros de Sanidad de la Unión Europea RF Radio Frequency
RFID Radio Frequency Identification
RO Romania
RPII Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland
SAGE Stakeholder advisory group on ELF
SAR Specific energy absorption rate
SCENIHR Scientific committee on emerging and newly identified health risks
SE Sweden
SI Slovenia
SK Slovakia
SSC Scientific Steering Committee
STUK Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority
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T Tesla
TETRA Terrestrial trunked radio, primarily trans European trunked radio
TUT Tampere University of Technology
UH University of Helsinki
UHF Ultra-High-Frequency
UK United Kingdom
UMTS-HSDPA Universal Mobile Telecommunications System - High Speed Downlink Packet
Access
UMTS-HSUPA Universal Mobile Telecommunications System - High Speed Uplink Packet
Access
UTU University of Turku
VHF Very-High-Frequency
VLF Very low frequency
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
WHO World Health Organization
WiFi Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
WLAN Wireless Local Area Network
VDU Visual Display Unit
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Commission staff working paper WORK IN PROGRESS
1 Background of present Commission staff working document
To ensure a high level of health protection, the Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC) obliges the
Commission to promote the establishment of European standards, research on the potential health
effects of EMF and international development of harmonised guidance and advice. The Commission
is also requested to report to the European Council and the European Parliament about the
implementation of the Recommendation on a regular basis.
Following the first implementation report1 prepared in 2002 the European Commission called for
assistance for the preparation of the 2nd implementation report and an accompanying Commission
staff working document.
The following Commission staff working document was prepared on the basis of the results of an
online consultation process based on a questionnaire to be filled in by experts from the European
Member States.
The present document provides information on the legal measures taken by MS as well as their
scope. Furthermore monitoring, communication and research activities have been compiled for each
country separately.
Based on the available information an assessment has been performed showing in a precise way the
status of the implemented measures in comparison to the recommended aspects of Council
Recommendation 1999/519/EC.
2 Introduction
The public is exposed to electromagnetic fields generated by an increasing variety of electric,
electronic devices and installations. Electromagnetic fields may have biological effects under certain
conditions. On 12th July 1999, the Council adopted a Recommendation (199/519/EC) to limit the
exposure of the population.
It is the Member States' responsibility to protect their population against potential health risks.
However, the Council Recommendation has established a European Union set of basic restrictions
and reference levels to provide guidance to the Member States and to create a basis for the relevant
provisions of the EU product safety legislation. These restrictions and reference levels are those set
out by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. They are based on
proven, short-term effects of electromagnetic fields and include a safety margin.
The Recommendation invites the Commission to keep the possible health effects of EMF under
review. In 2002, the Commission presented its first report on the implementation of the
1 http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/environment/EMF/implement_rep_en.pdf
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Recommendation based on Member States' contributions. The present document is the second
report, relating the situation in the EU-27, based on the information received from the Member
States, and presenting an update on initiatives taken by the Commission to review the scientific
knowledge.
3 The Electromagnetic fields Issue
Electromagnetic fields referred to in the Recommendation are those oscillating with a frequency
varying from 0 to 300 GHz. Radio and television broadcasting stations and high- voltage power lines
were until recently the major sources of EMF. The fast increase of mobile telecommunications and a
large variety of personal, domestic, commercial and medical equipment have considerably increased
the number of sources of exposure of the public to various2 low level sources of EMF.
The public sometimes expresses concerns about the potential adverse health effects of EMF. A
recent Eurobarometer survey3 indicates that half of the EU citizens express concern about the
potential health risks of EMF. Furthermore, a majority of citizens do not feel that public authorities
act effectively to protect them from potential health effects of EMF. This is particularly the case for
over-ground high-voltage power lines and for the transmitter masts used as radiotelephone base
stations placed close to dwellings or houses. The novel applications such as WLAN4, WiFi5, WiMAX6,
DVB-T7, TETRA8, EAS9, RFID10 ports, new telecommunication infrastructure (UMTS11-HSDPA12, UMTS-
HSUPA13) and transportation networks using varying frequencies (e.g. Transrapid) offer
improvements in living and commuting conditions. However, the increasing use of various low- level
EMF sources may also considerably change the level and type of everyday exposure of the
2 Static fields with no variation in electric or magnetic field (0 Hz) – used in hospital applications (MRI), welding, and
transportation systems operating from DC power supplies; Extremely low frequencies (ELF) (0 to 300 Hz) - used in household device and appliances and exposed in the vicinity of power and high voltages transmission lines; Intermediate Frequencies (IF) (300 Hz – 100 kHz) – used in video display units, anti-theft devices in shops, card readers, metal detectors, electro surgery; Radiofrequencies (RF) (100 kHz to 300 GHz) - used in wireless communication technologies such as GSM, UMTS, Wireless LAN and RFID for both mobile phones and base stations (antenna masts and antennas), hospital applications as well as in radio and TV broadcasting.
3 http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/environment/EMF/ebs272a_en.pdf 4 Wireless Local Area Network. 5 Wireless fidelity, is a wireless technology brand owned intended to improve the interoperability of wireless local area network products based on the IEEE 802.11 standards.
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways.
7 Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial, a digital new television system, also called Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in UK and Ireland as well as Televisión Digital Terrestre (TDT) in Spain.
8 Terrestrial Trunked Radio, a communication system using 25 kHz channels. 9 Electronic Article Surveillance, a security system for preventing theft in retail stores that uses radio frequency (RF), acousto-
magnetic (AM) and electromagnetic (EM). 10 Radio Frequency Identification, A data collection technology that uses electronic tags for storing data. 11 Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, a third generation mobile telecommunication system. 12 High Speed Downlink Packet Access, a data service with data transmission over a 5MHz bandwidth. 13 High Speed Uplink Packet Access, a data service with data transmission over a 5MHz bandwidth.
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population. Furthermore, because of the various sources of EMF, the exposure may vary significantly
both in time and space leading to highly heterogeneous exposure conditions.
It should be mentioned that also conflicts with environmental and health issues can arise, an
example might be energy saver bulbs. They contribute on one side to carbon dioxide reduction, on
the other hand they can be significant sources of intermediate frequency fields.
Also it should be mentioned that mobile communication networks showed in the last years a rapid
growth displacing in some regions wired conventional telecommunication technologies. Counter-
intuitively the constantly denser becoming network resulted not in a decreasing radiation power, but
in a substantial increase due to new transmission techniques like GRPS14 and UMTS- HSDPA/HSUPA.
To summarize, the electromagnetic field issue is an important topic for policy makers related to
precautionary measures for the health of European citizens. The exposure has increased significantly
during the last years and it is expected that these trends will continue in the future.
4 Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) – (1999/519/EC)
This Recommendation is based on Article 152 § 4 of the Treaty, which provides for the adoption of
Recommendations by the Council with a view to complement national policies for improving public
health, preventing human illness and diseases, and obviating sources of danger to human health.
Moreover, Article 152 §1 states that “a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the
definition and implementation of all Community activities and policies”.
The overall aim of the Council Recommendation (1999/519/EC) is to establish a Community
framework for the exposure of the general public to EMF. The restrictions are intended to specify
maximum exposure levels that ensure a high-level of protection for all population groups. They also
provide the basis for monitoring the situation in various conditions of exposure. The
Recommendation provides a reference framework for EU legislation on electric and electronic
products and devices emitting EMF. The Council Recommendation therefore provides a basis for
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national policies and regulatory approaches aimed at limiting citizen's exposure as well as for EU
measures to restrict EMF levels generated by products15.
The Recommendation requires that basic restrictions for the exposure to EMF and reference levels
for the monitoring of the situation be based on the best scientific evidence of the health effects of
EMF. The current restriction and reference values derive from the 1998 International Commission for
Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, designed on the basis of short-term,
immediate effects of EMF such as stimulation of peripheral nerves and muscles, shocks and burns
caused by touching conducting objects, and elevated tissue temperatures resulting from the
absorption of energy during exposure to EMF. Long-term effects, like induction of cancer were not
considered to be scientifically proven. The ICNIRP guidelines use a safety factor of 50 resulting from
the product between a factor 5, corresponding to the reduction of public exposure values compared
to those applicable to occupational exposure, and a factor of 10 to cover variations of sensitivity and
in exposure conditions in the whole frequency range.
The Recommendation sets out "basic restrictions" and "reference levels". The basic restrictions are
expressed as physical quantities (magnetic flux density, current density, specific energy absorption
rate and power density) that should not be exceeded in exposed individuals. Reference levels are
expressed as the strength of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields which would in general
ensure that the basic restrictions are respected.
The Member States are responsible for the protection of the population against potential risks from
EMF exposure and may apply more stringent limits than those set in the Recommendation. The
Council Recommendation asks the Member States to implement a framework of basic restrictions
and reference levels to EMF exposure from various sources and to ensure that adequate health
protection measures are taken and the general public is adequately informed.
The "basic restrictions" of the Recommendation are based directly on proven health effects and
biological considerations. They are derived by applying safety factors of 50 to the no observed
adverse effects levels (NOAEL). The "reference levels" are provided for practical exposure assessment
purposes to determine whether basic restrictions are likely to be exceeded. These reference levels
can be based on measurements, modelling or perceptions. Member States should take public health
protection measures according to this framework. For each frequency range, the Recommendation
provides values for basic restrictions and reference levels as well as a method to address the case of
exposure from sources with multiple frequencies.
The Recommendation also foresees that Member States consider both the risks and benefits in
deciding whether to take action, inform the public, promote research on the potential health effects
of EMF and report on their action to the Council. In order to ensure a high-level of health protection,
the Recommendation asks the Commission to work towards the establishment of European
15 Council Directive 1999/519/EC.
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standards to evaluate compliance with basic restrictions, to encourage research, to continue its
involvement in the work of relevant international organisations and to periodically review the actions
taken.
The Commission has established a Working Group of governmental experts that assist in the
preparation of the Implementation Report, monitors the policy developments and factual situation in
the Member States and, if needed, considers possible joint actions. The Commission has also created
an EMF Network between authorities for a better and timely exchange of views on on-going and up-
coming EMF issues.
5 Scientific bases
The scientific bases for 1998 ICNIRPS guidelines were endorsed a first time by the Scientific Steering
Committee in June 1998, then by the Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the
Environment (CSTEE)16 in November 2001 and again confirmed by the Scientific Committee on
Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR)17 in March 2007. The reviews by those
Scientific Committees took into account the latest scientific evidence available on the potential
health effects of EMF. In its latest opinion, the SCENIHR stated in particular:
Radio Frequency Fields (RF fields)
Since the adoption of the 2001 opinion extensive research has been conducted regarding possible
health effects of exposure to low intensity RF fields, including epidemiologic, in vivo, and in vitro
research. In conclusion, no health effect has been consistently demonstrated at exposure levels
below the limits of ICNIRP (International Committee on Non Ionising Radiation Protection)
established in 1998. However, the data base for evaluation remains limited especially for long-term
low-level exposure.
Intermediate Frequency Fields (IF fields)
Experimental and epidemiological data from the IF range are very sparse. Therefore, assessment of
acute health risks in the IF range is currently based on known hazards at lower frequencies and
higher frequencies. Proper evaluation and assessment of possible health effects from long-term
exposure to IF fields are important because human exposure to such fields is increasing due to new
and emerging technologies.
17 http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_scenihr/docs/scenihr_o_007.pdf
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Extremely low frequency fields (ELF fields)
The previous conclusion that ELF magnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic, chiefly based on
occurrence of childhood leukaemia, is still valid. For breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, recent
research has indicated that an association is unlikely. For neurodegenerative diseases and brain
tumours, the link to ELF fields remains uncertain. No consistent relationship between ELF fields and
self-reported symptoms (sometimes referred to as electrical hypersensitivity) has been
demonstrated.
Static Fields
Adequate data for proper risk assessment of static magnetic fields are very sparse. Developments of
technologies involving static magnetic fields, e.g. with MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment
require risk assessments to be made in relation to occupational exposure.
In light of the most recent opinion by SCENIHR, there is no clear scientific evidence of long-term
effects to guide a possible revision of the Recommendation at this stage. Nevertheless, due to the
uncertainties and lack of scientific data on long-term and low-level EMF exposure, the SCENIHR made
the following Recommendations for further research:
RF fields
• A long term prospective cohort study. Such a study would overcome problems that were discussed
in relation to existing epidemiological studies, including the Interphone study. These problems take
in recall bias and other aspects of exposure assessment, selection bias due to high proportions of
non-responders, too short induction period, and restriction to intracranial tumours.
• Health effects of RF exposure in children. To date no study on children exists. This issue can also be
addressed by studies on immature animals. This research has to take into consideration that
dosimetry in children may differ from that in adults.
• Exposure distribution in the population. The advent of personal dosimeters has made it possible to
describe individual exposure in the population and to assess the relative contribution of different
sources to the total exposure. Such a project would require that groups of people with different
characteristics are selected and that they wear dosimeters for a defined period of time.
There are several experimental studies that need to be replicated, such as those on genotoxicity and
cognition involving sleep quality parameters. For studies on biomarkers it is essential that the impact
on human health is considered. Valid exposure assessment including all relevant sources of exposure
is essential. A general comment is that all studies must use high-quality dosimetry.
IF fields
• Data on health effects from IF fields are sparse. This issue should be addressed both through
epidemiologic and experimental studies.
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ELF fields
• Epidemiological results indicate an increased risk of leukaemia in children exposed to high levels of
ELF magnetic fields; however, this is not supported by animal data. The mechanisms responsible for
the childhood leukaemia and the reasons for the discrepancy are unknown and require a better
understanding and clarification.
Static fields
• A cohort study on personnel dealing with equipment that generates strong magnetic fields is
required, which could be started with a thorough feasibility study.
• Relevant experimental studies such as studies on carcinogenicity, genotoxicity as well as
developmental and neurobehavioural effects would have to be conducted as well.
Additional considerations
• Studies including exposure to combinations of frequencies as well as combinations of
electromagnetic fields and other agents need to be considered.
As a first response to these Recommendations, the Commission has introduced in the 2nd call for
proposals of the 7th Framework Programme for research (FP7) a topic for a collaborative project
entitled 'Health impacts of exposure to radiofrequency fields in childhood and adolescence' (EC
contribution up to €3.5M) under the Environment and Health sub-activity. Results should be
available within 4 to 6 years. Additional topics are under consideration for future calls.
6 Actions undertaken at Community level
As the thematic of electromagnetic fields is a topic of public interest continues work is carried out
concerning research in the various related topics.
EMF -NET
A project funded within the 6th Framework Programme of DG Research is called EMF-NET and is a
Coordination Action that aims to provide a framework for the coordination of the results of the
research activities related to the biological effects of electromagnetic fields, considering also the
potential risks related to exposure in the working environment (occupational exposure).
The EMF-NET consortium involves 41 participants, including all the coordinators of on-going EC
projects, coordinators of research projects at European national level (Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Italy, UK), and representatives of other EC and international activities, such as EC
COST ACTION 281 and the WHO EMF project, associations of industries and manufactures, regulatory
bodies, scientific associations, and trade union associations.
The aim is not to produce new studies, but to ensure the best use of existing data on exposure to
electromagnetic fields by identifying relevant studies and analysing their findings: the EMF-NET
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efforts aim to scientifically inform political and health authorities, providing them with the tools and
building blocks to take appropriate actions and decisions.
The focus of the work is not only exposure associated with cell phones, but also exposure to many
other sources such as power lines, broadcasting antennas, and electric household appliances, as well
as electromagnetic sources encountered in the work environment especially in the industry and
health care. Several separate tasks are undertaken in the EMF-NET coordination action. The results
of current research are brought together and analysed, with consideration of both general public and
occupational exposure. The issues of risk perception and risk communication is also being
investigated, with an emphasis on how to communicate information. A series of EMF-NET
Interpretation Reports, each based on the consolidation of all available evidence in a topic area by a
board of EMF-NET expert have been published and are available on
http://web.jrc.ec.europa.eu/emf%2Dnet/reports.cfm.
EIS-EMF
Another project which is closely linked with EMF-NET but already finalised should be highlighted in
this regard as well namely the EIS-EMF Project funded by DG Sanco and carried out by the European
Joint Research Centre (JRC).
The main task was to promote cooperation among policy makers on public health and EMF risk
communication issues in the EU. The continuing and increasing public concern regarding EMF related
issues highlighted the need to take a fresh look at approaches to risk communication with a view to
identifying effective new initiatives. JRC through EIS-EMF provided scientific and technical support to
EU policies in the area of EMF and health, on behalf of DG SANCO and other DG (RES, ENTR, ENV,
EMPL, etc). The key achievements of the project comprises:
• A network of EU policy makers on EMF issues
• An operational science/policy interface
• Communication tools
Communication tools developed and demonstrated by the EIS-EMF included among others
• the “EU Country Reports on EMF and Health Issues” presenting a concise and thorough
review of national approaches, regulatory measures, and actions in the area of EMF, and
potential health risks
• the “EU Database on EMF exposure measurements and assessments”. The feasibility of such
a database was investigated and its further development is proposed to play an
“observatory” function of EMF exposure in the EU, to promote common standards, and to
become a reference for comparability for compliance with standards across the EU.
More information can be found on http://web.jrc.ec.europa.eu/eis-emf/home.cfm.
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Working Group on Limitation of exposure of general public to electromagnetic fields
The Commission updates and completes the first report on the implementation of the Council
Recommendation. It wishes in particular to review with the Member States the results achieved, the
monitoring and enforcement practices, the research activities as well as the main policy and
communication issues in this area, taking into account the scientific developments. To this end, for
this working group of government experts the following mandate for 2007-2008 was proposed:
1. To monitor and review progress made with the implementation of Council Recommendation
(1999/519/EC) and to assess the results achieved, the measures taken and instruments used,
the monitoring and enforcement practices applied and their effectiveness with regard to the
guidelines of International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and
other relevant international standards;
2. To collect, review, compare and discuss information from the Member States on the aspects
mentioned above in order to identify issues of common interest, possible areas for co-
operation, best practices or needs for improvement.
3. In particular, to identify, examine and discuss specific policy issues in light of the experience
of the Member States;
4. To keep under review the adequacy of the Recommendation in light of scientific
developments.
5. To assist the Commission in preparing the 2nd implementation report of the
Recommendation to the Council.
The Working Group is composed of the governmental experts designated by the Member States. It is
chaired by the Commission. Other experts from industry and other stakeholder organizations as well
as scientists from the Commission Scientific Committees or other scientific and technical bodies may
be invited for specific points at the initiative of the Chair.
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7 Actions undertaken at Member States level
7.1 AT- Austria
7.1.1 Protective Framework
In Austria the pre-standard ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8850 has been implemented in 2006 as a provisional
technical standard for control of exposure. The norm has to be applied as state of the art to avoid
health risks through EMFs for new installations in the permit procedure. It replaces the former
norms ÖNORM 1119 and ÖNORM 1120.
In general the Recommendation is valid for the whole country, however, local authorities demand
sometimes more stringent levels as e.g. the country of Salzburg where authorities recommended
considerably lower values.
7.1.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Austria is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the
Recommendation support a high level of health protection for short term effects. However, they
propose better consideration of uncertainties with respect to possible non- thermal and long- term
effects as well as the consideration of a concept of justification and minimization.
The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in the pre-standard correspond to those
in the Council Recommendation. However, for mobile phone base stations the supreme health
council has recommended in January 2008 an administrative intervention value of at least 100 times
lower in terms of power density.
Measures applied in Austria addresses combined exposure from several sources.
Additional safety measures taken in Austria to reduce EMF exposure are some initiatives on network
infrastructure sharing for mobile phone base stations. In addition there is a restrictions to use mobile
phones and other high frequency sources within hospitals near medical equipment.
7.1.3 Monitoring
Austria controls that the levels of EMF exposure do not exceed the limits set by monitoring of EMF
levels in the areas of concern by the telecommunication authority.
7.1.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites (www.bmgfj.gv.at and
www.bmvit.gv.at) on which several brochures and guidance material can be downloaded. In addition
a flyer on the prudent use of mobile phones has been prepared as a Recommendation of the
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supreme health court.
7.1.5 Research funding
As regards research on possible health effects of EMF singular research projects on low frequency
fields have been funded by the ministry of health and the ministry of environment.
7.2 BE - Belgium
7.2.1 Protective Framework
Belgium set up a framework in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields by
the Royal Decree Aug 10, 2005 (gsm-masts) and the Ministery order April, 20, 1988 (power lines)
which are both legally binding.
The Royal decree of August, 10, 2005 covers radio frequency (between 10 MHz and 10 GHz) from
immobile sources. It aims at the protection of health by means of setting exposure limits. [Koninklijk
besluit van 10 augustus 2005 houdende de normering van zendmasten voor elektromagnetsiche
golven tussen 10 MHz en 10 GHz].
The Ministery order April, 20, 1988 sets limits on ELF electric fields as general rules on electrical
installations. [Besluit van de Minister van Economische Zaken, belast met het toezicht op de lijnen
voor transport en verdeling van elektrische energie (MB van 7 mei 1987, BS 14-5-1987 - art 1
vervangen bij MB 20-4-1988, BS 6-5-1988)]
In Belgium there is no general legislation for ELF magnetic fields, but a general rule on electrical
installations for the protection against biological effects of electric and magnetic fields: article 139,
modified by Royal decree 22-12-1994, BS 9/2/1995. It states that the Ministry of Energy is authorized
to take measures for the protection against ELF electric and magnetic fields [Artikel 139 van het
Algemeen Reglement op de elektrische installaties (zoals gewijzigd bij KB 22-12-1994, BS 9-2-1995)].
The Belgian decree only concerns the ELF and more specific the 50 Hz magnetic field (guided value 2
µT, action value 10 µT) generated by indoor household devices and outdoor electricity facilities.
There is no indoor decree for the ELF electric field nor for the magnetic field of higher frequencies.
In Belgium there are regional differences as the Flemish decree of June 10, 2004 is not applicable for
the other regions of Belgium.
7.2.2 Scope of the implementation measures
In Belgium the indoor decree is based on the precautionary principle as a political decision. The
decision to apply more stringent limit values is not based on scientific evidence. The National Health
Board in Belgium has recommended to use the precautionary principle and has proposed limit values
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that are 200 times stricter than those of the Council Recommendation (for exposure to RF-radiation).
Political decision has been taken to set up in the indoor decree limit values 4 times stricter (in terms
of SAR-value) than those of the Recommendation. However it should be taken in mind that the
indoor decree only concerns the ELF and more specific the 50 Hz magnetic field.
