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Electromagnetic Fields Studies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 January 2014

Thursday, 16 January 2014

Questions (331, 340)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

331. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if there are any health effects of pylons located close to residents' homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2029/14]

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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

340. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his concerns regarding the health effects of power cables, as cited in his letters to the Departments of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Environment, Community and Local Government in March 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2121/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 340 together.

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has responsibility for potential health effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Ireland has taken a precautionary approach on this issue and adopted international guidelines for exposure to electromagnetic radiation developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

National and international health and scientific agencies have reviewed more than 30 years of research into electromagnetic fields (EMF). None of these agencies has concluded that exposure to EMF from power lines or other electrical source is a cause of any long-term adverse effects on human, plant or animal health.

The issue of the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields was the subject of an Expert Group Report commissioned by the Government and published in March 2007. The Expert Group reported that the majority scientific opinion was that no adverse short- or long-term effects have been demonstrated from exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below the limits recommended by the ICNIRP.

A substantial volume of research on this issue is being carried out internationally by regulatory bodies with responsibilities for monitoring the health effects of electromagnetic fields. The findings of this research are being monitored by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) EMF Project; it is expected that a report will issue in 2014. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is continuing to monitor this and other scientific evidence as it is made available, and will consider any policy implications in this context.

I am advised on all matters relating to public health on an on-going basis by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan. The CMO and his staff keep abreast of relevant national and international policy matters, research and data that have relevance to public health. The CMO has advised me that on the basis of international evidence, health considerations relating to electricity pylons do not warrant my involvement.

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