European Commission, Brussels

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1 European Commission, Brussels Report on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz 300 GHz) (1999/519/EC) in the EU Member States CONTRACT NUMBER- SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 Commission staff working paper FINAL May 2008 BiPRO Beratungsgesellschaft für integrierte Problemlösungen Subcontractor: TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH

2 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 ii Document Identification Project Number Project Title SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 Report on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz 300 GHz) (1999/519/EC) in the EU Member States Deliverable title Commission staff working paper Date 8 May 2008 Release 2.1 Document Approval Responsibility Organisation Person Date Project Co-ordinator BiPRO GmbH Reinhard Joas Alexandra Polcher Subcontratctor TÜV SÜD Thomas Gritsch EC officer DG SANCO Laurent Bontoux

3 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 iii Executive summary The general public is exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) of various frequencies generated by a fast growing variety of sources. Exposure to EMF may have biological effects, depending on the frequency of fields, intensity and modalities of exposure. Protection of public health against the potential adverse effects of exposure to EMF falls under the Member States' responsibility.. In order to provide a common framework of basic restrictions and reference levels to the Member States, the Council adopted in 1999 Recommendation 1999/519/EC on the limitation of the exposure of the general public to EMF (0-300 GHz), which also serves as a basis for EU legislation on products and devices emitting EMF. The Recommendation is based on the guidelines of the International Council for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which are derived from acute effects of EMF exposure on humans, considered by ICNIRP the only effects for which proven scientific evidence is available. The Recommendation foresees that the Commission reports on its implementation to the European Council and the European Parliament on the basis of the information from the Member States and the latest scientific evidence. The First Implementation Report was presented by the Commission in This Second Implementation Report provides a synopsis of the situation in the enlarged Union, as well as the main scientific developments since the first report. However, it does not intend to address the general policy and regulatory issues related to EMF emission rules and standards for products, installation and devices. The present Commission staff working document provides further details on the legal measures, monitoring, communication and research activities in EU 27 and Switzerland. Furthermore the situation in the countries is assessed and is presented in form of overall pictures which allow an easy identification of the current situation. Most Member States have implemented the Council Recommendation and/or the ICNIRP guidelines. The measures address the most common sources of EMF such as mobile telecommunications, radio and TV broadcasting, high-voltage power lines, transportation and home wiring and appliances. A few Member States apply more stringent limits on a precautionary basis and one country has introduced less stringent limits on the basis of a new scientific approach. Subsequently most Member States have transposed the limits set by the Council Recommendation into their legislation and have legally binding measures to control EMF exposure of the general public. Bulgaria is in the process of implementing the Recommendation and the Slovak Republic is amending the current legislation. Germany and the Netherlands have only implemented a limited number of measures foreseen in the Recommendation (in particular on ELF), but are designing new legislative measures to ensure a more complete implementation. Denmark has not implemented legally binding measures, but they follow the ICNIRP guidelines for the assessment of the exposure of the general public. In Ireland the ICNIRP guidelines have only been adopted in relation to the licensing conditions by the Communication Regulator. In Spain the autonomous communities may implement stricter measures than those in the national legislation. Belgium is the only country with regional differences in the legislative provisions for the protection of the public in relation to EMF.

4 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 iv Some Member States have suggested that some modifications should be made to the Recommendation: more stringent restrictions and reference levels for extremely low frequencies (ELF, Hz) given concerns on possible increased risk of childhood leukaemia (Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands), more strict restrictions and reference levels at fields of 10 khz-300 GHz (Lithuania), longterm and non-thermal effects of EMF (Bulgaria), information on product safety (Poland) and the restrictions and reference levels for radio frequencies (RF) radiation (Sweden). Additional safety measures are applied mainly for mobile telecommunication stations, radio and TV broadcasting stations and for high-voltage power lines. The key measures to reduce the exposure of the public to EMF are safety zones around EMF sources, network infrastructure sharing of facilities, special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc. or on the basis of total local emissions by type of EMF; and other miscellaneous measures. Some countries apply also specific restrictions for certain EMF types, for some appliances and for situations of high overall exposure. The Council Recommendation asks the national authorities to monitor the levels of EMF exposure and check whether they exceed the limits set in the Recommendation. Most of the countries monitor EMF levels in the areas of concern (telecommunication base stations, power lines etc.) by asking the authorities to carry out special studies the results of which are generally published on the Internet together with the permit information. Communication with the public refers to actions aiming at informing the citizens on the potential risks of electromagnetic fields and on the protection measures taken in their environment. The most common channels of information are the Internet, special publications, meetings with citizens' committees and local authorities, newspapers and magazines. Some countries have established citizen blogs and/or juries for dialogue and may use TV and/or radio programmes (Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Lithuania). These vectors raise the general public awareness and enable the authorities to determine areas of concern. Special environmental impact assessment meetings are also organised related to the setting up of a new installation which may have a significant impact on the environment. As regards research the main objective of most studies on EMF levels is to determine to which levels the general public, and more specifically children, are exposed and the potential health effects. In public funded research, strong emphasis is put on is on the effects of mobile communication base stations and mobile phones as well as on radio and TV broadcasting and high-voltage power lines. However, areas of new developments such as WiFi, WLAN, etc have also been addressed. The main areas of research cover both characterization and measurement of exposure to electromagnetic fields and their possible adverse health effects. Of special interest are effects of EMF exposure on the body, such as on the brain and the underlying mechanisms of the cellular effects of EMF, the DNA and possible effects on health and well-being. Some countries have also promoted studies of risk perception in the area of EMF, examining growing public concerns about possible damaging effects of electromagnetic radiation.