The Royal decree of August, 10, 2005 sets 4 time stricter SAR-limits for public exposure to radio
frequency (between 10 MHz and 10 GHz) from all immobile sources: mobile phone base stations,
radio-, TV- broadcasting, military or police sources. The Flemish decree doesn’t take into account
basic restrictions.
As regards the reference levels the limit values for radio frequency range are 4 times (in terms of
power density) stricter. For ELF electric fields the limit value for urban area is the same as in the
Recommendation. In particular the Ministery order of April 20, 1988 states
"Article 1 : The value of the undisturbed electric field, in undisturbed regime, generated by any
electrical installation involved in the transmission or distribution of electrical energy, must remain
lower than the following values measured at 1.5 m above the ground (or home):
(1) inhabited area, or area intended for habitation on sector plan: 5 kV/m
(2) overhangs of roads: 7 kV/m
(3) other places: 10 kV/m
In the indoor decree both - the guided value for the magnetic field 0,2 µT and the action value 10 µT -
are far below the reference level of 100 µT recommended in the Council Recommendation
(1999/519/EC).
Sources addressed by the Belgium measures are in particular high-voltage power lines (50 Hz), radio
and TV broadcasting stations (10 MHz – 10 GHz), mobile communication base stations (10 MHz – 10
GHz), home/ domestic wiring (50 Hz) as well as combined exposure from several sources (10 MHz –
10 GHz).
Additional safety measures applied in Belgium focuses on safety zones around EMF sources, network
infrastructure sharing of facilities for radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication
base stations and special restrictions based on total local EMF emission by type of EMF emissions
details.
The limits for RF-exposure are 4 times stricter at places accessible for the public. The limits are set on
a total field strength value at the range 10 MHz -10 GHz, for all immobile RF-sources together. At the
safety zones which are not accessible for public higher RF-fields are allowed.
7.2.3 Monitoring
In Belgium monitoring of the levels of EMF exposure is performed by special studies regarding
monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern and with estimation models for exposure evaluation
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in the permit procedure.
In the frame of the conformity assessment procedure, the operator must evaluate the specific and
total exposure of his antennas on a site, by means of model estimations. In some cases (when
expected exposure is above 5% of the norm), measurements on a site should take place to assess
existing background exposure. All conformity assessment files are accessible for the public on
www.sites.bipt.be. The citizens have the opportunity to request the BIPT to evaluate the exposure at
home or at home environment free of charge. The BIPT (Belgian telecommunication company)
collects data from these measurements. Also VITO (Flemish Institute of Technological Research) is
often performing monitor and model activities on demand of governmental related bodies. Some
examples are:
Modelling of the ELF EMF of power lines under and above the ground - Measurement campaign
of EMF (0 – 3 GHz range) in public places
Measurement campaign in order to estimate the number of children exposed to a magnetic field
of 0.4 µT
Measurement campaign for estimating the RF-field of WiFi in city areas
Measurement campaign for estimating the indoor exposure of children to ELF, VLF and RF fields
from indoor and outdoor EMF sources
7.2.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites like www.infogsm.be,
www.bbemg.ulg.ac.be and www.health.fgov.be.
A communication project aims at answering pro-actively on questions from the public, informing
about exposure limits and the rationale behind the limits. Also a folder on children and mobile phone
use has been distributed. Given the scientific evidence today does not show any danger to mobile
phone users, neither for adults nor for children, this folder advises parents and young people to
make smart use of mobiles as a precautionary measure.
7.2.5 Research funding
Research activities within Belgium focuses on transportations systems using static fields (LNE18-funds
for measuring campaign in public transport), commercial equipments (Measurement campaign for
estimating the RF-field of WIFI in city areas) and combined exposure from several sources
(Measurement campaign for estimating the indoor exposure of children to ELF, VLF, RF-fields).
The overall objective of the exposure assessment of the EMFs (frequency range from 0 Hz – 3 GHz) is
18 Departement Leffmiliee, Natuur en Energie
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to gain insight in the levels at which the general public and more specific children are exposed
relative to national (if they exist) and/or international exposure guidelines and/or standards. Since in
general the indoor and outdoor ELF, VLF and RF exposure is small relative to their reference levels,
there is a tendency to believe that, if the exposure limits are reliable, no health risks exists for the
general public.
The funding for research is provided by services associated with the Flemish Government such as the
department of Environment, Nature and Energy (LNE) on the one hand and the Flemish Environment
Agency (VMM) as well as the BelgianBiomagnetic Group (BBEMG).
The Belgian BioElectroMagnetic Group (BBEMG), created in 1995, includes 6 research teams involved
for several years in the study of biomedical effects of electromagnetic fields. BBEMG is particularly
interested in the effects of electric fields and magnetic induction generated by the transport and use
of electric power in our daily life and places of work (50 Hz) and is covered by the 6 following
participants and projects:
• M. Hinsenkamp (Université Libre de Bruxelles) - In vitro study of the effects of electromagnetic fields on cell sensitivity
• P. De Boever (VITO, Mol) - Study of the effects of electromagnetic fields on biological markers in patients complaining about electrosensitivity (genetic study)
• M. Crasson, J.J. Legros (University of Liège) - Electrosensitivity : Psychological and psychophysiological approach of people complaining about electrosensitivity
• J.L. Lilien, V. Beauvois (University of Liège) - Contact current perception and electrosensitivity / Characterization of typical contact currents in dwellings in Belgium / Electrical support of the BBEMG team
• G. Decat (VITO, Mol) - Characterization of typical contact currents in dwellings in Belgium / Determination of the proportion of children living in Belgium who are exposed to a 50 Hz magnetic induction field of 0,4 microtesla
• M. De Ridder, L. Braeckman (Ghent University) - Literature review / Analysis and risk assessment
7.3 BG - Bulgaria
7.3.1 Protective Framework
In Bulgaria there are exposure limit values for the general public since 1991, however, there are no
basic restrictions up to now. It is intend to implement measures to set up a framework to protect the
public from exposure to electromagnetic fields according to the Council Recommendation in form of
an ordinance for the maximal permissible exposure levels of the electrical, magnetic and
electromagnetic fields in living environment. A project as regards a new ordinance considering the
Recommendation limit values was prepared in 2005 and is in a stage now of co-ordination with
Bulgarian and European legislation.
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There are no regional differences in Bulgaria.
The precautionary principle is used for powerful stationary sources, for products emitting EM
radiation (microwave ovens, VDUs, mobile phones).
7.3.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Bulgaria is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the
Recommendation do not support a high level of health protection as the Council Recommendation
1999/519/EC does not take into account long term and non-thermal effects.
In Bulgaria the implemented measures related to the basic restrictions are the same as outlined in
the Council Recommendation.
Concerning the reference limits an approach of sensitive areas is used. This means to set different
exposure limit values for different zones which are defined through aspects like the possibility of
human exposure and the duration of exposure. This is done by setting higher limit values for zones
where human exposure is seldom or practically impossible and much lower for zones with 24 h stay,
where the exposure of sensitive groups occurs, including children, pregnant women, elderly and ill
people.
The zones in Bulgaria are defined as follows:
1. First zone (short-term stay) sets regions where only short-term human stay is possible: hard-
to-access areas, slope roofs of residential buildings.
2. Second zone (periodical stay) sets regions where temporary and/or periodical human stay is
possible: agricultural lands, accessible roofs of residential buildings, residence areas, streets,
electric transport.
3. Third zone (temporary stay) sets “critical” regions in relation to risk perception: places for
recreation and leisure, parks, gardens, green spots, including attraction parks, recreation
parks, zoos and botanical gardens, health recreation facilities and the exterior of facilities for
elderly people, rehabilitation and social re-adaptation establishments, children centres,
schools, kindergartens, creches, healthcare establishments, country/summer house areas.
4. Fourth zone (permanent residence) sets places for permanent human stay: residential
premises, inside of public buildings (without workplaces), schools, health care
establishments, kindergartens and creches.
The Council Recommendation limit values are set only for the first and partly for the second zone.
The limit values for the other two zones are more stringent.
The following sources are addressed by the protection measures: high-voltage power lines (Static
fields/ELF/Power frequency 50 Hz), radio and TV broadcasting stations (RF (including MW) ranges),
transportation systems (static and power frequency 50 Hz), mobile communication base stations
(MW range 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 3500 MHz), home/ domestic wiring (50 Hz), domestic
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equipments and appliances (if anything different from the EU requirements and standards) (50 Hz,
2450 MHz), combined exposure from several sources (every kind of combined exposure by sources
emitting in different frequency ranges).
Additional safety measures taken to reduce EMF exposure focus on safety zones around EMF sources
and special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc for high voltage
power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, powerful radars and mobile communication base
stations as well as special restrictions based on total local EMF emission by type of EMF emissions for
static fields (0 Hz), extremely low frequencies (ELF) (>0 to 300 Hz), intermediate frequencies (IF) (300
Hz to 100 kHz) and radiofrequencies (RF) (100 kHz to 300 GHz).
In this regard it should be mentioned again that Bulgaria uses an approach defining specific sensitive
areas with stricter reference limits.
7.3.3 Monitoring
Monitoring activity in Bulgaria comprises the monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern in
particular after the installation of the source, after any optimization or changes in the installation and
on requests. In the permit procedure safety zones calculations on the basis of technical data of the
communication sources and measurements for exposure evaluation are performed after the
installation of new systems.
A study for monitoring base stations for mobile communication considers data from measurements
and evaluation of safety zones around base stations in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian legislation sets two
stages of hygiene control of EMF in the surroundings of base stations for mobile communication. The
first stage covers a check of the documentation with calculation of the safety zone around the source
during the planning of the base station for mobile communication. The estimated safety zones vary
from 10 to 70 m depending on technical characteristics of the antenna and the power provided by
the mobile operator. The second stage covers measuring the EMF values. The measurements are
made by standard methods in the surrounding of stationary transmitter antenna of all types servicing
systems for mobile communications. The measurement points are determined by the deployment,
mounting and possible population access to emitting equipment. A database for mobile
communication base stations in Bulgaria is prepared. It contains information on 4528 base stations
subjected to preliminary sanitary control (on planning stage), and 2674 with recorded measurements
in the period 2001 – 2007.
The measurement data are sorted by the mounting types of base stations antenna: facades, slope
roofs, telecommunication masts, poles of different height on rooftops of residential and public
buildings. Data for two fixed distances from the antennae surfaces on the rooftops at different
antennae mounting height are presented. The mean values of EMF power density on a distance 2 m
reach up to 150 µW/cm2 in the antennae patterns. The power density values in case of antennae
mounted on telecommunication towers or on slope roofs of residential buildings exceed 10 µW/cm2
in few cases only. Higher EMF values are measured mainly in close proximity to the base station
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antennae mainly on rooftops. As a conclusion, measured values of EMF around base station
antennae are lower compared to the ICNIRP guidelines/Council Recommendation.
7.3.4 Communication with the public
Communication to the public is carried out via internet site (http://foundationfaraday.org), citizens'
jury or other respective stakeholder dialogue events, citizens' blogs or other means to facilitate
continuous feedback from citizens, specialized publications as well as via newspapers and magazines.
Originally published by the World Health Organization, the paper "Establishing a Dialogue on Risks
from Electromagnetic Fields" has been translated in Bulgarian language in 2007; a brochure on
mobile phones and health was issued in 2006, regional seminars on specific areas of interest (mobile
communication etc.), press-conferences, participation of experts in special TV and radio health
programmes, meetings with citizens and citizens' committees and meetings and workshops (national
and international) for specialists in the fields of EMF human protection have also been carried out.
The national communication programme developed by the Bulgarian National Programme
Committee as a part of the International EMF Project (WHO) is implemented as a communication
initiative. The Programme is directed to all parts of the society, also to all stakeholders.
7.3.5 Research funding
In Bulgaria there is scarce public research funding. Only one projects funded by the Ministry of
Health: "National Action Plan on Environment and Health" includes - as a small part – EMF exposure
to humans. High-voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication
base stations as sources of EMF radiation are partly covered by the project. Most of the finished
studies in this area are funded by the National Foundation "Faraday" and by some international
organizations as WHO, European Office for Aerospace Research and Development, EMF-NET
European Project (European Commission 6th Framework programme).
7.4 CH - Switzerland
7.4.1 Protective Framework
Switzerland has implemented a number of legally binding measures to protect the public against
exposure to electromagnetic fields. According to the Law on the Protection of the Environment (LPE;
SR 814.01), the non-ionizing radiation must be limited in such a way to protect environment or man
against effects that are, or might be, harmful or nuisance. This law was implemented with the
Ordinance relating to the “Protection from Non Ionizing Radiation” (ONIR; SR 814.710), implemented
on 1st February 2000. It regulates the limitation of electric and magnetic field emissions with
frequencies range 0 Hz to 300 GHz that are generated by stationary installations like power lines,
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railways and trams, broadcasting stations or mobile phones base stations. For electrical devices and
equipments covered by the Low Voltage Ordinance (SR 734.26) and for telecommunication end
devices covered by the Ordinance on Telecommunications Installations (SR 784.101.2) the
corresponding EU product standards and requirements are legally binding.
There are no regional variations within Switzerland regarding protection of the public against
electromagnetic fields.
7.4.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Switzerland is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the
Recommendation do not support a high level of health protection. Low cost precautionary measures,
especially for products, should be added as legally binding measures. For example: in the
corresponding product standards should be fixed up requirements for declaration of radiation and
consumer information to minimize exposure for products which are close to limits.
Basic restrictions are not explicitly mentioned in the Swiss legislation but included indirectly.
Exposure limits are defined mostly as reference limits, but calculating and measuring procedures are
defined in a conservative way in order to ensure compliance with the basic limits. Where more
convenient, basic restrictions are used directly as exposure limits (SAR values for mobile phones).
Exposure limits defined in the ONIR correspond to the ICNIRP reference limits. In addition
precautionary limits are defined for single installations in “sensitive areas". Those “installation limits”
lay factor 10 to 100 below the ICNIRP limit.
Based on the Article 1 of the LPE law that states “Early precautionary measures shall be taken in
order to limit impacts which could become harmful or a nuisance”, two levels of exposure limits are
defined in the ONIR. The ICNIRP limit values are adopted as minimum requirements, that must be
adhered without exemption to all places accessible to people. In addition, precautionary “installation
limits” are defined in order to limit exposure in “sensitive areas” like rooms and buildings regularly
occupied by persons for prolonged periods, or children’s playgrounds. These limits consider single
installations and have been chosen in such a way that it is possible to respect them technically and
economically. Where this is not possible, special dispensations are given out for example for old
installations, large individual emitting bases such as for radio transmitters and for linear sources such
as power lines and railways.
7.4.3 Monitoring
Monitoring is performed by estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure.
To check the compliance with the installation limits, standardized models have been developed in
order to estimate exposure in sensitive areas caused by specific installation.
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7.4.4 Research funding
In 2004, the Federal Council approved the launching of the National Research Programme NRP 57.
Research conducted in the framework of NRP 57 addresses open questions related to
characterization and measurement of electromagnetic fields and their possible damaging effects on
people. Of special interest are effects of EMF exposure on the body, such as on the brain, and
possible effects on health and well-being. A further focus of NRP 57 is on cell biological studies
investigating the underlying mechanisms of the cellular effects of EMF that significantly complement
and extend the international efforts. Rounding off the research programme are research projects
investigating risk perception, examining growing public concerns about possible damaging effects of
electromagnetic radiation. Funds of 5 million CHF were granted to this four-year national research
programme. The research has started in January 2007. 12 out of 36 project proposals have been
selected by the Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation. Initial results are
expected to be available in 2009.
Public research funding in regard to potential health risks of EMF focus on high-voltage power lines,
mobile communication base stations, mobile phones and combined exposure from several sources.
7.4.5 Communication with the public
Communication with the public on the potential health impacts of EMF and measures taken to
address them focus mainly on specialized publication and the internet sites of the Federal Office of
public health: http://www.emf-cem.ch and the Federal office for Environment: http://www.umwelt-
schweiz.ch/elektrosmog.
7.5 CY - Cyprus
7.5.1 Protective Framework
Cyprus has implemented general measures to establish a framework of basic restrictions and
reference levels in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields within the
Radiocommunications (Authorizations) Regulations of 2004 and 2007.
The reference levels proposed in Recommendation 1999/519/EC are applied as the National
Exposure Limits. For licenses granted with administrative procedures (PMR19, fixed links, satellite
earth stations etc), it is prescribed in specific Regulations that these licenses shall include a term that
the public exposure must be below the National Exposure Limits. The same term is included in all
licenses granted by comparative or competitive contests (e.g. mobile network, wireless access
network etc).
19 Professional Mobile Radio like TETRA, GSM etc.
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There are no regional differences.
7.5.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Cyprus states that they believe that the basic restrictions and the reference levels support a high
level of health protection since they take into account uncertainties related to individual sensitivities,
environmental conditions and the age of individuals.
There are not basic restrictions as outlined in the Council Recommendation implemented in Cyprus.
However, Cyprus applies the same reference limits as in the Recommendation.
The rationale for this approach is that Cyprus has adopted the reference levels as National Exposure
Limits because they are measurable quantities and in their view respecting the reference limits
guarantees that the basic restrictions are also respected.
The sources addressed by the regulations in Cyprus are: radio and TV broadcasting stations (UHF and
VHF TV, MW Radio, FM), radio mobile communication base stations (GSM 900, GSM 1800, UMTS)
and combined exposure from several sources.
Additional safety measures are taken in form of safety zones around EMF sources for radio and TV
broadcasting stations. Radio and TV broadcasting stations share the same facilities in common
transmitting sites which are situated away from built up areas.
7.5.3 Monitoring
In Cyprus the wireless electronic communications network operators conduct measurements every
six months for the base stations of their network. The results are submitted to the Department of
Electronic Communications. The Department of Electronic Communications also conducts regularly
and randomly measurements for these stations as well as for all other stations. Furthermore it
carries out measurements in response to requests from the general public and public authorities.
Additionally estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure and estimation
models for exposure evaluation after the installation of new systems are used.
With a few exceptions the exposure quotient resulting of all sources is generally well below 1.
7.5.4 Communication with the public
Communication to the public will mainly be performed via a website which is currently been set up.
In addition special programmes and special programmes in TV and radio are used.
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7.5.5 Research funding
Research funding concentrated on high-voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations,
mobile communication base stations, mobile phones as well as home/domestic wiring.
7.6 CZ - Czech Republic
7.6.1 Protective Framework
In the Czech Republic the Governmental Ordinance No 480/2000 Coll. on non-ionizing radiation
protection establishes a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels corresponding to those
in Recommendation 1999/519/EC in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic
fields. There are no regional differences in the Czech Republic.
7.6.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Representatives of the Czech Republic are of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference
levels set up in the Recommendation support a high level of health protection.
The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in the Czech Republic are the same as in
the Council Recommendation.
No implementation measures have been taken for specific sources as the measures are applicable for
all sources. Furthermore no additional safety measures are foreseen.
In the Czech Republic the electromagnetic field are controlled and compared with the ICNIRP
reference values.
7.6.3 Monitoring
The monitoring activities in the Czech Republic comprises special studies for the monitoring of EMF
levels in the areas of concern and estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit
procedure.
7.6.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public on EMF issues takes place via the website www.szu.cz, personal
communications and special publications.
7.6.5 Research funding
Public research activities focus on high voltage power more specific on the issue of childhood
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leukaemia and proximity of power lines. Measurements and their assessment are currently in
progress. The aim of the project is to contribute to the issue of childhood leukaemia and its
enhanced incidence near the power lines.
7.7 DE - Germany
7.7.1 Protective Framework
Germany has not implemented general measure to establish a framework of basic restrictions and
reference levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC. Currently Germany is
working on a law that the existing regulations should expand for the entire frequency range of the
Recommendation 1999/519/EC.
In Germany separate limit values for the certain areas of the electromagnetic spectrum are
mandatory. In January 1997 the 26th Ordinance on the Implementation of the Federal Emission
Protection Law (Ordinance on electromagnetic fields – 26th BImSchV) entered into force. This
Ordinance sets limit values for the electric and magnetic fields in the vicinity of power supply
facilities with a voltage exceeding 1000 V and railway power supply systems as well as limit values for
high-frequency fields including mobile phone frequencies. The Ordinance aims at protecting the
population from scientifically established adverse health effects caused by high-frequency and low-
frequency electromagnetic fields.
7.7.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Germany is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Council
Recommendation supports a high level of health protection.
The Ordinance on electromagnetic fields (26th BImSchV) outlines no basic restrictions, however, the
measures implemented in Germany address exposure levels in specific frequency ranges:
- under BMWi Order on the procedure for providing proof as regards limiting exposure to
electromagnetic fields [German designation: BEMFV] published 2002: 9 kHz - 300 GHz
- Under the 26 BlmSchV: 16 2/3 Hz, 50 Hz, 10 MHz - 300 GHz
The environmental exposure levels are addressed under the 26th BImSchV. In the low frequency
range, the limit values have to be complied- taking other low-frequency emitters into account. In
radiofrequency range, compliance with the limit values must take into account other fixed radio
transmission installations. In the BMWi Order on the procedure for providing proof as regards
limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields [German designation: BEMFV], incidental exposures are
taken into account by means of a supplementary factor.
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The following sources and frequency range(s) are addressed by the protection measures:
High-voltage power lines (16 2/3 and 50 Hz),
Radio and TV broadcasting stations (3 kHz to 300 GHz)
Mobile communication base stations (3 kHz to 300 GHz)
Additional safety measures focuses in Germany on safety zones around EMF sources for radio and TV
broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations as well as special restrictions based
on total local EMF emissions for high voltage power lines; radio and TV broadcasting stations and
mobile communication base stations.
7.7.3 Monitoring
Monitoring in Germany comprises monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern and estimation
models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure. Germany ensures that the levels of
exposure to EMF comply with the implemented measures via DIN VDE 0848, BMWi Order on the
procedure for providing proof as regards limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields [German
designation: BEMFV] published 2002, the 26 th BImSchV at state and municipal level. The levels have
been measured nation-wide several times since 1992. All the exposure levels measured were below
the limits set by ICNIRP and the council Recommendation respectively. The mean levels were at least
100 times stricter. Further details can be found at URL http://emf.bundesnetzagentur.de/.
