Written answers

Tuesday, 18 December 2007

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Departmental Reports

11:00 pm

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 526: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the Draper report; the consideration he or his Department has given to this report; if he or his Department has discussed this report with his EU counterparts; the actions that he or his Department will carry out with regard to protecting the lives of those who live in the vicinity of power lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34952/07]

Photo of Tony KilleenTony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government published the report of the Expert Group on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields earlier this year. The Report examined a wide range of issues in relation to the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields, including those produced by electric appliances in the home and from electricity pylons. It answers many of the health risk questions raised by the public in relation to the potential effects of electromagnetic fields, and is available for download on the Department's website (www.environ.ie).

With regard to Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) fields emitted by electricity power lines, the Report concluded that there is limited scientific evidence of adverse health effects. The report also found that certain studies, taken individually or as collectively reviewed by expert groups, are insufficient either to make a conclusive judgement on causality or to quantify appropriate exposure restrictions. Apart from these limited effects there are no other identified harmful health effects from exposure to ELF, where such exposures are below the international limits.

I am aware of the Draper Report. Its authors concluded that there is no accepted biological mechanism or convincing laboratory data to explain the epidemiological results they found. The Department has followed closely the work of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which has a comprehensive programme of evaluation and sharing of research on the impact of electromagnetic fields on human health. By continuing to monitor the WHO work programme, the Department can remain vigilant in this area.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.