asked the Minister for Communications whether there is a danger from MMDS systems of significantly increasing radiation in the atmosphere; if so, if he proposes to proceed with MMDS throughout the country; and, if not, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Radio Frequency Radiation.
122.
Care is needed in use of the term "radiation" in the context of radio communications systems of any description. It should not be confused with ionising radiation such as that associated with nuclear reaction.
All radio waves (or radio frequency radiation) are forms of non-ionising radiation by which energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, in the radio frequency spectrum, emanates from a transmitter and without which communication could not occur. Other forms of non-ionising radiation include light and heat.
All people on this planet are exposed to non-ionising radiation from natural sources such as the sun or the earth itself and from man-made sources using electromagnetic waves.
To answer the Deputy's specific point every radio transmitter whether used for broadcasting, telecommunications, mobile communications, aeronautical or maritime services etc., produces a discernable radio frequency radiation in the atmosphere at the particular frequencies used by those transmitters — otherwise the signal would not be receivable. MMDS transmitters will likewise produce a discernable radio frequency radiation at the frequencies on which it will operate. In the context of all of the electromagnetic energy being generated in the atmosphere at any point in time from both natural and man-made sources and the low power output of the MMDS transmitters themselves this could not conceivably be categorised as a "significant increase in radiation".