7.7.4 Communication with the public
Several different websites are in use in order to communicate with the public on EMF issues in
Germany, namely
• Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit (BMU) http://www.bmu.de
• Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (BfS) http://bfs.de
• Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie (BMWi) http://www.bmwi.de
http://www.mobilfunk.information.de
Beside this several federal states provide websites with information about technique, typical
exposure situations and health risks regarding EMF. Examples are:
• Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt, Gesundheit und Verbraucherschutz http://www.stmugv.bayern.de/umwelt/elektrosmog/index.htm
• Landesanstalt für Umwelt, Messungen und Naturschutz, Baden – Württemberg http://www.lubw.baden-wuerttemberg.de/servlet/is/1194/
In addition specialised publications, monitoring programmes, citizen blogs are provided from the
national authorities as well as from the authorities of the federal states.
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Regular stakeholder dialogue is performed regarding mobile communication in form of the “Runden
Tisch Mobilfunk” organized by the BfS. In this forum casually also the dialogue with physicians takes
place, who have the opinion, that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the
Recommendation do not support a high level of health protection.
In several communities the placement of new mobile communication base stations is discussed in
citizen juries with the community responsible and the network operators.
7.7.5 Research funding
Public Research funding focuses on radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base
stations, mobile phones and domestic equipments.
From 2002 to 2007 (estimated) approximately 50 research projects in mobile telecommunications
have been carried out in four fields (biology, dosimetry, epidemiology and risk communication).
Topics covered a broad spectrum, reaching beyond current GSM and UMTS standards. One objective,
among others, is to clarify fundamental effects and mechanisms. Another will be to delve into the
possible causes of electromagnetic sensitivity. The programme will seek results pertinent not only to
existing mobile telecommunications but in order to make statements on future developments as
well. Further information and descriptions of the research projects can be found on www.emf-
forschungsprogramm.de
7.8 DK - Denmark
7.8.1 Protective Framework
Denmark has not implemented specific measures to set up a framework of basic restrictions and
reference levels in order to protect the general public from Electromagnetic fields. However, they
have set up a voluntary Recommendation which follows ICNIRP regulations and 1999/519/EC.
In Denmark there are no regional differences related to the national regulations.
7.8.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Denmark is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the
Recommendation support a high level of health protection.
As there is only a voluntary Recommendation based on the Council Recommendation in Denmark no
implementation measures are taken on basic restriction. The reference levels applied are the same
as in the Council Recommendation.
Sources addressed in the voluntary Recommendation are: high-voltage power lines, mobile
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communication base stations, mobile phones and domestic equipments and appliances.
Denmark has implemented the following Recommendations to minimize public exposure:
1. The National Board of Health recommends that new utility installations, such as high power
distribution lines, transformer stations or utilities, are placed not too close to existing dwellings and
institutions for children and vice versa: that new dwellings and institutions for children are not placed
close to existing power line installations. The Board has not defined a limit in this distance (meter
between installation and dwelling). The Danish Utility Companies have established a safety zone
between new power line installations and existing dwellings and institutions for children, which is 50
meter on each side of a 400 kV power line .
2. In addition there are Recommendations issued by the National Board of Health to limit the
exposure from mobile phones by using hand free set and other simple ways in use close to the ear.
This Recommendation is aimed at all age groups (children, adolescence and adults). Moreover
parents are reminded of not giving a mobile phone to their children before they are at an age where
they may understand to follow the Recommendations.
3. The National Board of Health is currently producing some information on possibilities of reducing
EMF exposure from WiFi installations (Wireless networks, portable phones, DECT phones etc) in
public buildings such as kindergartens, schools, universities, hospitals etc and in private dwellings.
The advices are based on an evaluation of the scientific evidence for an association between the
exposure and health effects (in 1. for the IARC conclusion on a possible risk of leukaemia in children
exposed to high levels of ELF EMF). For 2. and 3. the reason for advices and information are first of all
lack of sufficient knowledge concerning children and concerning long term use. None of the above
mentioned Recommendations are mandatory or issued as legally binding.
As mentioned above additional safety measures are recommended like safety zones around EMF
sources (power lines and antennas for mobile communication); network infrastructure sharing of
facilities (power lines and radio) as well as special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of
hospitals, kindergartens etc. Other restrictions are e.g. general restrictions for use of mobile phones
in many hospital areas or requirements for the distance between buildings and broadcasting stations
due to safety caused by falling towers and construction issues.
7.8.3 Monitoring
Monitoring, citizens may ask for monitoring of EMF from - amongst others - power lines or antennas
for mobile communication by the Utility Companies or Tele Companies. Ad hoc projects on
monitoring EMF may also be done.
7.8.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites with information for the public like:
www.sst.dk, www.it-borger.dk, http://www.miljoeogsundhed.dk/default.aspx or
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www.itogtelestyrelsen.dk.
7.8.5 Research funding
In Denmark there was a special research programme from 2004-06 issued by the Danish National
Strategic Council. The total funded amount was to 4 million Euros (see also
http://fi.dk/site/forside/raad-komiteer-udvalg/programkomiteer/programkomiteen-for-ikke-
ioniserende-straaling)
The research mainly focused on mobile communication base stations and mobile phones.
7.9 EE - Estonia
7.9.1 Protective Framework
Estonia has implemented general measures establishing a framework of basic restrictions and
reference levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC in order to protect the
public from exposure to electromagnetic fields as follows:
1. Regulation of the Minister of Social Affairs nr 38 “ Non-ionizing radiation limits on the
residential and rest areas, in the buildings and classrooms and measurement of the levels of
non-ionizing radiation”, was adopted on 1 February and entered in to force on 1 July 2002.
2. According to Public Health Act (was adopted on 8 December 2004 and entered in to force on
1st January 2005) the state supervision body for protection of the public against exposure to
electromagnetic fields is the Health Protection Inspectorate.
In addition the Regulation of the Minister of Social Affairs nr 17 “Procedure of approving of the
conditions for using radio frequencies on the basis of a frequency authorization” was adopted on 3
February 2006 and entered into force on 16st February 2006.
Regulation of the Minister of Social Affairs nr 57 “Health protection requirements for using of
computers” was adopted on 7 June 2001 and entered in to force on 1st July 2002.
In Estonia there are no regional variations regarding the implementation of the Recommendation
1999/519/EC.
7.9.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Estonia is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the
Recommendation support a high level of health protection.
The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels adopted are the same as in the Council
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Recommendation.
The Electronic Communications Act was adopted on 8 December 2004 and entered into force on 1st
January 2005. The Act provides requirements for the publicly available electronic communications
networks and communications services, conduct of radio communication, management of radio
frequencies and numbering, for apparatuses and state supervision regarding compliance with the
requirements and liability for violation of the requirements. The Act includes amendments to the
Public Health Act: „Legal persons in public law, legal persons in private law and natural persons shall
obtain the approval of the Health Protection Inspectorate for the conditions for using radio
frequencies on the basis of a frequency authorization pursuant to the procedure provided by the
Minister of Social Affairs."
The sources addressed are in particular: radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication
base stations and combined exposure from several sources.
There are no additional safety measures taken in Estonia.
7.9.3 Monitoring
Monitoring is conducted in Estonia by estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit
procedure
The user of radiofrequencies must send the application to the Communications Board in order to
obtain a permit for using the radiofrequencies. The conditions of the permit should be approved by
the Health Protection Inspectorate. During the approval of the conditions the Laboratory of Physics
of the Health Protection Inspectorate carries out the needed calculation. In addition investigation of
the levels of EMF around the Tallinn Television Tower are performed.
7.9.4 Communication with the public
The public is informed on EMF issues via a internet site (www.tervisekaitse.ee), Citizens' blogs or
other means to facilitate continuous feedback from citizens.
The owners of frequency authorizations, which conditions were approved by the Health Protection
Inspectorate, are published on the Health Protection Inspectorate website. Anyone has the
possibility to check whether a certain antenna or other source is or is not approved by the Health
Protection Inspectorate. In case of any problems the public has the possibility to contact the Health
Protection Inspectorate.
7.9.5 Research funding
Public research funding has been allocated to domestic equipments.
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7.10 ES - Spain
7.10.1 Protective Framework
In Spain the Royal Decree 1066/2001 of 28 September set up a framework of basic restrictions and
reference levels in order to protect the public from electromagnetic fields. This decree was made
following the Recommendation 1999/519/EC related to the exposure of the public to
electromagnetic fields.
The Royal Decree is designed to guarantee the safety of the public from electromagnetic waves in
the spectrum of radiofrequencies. Therefore exposure limits addressing radio communication
systems are established based on the cited EU Recommendation. The regulation also contains
mechanisms for further monitoring of the exposure levels. Therefore operators of
telecommunication systems have to provide an annual report on the certification procedure and the
realisation of inspection plans to the Department of Science and Technology.
The Royal Decree 1066/2001 has the basic rank of a norm. This means it establishes the minimum
levels to be applied in Spain. However, the independent Communities have the possibility to
implement stricter measures.
7.10.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Spain is of the opinion that the reference levels and basic restrictions set in the Recommendation
supports a high level of health protection. Therefore the basic limits as well as the reference levels
implemented in Spain follows the Council Recommendation. The fulfilment of the reference levels
will guarantee that basic restriction levels are respected.
Annex I of the Spanish decree comprises limitations and requirements concerning the protection
from emissions from certain electric installations. Annex II specifies the exposure limits of the
electromagnetic waves.
The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in Spain are the same as in the Council
Recommendation.
The established limit values are applicable in areas where people are regularly present and for end
user applications, without replacing the specifications of other legislation in these fields.
A special attention is given to “sensitive areas” such as schools, health care centres, hospitals or
public parks in which levels of emissions shall be kept as low as possible.
Sources addressed are radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations.
The provisions of the implemented measures are applicable for electromagnetic waves emitted from
wireless communication base stations. Wireless base stations are defined as: one or more
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transmitter or receiver, or a combination thereof, including related installations, which are necessary
to provide a service for radio communication and radio astronomy.
Additional safety measures applied in Spain focus on special restrictions applied in the
neighbourhood of hospitals and kindergartens for radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile
communication base stations.
In accordance with the Order CTE/23/2002, of January 11 (setting restrictions to radio electrical
emissions and protective measures against them), conditions for the preparation of studies and
certifications are set for operators of radio communication services of the type ER1 and ER2 in the
case that sensible areas are located within 100 m radius (e.g. nursery schools, play schools, schools,
health centres, hospitals, public parks, residents for elderly). The studies to be realized in this
context, have to explain the minimisation of the exposure levels according to the ones in the article
8.7 of the Royal decree 1066/2001, of September 28, bearing in mind the already existing levels of
emission, in the above mentioned spaces.
Concerning the process for measurements of emission rates all necessary information have to be
broad together in advance to evaluate the surrounding of the installation. This approach aims to
identify the spot with the highest emission rate in order to use this spot for measurements in places
with permanent human stay. Therefore surrounding factors as well as radio electric factors which
might influence the measurements have to be considered. The surrounding factors comprises:
identification of zones in which humans stays usually in close distance to emitting sources, especially
in the main radiation direction. Furthermore the identification of buildings and other obstacles and
their impact on the measurements have to be assessed. Also the appearance of sensitive areas
(kindergartens, education facilities, health centres, schools, hospitals, public parks, residents for
elderly) close by the wireless base stations has to be considered.
7.10.3 Monitoring
Monitoring is performed by monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern.
Exceeded reference level does not necessarily mean that the basic restrictions are exceeded.
Nevertheless in such circumstances it is necessary to verify if the basic restrictions are respected.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Commerce developed a report focusing on an inspection
plan, realised activities, measurement results of non-ionised radiations in the spectrum from 9 kHz to
300 GHz and measurements results for sensible places and their audit systems. In general it can be
said, that the values of measured radio electrical exposition at national territory are far below the
reference values for the protection of human health established in Annex II of the Royal decree
1066/2001. The results are available on the webpage of the Department of Industry, Tourism and
Commerce.
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7.10.4 Communication with the public
In Spain the internet site
http://www.msc.es/ciudadanos/saludAmbLaboral/medioAmbiente/home.htm is used for
communication with the public. Further publications, are included in the publishing program of the
Ministry of Health and Consumption.
7.10.5 Research funding
Research activities in Spain related to EMF focus on radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile
communication base stations.
7.11 FI - Finland
7.11.1 Protective Framework
Finland set up a decree (2002/294) on limiting public exposure to non-ionizing radiation by the
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in 2002 in order to implement the Council Recommendation.
There exist exposure limits for the radio-frequency fields (above 100 kHz) which shall not be
exceeded while the low-frequency limits (below 100 kHz) have only the status of Recommendations.
Because the low-frequency fields have not been previously regulated the Ministry of Social Welfare
and Health published a guidance report on the application of the decree (Korpinen L. Public exposure
to low frequency electric and magnetic fields in Finland. STM guide 2003:12). The guide gives general
information on electric and magnetic fields around transmission lines, electric installations and
electric equipment and compares typical field levels with the reference levels. Also guidance on the
measurements of magnetic fields in the buildings are described particularly in the case of indoor
transformers.
There are no regional differences.
7.11.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Finland is of the opinion that in general the basic restrictions and reference levels provide a sufficient
level of protection but that the reference level 5 kV/m for 50 Hz electric fields is a little bit too high.
Touching of metallic bodies may produce spark discharges above a few kV/m. Residential areas,
kindergartens, schools etc. should be placed in discharge free areas, where they in practice are. The
basic restrictions should be changed to induced electric field. However, this does not change the
present protection level.
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Finland applies the same basic restrictions as in the Recommendation. Regional authorities regulating
land use have asked several times for advice of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK)
concerning the placement of residential areas, a golf course, a super market and a parking place in
the vicinity of power lines. STUK has stated that the reference levels shall not be exceeded.
Additionally STUK recommends to limit magnetic fields as low as reasonably possible in the areas
where the general public and particularly children may stay for a significant time
From the measurement point of view STUK measured electric and magnetic fields in the vicinity of
Pori LF/MF broadcasting station. The magnetic and electric fields exceeded the reference levels at a
distance up to a few hundred meters from the site of the station. It is not allowed to build residences
at this area. One base station has been requested to be moved to another place because there was
an easy access for children to get in touch with it. In the case where the magnetic fields in the
residence above an indoor distribution transformer exceed the reference level 100 µT, STUK requests
to decrease the field below the reference level.
Sources addressed by the regulation in Finland are: high voltage power lines (50 Hz fundamental
frequency and harmonic components up to ca. 2 kHz), TV broadcasting stations (300 kHz -30 MHz
(MF/HF broadcasting), mobile communication base stations (900 MHz - 2.2 GHz), mobile phones and
home/domestic wiring. If measurements show that an effective value of 100 µT including harmonic
components is exceeded in an apartment in the vicinity of an indoor transformer substation the
owner of the station is requested to do mitigative actions.
Additional safety measures are realised by safety zones around EMF sources (radio and TV
broadcasting stations). The safety zone near the Pori broadcasting stations was determined by
measurements and calculation.
7.11.3 Monitoring
STUK carries out regular market surveillance of mobile phones. Thus far over 40 mobile phones have
been tested according to the testing standard. Maximum SAR measured was 1.3 W/kg, which is
below the 2 W/kg limit defined by the Council Recommendation.
If 2 W/kg is exceeded in the market surveillance STUK orders to withdraw the corresponding mobile
phone from the markets.
A RF background study is on-going. Its purpose is to collect data for risk communication only. Already
in the early eighties special measurements have been carried out focusing on Russian radars.
The observed radar emissions were very small and did not cause any health and EMF interference
effects. Some environmental measurements and calculations have also been made in the vicinity of
Finnish radar stations. Power density has always been well below the reference levels. Occasional
magnetic field measurements near indoor transformers and base stations have been done on the
request of the customers. In few cases the maximum magnetic flux density exceeded the 100 µT limit
by a factor up to 2 in the floor above the low voltage bus bars or cables. Occasional measurements
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in the residential areas and residences near base stations indicated that the maximum power density
is at least 100 times below the reference levels.
7.11.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites like http://www.stuk.fi/.
7.11.5 Research funding
A national research programme for EMF health effects of mobile phones is funded by the Finnish
Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, manufacturers, operators and participating research
institutions.
The most recent national research project HERMO (Health Risk Assessment of Mobile
Communications) examined the effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones. Studies
were made with cell cultures, test animals, test persons and calculated models, but no evidence of
harmful effects to health was found. However, the results on biological effects of the
electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced certain interesting observations such as small protein
changes. The 13 subprojects in the HERMO programme determined the repeatability, mechanisms
and significance of the biological effects of low -level exposures to human health. In the projects,
they examined the acute and chronic effects of radiofrequency (RF) fields on the nervous system and
sense organs, and also aimed to assess whether the fields have effect on the maturing nervous
system of children and adolescents. In addition, the impact of the RF fields in the vicinity of metallic
implants was studied, the dose measurements for the biological analyses were developed and
information for the assessment of cancer risk due to EMF was generated. The HERMO project was
planned basing on the needs in the area of EMF listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and
the most recent results published on the subject. HERMO programmes, carried out by Finnish
Universities and research institutes, are aimed to answer the people’s need for information and to
support the ongoing international projects in the assessment of EMF health effects. University of
Kuopio acted as the coordinator of the HERMO project. University of Helsinki (UH), Radiation and
Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), Tampere University of Technology (TUT), University of Turku (UTU),
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) and Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) were
responsible for the subprojects. The total budget of the three-year project was about 1.6 million €.
The results of the HERMO project were presented on September 4, 2007, in a closing seminar held in
Helsinki, at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
7.12 FR - France
In France Articles L34-9, L34-9-1, R20-10 et R20-19 of the “code des posts et des communications
électroniques” implemented measures to establish a framework of basic restrictions and reference
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levels in order to protect the public from electromagnetic fields. The legislative framework comprises
two segments as regards radiofrequencies: on the one hand, mobile phones and on the other hand
base stations. Provisions are also in place as regards the limitation of electromagnetic fields from
transport and distribution of energy.
Decree No. 2002-775 of 3 May 2002 has transposed the Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999
into French legislation as regards the electromagnetic fields emanated by equipment used in the
telecommunication sector or by radio electric installations.
Article 1 of the decree applies for all communication networks according to article L.32 of the code.
All networks which are accessible for the public are addressed including private installations,
installations for defends as well as audiovisual networks.
The reference levels are applicable for the total exposure emitting from various sources at one place
(article 2).
7.12.1 Scope of the implementation measures
France is of the opinion that the basic restrictions as well as the reference levels support a high level
of health protection.
Order of 17 May 2001 on technical conditions for the supply of transport systems and electric energy
distribution sets out limit values for the exposure of the public to magnetic and electric fields of
extreme low frequency. Decree No. 2002-775 refers to radio frequencies. These documents
incorporate the basic restrictions of the Recommendation, e.g. the limit values for public exposure.
In conformity with the provisions of the Council Recommendation, compliance with the reference
levels implies the compliance with the corresponding basic restrictions.
The following sources are addressed by the measures: high voltage power lines (50 Hz), radio and TV
broadcasting stations (0-300 GHz), mobile communications base stations (0-300 GHz) and mobile
phones (0-300 GHz).
Decree 2002-775 sets out that operators of related radio frequency emitting equipment have to take
all necessary measures to ensure that the levels of exposure of the public in the electromagnetic
fields issued by such networks and installations of telecommunications are less than in the basic
restrictions.
Moreover, Order of 8 October 2003 fixes the limit values of exposure of the public from equipment
which has to respect at any rate in order to be put into operation and be used in France.
Additionally, a second Order of 8 October 2003 foresees for the radio frequency emitting equipment
intended to be used in France, that the SAR level appears in a legible and visible manner in the
manual and that corresponding information mentioned in the Annex of the Order appears in the
manual under a section called "Caution when using the equipment".
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Concerning extremely low frequencies, the Order of 17 May 2001 sets out technical requirements
related to transport systems and distribution of electricity. This Order stipulates that new or changed
installations have to respect the limit values of exposure. Domestic installations or installations at
industrial plants located outside zones covered by approvals relating to energy feeding are not
covered by this Order.
As regards additional safety measures safety zones around EMF sources and special restrictions
applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc. are implemented for radio and TV
broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations and wireless installations (WiFi, WiMAX).
An interdepartmental circular of 16 October 2001 related to the installation of mobile
communication base stations provides simple rules for the administrators of buildings and the
telecommunication operators while respecting the limit values for public exposure.
This circular also reminds the responsible authorities to assess the environmental impact of the
planed radio installation taking into account existing radio frequency emitting installations in the
surrounding. Further on it encourages the responsible persons - who are the local representatives of
the State - are required to consult concerned de centralized authorities for environment, health and
planning as well as the municipal authorities and the operators of the concerned networks. The
Decree n°2002-775 imposes on the persons exploiting networks or radio frequency emitting
installations to provide evidence showing that the exposure to the public from the electromagnetic
field, emitted by equipment or installations is as weak as possible while preserving the quality of
service, when this equipment is located within hundred meters of a school, a day nursery or an
health centre.
7.12.2 Monitoring
Monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern focus on specific studies.
All the measurements of electromagnetic field are accessible to the public on a specially established
web page www.cartoradio.fr. The results of the measurement campaigns were presented within a
document called "Panorama of electromagnetic radiance 2004”, accessible at the following web
page: http://www.anfr.fr/doc/docenligne/prr_2004.pdf. This document has been updated in 2007.
7.12.3 Communication with the public
Communication activities in France comprises specialised publications as well as websites like
• http://www.sante.gouv.fr/htm/dossiers/telephon_mobil/sommaire.htm (French General
Directorate of Health),
• http://www.afsset.fr/index.php?pageid=712&parentid=424 (French agency for
environmental and occupational health safety)
• http://www.sante-radiofrequences.org (Health and Radiofrequencies Foundation)
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The communication measures aim in most cases at providing the public the present state of scientific
knowledge in this domain. The national Agency of frequencies (ANFR) has set up a web page
dedicated to the localisation of the radio electrical stations, including equipments constituting
networks of mobile telephony, as well as the results of the measurements of electromagnetic fields
(www.cartoradio.fr).
7.12.4 Research funding
Research activities mainly focuses on radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication
base stations, mobile phones and combined exposure from several sources.
A foundation on Health and Radio frequencies was created to encourage research efforts concerning
effects on the persons from the exposure from electromagnetic waves and to spread around
knowledge on this subject for the public, for the authorities, for doctors, for professionals, etc. It
allows to manage the available funds necessary for the financing of these actions and to set up an
independent valuation of the plans which are related to it.
