Report on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on

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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 iii

Commission staff working paper FINAL

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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 iv


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 v


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 vi


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 vii


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 viii


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 ix


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

http://www.elektronik-kompendium.de/sites/kom/0910251.htm

http://www.elektronik-kompendium.de/sites/kom/0910251.htm

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 2

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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 3


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.

http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/environment/EMF/ebs272a_en.pdf

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 4


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

http://www.dict.cc/englisch-deutsch/counter-intuitively.html

http://www.dict.cc/englisch-deutsch/counter-intuitively.html

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 5


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 6


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

http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_scenihr/docs/scenihr_o_007.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_scenihr/docs/scenihr_o_007.pdf

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 7


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 8


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 9


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 10


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

http://www.bmgfj.gv.at/

http://www.bmvit.gv.at/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 12


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


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.


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 13


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


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.


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

http://www.infogsm.be/

http://www.bbemg.ulg.ac.be/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 15


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


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 16


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).


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 17


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 18


antennae mainly on rooftops. As a conclusion, measured values of EMF around base station

antennae are lower compared to the ICNIRP guidelines/Council Recommendation.


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.


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


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,

http://foundationfaraday.org/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 19


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.


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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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.


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


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 21


There are no regional differences.


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.


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 22



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


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.


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


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.


Communication with the public on EMF issues takes place via the website www.szu.cz, personal

communications and special publications.


Public research activities focus on high voltage power more specific on the issue of childhood

http://www.szu.cz/

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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


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.


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 24


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/.


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.

http://emf.bundesnetzagentur.de/

http://bfs.de/

http://www.mobilfunk.information.de/

http://www.stmugv.bayern.de/umwelt/elektrosmog/index.htm

http://www.lubw.baden-wuerttemberg.de/servlet/is/1194/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 25


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.


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


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.


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

http://www.dict.cc/englisch-deutsch/physicians.html

http://www.bfs.de/elektro/hff/wirkungen.html

http://www.emf-forschungsprogramm.de/

http://www.emf-forschungsprogramm.de/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 26


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.


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

http://www.miljoeogsundhed.dk/default.aspx

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 27


www.itogtelestyrelsen.dk.


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


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.


Estonia is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the


The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels adopted are the same as in the Council

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 28


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.


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.


Public research funding has been allocated to domestic equipments.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 29


7.10 ES - Spain


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


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.


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 30


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 31



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.


Research activities in Spain related to EMF focus on radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile

communication base stations.

7.11 FI - Finland


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.



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.

http://www.msc.es/ciudadanos/saludAmbLaboral/medioAmbiente/home.htm

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 32


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 33


in the residential areas and residences near base stations indicated that the maximum power density

is at least 100 times below the reference levels.


Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites like http://www.stuk.fi/.


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

http://www.stuk.fi/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 34


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).


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".

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 35


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.


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)

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 36


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).


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


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

http://www.cartoradio.fr/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 37


(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.



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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 38


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


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 39


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 40


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.


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

http://www.eett.gr/opencms/sites/EETT/Publications/Informative_Documentation/

http://www.eett.gr/opencms/sites/EETT/NewsReleases/Events/AntennasConference.html

http://www.hermes-program.gr/

http://www.pedion24.ntua.gr/

http://www.enigma-program.gr/

http://emf.physics.auth.gr/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 41


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.


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


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].



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


SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 42


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.


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.


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


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 43


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.


From Ireland´s point of view the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the


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.


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/


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.

http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 44


7.16 IT – Italy


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.


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:

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 45


• 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.


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.

http://www.who.int/peh-emf

http://www.who.int/peh-emf

http://www.fub.it/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 46


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.


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


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“

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 47


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.


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 48


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 49


µW/cm2 ) have been carried out. Only the reference levels near one radio broadcasting station were

exceeded.


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).


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


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 50


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.


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 51


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.


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).

http://www.miat.public.lu/amenagement_ territoire/planification_nationale/plans_sectoriels/stations_de_base

http://www.miat.public.lu/amenagement_ territoire/planification_nationale/plans_sectoriels/stations_de_base

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 52


7.19 LV - Latvia


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.


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 53



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).


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


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.


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/

http://www.mca.org.mt/infocentre/openarticle.asp?id=978&pref=39

http://www.mca.org.mt/infocentre/ openemf.asp

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 54


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.


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)


In Malta there is no public funding for research on potential health risks of EMF.

