Need for a new directive on electromagnetic fields (EMF) and a WiFi ban in schools in the EU

13.10.2011

Question for written answer E-009531/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Andres Perello Rodriguez (S&D)

At its meeting last May in Kiel, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted Resolution 1815 (2011) in which it considered that there was sufficient proof of the potentially harmful effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the environment and human health. In this document, the Council proposed that its member states take measures concerning the use of mobile phones and WiFi networks and specifically asked for a ban on such devices in schools.

The Council of Europe resolution was based on the conclusions of the BioInitiative Report in which 26 scientific experts in the field took part and which reviewed over 1 500 recent scientific research papers. The report argued that it is necessary to revise permissible exposure levels and public policy decisions on the impact of EMF on health.

Prior to this, in a resolution adopted in plenary in April 2009, the European Parliament had already asked the Commission to bring forward an EU Directive which would go beyond the provisions of Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC in establishing stricter and more binding exposure levels for all devices transmitting EMF in the 0.1 MHz‑300 GHz frequency range.

1. What does the Commission think of the conclusions of the BioInitiative Report, which was used as the basis for the Council of Europe’s resolution seeking binding limits on electromagnetic emissions?

2. How has the Commission followed up the request made by Parliament in its resolution of April 2009?

3. Does the Commission have any plans to limit electromagnetic field frequency emissions by means of a binding Directive?

OJ C 168 E, 14/06/2012