The Foundation has a budget warranted for 50 % by the State and for 50 % by industry (founder
members). The initial capital envisaged for five years amounts to 4.8 million € which will allow a long-
term programming. The Foundation finances research plans on the effects of radio frequencies on
health in following domains: epidemiology, experimental studies on the animal, studies in vitro,
effects of RF on measuring equipment, dosimetry, measurements of exposure and humanistic and
social sciences.
The research priorities of the Foundation follow the research calendar establish by the WHO. Three
calls for projects were made (March 2006, December 2006 and April 2007) and there are 15 plans
supported within this framework. Supplementary information on missions and plans of the
Foundation are available on its Internet site: http: // www.sante-radiofrequences.org. A call for a
research project plan exposure and radio frequencies was also made by the French Agency of the
environmental protection, occupational safety and health (Afsset) to advance the knowledge of the
exposure of various groups of population in the electromagnetic fields of radio frequency.
7.13 GR - Greece
7.13.1 Protective Framework
Greece has implemented general measures establishing a framework of basic restrictions and
reference levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC in order to protect the
public from exposure to electromagnetic fields. The relevant legislative acts are the following:
• About electronic communications and other provisions, Law No 3431, GG No.13/A/3-2-2006
• Protection measures for the exposure of the general public to all land based antenna stations
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(GG No.1105/Vol.B/6-9-2000), Common Ministerial Act of the Ministries of Development,
Transport and Communications, Health and Welfare and Environment, Physical Planning and
Public Works
• Protection measures for the exposure of the general public to all low frequency electric and
magnetic fields emitting devices (GG No.512/Vol.B/25-4-2002), Common Ministerial Act of
the Ministries of Development, Health and Welfare and Environment, Physical Planning and
Public Works.
However, in the case of antenna stations the Greek legislation applied additional safety parameters
to the allowed EMF-exposure levels. Hence according to the above mentioned Law, the safety limits
for the exposure of the general public in the vicinity of all kinds of antenna stations are set in general
to 70% of the EU recommended basic restrictions and reference levels values, and to 60%20 of them
when antenna stations are located closer than 300 meters from the perimeter of schools,
kindergartens, hospitals or eldercare facilities. In the case of extremely low frequency fields, the
exact reference levels were set as the safety limits. The Greek Atomic Energy Commission (E.E.A.E.) is
the competent national authority for the protection of the general public and the environment from
artificially produced non-ionizing radiation.
There are no regional differences.
7.13.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Greece is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the
Recommendation support a high level of health protection against all known adverse health effects
and implemented therefore the basic restrictions and reference values set in the Recommendation
(1999/519/EC).
However, in the case of RF in Greece additional 70% and 60% reduction factors at the limit values of
the EU Recommendation, shown in the relevant decision of E.E.A.E.'s board concerning the
application of the reduction factors to the EU Recommendation values in the case of antenna
stations (http://www.eeae.gr/gr/docs/ni/_egkiklios_oria.pdf), are applied.
The safety limits for the exposure of the general public in the vicinity of all kinds of antenna stations
are set in general to 70% of the EU Council's Recommendation values, and to 60% of them for
antenna stations located closer than 300 meters from the perimeter of schools, kindergartens,
hospitals or eldercare facilities.
In the Common Ministerial Act of 2000 concerning antenna stations, the safety limits for exposure of
the general public were set at 80% of the EU reference level values. However, this was amended by
the 2006 Law.
According to the Greece opinion applying 70% and 60% reduction factors at EU Recommendation's
20 Both factors referred to power density in W/m²
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basic restrictions is simple and straightforward. The reduction factors are applied directly on the
values for current density, SARs and power density. The averaging times (e.g. 6 min for SAR) and the
frequency ranges remain unaffected. Since the Greek Law concerns only antenna stations the
reduction factors are applied in the frequency range of 1 kHz up to 300 GHz. In the case of extremely
low frequency fields the basic restrictions and the reference levels were kept exactly the same as in
the Council Recommendation.
Since the reduction factors of 70% and 60% provisioned in the Greek law concerning exposure of the
general public to all land based antenna stations have been applied on the EU recommended basic
restrictions, new reference levels have been derived for showing compliance with them.
The following sources are addressed by the Greek law: high-voltage power lines (50 Hz), radio and TV
broadcasting stations (100 kHz – 800 MHz), transportation systems (DC to 2 kHz), mobile
communication base stations (400 MHz – 2100 MHz), home/ domestic wiring (50 Hz and its
harmonics) as well as combined exposure from several sources (1 Hz - 300 GHz).
Additional safety measures which are taken are safety zones, network infrastructure sharing of
facilities and special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc. for
radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations.
Access of the general public to areas around antenna stations where the safety limits imposed by the
Greek legislation may be exceeded, is restricted (e.g. by fencing), as prescribed in the technical study
of electromagnetic emissions. This has to be submitted by the operator of each antenna station to
E.E.A.E. before applying to the competent authority for issuing a license for an antenna station in a
particular location. Collocation of antenna stations is encouraged whenever possible, by the Greek
legislation. Specific restrictions/requirements exist concerning town planning for buildings and land
directly under or in close proximity (25m) from power lines for electrical safety reasons. The safety
limits for the exposure of the general public in the vicinity of all kinds of antenna stations (operating
from some kHz to many GHz) are set in general to 70% of the EU Recommendation values. In case
that an antenna station is sited at a distance lower than 300m from the perimeter of the premises of
kindergartens, schools, hospitals or eldercare facilities the Greek limits are set to 60% of EU
Recommendation values. Furthermore, it is not allowed to install mobile phone antenna stations at
these premises. All existing installations at the above mentioned premises (i.e. mobile phone base
stations that are located on the top of these premises but not the neighbouring ones) have to be
removed within a time frame of 6 months after implementation of the law.
7.13.3 Monitoring
Monitoring activities in Greece focus on the monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern and
estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure. In addition the Greek atomic
Energy Commission (E.E.A.E.) or other laboratories authorized by it, perform inspections and
measurements in the vicinity of antenna stations after the request of any interested party, within 20
working days. There are also two web sites, where the general public can acquire information about
exposure to mobile phone base stations and other kind of antenna stations based on actual
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continuous measurements that are conducted by University laboratories with the financial support
of mobile operators.
The Greek atomic Energy Commission (E.E.A.E.) or other laboratories authorized by it, perform
inspections and measurements in the vicinity of antenna stations ex officio, through a sampling
process and annually in the vicinity of 20% of all antennas installed in urban areas.
With the implementation of the Law No. 3431 the audits of the electromagnetic fields in the vicinity
of antenna stations are drastically intensified. To this end, the Greek atomic Energy Commission
(E.E.A.E.) or other laboratories authorized by it, performs inspections and measurements in the
vicinity of antenna stations either:
• ex officio, through a sampling process and annually in the vicinity of 20% of all antennas
installed in urban areas, or,
• after the request of any interested party, in 20 working days
The results of these inspections are immediately published at E.E.A.E.'s web site and collectively per
year. Soon all this information about the already measured sites as well as the results for every new
measured antenna station will be posted to the web page of E.E.A.E.
Measurements in antenna stations according to the legislation, may also be performed by the
Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works, the Ministry of Health and Welfare
and the Ministry of Transport and Communications or other laboratories authorised by the EEAE (e.g.
University laboratories).
According to the Greek legislation, a technical study of electromagnetic emissions is mandatory to be
submitted to E.E.A.E. before the antenna station owner submits the application to the competent
authority for issuing a license for an antenna station in a particular location. These studies include
architectural blueprints and topographical charts of the station as well as technical information about
the operation of station's antenna system. The intensity of the incident electromagnetic radiation is
calculated in places accessible to general public. The existence of any other antenna station at a
distance lower than 50 meters from the examined antenna station is also taken into account. It is not
allowed to build a new antenna station before the approval by the Greek Atomic Energy Commission
of a technical study showing that the EMF levels in the vicinity of the station will be lower than the
aforementioned limits. It should be also mentioned that according to the Greek legislation, an
approval concerning all environmental aspects related to each antenna installation foreruns the
license for the construction of this installation. Hence, a technical study examining the environmental
impact of a new antenna station should be submitted to the General Secretariat of each District,
which in 10 days sends it to E.E.A.E. asking its expert opinion. In this study, the electromagnetic
background in a 300 m distance should be estimated before and after the installation of every new
antenna station.
The results of EMF measurements show that there might be cases where powerful radio or TV
broadcasting antennas cause field levels greater than the established reference values for human
exposure, if proper care were not shown during their design and installation phases. Regarding the
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EMF levels in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations, the measurements conducted by E.E.A.E
show that the maximum values of electromagnetic fields are typically hundreds to thousand times
lower than the reference levels. In the vicinity of high voltage power lines, the magnetic field is
typically much lower than the imposed limits but the values of the electric field may reach values
close to the limits (no case of excess ever found, however). Outside the perimeter of high voltage
substations there are no significant values of EMFs, besides the locations close to power lines where
the typical values around them are found.
7.13.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public is performed in Greece via internet site, a citizens' jury or other
respective stakeholder dialogue events and specialized publications.
The E.E.A.E. has published informative brochures for the general public entitled:
• Mobile telephony and health: Questions and answers
(http://www.eeae.gr/gr/docs/president/_KINHTA-final.pdf)
• Extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields
(http://www.eeae.gr/gr/docs/president/_xamilosixna.pdf)
Especially the websites of the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (E.E.A.E.,
http://www.eeae.gr/gr/index.php?menu=1&fvar=html/ni/_ni_neo) and of the National
Telecommunications and Post Commission (E.E.T.T)
(http://www.eett.gr/opencms/sites/EETT/Publications/Informative_Documentation/) are used for
this purpose. Some major risk communication events have been organised as one-day workshops
open to the local authorities, the public and the media in the years 2001-2007, entitled: Exposure of
the general public from mobile phones base stations by the Ministry of Transport and
Communications, the National Committee of Post and Telecommunications, the EEAE and/or the
municipal authorities (proceedings from some of these workshops have been published as booklets).
See also, e.g.:
• http://www.eett.gr/opencms/sites/EETT/NewsReleases/Events/AntennasConference.html
• http://www.eett.gr/opencms/sites/EETT/NewsReleases/Events/AntennasConf_Thes.html
It should be mentioned that there are currently two web sites, where the general public can acquire
information about exposure to the non-ionising radiation of mobile phone base stations and other
kind of antenna stations based on actual continuous and spot measurements that are performed by
university laboratories with the financial support of mobile operators:
http://www.hermes-program.gr/ and http://www.pedion24.ntua.gr
Some university laboratories provide also information about non ionising radiations, e.g.
http://www.enigma-program.gr, http://mpl.med.uoa.gr/ekdilseis, http://emf.physics.auth.gr/.
The mobile operators have also published brochures and provide information concerning mobile
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telephony and health on their web sites (www.vodafone.gr, www.wind.com.gr, www.cosmote.gr).
Finally it should be mentioned that a new telemetric network of measuring stations, planned and
financed by E.E.A.E, for continuous monitoring of the electromagnetic radiation at radio frequencies,
emitted to the environment by various sources, such as radio and television station transmitting
antennas, mobile telephony antennas, radars, etc. is under development.
7.13.5 Research funding
Public research funding focuses on high-voltage power lines (epidemiological studies, exposure
assessment of general public and workers, laboratory studies), radio and TV broadcasting stations
(animal studies, exposure assessment of general public and workers), mobile communication base
stations (exposure assessment of general public and workers) and mobile phones (theoretical studies
modelling, laboratory studies, clinical studies).
Some Universities and research centres in Greece propose and get approval for carrying out research
projects related to EMF funded by the EU and/or national resources in the framework of the general
national research support. Until now, there has been no centrally planned and organised research
project for EMFs.
7.14 HU - Hungary
7.14.1 Protective Framework
Public exposure limits to electromagnetic fields in Hungary were set up in the following Decree of
Ministry of Health according to Recommendation 1999/519/EC: Decree on safety limits for public
exposure to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields in the frequency range of 0 Hz-300 GHz
[63/2004. (VII. 26.) ESzCsM].
There are no regional differences.
7.14.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Hungary agrees that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation
support a high level of health protection. Otherwise in specific cases, in the residential area where
the general public spend a long-term period Hungary is of the opinion that additional precautionary
measures should apply. For example in cases when the exposure for the public is high due to near
EMF sources Hungary would suggest that the providers should keep the exposure below 10% of the
exposure limits for the exposure from their sources since the general public is usually exposed by
other additional sources.
Basic restrictions as well as reference limits are applied in Hungary according to the one defined in
the Council Recommendation.
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No implementation measures for specific sources were mentioned as the measures are applicable for
all possible sources. No additional safety measures are taken.
7.14.3 Monitoring
In Hungary special studies monitor the levels of EMF in the areas of concern.
The public health services may have a request for an exposure assessment with measurement and/or
estimation in the areas of concern. The request has to be ordered by the public health inspector.
7.14.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites as www.osski.hu (webpage of the
"Fréderic Joliot-Curie" National Research Institute for Radiobiology and Radiohygiene); www.emf-
portal.hu (served by the Hungarian mobile network operators).
Specialized publications were supplied on ELF exposure and mobile telecommunications. A poster
has been released for students on mobile phones including the topic of EMF and health issued by the
Scientific Association for Infocommunications Hungary.
7.14.5 Research funding
Limited research funding was available from the mobile network operators for exposure assessment
of mobile base stations.
A limited research funding by the government and the industry was available on the exposure
assessment in the apartments above built-in high voltage transformers (sub-stations). For the
exposure assessment for mobile base stations funding was made available by the mobile network
operators.
There is no specific national EMF programme established in Hungary so far. All research activities
done so far as regards the EMF issues were part of general research projects with low funding. Only
specific work packages focused on EMF.
7.15 IE - Ireland
7.15.1 Protective Framework
There is currently no legislative framework set up in Ireland. However the ICNIRP guidelines have
been adopted by the Communications Regulator (ComReg) in relation to licensing conditions for
telecommunications operators. The Irish operator of high voltage powerlines Eirgrid complies with
the EU/ICNIRP limits.
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The responsibility for the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields in Ireland is the function
of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government since 1 May 2007. The Irish
Government has decided that a single state agency should be established to deal both with ionizing
radiation and non-ionizing radiation. This will be achieved by extending the statutory powers of the
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to include responsibility for matters relating to non-
ionizing radiation. The details of implementation of the new mandate for the RPII will be presented
to Government for approval in due course following detailed consultation with other relevant
Government Departments and Agencies.
7.15.2 Scope of the implementation measures
From Ireland´s point of view the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the
Recommendation support a high level of health protection.
In Ireland no implementation measures are taken on basic restrictions. The reference levels applied
are the same as in the Council Recommendation. Concerning additional safety measures sharing of
mobile phone infrastructure is encouraged.
7.15.3 Monitoring
ComReg has commissioned audit reports to verify that licensed telecommunications operators are in
compliance with their license conditions relating to emission limits for non-ionizing radiofrequency
radiation. Reports of the commissioned audits are available on the www.comreg.ie website.
7.15.4 Communication with the public
The main power company in Ireland -the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) - is aware of people's views
and concerns on the issue of Electric and Magnetic Fields. The ESB supplies open and detailed
information on this subject on their www.esb.ie website. A measurement service for power
frequency of electric and magnetic fields is provided by them for concerned members of the public.
The main website for information for the public is: http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/
EnvironmentalRadiation/
7.15.5 Research funding
No research has been carried out in Ireland to date. The Government has agreed to establish a
national research programme to undertake further scientific research in Ireland on the health effects
of exposure to EMF. This research programme will build expertise in Ireland and contribute to global
knowledge.
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7.16 IT – Italy
7.16.1 Protective Framework
The European Recommendation 1999/519/CE has been implemented in Italy by two decrees of July
8th 2003, only for sources different than power lines or fixed telecommunication plants. For such
cases specific restrictions in term of exposure limit values, attention limit values and quality goals are
applied, stated in the same decrees as enforcement of the law 36/2001.
The legislative framework which address EMF in Italy are:
(1) DECRETO DEL PRESIDENTE DEL CONSIGLIO DEI MINISTRI 8 luglio 2003. Establishment of exposure
limits, attention values, and quality goals to protect the population against electric, magnetic, and
electromagnetic fields generated at frequencies between 100 kHz and 300 GHz
G.U. 28 agosto 20 n. 199.
(2) DECRETO DEL PRESIDENTE DEL CONSIGLIO DEI MINISTRI 8 luglio 2003. Establishment of exposure
limits, attention values, and quality goals to protect the population against power frequency (50 Hz)
electric and magnetic fields generated by power lines G.U. 29 agosto 2003 n. 200.
(3) LEGGE 22 febbraio 2001 n. 36. FRAMEWORK LAW ON THE PROTECTION AGAINST EXPOSURE
TOELECTRIC, MAGNETIC, AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS G.U. 7 marzo 2001 n. 55.
The law 36/2001 includes among its general principles the adoption of precautionary measures for
the prevention from possible long term effects. According to the framework law 36/2001, the
definition of all values (limit, attention and quality), is exclusive within the competence of the
National Government.
7.16.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Italy is of the opinion that the European Recommendation ensures a high protection level from
established effects. However, in the context of the Italian legislation further restrictions are given,
expressed in terms of the fields that are measurable in the environment, as precautionary measures
for the protection from possible long term effects. Such further restrictions have been arbitrarily
determined, due to the fact that there is no scientific evidence to allow their statement from a
biological or health rationale.
The basic restrictions applied in Italy are the same as in the Recommendation but have been
introduced only for the exposure caused by sources different than power lines and fixed
telecommunication plants.
As regards the reference limit Italy has implemented stricter limits as in the Recommendation. Just in
the case of exposure due to power lines and fixed telecommunication plants, the following applies:
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• The exposure limits for ELF (50 Hz) fields are the same as in the Recommendation, however,
the attention value as well as the quality goal are significantly lower (factor 10 and 33,
respectively)
• The exposure limits set for RF (3-3000 MHz) fields are about 1,5 – 4 times more stringent
related to the magnetic field strength, the attention value as well as the quality goal are even
lower (4,7 to 10 times); related to the power density the values are lower for the factor 2 -
100 depending on the frequency
Sources addressed by Italian legislation are high voltage power lines (50 Hz), radio and TV
broadcasting stations (100 kHz – 3 GHz) and mobile base stations (100 kHz – 3 GHz).
As far as it concerns power lines, attention value and quality goal are defined for the magnetic field
at 50 Hz frequency. For all the other sources decree of July 8th 2003 on radiofrequency fields is
applicable. There are no particular measures for specific sources.
As additional safety measures safety zone around power lines are defined where no new plants or
buildings should be erected. Also special restrictions based on total local EMF emissions from radio,
TV, and mobile communications base stations (definition of criteria for compliance of multi-sources
telecommunication plants) have been implemented in Italy.
7.16.3 Monitoring
In order to monitor the EMF levels in the areas of concern surveys are performed on request by
people and citizens, local or legal authority. Very often fixed instruments are used, in order to
monitor the areas for long periods (from some days up to a week).
In addition estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure are used for all new
installations.
7.16.4 Communication with the public
The National Institute of Health (ISS) has translated into Italian all the fact sheets documents for the
general public issued by the WHO. Such documents are available on the web site www.who.int/peh-
emf.
The Scientific Organization “ELECTRA 2000” has translated into Italian the WHO document
“Establishing a dialogue on risk from electromagnetic field”. The document is available on the above
mentioned WHO web site as well as on the web site: www.elettra2000.it.
The “ELECTRA 2000” Organization, together with the Foundation “Ugo Bordoni” performed an
information campaign going around all the Italian Country (Blubus Project). More information is
available on the web site www.fub.it.
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The Health Ministry – Centre on Diseases Control (CCM), in cooperation with the National Institute of
Health, is developing the project “Health and electromagnetic fields”, which aimed at a good
communication with the general public and authorities.
7.16.5 Research funding
The only project completely financed with national funds has been the following one funded by the
University and Research Ministry: “Man and Environment safeguard from electromagnetic
emissions” (2001-2004). The project included research on power lines, mobile base stations,
domestic devices and transport systems.
New researches on power lines and radiofrequencies have been recently funded by the National
Environmental Protection Agency (APAT).
Lot of research in Italy has been performed with European or international funds.
7.17 LT - Lithuania
7.17.1 Protective Framework
Lithuania has implemented measures to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields
by several instruments. However, the Council Recommendation is not yet fully implemented related
to some aspects like static fields and low intensity RF fields in the frequency range of 0 Hz -10 kHz ,
SAR values and some other aspects.
These include the following legally binding acts:
1. Law on Electronic Communications No IX-2135, April 15, 2004 (Official Gazette (O.G.), 2004,
No 69-2382);
2. HN 80:2000. „Electromagnetic field at work and at living places. Normative values and
measuring requirements in 10 kHz-300 GHz“.
Adopted by the Ministry of Health, Order No 361, June 27, 2000 (O. G., 2000, No 53-1548);
3. HN 110:2001. „Industrial frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic fields at work. Permissible levels
and measurement requirements“.
Adopted by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Security, Order No 660/174,
December 21, 2001 (O. G., 2001, No.4-109);
4. HN 104:2000. „Protection of the population for electric fields from air transmission electric
lines“.
Adopted by the Ministry of Health, Order No 4, January 4, 2001 (O. G., 2001, No 4-109);
5. HN 81:2005 „Base stations of mobile cellular communications“
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Adopted by the Ministry of Health, Order No V-1029, December 29, 2005 (O. G. 2005, No
153-5654);
6. „Permissible levels of the electrostatic fields at work. Rules of measurement requirements“.
Adopted by the Ministry of Health, Order No 28, January 18, 2001 (O. G., 2001, No 10-302);
7. „The rules to exchange information between institutions in areas with non-ionizing radiation
sources and health effects of general public“. Adopted by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of
Communication and The Communications Regulatory Service. Order No V-82/3-102/1V-23,
January 24, 2004 (O. G., 2004, No.32-1031);
8. „The health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising
from electromagnetic fields“.
Adopted by the Ministry of Social Security, Order No A1- 119, April 25, 2006 (O. G., 2006, No
47-1691). Start in force April 30, 2008.
9. Technical regulation TN 01: 1998 Visual display. Maximum permissible levels of
electromagnetic fields. Adopted by the Ministry of Communication, Order No 257, June 23,
1998 (O. G. 1998, No 58-1631).
There are no regional differences in Lithuania.
7.17.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Lithuania is of the opinion that the reference levels support only a medium level of the health
protection in frequency range 0 kHz-300 GHz.