5 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 v List of content 1 Background of present Commission staff working document Introduction The Electromagnetic fields Issue Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) (1999/519/EC) Scientific bases Actions undertaken at Community level Actions undertaken at Member States level AT- Austria BE - Belgium BG - Bulgaria CH - Switzerland CY - Cyprus CZ - Czech Republic DE - Germany DK - Denmark EE - Estonia ES - Spain FI - Finland FR - France GR - Greece HU - Hungary IE - Ireland IT Italy LT - Lithuania LU Luxembourg LV - Latvia...52

6 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 vi 7.20 MT - Malta NL - Netherlands PL - Poland PT - Portugal RO - Romania SE - Sweden SI - Slovenia SK - Slovak Republic UK - United Kingdom Overall picture on the situation in the Member States Protective Framework Scope of the implementation measures Monitoring Communication with the public Research funding Developments since the first implementation report Conclusion...108

7 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 vii Abbreviation Afsset AGNIR AT BE BEMFV BG BImSchV BIPT BMWi CE CEE CH ComReg CSTEE CTE CY CZ DCSF DE DECT DG RTD DK E.E.A.E. EAS EC EE ELF EM EMF EN ES ESB EU FI FIOH FP FR French Agency of the security environmental and occupational safety Advisory Group on Non-ionising radiation and health Austria Belgium Verordnung über das Nachweisverfahren zur Begrenzung elektromagnetischer Felder Bulgaria Bundes-Immissionsschutzverordnung Belgisch Instituut voor postdiensten en telecommunicatie Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology Conformité Européenne, French for European Conformity Romanian Research Programme Switzerland Communications Regulator Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment Centre for Transportation and the Environment Cyprus Czech Republic Department for Children, Schools and Families Germany Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications DG Research Denmark Greek Atomic Energy Commission Electronic article surveillance European Commission Estonia Extremely low frequency Electromagnetic Electromagnetic field European Norm / Standard Spain Electricity Supply Board European Union Finland Finnish Institute of Occupational Health Framework Project France

8 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 viii GHz GR GSM HERMO HPA HU Hz ICNIRP ICP ICT IE IF IT LPE LT LU LV MS MT MTHR NAB NL NRP NRPB ONIR PL PMR PT R&TTE RCMSUE RF RFID RO RPII SAGE SAR SCENIHR SE SI SK SSC STUK Gigahertz Greece Global system for mobile communication Health Risk Assessment of Mobile Communications Health Protection Agency Hungary Hertz International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Inductively Coupled Plasma Information and Communication Technology Ireland Intermediate Frequency Italy Law on the Protection of the Environment in Switzerland Lithuania Luxembourg Latvia Member State Malta Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Nationaal Antennebeleid/ National Antenna Policy Netherlands National Research Programme National Radiological Protection Board Ordinance related to Non Ionizing Radiation in Switzerland Poland Proton Magnetic Resonance Portugal Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive La Recomendación de Consejo de Ministros de Sanidad de la Unión Europea Radio Frequency Radio Frequency Identification Romania Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland Stakeholder advisory group on ELF Specific energy absorption rate Scientific committee on emerging and newly identified health risks Sweden Slovenia Slovakia Scientific Steering Committee Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority

9 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 ix T TETRA TUT UH UHF UK UMTS-HSDPA UMTS-HSUPA UTU VHF VLF VTT WHO WiFi WiMA WLAN VDU Tesla Terrestrial trunked radio, primarily trans European trunked radio Tampere University of Technology University of Helsinki Ultra-High-Frequency United Kingdom Universal Mobile Telecommunications System - High Speed Downlink Packet Access Universal Mobile Telecommunications System - High Speed Uplink Packet Access University of Turku Very-High-Frequency Very low frequency Technical Research Centre of Finland World Health Organization Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Wireless Local Area Network Visual Display Unit

10 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Background of present Commission staff working document To ensure a high level of health protection, the Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC) obliges the Commission to promote the establishment of European standards, research on the potential health effects of EMF and international development of harmonised guidance and advice. The Commission is also requested to report to the European Council and the European Parliament about the implementation of the Recommendation on a regular basis. Following the first implementation report 1 prepared in 2002 the European Commission called for assistance for the preparation of the 2 nd implementation report and an accompanying Commission staff working document. The following Commission staff working document was prepared on the basis of the results of an online consultation process based on a questionnaire to be filled in by experts from the European Member States. The present document provides information on the legal measures taken by MS as well as their scope. Furthermore monitoring, communication and research activities have been compiled for each country separately. Based on the available information an assessment has been performed showing in a precise way the status of the implemented measures in comparison to the recommended aspects of Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC. 2 Introduction The public is exposed to electromagnetic fields generated by an increasing variety of electric, electronic devices and installations. Electromagnetic fields may have biological effects under certain conditions. On 12 th July 1999, the Council adopted a Recommendation (199/519/EC) to limit the exposure of the population. It is the Member States' responsibility to protect their population against potential health risks. However, the Council Recommendation has established a European Union set of basic restrictions and reference levels to provide guidance to the Member States and to create a basis for the relevant provisions of the EU product safety legislation. These restrictions and reference levels are those set out by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. They are based on proven, short-term effects of electromagnetic fields and include a safety margin. The Recommendation invites the Commission to keep the possible health effects of EMF under review. In 2002, the Commission presented its first report on the implementation of the 1 Commission staff working paper WORK IN PROGRESS

11 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 3 Recommendation based on Member States' contributions. The present document is the second report, relating the situation in the EU-27, based on the information received from the Member States, and presenting an update on initiatives taken by the Commission to review the scientific knowledge. 3 The Electromagnetic fields Issue Electromagnetic fields referred to in the Recommendation are those oscillating with a frequency varying from 0 to 300 GHz. Radio and television broadcasting stations and high- voltage power lines were until recently the major sources of EMF. The fast increase of mobile telecommunications and a large variety of personal, domestic, commercial and medical equipment have considerably increased the number of sources of exposure of the public to various 2 low level sources of EMF. The public sometimes expresses concerns about the potential adverse health effects of EMF. A recent Eurobarometer survey 3 indicates that half of the EU citizens express concern about the potential health risks of EMF. Furthermore, a majority of citizens do not feel that public authorities act effectively to protect them from potential health effects of EMF. This is particularly the case for over-ground high-voltage power lines and for the transmitter masts used as radiotelephone base stations placed close to dwellings or houses. The novel applications such as WLAN 4, WiFi 5, WiMA 6, DVB-T 7, TETRA 8, EAS 9, RFID 10 ports, new telecommunication infrastructure (UMTS 11 -HSDPA 12, UMTS- HSUPA 13 ) and transportation networks using varying frequencies (e.g. Transrapid) offer improvements in living and commuting conditions. However, the increasing use of various low- level EMF sources may also considerably change the level and type of everyday exposure of the 2 Static fields with no variation in electric or magnetic field (0 Hz) used in hospital applications (MRI), welding, and transportation systems operating from DC power supplies; Extremely low frequencies (ELF) (0 to 300 Hz) - used in household device and appliances and exposed in the vicinity of power and high voltages transmission lines; Intermediate Frequencies (IF) (300 Hz 100 khz) used in video display units, anti-theft devices in shops, card readers, metal detectors, electro surgery; Radiofrequencies (RF) (100 khz to 300 GHz) - used in wireless communication technologies such as GSM, UMTS, Wireless LAN and RFID for both mobile phones and base stations (antenna masts and antennas), hospital applications as well as in radio and TV broadcasting Wireless Local Area Network. 5 Wireless fidelity, is a wireless technology brand owned intended to improve the interoperability of wireless local area network products based on the IEEE standards. Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways. 7 Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial, a digital new television system, also called Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in UK and Ireland as well as Televisión Digital Terrestre (TDT) in Spain. 8 Terrestrial Trunked Radio, a communication system using 25 khz channels. 9 Electronic Article Surveillance, a security system for preventing theft in retail stores that uses radio frequency (RF), acoustomagnetic (AM) and electromagnetic (EM). 10 Radio Frequency Identification, A data collection technology that uses electronic tags for storing data. 11 Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, a third generation mobile telecommunication system. 12 High Speed Downlink Packet Access, a data service with data transmission over a 5MHz bandwidth. 13 High Speed Uplink Packet Access, a data service with data transmission over a 5MHz bandwidth.