7.21 NL - Netherlands


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

http://www.mca.org.mt/infocentre/ openemf.asp

http://www.mca.org.mt/infocentre/openemf.asp

http://www.mca.org.mt/infocentre/openarticle.asp?id=859&pref=36

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 55


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).



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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 56


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.


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.


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


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.

http://www.antennebureau.nl/

http://www.rivm.nl/hoogspanningslijnen/

http://www.zonmw.nl/en/programmes/all-programmes/electromagnetic-fields-and-health-research/

http://www.zonmw.nl/en/programmes/all-programmes/electromagnetic-fields-and-health-research/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 57


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.


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 58


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:

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 59


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.


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.


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


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 60


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.


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 .


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 61



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


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.


Romania is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the


http://www.cdep.ro/pls/legis/legis_pck.htp_act?ida=6782

http://www.cdep.ro/pls/legis/legis_pck.htp_act?ida=6782

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 62


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.


Communication with the public is performed via the following website:

http://www.comunic.ro/index.php

http://www.mcti.ro/index.php

http://www.comunic.ro/index.php

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 63


http://www.orange.ro/about/telefonia-ro.html


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


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 64


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.


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 65



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).


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


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

http://www.ssi.se/

http://www.ssi.se/ickejoniserande_stralning/Mobiltele/Mobiltele.html?MenueType=1&Menu2=Mobiltelefoni

http://www.ssi.se/ickejoniserande_stralning/Mobiltele/Mobiltele.html?MenueType=1&Menu2=Mobiltelefoni

http://www.ssi.se/ickejoniserande_stralning/Mobiltele/exp_1_sa_minskar.html? MenueType=1&Menu2=Mobiltelefoni&Menu3=MinskaStralning

http://www.ssi.se/ickejoniserande_stralning/Mobiltele/exp_1_sa_minskar.html? MenueType=1&Menu2=Mobiltelefoni&Menu3=MinskaStralning

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 66


regional variations in Slovenia concerning protection of the public against electromagnetic fields.


Slovenia is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 67


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.


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.

http://www.forum-ems.si/

http://www.forum-ems.si/

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 69


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.


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


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 70




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.


Communication with the public on the potential health impacts of EMF and measures taken to

address them is only performed via specialized publications.


There is no public funding for research on potential health risks of EMF.

7.28 UK - United Kingdom


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.


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

http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/understand/information_sheets/icnirp_exp_guidelines.htm

http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/understand/information_sheets/icnirp_exp_guidelines.htm

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 72


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.


In the UK communication with the public is performed via internet site, citizens' jury or other

respective stakeholder dialogue events and specialized publication

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/sitefinder/audit_info

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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).

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4009248

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4009248

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthandsocialcaretopics/DH_4089500

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/MinistersandDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOfficer/Features/FeaturesArchive/Browsable/DH_4114134

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/MinistersandDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOfficer/Features/FeaturesArchive/Browsable/DH_4114134

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/sitefinder

http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/publications/documents_of_nrpb/abstracts/absd15-4.htm

http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/publications/documents_of_nrpb/abstracts/absd15-4.htm

http://www.rkpartnership.co.uk/sage

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 74


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)


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.

http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/publications/hpa_rpd_reports/2005/hpa_rpd_005.htm

http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/publications/hpa_rpd_reports/2005/hpa_rpd_005.htm

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 75


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 76


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 77


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


guarantees a stricter level of protection

n. a.

Yes, implemented


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


significantly stricter No, but other measures have been taken which

guarantees a significantly stricter level of

protection


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


SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 83



other sources

o special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens, etc. for

high voltage lines



other sources

o special restriction based on total local EMF emissions for

high voltage lines



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


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


than in rec



which are stricter

Restrictions are the

same as in rec

Restrictions are the

same as in rec


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


There are no measures

in place

No information available

to answer the question


in place



Less than 2 sources


in place



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


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


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 86



Question

2 How does the implemented measures relate to the reference values outlined in the Council Rec?

Possible answers

Restrictions are


in rec


than in rec Restrictions are the

same as in rec Restrictions are less stringent as in rec

There are no

measures in place


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 87



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


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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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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 89


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 90


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 91


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 92


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


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 93



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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 94


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.


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


SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 95


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?


Table 11 Possible answers monitoring


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 96


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 97


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 98


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.


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


SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 99


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?


Table 13 Possible answers communication with the public


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



an overall assessment within the sub topic communication with the public is shown.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 100


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

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 101


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.


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


SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 102


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


Table 15 Possible answers research


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



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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 104


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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 105


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.


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


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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.

SI2.489570-SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 110


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