As a consequence the basic restrictions in order HN 80:2000 „Electromagnetic field at work and at
living places. Normative values and measuring requirements in the range of 10 kHz-300 GHz“ are
stricter than in the Recommendation 1999/519/EC namely 2-3 times in frequency range 10 kHz-300
MHz and 100 times in frequency range 300 MHz-300 GHz.
However, in Lithuania no implementation measures on basic restrictions are taken for the general
public. An update of the current legislation in this aspect is expected soon. Implementation measures
taken on basic restrictions for workers according Directive 2004/40/EC will start in force April 30,
2008 („The health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising
from electromagnetic fields“ and adopted by the Ministry of Social Security, Order No A1- 119, April
25, 2006 (O. G., 2006, No 47-1691).
In case that the permissible levels of EMF were exceeded, the penalties or sanctions associated with
non compliance in Lithuania (Code on Administrative Violations of Laws of the Republic of Lithuania
and the information exchanges between State Public Health Service, State Environmental Health
Centre and Communications Regulatory Service (The rules to exchange information between
institutions in areas with non-ionizing radiation sources and health effects of general public, Order
No V-82/3-102/1V-23, 4 and 5 paragraph) will be applied.
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Furthermore the Communications Regulatory Service of Lithuania shall have the following rights:
„assess the conformity of equipment and devices, radio equipment and terminal equipment with
mandatory requirements and/or standards, including health effects of general public (Law on
Electronic Communications No IX-2135 Article 10).
In case the permissible levels of EMF are exceeded for visual display units (Technical regulation TN
01: 1998 Adopted by MPR 1990:8 (MPRII) Test methods for visual display units the penalties or
sanctions associated with non compliance in Lithuania (Code on Administrative Violations of Laws of
the Republic of Lithuania and Law of Product safety) applies.
In Lithuania the following EMF sources are addressed by the protection measures: high-voltage
power lines (industrial frequency (50 Hz), power lines with a voltage of 330 kV and higher power),
radio and TV broadcasting stations in the frequency range 10 kHz-300 GHz, mobile communication
base stations in the frequency range 450 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2500
MHz as well as combined exposure from several sources (radio and TV broadcasting stations and
mobile communication base stations) in the frequency range 10 kHz-300 GHz.
Additional safety measures applied in Lithuania are:
1. Safety zones around EMF sources (for high voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting
stations and visual displays in the frequencies 5 Hz – 2 kHz and 2 kHz – 400 kHz)
2. Network infrastructure sharing of facilities EMF sources (for high voltage power lines, radio
and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations)
3. Special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc. (for high
voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base
stations and visual displays)
4. Special restrictions based on total local EMF emissions (for high voltage power lines, radio
and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations and visual displays in
the frequencies 5 Hz – 2 kHz and 2 kHz – 400 kHz)
5. Special restrictions by type EMF emissions for static fields, ELF, IF and RF as well as for the
work places around EMF sources and for visual displays in work places, in the school internet
rooms and in public internet rooms in the frequency ranges 5 Hz - 2 kHz and 2 kHz -400 kHz.
7.17.3 Monitoring
Monitoring activities on EMF levels in Lithuania focuses on monitoring in the areas of concern around
radio and TV broadcasting stations and around mobile communication base stations once a year and
more frequently in case the permissible levels have been exceeded. Monitoring is additionally
performed in the permit procedure of radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication
base stations and after the installation of new systems.
In 2007 25 measurements near TV broadcasting stations, 54 measurements near radio broadcasting
stations and 881 measurements near mobile communication base stations (reference values 10
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µW/cm2 ) have been carried out. Only the reference levels near one radio broadcasting station were
exceeded.
7.17.4 Communication with the public
Communication on the potential health impacts of EMF with the public mainly is performed via the
following sources:
• Special programmes in TV and radio
• Newspapers and magazines and
• Specialized publications e.g. „Health effects of electromagnetic fields“, 1998 (I, II edition) and
2004 (III edition).
7.17.5 Research funding
The research project „Health effects by mobile phones users 2002-2003“ was carried out from the
Institute of Hygiene. Research object (1045 respondents - workers and students) was the intensity of
using mobile phone but also data about health status and quality of life were collected by
questionnaire. As a conclusion it could be followed that specific health effects occur frequently in
cases mobile phones are used for 6 years and more and non-specific health effects occur frequently
by managers („Health effects by mobile phones users“ R. Jankauskas, S. Vainauskas, Public Health
No2 (33) 59-64).
7.18 LU – Luxembourg
7.18.1 Protective Framework
Following the Nordic studies on ELF exposure and cancer risk and the Swedish policy of prudent
avoidance, Luxembourg decided to recommend to local authorities not to create new residential
areas close to overhead high voltage power lines (Circ N° 1644; ref. 26/94, march 11th 1994). In the
same philosophy, authorizations of new overhead high voltage power lines had to respect the same
criteria (distance to residential zones).
With the multiplication of the mobile phone operators, the publication of possible long-term risks
and possible problems of electromagnetic compatibility in the mid and late 90es arose the need for a
strategy to define a “good practice” on how to install mobile base stations without exposing
population to unjustified high levels of radiation, even if these are still far below the recommended
ICNIRP values. Due to the complex antenna diagram, no distances but exposure constraints had been
chosen. The retained constraint value of 3 V/m per antenna (ITM-CL 179.4 ) guarantees – in the
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opinion of Luxembourg - a low level of exposure to the most exposed persons of the public at almost
no additional costs (but excellent coverage) to the operators.
Luxembourg has not implemented any general measures establishing a framework of basic
restrictions and reference levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC based on
a political decision in 2002 not to create a non-ionizing radiation law (no creation of a national
document transposing 1999/519/EC). However, security prescriptions for installations needing
authorization now refer to Recommendation 1999/519/EC.
The following legal instruments are in use in Luxembourg:
• Decree: Security prescription ITM-CL 179.4
http://www.itm.lu/securite-sante-ss/conditions_types or
http://www.itm.lu/securite-sante-ss/conditions_types/conditions_types_old/cl179.4.pdf
• Authorization procedure: www.emwelt.lu > Guichet virtuel > Etablissements classes >
Télécommunications or
http://www.environnement.public.lu/guichet_virtuel/etabl_classes/telecom/index.html
• Recommendation: Circ N° 1644 (voluntary)
ITM-CL 179.4 applies 1999/519EC in the 10 kHz – 300 GHz domain for devices with an effective
isotropic radiated power >100 W , but additionally a constraint of 3 V/m per antenna of mobile
communication applies at places, where public may stay for longer time (inside houses etc.) to
prevent unnecessary exposure of the public.
Circ N° 1644 recommends to mayors not to create new residential areas close to overhead power
lines (20 m side distance for 65 kV; 30 m for 100-220 kV).
There are no regional differences in Luxembourg, but in case of Circ N° 1644 mayors may decide not
to observe recommended distances to ≥ 65 kV overhead power transmission lines regarding the
creation of new residential areas.
7.18.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Luxembourg is of the opinion that the basic limits and reference levels set out in the EC
Recommendation support a high level of health protection. However, in their opinion, the
introduction of new technologies should first be examined on European levels in order to enhance
protection of potentially critical population groups, especially, when peak exposure values may be
larger than mean reference values (pulsed devices). Special attention should be taken concerning
electromagnetic compatibility problems (garage opens, domestic cooking devices going on and off,
...) well below reference values.
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Within the Decree ITM-CL 179.4 the restrictions are the same as in the Recommendation. No other
implementation measures have been taken on basic restrictions. Also the reference levels are those
of the Recommendation 1999/519/EC.
However, there are additional constraints stricter than in the Recommendation:
- ITM-CL 179.4: for public long time exposure (inside houses or on public places) an additional
constraint for the network operator for the electric field E applies: for n Antennas serving the
same sector: nE mV ⋅≤ 3
- Circ N° 1644: Distances for creation of new residential areas close to overhead power lines
The sources addressed by measures in Luxembourg are within ITM-CL 179.4: radio & TV and mobile
communication base stations; within Circ N° 1644 high voltage power lines.
Additional safety measures implemented in Luxembourg are restrictions in the neighbourhood of
hospitals, kindergartens, etc. essentially due to EMC reasons (lab/hospital equipment failure not
covered by standards). Mobile operators were also invited (not binding) not to insist too much on
sites on or close to schools, in order not to cause unnecessarily anxiety among parents.
7.18.3 Monitoring
Activities in order to monitor that the levels of EMF exposure do not exceed the limits set in the
Council Recommendation are performed via estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit
procedure as well as spot measurements. As a result it could be identified that national provisions
are not always respected.
7.18.4 Communication with the public
In Luxembourg communication with the public is performed via various tools.
A Internet site ( www.emf.drp.public.lu) will probably start spring 2008 as well as public brochures
about mobile communication, exposure and Recommendations will be published also spring 2008. At
present there is a phone hotline available for the public for clarification of exposure status and
information about health effects (generally WHO and/or BfS documentation used).
A Commission for sector mapping of mobile base stations analyzes on demand the justification of the
creation of new emitter sites and gives Recommendations. More information about this topic can be
obtained at (http://www.ilr.etat.lu/co/avis/avis.htm and www.miat.public.lu/amenagement_
territoire/planification_nationale/plans_sectoriels/stations_de_base).
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7.19 LV - Latvia
7.19.1 Protective Framework
Latvia set up a framework in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields by
focusing on the working environment of people. Therefore Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers
Nr.745 ,,Safety Requirements for workers security against EMF in their workplaces" from 05.09.2006
and Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers Nr. 660 ,,Order of Working environment supervision"
from 02.10.2007 are applied. There are no regional differences in Latvia.
7.19.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Latvia stressed that the basic restrictions and reference levels does not cover EMF from pulsating
EMFs sources such as civil or military radars in airports etc. near inhabited places.21
The basic restrictions used in Latvia are the same as in the Council Recommendation and are
controlled by State Agencies. Also the reference limits are according to the ones of the
Recommendation.
There are no implementation measures taken for specific sources. The framework focuses on the
protection at work places.
Additional safety measures are applied by safety zones around EMF sources for high voltage power
lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base station which are
addressed by the ,,Law of shelterbelts" of 05.07.1997., Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers
Nr. 415 ,,Methodology for shelterbelts determination along electrical lines" of 20.10.1998 and the
,,Building law" of 10.08.1995.
7.19.3 Monitoring
In Latvia monitoring that the levels of EMF exposure do not exceed the limits set is performed by
special studies regarding estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure and
estimation models for exposure evaluation after the installation of new systems.
Monitoring of EMF is mostly carried out by the operators of mobile phone basic station on average
twice per year. This is obligatory before any new EMF source installation receives licensing from the
State Public Health Agency.
21 However, the Recommendation (Annex III, second note) covers also pulsating sources. It lies in the
responsibility of the country which sources they address.
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7.19.4 Communication with the public
In Latvia the communication with the public is mostly performed through a dialog between
inhabitants, state institutions and stakeholders as well as occasionally information via newspapers
and magazines. For example: there was a discussion in 2002-2003 about Military radar buildings near
inhabited areas (Audrini). Discussions between State Public Health Agency, inhabitants of Audrini and
Ministry of Defence continued for 2 years and were widely reflected in media (TV, radio,
newspapers).
7.19.5 Research funding
There is no public funding for research on potential health risks of EMF available in Latvia. Latvia is
interested in mapping of inhabited territories on EMF exposure levels but the realisation depends on
the possibilities of external funding like e.g. from the EC or other sources.
7.20 MT - Malta
7.20.1 Protective Framework
Malta has implemented the general public exposure levels established by the EC Recommendation
by a law (http://www.mca.org.mt/infocentre/openarticle.asp?id=978&pref=39).
Regarding the other measures contained in the EU Recommendation, Malta has implemented them
through administrative measures.
7.20.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Malta feels that the levels in the EC Recommendation are based on scientific studies and therefore
are considered to be adequate.
The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in Malta are the same as in the
Recommendation.
Sources addressed by the Malta measures are in particular radio and TV broadcasting stations (88-
108 MHz (FM band), 174-230 MHz (TV band III), 470-862 MHz (TV bands IV/V)) and mobile
communication base stations (900 MHz and 1800 MHz (GSM bands), 2100 MHz (UMTS band)).
7.20.3 Monitoring
As a generic measure to EMF issues, Malta carries out ongoing audits on various sources of EMF. The
summary of their EMF measurement campaigns is available at http://www.mca.org.mt/infocentre/
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openemf.asp. It is to be noted that EMF sources intended to be measured are either chosen
randomly or as a result of a concern from the general public.
7.20.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites as
http://www.mca.org.mt/infocentre/openemf.asp.
During 2006, Malta organised a forum between stakeholders on the subject of EMF. Various
(local/foreign) experts delivered presentations which were followed by a discussion. In addition
information leaflets are distributed at trade fairs on ICT and other public fora
(http://www.mca.org.mt/infocentre/openarticle.asp?id=859&pref=36)
7.20.5 Research funding
In Malta there is no public funding for research on potential health risks of EMF.
7.21 NL - Netherlands
7.21.1 Protective Framework
In the Netherlands – although having several measures in place – the explicit implementation of
Recommendation 1999/519/EC is currently being considered.
Currently the following legal measures are in place:
Telecomwet (Telecommunication Act) - limited to RF (legally binding law),
Besluit Radio en Randapparatuur (Decree on radio and peripheral appliances) - limited to RF
(legally binding decree),
Covenant on Mobile Phone antennas - limited to placing of antennas for mobile phones
(voluntary Recommendation) and
Ware Act is stated that product should be safe (legally binding product safety measure). In fact
there is no particular rule for EMF in the Ware Act but in a related norm namely the EU Low
Voltage Directive.
National Antenna Policy (Nationaal Antennebeleid; NAB)
The Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the
Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment as well as the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport have
been involved in the development of the NAB and are responsible for it. The NAB was finalized in
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December 2000 and accepted by the Parliament in May 2001. The aim of the NAB is to encourage
and facilitate the provision of sufficient antenna sites within a clear framework relating to public
health and the environment.
Covenant
As consequence of the NAB a covenant has been signed by the mobile phone operators, the national
authorities and the organization of Dutch municipalities (VNG). In the covenant agreements are
made about the discussion of a plan for placement of antennas with the local authorities considering
visual harmony, residents’ approval and exposure limits. According to the NAB, the signing of the
covenant made it possible to include antennas not higher than 5 meters (and under certain
conditions) within the list of constructions that do not require a building permit.
ICNIRP values shall be met on the outside of public buildings and homes. The implementation of the
R&TTE-Directive in Telecomwet includes (implicitly) compliance with the limit values of the
Recommendation 1999/519/EC. Explicit implementation of 1999/519/EC values in Dutch legislation is
presently being prepared.
Precautionary principle for power lines
In October 2005 a Recommendation based on the precautionary principle has been issued by which
it is recommend that "...the creation of new situations be avoided as much as is reasonably possible,
whereby children undergo long-term stays in the areas around overhead high-voltage power lines
within which the annually averaged magnetic field is greater than 0.4 µT (the magnetic field zone)."
(see http://www.vrom.nl/pagina.html?id=2706&sp=2&dn=w256).
There are no regional differences.
7.21.2 Scope of the implementation measures
The Netherland are of the opinion that in case of RF the basic restrictions and reference levels
provide an adequate level of health protection, however, in case of ELF precautionary measures
should be added (in view of childhood leukaemia risks).
In the Netherlands the reference levels are the same as in the Council Recommendation. However,
for ELF more stringent levels are used. The precautionary measures are based on a magnetic field of
0,4 µT.
Sources addressed by the Netherlands are in particular high-voltage power lines (50 Hz), TV
broadcasting stations (complete RF spectrum), transportation systems (complete RF spectrum), and
mobile communication base stations (complete RF spectrum).
As regards additional safety measures safety zones around high voltage power lines are applied. In
addition measures are taken to promote sharing of facilities for radio and TV broadcasting stations as
well as for mobile communication base stations, primarily for spatial planning purposes, and not for
safety measures. Also special restrictions are applied for high voltage power lines in the
neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens, etc.
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7.21.3 Monitoring
Agentschap Telecom (AT) performs yearly a series of measurements of the RF fields at a few hundred
locations chosen at random. The last report has been published in July 2007.The measured values of
the electromagnetic fields are all well below the recommended levels.
7.21.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites as:
http://www.antennebureau.nl/ (for information on RF);
http://www.rivm.nl/hoogspanningslijnen/ (for information on ELF)
Besides this citizen juries and other relevant stakeholder dialogue events have been performed. A so-
called knowledge platform (Kennisplatform) on electromagnetic fields and health has been
established with the aim to improve communication of scientific knowledge to the public and in
particular to official persons (local authorities, physicians, etc.).
In the Netherlands there is a “resident’s approval” procedure meaning that all the residents (tenants)
of a building on top of which an antenna should be placed shall be thoroughly informed and given
the opportunity to vote. In case the majority of the tenants votes against, the antenna will not be
placed.
7.21.5 Research funding
A widespread research program on electromagnetic fields and health has started in 2006. See
http://www.zonmw.nl/en/programmes/all-programmes/electromagnetic-fields-and-health-
research/. Within this project all sources of EMF are addressed.
7.22 PL - Poland
7.22.1 Protective Framework
Poland set up a framework in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields by
• Act of 26 June 1974 Labour Code (Dz. U. of 1998, No. 21 item 94 as amended),
• Act of 27 April 2001 Environmental Protection Law (Dz. U. of 2006, no 129 item 902 as
amended) and an
• Ordinance of 30 October 2003 of the Minister of Environment on permissible
electromagnetic field levels in the environment and ways of monitoring these levels (Dz. U.
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No 192, item 1883).
In relation to the first two Acts mentioned above there are two ordinances in Poland specifying
reference levels.
Based on the Labour Code the Ordinance of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of 29 November
2002 gives regulations on the acceptable maximum concentration and intensity of harmful elements
for health in work environment (Dz. U. of 2002 No 217 item 1833 as amended), where radiation
limits are set for exposed working persons to:
• electric field strength component E for the frequency in the range 0 Hz – 300 GHz,
• magnetic field strength component H for the frequency in the range 0 Hz – 3 MHz.
Based on the Environmental Protection Act limits are fixed in:
• Ordinance of 30th of October 2003 of the Minister of Environment on permissible electro-
magnetic field levels in the environment and ways of monitoring these levels (Dz. U. No 192,
item 1883), wherein reference levels are specified:
o for the whole population :
electric field strength component E [V/m] for the frequency in the range 0 Hz –
300 GHz (except for the ranges of 0 Hz – 0.5 Hz and 50 Hz – 1 kHz),
magnetic field strength component H [A/m] for the frequency in the range 0 Hz
– 3 MHz,
power density S [W/m2] in the range: 300 MHz – 300 GHz.
o for the area intended for housing purposes for the range of 50 Hz (component E and H).
Currently there are no limits regarding product safety.
There are no regional differences. Protection against excessive exposure to electromagnetic field is
maintained in Poland since 1972.
7.22.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Poland´s point of view is that the basic limits introduced in the Recommendation contribute to high
health protection level but that elements referring to product use safety should be added.
In Poland basic limits have been taken into account when defining the permissible level of short-term
exposure at the workplace (on the grounds of scientific research elaborated upon request of the
Inter-Ministerial Committee of harmful factors in the work environment, assigned upon a decision of
the Council of Ministers). The values published by the ICNIRP have been taken into account.
Reference levels for the permissible exposure for the population were set as harmonised derivative
values, applying the appropriate reducing coefficients.
The implementing measure introducing the basic limits indirectly is the Ordinance of the Minister of
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Environment on permissible electromagnetic field levels in the environment and ways of monitoring
these levels of 30 October 2003. Therein more stringent limits than in the Recommendation as
referred to fields of very high frequencies and the magnetic components of fields with frequency
50 Hz are set. For the electric components a different approach was assumed than in the
Recommendation – 1 kV/m in housing areas and 10 kV/m in the environment. Limits concerning the
electric components for fields with frequency 50 Hz are in force since 1998 and are respected.
Concerning the reference levels the permissible exposure of the population takes into account the
approach resulting from the precautionary policy and is several times lower than the one provided in
the 1999/519/EC Recommendation for very high frequency fields and the magnetic component of
the field with 50 Hz. In addition, for the electric component ten times lower values are applied for
housing areas than for the environment.
Sources addressed by the Poland measures comprises high voltage power line (in the range of the
direct current and frequency of 50 Hz), radio and TV broadcasting stations (in the whole range of the
frequencies used), transportation systems (in the whole range of the frequencies used), mobile
communication base stations (in the whole range of the frequencies used), medical equipment for
the treatment of patient (exposure of patients is not covered by limits referring to permissible
population exposure) and combined exposure from several sources (in the whole range of the
frequencies used).
Limits refer to total exposure, regardless of the emitting source in frequency ranges between 0 Hz
and 300 GHz, the evaluation covers the combined exposure from all sources. Standard procedures
for checking whether the levels for individual devices/installations and for the combined exposure
are defined for e.g. radio-communication, radio-navigation and radiolocation installations, long-wave
and medium-wave radio-communication installations, short-wave radio-communication installations,
ultra short wave radio communication, television radio communication installations, radiolocation
installations, non-professional radio-communication installations and power stations and lines.
As regards additional safety measures safety zones (areas of restricted use) are being set if
environmental quality standards cannot be maintained. This refers to power stations and lines, radio,
television, radiolocation and radio navigation installations.
7.22.3 Monitoring
In Poland monitoring that the levels of EMF exposures do not exceed the limits set is performed by
special studies regarding monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern and estimation models for
exposure evaluation in the permit procedure.
In the vicinity of all RF sources, whose Effective Isotropical Radiated Power (EIRP) is higher or equal
to 15 W, measurements of electromagnetic field levels are obligatory to check whether permissible
levels specified in the Polish legislation are not exceeded. Such measurements are also made in the
vicinity of electric power lines and stations with a voltage rating of 110 kV or higher.
Measurements of electromagnetic field levels are made:
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1. immediately after first operation of the installation;
2. each time, when the operation conditions of the installation change and the changes may
contribute to altered electromagnetic field levels generated by this installation.
Monitoring of the population exposure level is done by the Inspection for Environmental Protection,
the State Sanitary Inspection (statutory tasks) and accredited research laboratories. This ensures
constant updates of information from population exposure to electromagnetic field and initiates
administrative correction measures if the legal requirements are not met. The data gathered to date
show that the rules applied in Poland as regards the limitation of the population exposure do not
collide with the functioning and development of modern telecommunication, electric power systems
and other sources of electromagnetic fields present in the environment.