12 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 4 population. Furthermore, because of the various sources of EMF, the exposure may vary significantly both in time and space leading to highly heterogeneous exposure conditions. It should be mentioned that also conflicts with environmental and health issues can arise, an example might be energy saver bulbs. They contribute on one side to carbon dioxide reduction, on the other hand they can be significant sources of intermediate frequency fields. Also it should be mentioned that mobile communication networks showed in the last years a rapid growth displacing in some regions wired conventional telecommunication technologies. Counterintuitively the constantly denser becoming network resulted not in a decreasing radiation power, but in a substantial increase due to new transmission techniques like GRPS 14 and UMTS- HSDPA/HSUPA. To summarize, the electromagnetic field issue is an important topic for policy makers related to precautionary measures for the health of European citizens. The exposure has increased significantly during the last years and it is expected that these trends will continue in the future. 4 Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) (1999/519/EC) This Recommendation is based on Article of the Treaty, which provides for the adoption of Recommendations by the Council with a view to complement national policies for improving public health, preventing human illness and diseases, and obviating sources of danger to human health. Moreover, Article states that a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Community activities and policies. The overall aim of the Council Recommendation (1999/519/EC) is to establish a Community framework for the exposure of the general public to EMF. The restrictions are intended to specify maximum exposure levels that ensure a high-level of protection for all population groups. They also provide the basis for monitoring the situation in various conditions of exposure. The Recommendation provides a reference framework for EU legislation on electric and electronic products and devices emitting EMF. The Council Recommendation therefore provides a basis for

13 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 5 national policies and regulatory approaches aimed at limiting citizen's exposure as well as for EU measures to restrict EMF levels generated by products 15. The Recommendation requires that basic restrictions for the exposure to EMF and reference levels for the monitoring of the situation be based on the best scientific evidence of the health effects of EMF. The current restriction and reference values derive from the 1998 International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, designed on the basis of short-term, immediate effects of EMF such as stimulation of peripheral nerves and muscles, shocks and burns caused by touching conducting objects, and elevated tissue temperatures resulting from the absorption of energy during exposure to EMF. Long-term effects, like induction of cancer were not considered to be scientifically proven. The ICNIRP guidelines use a safety factor of 50 resulting from the product between a factor 5, corresponding to the reduction of public exposure values compared to those applicable to occupational exposure, and a factor of 10 to cover variations of sensitivity and in exposure conditions in the whole frequency range. The Recommendation sets out "basic restrictions" and "reference levels". The basic restrictions are expressed as physical quantities (magnetic flux density, current density, specific energy absorption rate and power density) that should not be exceeded in exposed individuals. Reference levels are expressed as the strength of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields which would in general ensure that the basic restrictions are respected. The Member States are responsible for the protection of the population against potential risks from EMF exposure and may apply more stringent limits than those set in the Recommendation. The Council Recommendation asks the Member States to implement a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels to EMF exposure from various sources and to ensure that adequate health protection measures are taken and the general public is adequately informed. The "basic restrictions" of the Recommendation are based directly on proven health effects and biological considerations. They are derived by applying safety factors of 50 to the no observed adverse effects levels (NOAEL). The "reference levels" are provided for practical exposure assessment purposes to determine whether basic restrictions are likely to be exceeded. These reference levels can be based on measurements, modelling or perceptions. Member States should take public health protection measures according to this framework. For each frequency range, the Recommendation provides values for basic restrictions and reference levels as well as a method to address the case of exposure from sources with multiple frequencies. The Recommendation also foresees that Member States consider both the risks and benefits in deciding whether to take action, inform the public, promote research on the potential health effects of EMF and report on their action to the Council. In order to ensure a high-level of health protection, the Recommendation asks the Commission to work towards the establishment of European 15 Council Directive 1999/519/EC.

