asked the Minister for Communications if he has examined the health, welfare and environmental aspects of microwave distribution systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Microwave Distribution Systems.
9.
Yes. The technical specifications for MMDS laid down by my Department will require operators to comply with the guidelines laid down by the international Non-Ionizing Radiation Committee of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) on the limits to exposure to radio frequency magnetic fields in the frequency range 100 kilohertz to 300 gigahertz.
The IRPA, in co-operation with the Environmental Health Division of the World Health Organisation has undertaken responsibility for the development of health criteria documents on non-ionizing radiation. These form part of the World Health Organisation Environmental Health Criteria Programme which is funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The body also has the support of the International Labour Office and the Commission of the European Communities.
The objectives of the IRPA guidelines which were approved in June 1987 are to protect human health from the potentially harmful effects of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation. The guidelines contain various exposure limits which are based on scientific data and no consideration was given to economic impact of other non-scientific priorities and they should provide, from presently available knowledge, a safe healthy working or living environment from exposure to RF radiation under all normal working conditions.
Under the IRPA guidelines the general public exposure limit at the frequency range to be used for MMDS — 2.5 gigahertz — is a field power density of 10 watts per square metre. This is the limit for the general public and has been arrived at taking into account that the general public comprises individuals of all ages and different health status and that the general public can be exposed 24 hours a day and over the whole lifetime— and the operation of MMDS transmitters will be at levels well below those guidelines.
I am totally satisfied that the MMDS system will be fully safe in its operation.