7.22.4 Communication with the public
Location of installations, which may have significant impact on the environment, requires the
application of an environmental impact assessment procedure. The participation of the population in
the procedures is possible, when a will referring to this is expressed.
7.22.5 Research funding
Research in the field of the evaluation of electromagnetic hazards from various sources was
systematically implemented in Poland, within the framework of statutory work of specialized
research institutes such as: Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute,
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Łódź, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology,
Wroclaw University of Technology and Warsaw University of Technology.
Currently no research is carried out regarding potential health hazards relating to EMF, financed from
public funds.
7.23 PT - Portugal
7.23.1 Protective Framework
In Portugal several legally binding measures are in place in order to protect the general public from
exposure to electromagnetic fields.
The Decree-Law nº 151-A/2000, of July 20th establishes the legal provisions applicable to licensing of
radio communication networks and stations, the supervision of the installation of the mentioned
stations and the use of the radio spectrum. This instrument foresees that the installation of radio
communication stations and respective accessories shall be subject not only to the legal consent of
owners of urban or rural buildings but also to the approval procedures required by law. The
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competence therefore lies on the local authorities. The competent authorities shall be responsible
for the setting of reference levels for the purpose of the assessment of the exposure to
electromagnetic fields emitted by radio communications stations.
Decree-Law n.º 11/2003, of January 18th established the procedures required by the local authorities
to licensing of radio communication networks and stations. Administrative Rule n.º 1421/2004, of 23
November adopted the levels fixed by EU in Recommendation of the Council 1999/519/EC whereas
Reg. ICP22 n.º 86/2007, of 22 May, published in DR, 2.ª série, n.º 98 of 22 May 2007 addresses specific
procedures of monitoring and evaluation of EMF intensity related with electromagnetic fields
emitted by radio communications stations.
7.23.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Portugal is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Council
Recommendation supports a high level of health protection.
The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in Portugal are the same as in the
Recommendation.
The following sources are addressed within the Portuguese legislation: high-voltage power lines,
radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations (9 KHz - 300 GHz).
Additional safety measures focus on safety zones around EMF sources, network infrastructure
sharing of facilities and special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens
etc. Each of them is applicable for radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication
base stations.
7.23.3 Monitoring
As regards the monitoring in Portugal several guidelines are available for the surveillance of the EMF
levels .
7.23.4 Communication with the public
Communication to the public is performed via different tools namely special programmes in TV and
radio, citizens’ jury or other stakeholder events, specialised publication, newspaper and magazines as
well as websites (www.dgs.pt).
22 ICP: Instituto das Communicacoes de Portugal; Portugese telecommunication regulator
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7.23.5 Research funding
The problem of the non-ionising electromagnetic radiation exposure received special attention, as
the ICP adopted the levels fixed in EU Recommendation 1999/519/EC, applicable to all
communications stations. As a part of an ICP proposal, an agreement was reached to create an inter-
ministry team, composed of representatives from the Health Ministry (team leader), the
Infrastructure Ministry, the Economy Ministry and The Science and Technology Ministry. This
decision was made through Join Order n.º 8/2002, signed by the respective ministers on 27
November 2001, and through Order n.º 6449/2002 from 14 February 2002,. The team will be
responsible for analysing the Rec. of Council n.º 1999/519/EC, of 12 July 1999, and will propose a set
of basic restrictions to follow, put together and propose concrete actions.
The subway company of Lisbon has launched in 2004 a project on electromagnetic compatibility,
namely the interchange of high voltage power lines running in parallel, intersecting with an viaduct
and a radar transmisser which included various measurements and simulations to verify if a risk to
the safety of people could be considered. They found that the health of human beings is not at threat
from electromagnetic radiation or from high-tension lines, in that particular situation.
7.24 RO - Romania
7.24.1 Protective Framework
Romania has implemented general measures establishing a framework of basic restrictions and
reference levels in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields within the
Order of Minister of Public Health no. 1193 from 29 September 2006 published in Official Monitor of
Romania, Part I, no. 895 from 3 November 2006 "Norms concerning Exposure of General Population
to Electromagnetic Fields from 0 Hz to 300 GHz" (http://www.cdep.ro/pls/legis/
legis_pck.htp_act?ida=6782).
There are legal requirement for the construction and installation of the antennas (mobile
communication, radio and TV stations), namely:
• A general authorization, which is issued by ANRCTI for the provider.
• A special authorization – including a sanitary permit, accompanied by a health impact study -
which is issued by the local authority (mayor’s office or town hall) for each antenna
construction and installation.
There are no regional differences within Romania.
7.24.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Romania is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the
Recommendation support a high level of health protection.
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The basic restrictions as well as the reference limits applied are the same as in the Council
Recommendation. The following sources are addressed by the protection measures: High-voltage
power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, transportation systems, mobile communication base
stations as well as combined exposure from several sources.
No additional safety measures taken.
7.24.3 Monitoring
In Romania some monitoring activities are undertaken.
A. According to the Government Emergency Ordinance (GEO) 134/2006, GEO 25/2007, and GEO
79/2002, the National Regulatory Authority for Communications and Information Technology
(ANRCTI) monitors and controls the compliance with the legislation in force imposed on the
providers of electronic communications networks and services by the general authorizations. This
monitoring activity implies measurements of frequency range, field strength or power flux-density
values, radio direction-finding assessment, and spectrum occupancy evaluation. These
measurements are performed in the vicinity of all sources of radiofrequency fields, including mobile
communication base stations, radio and TV antennas. The database containing these measurement
data is under construction; it will be done for 20 cities from 10 districts (out of 41) in the middle of
2008. All the measured values for the electric field are well below the limits recommended by
national and international standards for the general public.
B. The second type of monitoring is a passive monitoring. Starting from 2005, the Institute of Public
Health Bucharest collects power density measurement data performed in the vicinity of mobile base
stations in the request of the concerned population. The RF power density measurements have been
performed indoor and outdoor, by ANRCTI and laboratories of Armed Forces. Until now, this
database contains over 1500 measurement points carried out in 40 cities and town from 30 districts.
All the measured values of the power density are well below the limits recommended by national
and international standards for the general public.
If reference levels are exceeded ANRCTI transmits a notification to the provider, whereby this is
informed on the intention to apply a sanction according to legislation in force. The provider has a
period of 30 days to take appropriate actions to reduce de field level. If the provider does not comply
with this notification, ANRC suspends or withdraws the general authorization or the license of the
provider.
7.24.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public is performed via the following website:
http://www.comunic.ro/index.php
http://www.mcti.ro/index.php
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http://www.orange.ro/about/telefonia-ro.html
7.24.5 Research funding
Research activities in Bulgaria are performed with a focus on high-voltage power lines, radio and TV
broadcasting stations, transportations systems using static fields, mobile communication base
stations, home/domestic wiring and combined exposure from several sources.
Studies regarding bio-electromagnetic interactions and biological impact of human exposure to
radiofrequency and microwave electromagnetic fields are realized in the CEEX programme of the
Ministry of Education and Research as well as projects on electromagnetic ecology - sources
characterization, effects, preventing and control.
The CEEX project was proposed by a group of six Romanian institutional partners.
The objectives of the project were:
1. Methods, instrumentation and measurements of RF radiation emitted by sources in the UHF
band in free space, urban & extra-urban conditions, (incl. GSM signals), in order to compare
the measured values to the reference levels given in human exposure standards and relevant
to human health and safety.
2. Biological dosimetry determinations of the radiofrequency and microwaves fields, through
theoretical and experimental methods;
3. The design, set-up and characterisation of an exposure system for controlled irradiation of
biological objects in the UHF band;
4. The study of the interaction phenomenon between RF electromagnetic field and complex
molecular system or biological structures:
• investigation of induced changes at molecular levels; • investigation and interpretation of induced changes at cellular level in animal
tissue, through spectrophotometry and electronic spin resonance techniques; • comparison study of the correlated influence exercised by the in deepen
radiofrequency and microwaves on nucleic acids in animal tissue.
5. Tracking of electromagnetic events in RF application for biological protection through the use
of an intelligent transducer.
7.25 SE - Sweden
7.25.1 Protective Framework
In Sweden the basic restrictions and reference levels have been implemented in SSI FS 2002:3 (legally
binding Recommendation). Apart from that the responsible Swedish authorities already in 1996
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issued simple and low cost precautionary measures for long-term exposure of children to ELF,
especially from new constructions.
As there was some indication for scientific uncertainty (from the INTERPHONE study on acoustic
neuroma) regarding long-term health effects from using handsets for mobile telephony the Swedish
Radiation Protection Authority, SSI, has recommended since 2004 some simple precautionary
measures (use of hands-free devices) when using mobile phones. In 2005 it was added that these
precautionary measures were especially important for children and adolescents. Since 2002 SSI has
an independent international expert group on EMF and health. The task of the group is to follow the
scientific development in the EMF area and report annually to SSI. There are no regional differences
in Sweden.
7.25.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Sweden is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the
Recommendation supports a high level of health protection. However they have some doubts as
regards long-term exposure for ELF (childhood leukaemia) and long-term use of mobile phones as
some good quality studies indicate increased risk for acoustic neuroma.
The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in Sweden are the same as in the Council
Recommendation. They address the following sources: high-voltage power lines, radio and TV
broadcasting stations, transportation systems, mobile communication base stations, mobile phones
commercial equipments (antitheft equipments, other security systems, remote control systems etc.),
home/ domestic wiring, domestic equipments and appliances and combined exposure from several
sources.
The Recommendation 1999/519/EC has been implemented in Sweden as a Recommendation
(General Advice). For one specific application, drying with microwaves, SSI has issued a stronger
regulation. This technique is used for drying out concrete floors and walls damaged by water.
Additional safety measures taken to reduce EMF exposure in Sweden are network infrastructure
sharing of facilities and precautionary measures regarding ELF and use of mobile phones.
7.25.3 Monitoring
SSI has measured ELF exposure from power lines and electrical installations, indoors and outdoors,
and from different RF applications as radio, television, mobile telephony (GSM 900 and 1800, UMTS),
W-LAN, WiMax, TETRA etc. The exposures are low in comparison with the reference levels, especially
in the RF range. SSI has also made measurements of exposure generated by EAS (Electronic
Surveillance Systems). The measured values exceeded the reference values for all investigated
electro mechanical systems and for most acousto-mechanic systems SSI Report 2006:03.
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7.25.4 Communication with the public
Beside the provision of information on the website www.ssi.se, the SSI initiated in 2004 and 2005 the
Transparency Forum consisting of a series of three open seminars on mobile telephony, where all
interested stake holders were invited to participate. The seminars were planned by a reference
group in which all stakeholders participated.
The Transparency Forum, 2004-2005, was an important stakeholder dialogue event. SSI has also,
often together with other central authorities, participated in numerous municipal information
brochure on "How to reduce the exposure from your mobile phone"
(http://www.ssi.se/ickejoniserande_stralning/Mobiltele/Mobiltele.html?MenueType=1&Menu2=Mo
biltelefoni and http://www.ssi.se/ickejoniserande_stralning/Mobiltele/exp_1_sa_minskar.html?
MenueType=1&Menu2=Mobiltelefoni&Menu3=MinskaStralning).
7.25.5 Research funding
In Sweden the research concentrates mainly on mobile phones. Sweden takes part in a major
international prospective cohort study and a case-control study on childhood brain tumours and RF
fields.
7.26 SI - Slovenia
7.26.1 Protective Framework
Slovenia has implemented several measures for the protection of the public from exposure to
electromagnetic fields. At the end of 1996 two legislative instruments came into force:
• Decree on Electromagnetic Radiation in the Natural and Living Environment (Official journal
of the republic of Slovenia No 70/96) and
• Regulations on Initial Measurements and Operational Monitoring for Sources of
Electromagnetic Radiation and Conditions for Their Execution (Official journal of the republic
of Slovenia No 70/96).
The decree shall, in connection with electromagnetic radiation in the environment stipulate the
threshold values of electromagnetic fields in the environment, the levels of protection from radiation
in particular areas of the natural and living environment, the method of determining and evaluating
radiation load on the environment and measures for reducing and preventing excess radiation. The
regulations shall stipulate the range of properties of electromagnetic fields that are subject to initial
measurements and operational monitoring of electromagnetic radiation in the environment resulting
from the use or operation of a radiation source, the methodology of measuring such properties, the
contents of the report on initial measurements and operational monitoring and the method and
form of reporting data to the ministry responsible for environmental protection. There are no
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regional variations in Slovenia concerning protection of the public against electromagnetic fields.
7.26.2 Scope of the implementation measures
Slovenia is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the
Recommendation support a high level of health protection.
No implementation measures have been taken on basic restrictions. The provisions of the present
decree shall apply to radiation outside controlled zones caused in individual areas of the natural and
living environment by permanent or temporary emission by one or more sources of radiation load on
the environment. Excluded is the radiation from devices used for diagnostics or therapy in medicine,
radiation from mobile or portable broadcast and radar systems for defence needs and for protection,
rescue and aid.
The reference limits set out are generally the same as in the Recommendation, stricter reference
limits (ten times more stringent) are used for new and reconstructed radiation sources within specific
sensitive zones.
The decree implemented in Slovenia includes reasonable preventive measures. Two zones have been
created, which reflect the levels of protection required against radiation. Zone I calls for a higher
level of protection and covers, for example, schools, playgrounds, recreation areas, day care centres,
hospitals, residential housing, etc. For new systems and installations of EMF sources in the
environment in Slovenia, an additional factor of 10 across the whole frequency spectrum23 (0 Hz -
300 GHz) within Zone I was introduced to the current ICNIRP limit values. Zone II includes all zones
which cannot be allocated to Zone I, such as areas without private dwellings, used either for
industrial, professional or other purposes, or relating to transport, storage or services and
agricultural or forested areas. For EMF sources within Zone II and for existing radiation sources
within Zone I threshold values are the same as the reference limits in the Recommendation. The
decree stipulates that threshold values shall not be exceeded.
The decree in Slovenia considers high-voltage transformer, electricity substation, above- or below-
ground power lines for electricity transmission, wireless communication transmitting system, radio
or television transmitter, radar or other device or installation, which use or operation burdens the
environment with:
• low-frequency electromagnetic radiation from 0 Hz to 10 kHz, operating at a voltage rating
exceeding 1 kV; or
• high-frequency electromagnetic radiation from 10 kHz to 300 GHz with a maximum output
power exceeding 100 W
as radiation sources. An amateur radio station is not considered as radiation source.
23 for RF fields > 400 MHz the factor of 10 is applied on the power density
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As regards additional safety measures Slovenia applies safety zones around EMF sources like high
voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations.
In planning, constructing or reconstructing a radiation source the investor must adopt technical
approaches and consider findings and solutions that ensure that the threshold values are not
exceeded and that the radiation load on the environment is as low as is technically attainable. The
person causing radiation load on the environment must ensure the enclosure of the proximate
surrounding of the radiation source if the radiation source cannot be located in such a way that
access to the area of excess radiation load on the environment is made impossible. If this is
impossible other radiation protection measures have to be adopted. Any abnormal operation of the
radiation source that causes excess radiation load on the environment has to be reported to the
inspectorate responsible for environmental protection. The occurrence of earthed circuits, short
circuits and the activation of various safety mechanisms on facilities and devices used for distributing
electrical energy shall not be deemed to be abnormal operation of a radiation source.
7.26.3 Monitoring
Monitoring of the levels of EMF exposure is carried out by personal exposure monitoring, monitoring
of EMF levels in the areas of concern, estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit
procedure, estimation models for exposure evaluation after the installation of new systems and
specific measurement campaigns.
Levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields are subject to checks. Initial measures were performed
after new or reconstructed sources of radiation were used for the first time. During operation
periodic calculations are made
• Once every three years for high-frequency radiation and
• Once every five years for low-frequency radiation.
Checks on the pollution from sources are carried out by the inspectorate responsible for
environmental protection. An inspector responsible for environmental protection may order the
owner or administrator of a radiation source to change the programme of operational monitoring if
such an inspector determines that the frequency of measurements should be higher because the
radiation load on the environment owing to the use or operation of the source has changed in the
period between two periodic measurements or because owing to the operation of the radiation
source the radiation load on the environment is an occasionally exceeded. Responsible persons that
conduct initial measurements or operational monitoring themselves and persons that conduct initial
measurements or operational monitoring on behalf of responsible persons must have ministry
authorization for such activities. The entitlement of a legal or natural person to conduct initial
measurements or operational monitoring shall be recognized through the authorization. For the
needs of execution of initial measurements and operational monitoring on behalf of responsible
persons by other persons the ministry shall administer a list of authorized persons that contains
information on the name and head office of such persons. The list of those persons could be
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obtained from the Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia, (Vojkova 1b, 1000 Ljubljana.
http://www.arso.gov.si/varstvo%20okolja/sevanja/podatki/Elektromagnetno_sevanje.xls).
To give the Slovenian communes and their inhabitants the possibility to obtain information about
electromagnetic fields in their neighbourhood “Forum EMS” – an independent project aimed to
inform general public about electromagnetic fields and their biological effects – started monitoring
campaign in 2005 and prepares specially measurement campaigns every year. If communes express
interest, a remote monitoring station was installed for one week. The value of electric field intensity
is stored every minute, 24 hours a day. For each location all collected data were evaluated and
presented to the interested public as an article in a commune bulletin and on internet, where the
data for all locations are available. In the last two years more than 35 communes participated in this
campaign.
Project “Forum EMS” also offers for individuals personal dosimeter for 24-hours measurement of
exposure to electromagnetic fields around EMF sources.
7.26.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public is performed via internet site (http://www.forum-ems.si/) and
specialized publications. Beyond measuring campaigns, seminars and conferences were performed.
Efforts have been made since 2003 to stimulate a broad discussion among all stakeholders. With this
aim “Project Forum EMS” was established. The Forum EMS consists of:
• Advisory Board (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment, Ministry of
Economy, Consumers Association, Local Communities)
• Supporting Organizations Board (Mobile telephony operators, National TV broadcasting
company)
• Expert Committee (Faculty of Electro technical studies, Institute of Oncology, Institute of
Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Faculty of Philosophy,
Neurology Clinic, Ministry of Transport)
• Coordinator (Institute for Non-ionising Radiation; independent non-government institution)
Communication with the public is one of the Forum EMS principal tasks. In this respect
several actions has been taken:
Forum EMS offers a web page with relevant information for the public: http://www.forum-ems.si/. It
has published several publications (6 brochures, questions-answers pamphlet, book on EMR, etc.)
with relevant information on EMR. Forum's Newsletters are published 3-4 times per year.
In addition Forum EMS frequently appears in daily press and other media.
In 2004 the Codex of good practice was signed by mobile telephony operators and national TV
broadcasting company. The Forum EMS Advisory Board is entitled to judge if the Codex has been
followed in the particular case.
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Several measuring campaigns (55 measuring spots in 40 local communities) with an automatic
measuring system were organized in the frame of Forum EMS. In addition personal monitoring
campaign with interested volunteers is ongoing at the moment. Within this, 30 individual
measurements are financed by Ministry of Health.
Forum EMS has organized several seminars and conferences including seminars specially dedicated
to the communication with the public.
Forum EMS follows-up research and scientific development and publish the summary results on the
web page.
7.26.5 Research funding
Research is funded focusing on high-voltage power lines; radio and TV broadcasting stations and
mobile communication base stations.
The Ministry of Environment has funded a project: ”Exposure to electromagnetic field of high-voltage
power lines in the living environment” as well as a nationwide measurement campaign on EMF
exposure in the living environment. This project also established a database on all TV and radio
transmitters nationwide.
The Ministry of Defence and Research Agency funded a project on biological effects of TETRA system.
7.27 SK - Slovak Republic
7.27.1 Protective Framework
In the Slovak Republic general measures establishing a framework of basic restrictions and reference
levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC in order to protect the public from
exposure to electromagnetic fields are currently being implemented.
The Slovak Republic has already implemented measures to protect the public from exposure to
electromagnetic fields. These included legally binding acts:
• Act of the National Council of the Slovak Republic No 272/1994 (Coll.) on the protection of
public health;
• Decree of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic No 123/1993 (Coll.) on the protection
of health from the harmful effects of electromagnetic fields;
which are now amended by Act No 355/2007 on preservation, support and development of public
health.
There are obligations for employees and user of EMF sources to ensure technical, organizational and
other measures which avoid or reduce public exposure on limits determined in related legislation.
There are no regional variations in the Slovak Republic regarding the protection of the public from
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electromagnetic fields.
7.27.2 Scope of the implementation measures
The support of the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation is regarded
as to provide a high level of health protection.
There are no implementation measures taken on basic restrictions, the reference limits (defined as
“action values of exposure”) applied are the same as outlined in the Council Recommendation.
There have not been taken implementation measures for specific sources, as well as additional safety
measures.
7.27.3 Monitoring
In the Slovak Republic EMF levels in the area of concern are measured at least once every three
years.
7.27.4 Communication with the public
Communication with the public on the potential health impacts of EMF and measures taken to
address them is only performed via specialized publications.
7.27.5 Research funding
There is no public funding for research on potential health risks of EMF.
7.28 UK - United Kingdom
7.28.1 Protective Framework
The UK has implemented general measures establishing a framework of basic restrictions and
reference levels in order to protect the general public from exposure to electromagnetic fields within
the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974. That set basic principles which must be followed by
employees and employers to help to ensure a safe working environment.
Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974 places duties on employers to ensure that -
so far as is reasonably practicable- members of the public who are affected by the conduct of
employer’s undertaking are not thereby exposed to risk to their health or safety. In complying with
this section of the Act, employers are expected to take into account the Health Protection Agency
(HPA) advice. The HPA’s Radiation Protection Division (when it was the National Radiological
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Protection Board) undertook a comprehensive scientific review and recommended that the UK adopt
ICNIRP guidelines. Employers, therefore, fulfil their duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act
by applying the ICNIRP guidelines as specified in the European Council Recommendation
1999/519/EC. Product safety is dealt with separately under Consumer Protection legislation. In this
case the CE marking legislation applies where ENs are drafted under Mandate 305 [R & TTE Directive
and Low Voltage Directive]. There are no regional differences within the UK. Whilst there are some
differences in planning approval regimes but the objectives and the outcomes for public EMF safety
are the same.
7.28.2 Scope of the implementation measures
The UK feels that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation do
support a high level of health protection.
The basic restrictions set out in the UK are the same as recommended by the Council.
Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974 is assessed by using the basic
restrictions in risk assessments in [Advice on Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (0-300GHz)
from the HPA in documents of the NRPB Vol 15, No 2, 2004 http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/
publications/documents_of_nrpb/abstracts/absd15-2.htm] i.e. adoption of the ICNIRP guidelines in
the UK for both workers and the public. For some frequencies only, the HPA has advised a three
stage approach, adopting realistic numerical modelling of exposures, for clarification of the
application of ICNIRP levels. In the case of power frequencies the figures are 9 kV/m and 360 µT i.e.
less stringent than the reference levels in the Council Recommendation (see http://www.hpa.org.uk/
radiation/understand/information_sheets/icnirp_exp_guidelines.htm). Although this does not
constitute formal government guidance to industry, the HPA advice could in practice be deployed
through challenges for example at way leave hearings and reviews of overhead line consents.
The reference levels set out in the UK comply (for power frequency only in the first stage) with the
ones in the Recommendation. The sources addressed are the following: High-voltage power lines,
radio and TV broadcasting stations, transportation systems, mobile communication base stations,
Mobile phones, commercial equipments (antitheft equipments, other security systems, remote
control systems etc.) medicinal equipments for the treatment of patient (diathermy equipments,
electrocautery devices, patient monitors, MRI scanners, hyperthermia machines, surgical devices),
home/ domestic wiring, domestic equipments and appliances and combined exposure from several
sources.
Additional safety measures focuses on safety zones around EMF sources, network infrastructure
sharing of facilities, special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc
as well as special restrictions based on total local EMF emissions.
For mobile phone base stations the ICNIRP reference level has become a de facto limit that is not
allowed to be exceeded in public areas. In Scotland and Northern Ireland this limit is statutory i.e.
legislation requires operators to provide certification that their installations will comply with the
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ICNIRP reference levels. In practice, access to areas where the reference levels may be exceeded is
restricted either by location (at height) or by enclosure within the transmitter housing. Sharing of
masts is encouraged wherever possible and the technical requirements permit. For schools, there is a
public web site (http://www.teacherntet.gov.uk/wholeschool/healthandsafety/other/mobilephones)
that provides advice on planning matters relating to phone masts (base stations). There is a (non-
statutory) requirement that school governors be consulted on all proposals for masts on or near a
school or college. Additionally network operators must consult local people, including schools and
colleges before submitting an application to erect a mast. The Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone
Network Development published in 2002 sets out procedures for mobile phone network operators to
follow when consulting with schools and colleges before they submit an application to erect a mast
(http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/codebest). A review of the 2002
Code of Best Practice was published in 2006 (http://www.reading.ac.uk/about/newsandevents/
releases/PR255.asp) and the findings will be considered in an ongoing review of planning legislation
relating to telecommunications. Local planning authorities are also required to consult the local
schools when an application for a base station is received. The Department for Children, Schools and
Families (DCSF) advises schools and colleges that wish to be consulted about base stations in their
local area to notify their local planning authority. The operator of the last added emitting sources on
a shared mast is obliged to demonstrate that ICNIRP compliance is continued.
7.28.3 Monitoring
Monitoring activities within the UK comprises personal exposure monitoring, monitoring of EMF
levels in the areas of concern, estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure as
well as ad hoc measurements of electric and magnetic fields near power lines, in response to
requests from members of the public. These measurements are largely carried out by the utility
companies rather than by the Government.
Special studies supported by the UK Mobile Telecommunications and Health research programme
are the following: a) MTHR study of childhood cancer incidence and proximity to base stations
includes a limited estimate of RF exposures, b) MTHR technical assessment of RF personal exposure
monitoring device (antennas).
In addition special studies as regards monitoring of RF levels near base stations in response to public
requests is funded by the Government and free of charge for the public. Over 500 such exposure
measurements (mostly close to schools) have been undertaken to date
(http://www.ofcom.org.uk/sitefinder/audit_info). Each planning application for base station (mast)
includes a projected emission evaluation.
7.28.4 Communication with the public
In the UK communication with the public is performed via internet site, citizens' jury or other
respective stakeholder dialogue events and specialized publication
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(http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/D
H_4009248).
The communication via internet sides comprises the following different websites:
a) Health Protection Agency Radiation Protection Division web site provides information on all
aspects electromagnetic fields and RF radiation. The web site includes Q and A on not only
the main topics of interest such as power lines, mobile phone base stations and WiFi
(WLANs) but also on other sources. A large number of technical documents and scientific
review publications is available on this web site. (www.hpa.org.uk/radiation)
b) The Department of Health web site host 3 items i) the information leaflets on Mobile phones
and Health (see d) below), ii) a page on electromagnetic fields and the SAGE report
(http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthandsocialcaretopics/DH_4089500) and
iii) a page on new and emerging wireless technologies includes WLAN, WiFi, Bluetooth, DECT
etc. (http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/MinistersandDepartmentLeaders/
ChiefMedicalOfficer/Features/FeaturesArchive/Browsable/DH_4114134).
c) Ofcom, the communications industry regulator, has a site that includes the details of all the
measurements of RF exposure near mobile phone base stations (see above) displayed as
annual Audit each year since 2001. It also has a Sitefinder facility to see a map showing the
base stations in a particular locality (www.ofcom.org.uk/sitefinder).
d) Following the publication of the Stewart Report in 2000, the Department of Health printed
several million leaflets on Mobile Phones and Health and Mobile Phone Base Stations and
Health and they were distributed to shops, libraries, doctors surgeries and local authority
planning departments (http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/
PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4009248).
e) The Radiation, Risk and Society Advisory Group considers radiation risk more generally and
has published a document on communicating risk to the public at (www.hpa.org.uk/
radiation/publications/documents_of_nrpb/abstracts/absd15-4.htm).
f) Detailed scientific reviews are available to the public and professional reader. For example:
The Health Protection Agency is advised by an independent Advisory Group on Non-ionising
radiation (AGNIR) that publishes authoritative reviews of the scientific published work on
specific EMF and health topics (http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/advisory_groups/
agnir/index.htm).
Events and procedures within the category citizens' jury or other stakeholder dialogue event can be
mentioned as follows:
a) SAGE The stakeholder advisory group on ELF has been exploring possible practical
precautionary measures with respect to Power frequency fields. Its first report was published
in 2007 (www.rkpartnership.co.uk/sage).
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b) The Health Protection Agency has held a series of meetings with public concern
representatives to discuss issues of mutual interest (http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/
understand/radiation_topics/emf/emfdg/index.htm).
c) The Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development published in 2002 sets out
procedures for mobile phone network operators to follow when consulting with schools and
colleges and members of the public before they submit an application to erect a mast
(http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/codebest)
7.28.5 Research funding
In the UK research funding is allocated to potential health risks of high-voltage power lines, mobile
communication base stations, mobile phones, home/domestic wiring and domestic equipments.
Several ELF health research studies are included in the Department of Health Radiation Protection
Research programme.
In addition the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) programme funded jointly
(50:50) by government and industry under independent management. The 1st phase lasted 6 years
and cost £8.8million (€13M). A report of 23 completed studies has been published in September
2007. The 2nd research phase is just beginning. (www.mthr.org.uk)
Furthermore the Health Protection Agency carried out a special study of the residential sources of
magnetic fields related to data in a previous childhood cancer study (www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/
publications/hpa_rpd_reports/2005/hpa_rpd_005.htm). Concerning WiFi the Health Protection
Agency’s Radiation Protection Division undertakes its own programme of EMF studies to underpin its
advice. For example: (http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpa/news/articles/press_releases/2007/
071012_wifi.htm).
The EMF health research, in its various programmes, is intended to challenge the EMF guidelines.
The experimental exposures are, in the main, below the international guidelines. Publication of the
results in peer reviewed journals is encouraged in order to ensure a high standard of scientific
endeavour. In time, the work supported in these programmes can be judged by weight-of-evidence
reviews and lead to more robust health, safety guidelines and policy advice.
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8 Overall picture on the situation in the Member States
In order to summaries the information provided in the previous chapters for the individual Member
States and to provide an overall picture on the different approaches used, all MS and Switzerland
have been compared using a systematic approach described in detail further on in this chapter.
The principle which has been followed was to assort all MS and CH to categories depending on their
individual national situation as regards EMF protection, communication and research. As this
approach is a priori too general in order to be used to evaluate the situation as a whole, the
comparison of individual MS and CH has been performed for specific subtopics namely the protective
framework, the scope of the implemented measures, monitoring, communication with the public as
well as research funding.
All countries have been categorised according to the following scheme:
Figure 1 schematic approach for categorisation
An Excel tool has been developed comprising sheets for all MS and CH as well as an overall sheet. In
the individual MS sheets each category has been evaluated by answering several specific questions.
For each question five defined answers were possible. Each of the five answers represents one of the
categories mentioned above. To simplify matters each category has been linked to a specific number
of points which can be inserted in the Excel sheet. In order to derive a number of points for each
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subtopic the numbers of points allocated for each question within this subtopic have been
summarised and divided by the number of questions, this means an average number of points within
each sub topic has been calculated.
The following table demonstrates this approach:
Table 1 General scheme for evaluation
Example: MS A A framework is in
place which sets
out significantly
stricter obligations
A framework is in
place which sets
out stricter
obligations
A framework is in
place which fulfils
the general
requirements
A framework is in
place which sets
out less
obligations
A framework is in
place which sets
out significantly
less obligations or
no framework is in
place
Number of points:
5
Number of points:
4
Number of points:
3
Number of points:
2
Number of points:
1
Answer 1.1 Answer 1.2 Answer 1.3 Answer 1.4 Answer 1.5
Question 1 4
Answer 2.1 Answer 2.2 Answer 2.3 Answer 2.4 Answer 2.5
Question 2 2
IN TOTAL Total number of points: 4+2= 6
Divided by the number of questions
TOTAL NUMBER of points for this subtopic: 6:2= 3
As an average MS A has a framework in place which fulfils the general requirements.
This approach provides a precise picture for each of the five subtopics taking into account all
countries in the European Union as well as Switzerland. In the following chapters the assessment
within the subtopics is shown in detail.
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8.1 Protective Framework
This chapter focuses specifically on two questions namely:
Question 1: Are measures implemented establishing a framework of basic restrictions and
reference levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC?
Question 2: What is the nature of the general measurement establishing a framework of
basic restrictions and reference values to protect the general public from exposure to EMF?
In the following table all possible answers and their allocation to the five categories is shown.
Table 2 Possible answers protective framework
Category Answers Question 1 Answers Question 2
Measures have been implemented which are
significantly stricter
No, but other measures have been taken which
guarantees a significantly stricter level of protection
Measures are legally binding without
regional differences
Measures have been implemented which are stricter
No, but other measures have been taken which
guarantees a stricter level of protection
n. a.
Yes, implemented
No, but other measures have been taken which
guarantees the same level of protection
Measures are not legally binding
Measures are legally binding but not
in all regions of the country
Other measures have been implemented which
provides a lower level of protection n. a.
Other measures have been implemented which
provides a significantly lower level of protection
No measures at all have been
There are no measures in place
No information available to answer
the question
In the following the assessment for each country is shown for both questions. Subsequently an
overall assessment within the sub topic protective framework is shown.
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Table 3 Assessment question 1 protective framework
Question
1
Are measures implemented establishing a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels corresponding to
those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC?
Possible answers
Measures have been implemented which are
significantly stricter No, but other measures have been taken which
guarantees a significantly stricter level of
protection
Measures have been implemented which are
stricter No, but other measures have been taken which
guarantees a stricter level of protection
Yes, implemented No, but other
measures have been taken which
guarantees the same level of protection
Other measures have been
implemented which provides a lower
level of protection
Other measures have been
implemented which provides a
significantly lower level of protection No measures at all
have been AT X
BE X
BG X
CH X
CZ X
CY X
DE X
DK X
EE X
ES X
FI X
FR X
GR X
HU X
IE X
IT X
LT X
LU X
LV X24
MT X
NL X
PL X
PT X
RO X
SE X
SI X
SK X
UK X
24 Is only related to working environment
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Table 4 Assessment question 2 protective framework
Question
2
What is the nature of the general measurement establishing a framework of basic restrictions and reference
values to protect the general public from exposure to EMF?
Possible answers
Measures are legally
binding without regional
differences
n. a. Measures are not
legally binding
Measures are legally
binding but not in all
regions of the country
n. a. There are no
measures in place
No information
available to answer
the question
AT X
BE X
BG X25
CH X
CZ X
CY X
DE X
DK X
EE X
ES X
FI X26
FR X
GR X
HU X
IE X
IT X
LT X
LU X
LV X27
MT X
NL X
PL X
PT X
RO X
SE X
SI X
SK X
UK X
As could be seen from the two tables above, most of the countries have implemented general
measures to set up a framework in order to protect the general public from exposure to
electromagnetic fields. Moreover in most countries the measures are legally binding and applicable
for the whole territory.
25 In preparation 26 For RF fields legally binding measures available 27 Is only related to working environment
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By combining the results of the two questions in the sub topic “protective framework” an overall
picture can be drawn for all countries of the EU as well as Switzerland. In the following the “total
average scores” 28 within the first sub topic are shown. In order to provide at a glance an overall
picture a map comprising the European countries has been coloured accordingly to the assessment
and the average scores.
The following colouring is used in all maps taking into account several different nuances between
fulfilling the general requirements and having a framework in place which provides a significantly
stricter protection on the one hand side or which sets out less stringent protection measures on the
other hand.
Table 5 Colouring scheme used for the country maps
5 points A framework is in place which sets out significantly stricter obligations
3 points A framework is in place which fulfils the general requirements
1 point A framework is in place which sets out significantly less obligations or no framework is in place
28 For further explanation on the approach see Table 1.
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Overall picture regarding protective framework:
Figure 2 Protective framework29
It could clear be seen that nearly all MS have measures in place in order to
protect the general public from exposure from electromagnetic fields.
Even if some MS have not implemented the Council Recommendation as
such other protective measures are in place. It should be highlighted in
this regard that nearly all MS have implemented legally binding measures
addressing the EMF issues. No obvious differences between EU 15 and the
new MS could be observed.
29 See Table 5 for explanation of colouring.
AT 3
BE 4
BG 4
CH 5
CY 4
CZ 4
DE 4
DK 1
EE 4
ES 4
FI 3
FR 4
GR 4.5
HU 4
IE 3.5
IT 4.5
LT 5
LU 2.5
LV 4
MT 4
NL 3
PL 5
PT 4
RO 4
SE 4
SI 4.5
SK 4
UK 4
Average number of points
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8.2 Scope of the implementation measures
In the following chapter especially the specific implemented measures have been evaluated by
focussing on the following four questions:
Questions 1: How does the implemented measures relate to the basic restrictions outlined in
the Council Rec?
Question 2: How does the implemented measures relate to the reference values outlined in
the Council Rec?
Question 3: Which of the following sources and frequency ranges are addressed by the
protection measures?
o high voltage lines
o radio and TV broadcasting stations
o transportation systems
o mobile communication base stations
o mobile phones
o commercial equipment (antitheft equipments, other security systems, remote
control systems etc.)
o medical equipment for the treatment of patient (diathermy equipments,
electrocautery devices, patient monitors, MRI scanners, hyperthermia machines,
surgical devices)
o home / domestic wiring
o domestic equipments and appliances
o Combined exposure from several sources
Question 4: Are there any additional safety measures in place to reduce EMF exposure?
o safety zones around
High voltage power lines
radio and TV broadcasting stations
mobile communication stations
other sources
o network infrastructure sharing of facilities for
high voltage lines
radio and TV broadcasting stations
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mobile communication stations
other sources
o special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens, etc. for
high voltage lines
radio and TV broadcasting stations
mobile communication stations
other sources
o special restriction based on total local EMF emissions for
high voltage lines
radio and TV broadcasting stations
mobile communication stations
other sources
o special restrictions based on total local EMF emission by type of EMF emission
(static fields, 0 Hz)
(extremely low frequencies (ELF) (>0 to 300 Hz))
(Intermediate frequencies (IF) (300 Hz to 100 kHz))
(radiofrequencies (RF) (100 kHz to 300 GHz))
others
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The evaluation has been performed by using the following possible answers:
Table 6 Possible answers scope of the implemented measures
Category Answers Question 1
Basic restrictions
Answers Question 2
Reference levels
Answers Question 3
Sources
Answers Question 4
Additional measures
Restrictions are
significantly stricter than
in rec
Restrictions are
significantly stricter than
in rec
More than 8 sources Yes, there are additional
safety measures in place
which are significantly
stricter and more effective
Restrictions are stricter
than in rec
Restrictions are stricter
than in rec
More than 6 sources Yes, there are additional
safety measures in place
which are stricter
Restrictions are the
same as in rec
Restrictions are the
same as in rec
More than 4 sources Yes, there are additional
standard safety measures
in place
Restrictions are less
stringent as in rec
Restrictions are less
stringent as in rec
More than 2 sources No, there are no additional
safety measures in place
There are no measures
in place
No information available
to answer the question
There are no measures
in place
No information available
to answer the question
Less than 2 sources
There are no measures
in place
No information available
to answer the question
No information available to
answer the question
In the following the assessment for each country is shown for the four questions. Subsequently an
overall assessment within the sub topic scope of the implemented measures is shown.
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Table 7 Assessment question 1 scope of the implemented measures
Question
1 How does the implemented measures relate to the basic restrictions outlined in the Council Rec?
Possible answers
Restrictions are
significantly stricter than
in rec
Restrictions are stricter than in rec
Restrictions are the same as in rec
Restrictions are less stringent as in rec
There are no
measures in place
No information available to answer
the question AT X
BE X30
BG X31
CH X
CZ X
CY X
DE X
DK X
EE X32
ES X
FI X
FR X
GR X33
HU X
IE X
IT X
LT X34
LU X
LV X
MT X
NL X
PL X
PT X
RO X
SE X
SI X
SK X
UK X
30 Stricter levels but not for the whole frequency range 31 In preparation 32 No information available 33 In case of RF a stricter framework is in place 34 Basic restrictions only exists for workers not for the public
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Table 8 Assessment question 2 scope of the implemented measures
Question
2 How does the implemented measures relate to the reference values outlined in the Council Rec?
Possible answers
Restrictions are
significantly stricter than
in rec
Restrictions are stricter
than in rec Restrictions are the
same as in rec Restrictions are less stringent as in rec
There are no
measures in place
No information available to answer
the question AT X
BE X35
BG X
CH X
CZ X
CY X
DE X
DK X
EE X
ES X
FI X
FR X
GR X36
HU X
IE X
IT X
LT X
LU X
LV X
MT X
NL X37
PL X
PT X
RO X
SE X
SI X
SK X
UK X
35 Stricter levels but not for the whole frequency range 36 Stricter levels but not for the whole frequency range 37 Stricter levels but not for the whole frequency range
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Table 9 Assessment question 3 scope of the implemented measures
Question
3 Which of the following sources and frequency ranges are addressed by the protection measures?
(for complete list of sources see above)
Possible answers
More than 8 sources More than 6 sources More than 4 sources More than 2 sources
Less than 2 sources
There are no
measures in place
No information available to answer
the question AT X
BE X
BG X
CH X
CZ X
CY X
DE X
DK X
EE X
ES X
FI X
FR X
GR X
HU X
IE X38
IT X
LT X
LU X
LV X
MT X
NL X
PL X
PT X
RO X
SE X
SI X
SK X
UK X
38 No information available
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Table 10 Assessment question 4 scope of the implemented measures
Question
4 Are there any additional safety measures in place to reduce EMF exposure?
Possible answers
Yes, there are
additional safety
measures in place
which are significantly
stricter and more
effective
Yes, there are additional safety
measures in place which are stricter
Yes, there are additional standard safety measures in
place
No, there are no additional safety
measures in place
No information available to answer the
question
AT X
BE X
BG X
CH X
CZ X
CY X
DE X
DK X
EE X
ES X
FI X
FR X
GR X
HU X
IE X
IT X
LT X
LU X
LV X
MT X
NL X
PL X
PT X
RO X
SE X
SI X
SK X
UK X
In general, the implemented restriction levels in the Member States for EMF exposure are in line with
the Recommendation. However, in Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands,
Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia, no implementation measures have been taken on basic restrictions.
More stringent approaches are applied in some countries on the basis of the precautionary principle.
In Belgium, the Royal decree sets out limit values which are four times stricter for radiation between
10 MHz and 10 GHz (but not for the whole frequency range), whereas in the Flemish region no
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restrictions on the basic value are in force. Greece applies so-called reduction factors of 60-70% to
the recommended basic restrictions for GSM antennas and new reference levels have been derived
for showing compliance with them. Poland applies reduction factors to the reference levels for the
permissible exposure of population for the fields of very high frequency and the magnetic
component of fields with frequency of 50 Hz. In addition, for the electric component ten times lower
values are applied for housing areas than for the environment. As the permissible exposure of the
population in Poland is several times lower than in that of the Recommendation, it is also reflected to
the reference levels e.g. 6 V/m for RF radiation.
The United Kingdom applies a three-stage approach for some frequencies by modelling numerically
exposures for clarification of compliance with the ICNIRP basic levels. In the case of power
frequencies, the figures are 9 kV/m and 360 µT, i.e. less stringent than the reference levels in the
Recommendation.
The reference limits used for monitoring EMF radiation in the Member States generally follow those
outlined in the Council Recommendation. Those countries who deviate in some frequency ranges
from the basic restrictions have adjusted the respective reference levels accordingly.
Belgium applies a four times lower power density for RF radiation. The reference values of the
Recommendation for ELF electric fields in the urban area are the same as those in the
Recommendation. However, the recommended values for magnetic fields at 50 Hz of 0.2 µT and
action value of 10 µT are far below the reference level of 100 µT of the Recommendation. The
Netherlands’ precautionary measure for ELF radiation applies a reference level of 0.4 µT for the
magnetic field for new installations.
In Bulgaria, the exposure limit values are categorized by four zones defined according to the
possibility of exposure in this areas and the duration of the exposure. Accordingly, higher limit values
are set for zones where human exposure is rare or practically impossible and much lower limits for
zones with continuous exposure and areas for sensitive groups (including children, pregnant women,
elderly and ill people).
Slovenia applies ten times more stringent reference levels for new and reconstructed radiation
sources in sensitive areas like schools, playgrounds, recreation areas, day care centres, hospitals
residential housing, etc.
In Greece, the recommended reference levels were set as the safety limits for extremely low
frequency fields while for antennas, due to regulatory requirements for the application of reduction
factors for basic restrictions, new reference levels have been derived for all land based antennas.
Similarly, in Lithuania the national levels in the frequency range of 10 kHz-300 MHz are 2-3 times
stricter than the reference levels for EMF radiation; from 300 MHz to 300 GHz, even 100 times!
