Austin Deasy
Question:91 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children his views and those of the medical profession on the health hazards created by the high tension electricity wires and cables particularly those overground. [5588/00]
Written Answers. - Electromagnetic Fields.
A considerable volume of research has been carried out internationally by scientific and health authorities including the World Health Organisation and involving members of the medical profession with regard to a possible link between power lines and ill health. All significant research is monitored here by the Department of Public Enterprise with whom my Department liaises. A deputy chief medical officer in my Department advises in regard to the human health aspects. The balance of scientific and medical research to date has not conclusively established a casual link between electric and magnetic fields associated with power lines and any significant public health risk.
However research is ongoing and the World Health Organisation in 1996 launched a five year research programme, the international EMF project, to assess the health and environmental aspects of electric and magnetic fields. This project is being carried out over a five year period and will bring together current knowledge and available resources of key international and national agencies and scientific institutions in order to arrive at scientifically sound recommendations for health risk assessments.
At EU level the Council of Health Ministers agreed a recommendation on public exposure to electromagnetic fields. This measure provides for the establishment of a system of ongoing monitoring of the ambient exposure of the public to electromagnetic fields from all sources including overhead power lines. An appropriate monitoring arrangement is under consideration.
Should conclusive evidence emerge of an unacceptable public health risk, I would seek to have remedial measures put in place by the appropriate Government Departments and agencies.