Are mobile phones dangerous? Answer from the Committee

Parliamentary Questions

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0577/03

Submission: Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission

(19 February 2003)

E-0577/03ΕL

Answer of Mr. Busquin

on behalf of the Commission

(8.4.2003)

The potential consequences of mobile phones, and specifically electromagnetic fields (EMFs), on human health have been the subject of a series of research projects funded by the Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources Program, under the 5th European Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (RTD). These projects focus on a range of theoretical health-related objectives, including the development of cancer, effects on hearing, and impacts on the central nervous system. One such project, which was launched in January 2002 and has a duration of three years, specifically addresses the potential effects on the nervous system and, more specifically, the brain [1]. To date, this project has focused on radiation dosimetry and the fine computational processes of the human brain.

The total Community contribution to the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5) for these projects amounted to approximately 11 million €. Further coordination of the research is supported through COST (COST Action 281), which links research primarily funded at the national level [2]. In May 2002, a workshop was dedicated to discussing the consequences for children. Since then, a special short-term mission has been examining this issue, while another workshop is already scheduled to take place in Budapest in November 2003, where particular attention will be given to the effects of mobile phone use on the human brain.

As part of the 6th European Framework Programme for RTD (2003-2006), the Commission intends to further promote this extensive research effort by establishing a policy-oriented research network. The goal of the network will be to bring together many of the main research projects related to EMFs and health, along with other stakeholders (industry, regulators, the health community, non-governmental organizations, and interest groups) in order to examine the outcomes of the research actions. This issue was the subject of the first call for research proposals under the 6th Framework Programme, and is expected to provide an efficient, cost-effective framework for investigating aspects of the long-term use of mobile phones.

The most recent scientific results regarding the potential effects of EMFs on health are being monitored by the European Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity, and the Environment (SCTEE) [3]. This committee has confirmed the validity of the exposure levels proposed in the Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of public exposure to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) [4], reasoning that they provide adequate protection from exposure to EMFs.

Through this combination of research funding, promotion of scientific coordination, and regular scientific reviews, the Commission will play its role in the important dialogue regarding the use of mobile phones.

[1] see www.ramp2001.org

[2] http://www.cost281.org

[3] Detailed information on this can be found on the website http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/sc/index_en.html

[4] ΕΕ L 199, 30 .7.1999