For ELF, the UK advises a three- stage approach adopting realistic numerical modelling for exposure
to clarify the application of the ICNIRP levels. In the case of power frequencies, the limitation levels
are less stringent than the reference level in the Recommendation.
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No implementation measures on specific sources have been taken in Latvia and Slovakia, in the Czech
Republic, Hungary also no implementation measure as generally all sources are addressed.
As far as other European countries are concerned, in Switzerland, the general exposure limits comply
with the reference values of the Recommendation, but additional precautionary factors of 10 to 100
were applied for single installations in so- called “sensitive areas" where the reference values were
about to exceed the ICNIRP limits. The measures implemented in Germany address exposure levels
from specific frequency ranges: 9 kHz-300 GHz, 16 2/3 Hz, 50 Hz, and 10 MHz - 300 GHz. Power lines
only operating with a voltage over 1000 V and fixed transmitters with a transmission power over
10 W EIRP are considered. In the ELF and RF, the reference values for individual EMF sources take
into account similar EMF sources in the same area.
Additional safety measures are applied mainly for mobile telecommunication stations, radio and TV
broadcasting stations and for high-voltage power lines. The key measures to reduce the exposure of
the public to EMF are safety zones around EMF sources, network infrastructure sharing of facilities,
special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc. or on the basis of
total local emissions by type of EMF; and other miscellaneous measures. Some countries apply also
specific restrictions for certain EMF types, for some appliances and for situations of high overall
exposure.
In the following different reference levels are shown in comparison as applied in the different
countries. The yellow bars indicate the main limit value as mentioned in the implemented measure
(e.g. in the country law, decree, etc. ). The blue ones indicate values which are stricter and applicable
for specific applications. Not all of them are legally binding. The same applies for the red bars which
indicates less stringent values for specific applications.
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Strictest Level0,1 µT
1,0 µT
10,0 µT
100,0 µT
, g
Strictest Level
Limit Value
Least Strict Level
Figure 3 Overview of Limit Values in the MS for the magnetic flux [µT] at the power frequency 50 Hz
Stricter Level1 V/m
10 V/m
100 V/m
1000 V/m
10000 V/m
Stricter Level
Limit Value
Less Strict Level
Figure 4 Overview of Limit Values in the MS for the electric field [V/m] at the power frequency 50 Hz
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Stricter Level0,1 V/m
1,0 V/m
10,0 V/m
100,0 V/m
Stricter Level
Limit Value
Less Strict Level
Figure 5 Overview of Limit Values in the MS for the electric field [V/m] for radio and TV broadcasting
stations with a frequency of 500 MHz
Stricter Level0,1 V/m
1,0 V/m
10,0 V/m
100,0 V/m
GSM-Mobile Communication Stations - 940 MHz, Electric Field
Stricter Level
Limit Value
Less Strict Level
Figure 6 Overview of Limit Values in the MS for the electric field [V/m] for GSM mobile communication
base stations with a frequency of 940 MHz
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Stricter Level0,1 V/m
1,0 V/m
10,0 V/m
100,0 V/m
UMTS-Mobile Communication Stations - 2100 MHz, Electric Field
Stricter Level
Limit Value
Less Strict Level
Figure 7 Overview of Limit Values in the MS for the electric field [V/m] for UMTS mobile communication
base stations with a frequency of 2100 MHz
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Overall picture regarding scope of the implemented measures:
Figure 8 Scope of the implemented measures39
As each country has implemented measures in a different way, taking
into account national structures, needs and expectations it seems
obvious that especially in this sub topic the largest variations could be
observed. However, the large majority complies with the scope of the
Council Recommendation or have even implemented stricter measures.
Contrarily some countries are still behind the scope of the Council
Recommendation. Interestingly no geographical tendency could be
observed.
39 See Table 5 for explanation of colouring.
AT 3.5
BE 3.75
BG 3.75
CH 4.5
CY 2.25
CZ 3.25
DE 2.25
DK 1.5
EE 2
ES 3
FI 3
FR 2.75
GR 3.5
HU 3.25
IE 2
IT 3
LT 3
LU 3
LV 2.5
MT 2.5
NL 2.75
PL 3.25
PT 3
RO 2.75
SE 3.5
SI 2.75
SK 2.75
UK 3.5
Average number of points
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8.3 Monitoring
As regards the monitoring of implemented measures a general question has been assessed namely:
Are the EMF levels monitored in the areas of concern?
The evaluation has been performed by using the following possible answers:
Table 11 Possible answers monitoring
Category Answers Question 1
Yes, regularly with a periodicity more than once a year, special studies and qualified
measurement methods
Yes, with only two of the three criteria mentioned above
Yes, with only one of the three criteria mentioned above
Yes, but only on an occasional basis
No monitoring
No information available to answer the question
In the following the assessment for each country is shown for the question concerned. Subsequently
an overall assessment within the sub topic monitoring is shown.
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Table 12 Assessment question 1 monitoring
Question
1 Are the EMF levels monitored in the areas of concern?
Possible answers Yes, regularly with a
periodicity more than
once a year, special
studies and qualified
measurement
methods
Yes, with only two of the three criteria mentioned above
Yes, with only one of the three criteria mentioned above
Yes, but only on an occasional
basis
No monitoring No information
available to answer the
question
AT X
BE X
BG X
CH X
CZ X
CY X
DE X
DK X
EE X
ES X
FI X
FR X
GR X
HU X
IE X
IT X
LT X
LU X
LV X
MT X
NL X
PL X
PT X
RO X
SE X
SI X
SK X
UK X
The Council Recommendation asks the national authorities to monitor the levels of EMF exposure
and check whether they exceed the limits set in the Recommendation. Most of the countries monitor
EMF levels in the areas of concern (telecommunication base stations, power lines etc.) by asking the
authorities to carry out special studies the results of which are generally published on the Internet
together with the permit information.
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In Slovakia, the measurements are performed every three years by the authorities. The same practice
is applied in Slovenia for high frequency radiation, but only every five years for low-frequency
radiation. Furthermore several other monitoring activities like initial measurements for new and
reconstructed sources are carried out in Slovenia. In Portugal several guidelines for monitoring
activities are available. In Romania the monitoring activities by authority are limited.
In the United Kingdom – beside specific studies – ad-hoc measurements of electric and magnetic
fields near power lines are carried out by the utility companies in response to requests from the
public. The same approach is applied in Denmark for power lines and telecommunication stations but
only on request of citizens. In Cyprus, network operators for wireless electronic communication
systems conduct their own regular measurements in addition to measurements performed upon
requests from the general public and public authorities; in Ireland the main power company
proceeds in a similar way. Greece foresees regular monitoring by the Atomic Energy Commission or
other authorised laboratories, which also act upon request of the public. In the Netherlands and in
Latvia most often the telecommunication operators periodically perform monitoring activities.
In general, exposure evaluation is performed by using models during the permit procedure and/or
after the installation of new systems or after any optimisation or changes in the installation. The
calculation of safety zones is based on the technical data of the sources. In Belgium, the operator
must evaluate the specific and total exposure of his antennas on a given site, by means of model
estimations or in case of expected exceedance above 5% of the norm, by measurements on a site.
The results are published on Internet as it is also done by most of the other countries.
In Belgium, citizens may request (free of charge) that the authorities evaluate the EMF exposure in
their houses or in their neighbouring areas. Finland carries out regular market surveillance studies.
However, they focus only on the exposure levels from mobile phones. Occasional magnetic field
measurements near indoor transformers have also taken place, detecting a few cases where the
maximum magnetic flux density exceeded the 100 µT limit by a factor up to 2. In most other
monitoring studies, no exceeded values could be detected. In Sweden, the authorities have also
extended the measurements on exposure generated by TETRA and EAS (Electronic Surveillance
Systems). For the latter, the measured values exceeded the reference values of the Recommendation
for all investigated electro-mechanical systems and for most acoustic-mechanic systems.
Bulgarian legislation sets out two stages for EMF control. The first step consists in checking the
documentation including the calculation of safety zones and the second is dedicated to measuring of
EMF values applying standard methods. In Germany, the levels have been measured several times
since 1992; all levels detected were below the ICNIRP and the Council Recommendation.
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Overall picture regarding monitoring:
Figure 9 Monitoring40
As shown on the map most of the countries in Europe perform monitoring
activities with qualified methods and in form of special studies and/or a high
periodicity. Only in six countries the monitoring activities should be
improved in the future.
40 See Table 5 for explanation of colouring.
AT 2
BE 5
BG 4
CH 4
CY 4
CZ 4
DE 5
DK 2
EE 2
ES 4
FI 2
FR 5
GR 5
HU 2
IE 4
IT 3
LT 4
LU 2
LV 3
MT 4
NL 3
PL 4
PT 4
RO 4
SE 3
SI 4
SK 2
UK 5
Average number of points
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8.4 Communication with the public
Within the subtopic communication with the public two aspects have been assessed. On the one
hand side the communication with the public and on the other hand the decree of public concern
have been addressed and elucidated. For the aspect of communication to the public the following
question has been used:
Which measures are implemented to communicate with the public?
The evaluation has been performed by using the following possible answers:
Table 13 Possible answers communication with the public
Category Answers Question 1
Intensive communication including mass media also available in lay language
Communication via various sources also available in lay language
Communication via websites
Communication only to specific stakeholders
No active communication
No information available to answer the question
In the following the assessment for each country is shown for the question concerned. Subsequently
an overall assessment within the sub topic communication with the public is shown.
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Table 14 Assessment communication with the public
Question
1 Which measures are implemented to communicate with the public?
Possible answers Intensive communication
including mass media
also available in lay
language
Communication via various sources also
available in lay language
Communication via websites
Communication only to specific stakeholders
No active communication No information
available to answer the question
AT X
BE X
BG X
CH X
CZ X
CY X
DE X
DK X
EE X
ES X
FI X
FR X
GR X
HU X
IE X
IT X
LT X
LU X
LV X
MT X
NL X
PL X
PT X
RO X
SE X
SI X
SK X
UK X
Communication with the public refers to actions aiming at informing the citizens on the potential
risks of electromagnetic fields and on the protection measures taken in their environment. The most
common channels of information are the Internet, special publications, meetings with citizens'
committees and local authorities, newspapers and magazines. Some countries have established
citizen blogs and/or juries for dialogue and may use TV and/or radio programmes (Cyprus, Bulgaria,
and Lithuania). These vectors raise the general public awareness and enable the authorities to
determine areas of concern. Special environmental impact assessment meetings are also organised
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related to the setting up of a new installation which may have a significant
impact on the environment.
Overall picture regarding communication with the public:
Figure 10 Communication41
Nearly all countries are in a range of sufficient or even a good rate of
communication activities. However, the Member States’ experiences about
communication initiatives vary considerably. In general, the aim is to provide
information about the exposure situation and the rationale behind the limits
based on the most recent scientific studies. Public participation in events varies also considerably.
41 See Table 5 for explanation of colouring.
AT 4
BE 3
BG 4
CH 4
CY 4
CZ 4
DE 4
DK 3
EE 3
ES 3
FI 5
FR 4
GR 4
HU 4
IE 3
IT 4
LT 4
LU 4
LV 3
MT 4
NL 4
PL 1
PT 4
RO 3
SE 4
SI 4
SK 2
UK 4
Average number of points
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8.5 Research funding
The questions considered with the last subtopic are:
Is there any public research in regard to potential health risks of EMF?
o high voltage lines
o radio and TV broadcasting stations
o transportation systems
o mobile communication base stations
o mobile phones
o commercial equipment (antitheft equipments, other security systems, remote
control systems etc.)
o medical equipment for the treatment of patient (diathermy equipments,
electrocautery devices, patient monitors, MRI scanners, hyperthermia machines,
surgical devices)
o home / domestic wiring
o domestic equipments and appliances
o Combined exposure from several sources
The evaluation has been performed by using the following possible answers:
Table 15 Possible answers research
Category Answers Question 1
Recent research initiatives in various fields with significant budgets involved
Research initiatives performed recently or with significant budgets
Research activities in some specific fields
Limited research activities
No information available to answer the question
In the following the assessment for each country is shown for the question concerned. Subsequently
an overall assessment within the sub topic research is shown.
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Table 16 Assessment research
Question Is there any public research in regard to potential health risks of EMF?
Possible answers Recent research
initiatives in various
fields with significant
budgets involved
Research initiatives performed recently or with significant
budgets
Research activities in some specific
fields
Limited research activities
No information available to answer the
question
AT X
BE X
BG X
CH X
CZ X
CY X
DE X
DK X
EE X
ES X
FI X
FR X
GR X
HU X
IE X
IT X
LT X
LU X
LV X
MT X
NL X
PL X
PT X
RO X
SE X
SI X
SK X
UK X
The main objective of the studies on EMF levels is to determine to which levels the general public,
and more specifically children, are exposed and the potential health effects. In public funded
research, strong emphasis is put on is on the effects of mobile communication base stations and
mobile phones as well as on radio and TV broadcasting and high-voltage power lines. However, areas
of new developments such as WiFi, WLAN, etc have also been addressed. Six countries finance
studies on health effects of EMF exposure from combined sources. No or only very limited public
funded research on potential health risks of EMF was allocated in Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, and
Poland, Bulgaria and Slovakia. The Czech Republic focuses only on one subject.
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The main areas of research cover both characterization and measurement of exposure to
electromagnetic fields and their possible adverse health effects. Of special interest are effects of EMF
exposure on the body, such as on the brain and the underlying mechanisms of the cellular effects of
EMF, the DNA and possible effects on health and well-being.
Some countries have also promoted studies of risk perception in the area of EMF, examining growing
public concerns about possible damaging effects of electromagnetic radiation.
The purpose of the Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the
general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) – (199/519/EC) - is to provide a EU
framework for national policies and measures to ensure a high level of protection of the population.
In 2007, the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) has
reviewed the scientific knowledge on potential health effects of EMF and has not identified scientific
evidence showing a need to revise the basic restrictions and reference levels set out in the Council
Recommendation. Nevertheless, SCENIHR has identified significant gaps in the relevant scientific
knowledge and areas where further research is needed, both at the national and European levels.
The SCENIHR Recommendations have already started to be reflected in the calls of the 7th Framework
Programme for Research.
The European Commission has actively monitored the situation in the Member States. The Council
Recommendation has been implemented in most of them either via legislative acts or decrees or via
voluntary Recommendations. However, specific implementation measures vary considerably
between countries. This indicates that the level of health protection may vary between countries and
regions. In general, measures in countries where the Council Recommendation is not yet fully
implemented are being improved.
A Eurobarometer survey on citizens’ perception of EMF shows considerable dissatisfaction both in
terms of actions taken to limit exposure to EMF and in terms of information and communication.
Most people would like to receive more information on the potential health effects of EMF through
the TV, press and radio while today most information on EMF is provided through Internet sites and
specialist publications.
The Commission has established a working group of government experts to improve the exchange of
information and identify possibilities for coordination and cooperation. The group will in particular
support the Commission initiatives in strengthening the research on exposure of the general public
and potential health effects and in identifying areas requiring further effort in relation to the
implementation of the Recommendation.
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Overall picture regarding research:
Figure 11 Research42
The map shows clearly that most countries perform research on possible
effects of electromagnetic fields. A tendency could be seen that in the
eastern part of Europe research activities could be increased. Most often
the lack of public funding is the reason for only limited or no research
activities.
42 See Table 5 for explanation of colouring.
AT 3
BE 3
BG 2
CH 5
CY 3
CZ 2
DE 5
DK 4
EE 1
ES 4
FI 3
FR 4
GR 3
HU 2
IE 1
IT 4
LT 3
LU 2
LV 2
MT 2
NL 5
PL 2
PT 3
RO 3
SE 4
SI 3
SK 2
UK 5
Average number of points
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9 Developments since the first implementation report
The 1st implementation report regarding Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC on the limitation of
exposure from electromagnetic fields for the general public has been prepared in 2002 and has
addressed the former EU 15 (AT, BE, DK, FI, FR, DE, GR, IE, IT, LU, NL, PT, ES, SE, UK) as well as the
nine former accession countries (EE, LV, MT, PL, RO, SK, SI, CZ, LT) and Switzerland.
During the last six years the EU has been enlarged from EU 15 to currently EU 27 accompanied by the
translation of EU legislation into national legislation.
Although the Council Recommendation are not a legally binding instrument they are a useful and
effective tool to encourage and assist the MS by setting up their own legislative measures.
Already in the previous report all countries used the ICNIRP guidelines and the council
Recommendation as scientific basis.
While in the 1st report Denmark, Portugal, Romania and Malta had no legally binding measures in
place, Denmark is now the only country without a legal framework. However, they also use the
recommended values as voluntary guidance.
This is also reflected in the fact that in the majority of MS several new legalisations have been
implemented since the preparation of the 1st report. In the following the legislation is listed which
has been prepared and or implemented since:
AT- Austria: ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8850
BE-Belgium : Royal Decree Aug 10, 2005 (gsm-masts), Flemish decree of June 10, 2004
BG-Bulgaria: Ordinance for the maximal permissible exposure levels of the electrical,
magnetic and electromagnetic fields in living environment. The ordinance
project was developed 2 years ago and is in a stage of co-ordination with
Bulgarian and European legislation.
CY-Cyprus : The Radio communications (Authorizations) Regulations of 2004 and 2007
EE- Estonia: Regulation of the Minister of Social Affairs nr 38 “ Non-ionizing radiation
limits on the residential and rest areas, in the buildings and classrooms and
measurement of the levels of non-ionizing radiation”, was adopted on 1
February and entered in to force on 1st July 2002.
Public Health Act (was adopted on 8 December 2004 and entered in to force
on 1st January 2005)
GR-Greece : "About electronic communications and other provisions", Law No 3431,
Government Gazette No.13/A/3-2-2006
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HU-Hungary: 63/2004. (VII. 26.) ESzCsM : Decree on Safety limits for public exposure to
electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields in 0 Hz-300 GHz frequency
range
LT-Lithuania: Law on Electronic Communications No IX-2135, April 15, 2004 (Official
Gazette (O.G.), 2004, No 69-2382)
LV-Latvia: Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers Nr.745 ,,Safety Requirements for
workers security against EMF in their workplaces" 05.09.2006 Regulations of
the Cabinet of Ministers Nr.660 ,,Order of Working environment
supervision" 02.10.2007.
MT-Malta: ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS AND SERVICES (GENERAL)
REGULATIONS, 14th September, 2004, LEGAL NOTICE 412 of 2004, as
amended by Legal Notice 345 of 2005
PT-Portugal : Decree-Law n.º 11/2003, of 18 January; Administrative Rule n.º 1421/2004,
of 23 November. Reg. ICP n.º 86/2007, of 22 May.
RO-Romania: Order of Minister of Public Health no. 1193 from 29 September 2006
published in Official Monitor of Romania, Part I, no. 895 from 3 November
2006 "Norms concerning Exposure of General Population to Electromagnetic
Fields from 0 Hz to 300 GHz"
SE-Sweden: SSI FS 2002:3
SK-Slovakia : Act Nr.355/2007 on preservation, support and development of public health.
The situation regarding additional safety measures also changed in an supportive way. During the
preparation of the previous report only a limited number of countries applied such safety measures.
Nowadays only five countries do not apply measures like safety zones around EMF sources or special
restrictions in the neighbourhood of kindergartens, hospitals, etc. The number has to be regarded
even lower as the reason for some MS for not applying additional safety measures is just that their
general measures include already stricter measures than stated in the Recommendation or an
approach where sensitive zones like the neighbourhood of kindergartens or hospitals are already
considered.
As regards communication and research activities the countries have continued to inform the public
via specific communication tools and to provide the scientific basis thereof.
However, communication as well as research activities seem to be more important than ever as the
public concern increases as well related to a growing use of new technologies (like WiFi, WiMax,
etc.). Most of the countries are aware of this fact and are continuously working to ensure
transparency and a reliable basis for information as well as for justification of the applied measures.
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10 Conclusion
The Commission has collected information on the national policies and measures related to the
implementation of the Recommendation. This report summarises the information provided by the
Member States' authorities. However, in the absence of a mandatory reporting mechanism, the
information available to the Commission may not be complete and comparable.
Most Member States have transposed the limits set by the Council Recommendation into their
legislation and have legally binding measures to control EMF exposure of the general public. Bulgaria
is in the process of implementing the Recommendation and the Slovak Republic is amending the
current legislation. Germany and the Netherlands have only implemented a limited number of
measures foreseen in the Recommendation (in particular on ELF), but are designing new legislative
measures to ensure a more complete execution. Denmark and Ireland have not implemented legally
binding measures of the Recommendation, but they apply the ICNIRP guidelines for the assessment
of the exposure of the general public. In Spain the autonomous communities may implement stricter
measures than those in the national legislation. Belgium is the only country with regional differences
in the legislative provisions for the protection of the public in relation to EMF.
Although most Member States consider the Recommendation sufficient to provide a high level of
health protection, several countries have adopted more stringent exposure limits. In Belgium, one
region has set up four times stricter levels for RF fields of 100 kHz-300 GHz. Although Greece agrees
that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation support a high level of
health protection, it applies 60-70% reduction factors for all restrictions and reference values. In
contrast, Lithuania is of the opinion that the reference levels for fields of 10 kHz-300 GHz provide
only a medium level of health protection and applies stricter limit values. The Netherlands applies
precautionary measures for magnetic fields of ELF (0-300 Hz). In Poland, the restrictions for high-
frequency fields and the magnetic field of ELF, are several times lower than in the Recommendation.
Slovenia applies ten times more stringent reference levels for new and modified radiation sources
within zones for high level protection (e.g. schools).
Some Member States have suggested that some modifications should be made to the
Recommendation:
• more stringent restrictions and reference levels for extremely low frequencies (ELF, 0-300 Hz)
given the increased risk of childhood leukaemia (Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands),
• stricter restrictions and reference levels at fields of 10 kHz-300 GHz (Lithuania),
• long-term and non-thermal effects of EMF (Bulgaria, Sweden, Lithuania),
• taking into account the precautionary principle a challenge for the operator of an EMF source
to minimize exposure for the public (Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Finland, Slovenia)
• information on product safety (Poland) and
• the restrictions and reference levels for RF radiation (Sweden).
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This report summarised the situation of 27 Member States and Switzerland based on a questionnaire
survey. It could be shown that all countries are active in the field of protecting the public from
exposure to EMF and react therefore on the expectations of citizens.
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Contact details:
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Phone: +49-89-18979050
Fax: +49-89-18979052
URL: http://www.bipro.de