More research is needed on dangers of electromagnetic radiation says MEP
January 21, 2009 9:43 AM
Liz Lynne, the Liberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands has today welcomed a report in the European Parliament on the need for more research into the potential dangers of electromagnetic radiation.
Electromagnetic radiation is caused by electronic devices such as mobile phones or wireless internet ('wi-fi') boxes. This type of radiation has long been thought to pose no harm to humans, but in recent years some studies have suggested a link between electromagnetic radiation and a range of illnesses and diseases including cancer.
The report, which was drafted by Federique Ries MEP, one of Liz Lynne's colleagues in the ALDE group in Parliament underlines the current uncertainty in the scientific community about the long term effects of these fields on human health.
It also strongly criticises mobile phone companies who have marketed their products to children in recent years despite the uncertainties over the long term harm that electromagnetic radiation may cause.
Speaking today Liz Lynne, who is co-chair of MEP's Against Cancer', said that it is important to establish whether electronic devices can cause damage:
"Currently nearly all studies in this area have been done on a short term basis. We need detailed research into the effects of these devices over 10, 20 even 30 years.
"The use of mobile phones and other wireless devices has exploded over recent years, they have become part of our every day lives. We need to ensure that they are safe if we are to avoid serious consequences in years to come.
"I strongly welcome this new report and I hope that both the European Commission and the Member States will make research in this field a priority. Until then I call on them to ensure that standards on the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation a device can give off are strengthen and that companies who produce mobile phone and similar technologies are following them."
ENDS
Notes:
On the 30th January Liz will be visiting the Kingswinford Water Tower. This is the site of eight mobile phone masts and is recorded as giving of the highest levels of electromagnetic radiation in the country. Since the masts were erected in 2001 14 people who lived in close proximity to the mast have died of cancer.
Liz will be meeting with members of the Radiation Research Trust which has been set up to campaign for better funding for research into electromagnetic radiation in the UK.
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