19 April 2004 - The European Council Adopts Electromagnetic Field Health and Safety Directive
The European Council has adopted the European Parliament and Council Directive on minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields, accepting the amendments adopted by the European Parliament in its second reading. Member States now have 4 years to enact the Directive in domestic legislation.
The legislation has most effect on occupations where relatively high exposures are likely, such as:
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steel and metal sectors
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those working long hours in the proximity of emitters in TV and radio broadcasting
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those working long hours in the proximity of radar equipment
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those working long hours in the proximity of mobile phone masts.
There is not enough convincing evidence relating to the long-term effects therefore, the Directive is limited to the short-term effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Priority is being given to reducing risks at source through preventive measures relating to work equipment design, workstation design, procedures and methods. The Directive establishes Maximum Exposure Limit values and action values based on recommendations drawn up by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. Static magnetic fields are not covered by limits.