14 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 6 standards to evaluate compliance with basic restrictions, to encourage research, to continue its involvement in the work of relevant international organisations and to periodically review the actions taken. The Commission has established a Working Group of governmental experts that assist in the preparation of the Implementation Report, monitors the policy developments and factual situation in the Member States and, if needed, considers possible joint actions. The Commission has also created an EMF Network between authorities for a better and timely exchange of views on on-going and upcoming EMF issues. 5 Scientific bases The scientific bases for 1998 ICNIRPS guidelines were endorsed a first time by the Scientific Steering Committee in June 1998, then by the Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (CSTEE) 16 in November 2001 and again confirmed by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) 17 in March The reviews by those Scientific Committees took into account the latest scientific evidence available on the potential health effects of EMF. In its latest opinion, the SCENIHR stated in particular: Radio Frequency Fields (RF fields) Since the adoption of the 2001 opinion extensive research has been conducted regarding possible health effects of exposure to low intensity RF fields, including epidemiologic, in vivo, and in vitro research. In conclusion, no health effect has been consistently demonstrated at exposure levels below the limits of ICNIRP (International Committee on Non Ionising Radiation Protection) established in However, the data base for evaluation remains limited especially for long-term low-level exposure. Intermediate Frequency Fields (IF fields) Experimental and epidemiological data from the IF range are very sparse. Therefore, assessment of acute health risks in the IF range is currently based on known hazards at lower frequencies and higher frequencies. Proper evaluation and assessment of possible health effects from long-term exposure to IF fields are important because human exposure to such fields is increasing due to new and emerging technologies. 17

15 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 7 Extremely low frequency fields (ELF fields) The previous conclusion that ELF magnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic, chiefly based on occurrence of childhood leukaemia, is still valid. For breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, recent research has indicated that an association is unlikely. For neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumours, the link to ELF fields remains uncertain. No consistent relationship between ELF fields and self-reported symptoms (sometimes referred to as electrical hypersensitivity) has been demonstrated. Static Fields Adequate data for proper risk assessment of static magnetic fields are very sparse. Developments of technologies involving static magnetic fields, e.g. with MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment require risk assessments to be made in relation to occupational exposure. In light of the most recent opinion by SCENIHR, there is no clear scientific evidence of long-term effects to guide a possible revision of the Recommendation at this stage. Nevertheless, due to the uncertainties and lack of scientific data on long-term and low-level EMF exposure, the SCENIHR made the following Recommendations for further research: RF fields A long term prospective cohort study. Such a study would overcome problems that were discussed in relation to existing epidemiological studies, including the Interphone study. These problems take in recall bias and other aspects of exposure assessment, selection bias due to high proportions of non-responders, too short induction period, and restriction to intracranial tumours. Health effects of RF exposure in children. To date no study on children exists. This issue can also be addressed by studies on immature animals. This research has to take into consideration that dosimetry in children may differ from that in adults. Exposure distribution in the population. The advent of personal dosimeters has made it possible to describe individual exposure in the population and to assess the relative contribution of different sources to the total exposure. Such a project would require that groups of people with different characteristics are selected and that they wear dosimeters for a defined period of time. There are several experimental studies that need to be replicated, such as those on genotoxicity and cognition involving sleep quality parameters. For studies on biomarkers it is essential that the impact on human health is considered. Valid exposure assessment including all relevant sources of exposure is essential. A general comment is that all studies must use high-quality dosimetry. IF fields Data on health effects from IF fields are sparse. This issue should be addressed both through epidemiologic and experimental studies.

16 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 8 ELF fields Epidemiological results indicate an increased risk of leukaemia in children exposed to high levels of ELF magnetic fields; however, this is not supported by animal data. The mechanisms responsible for the childhood leukaemia and the reasons for the discrepancy are unknown and require a better understanding and clarification. Static fields A cohort study on personnel dealing with equipment that generates strong magnetic fields is required, which could be started with a thorough feasibility study. Relevant experimental studies such as studies on carcinogenicity, genotoxicity as well as developmental and neurobehavioural effects would have to be conducted as well. Additional considerations Studies including exposure to combinations of frequencies as well as combinations of electromagnetic fields and other agents need to be considered. As a first response to these Recommendations, the Commission has introduced in the 2nd call for proposals of the 7th Framework Programme for research (FP7) a topic for a collaborative project entitled 'Health impacts of exposure to radiofrequency fields in childhood and adolescence' (EC contribution up to 3.5M) under the Environment and Health sub-activity. Results should be available within 4 to 6 years. Additional topics are under consideration for future calls. 6 Actions undertaken at Community level As the thematic of electromagnetic fields is a topic of public interest continues work is carried out concerning research in the various related topics. EMF -NET A project funded within the 6 th Framework Programme of DG Research is called EMF-NET and is a Coordination Action that aims to provide a framework for the coordination of the results of the research activities related to the biological effects of electromagnetic fields, considering also the potential risks related to exposure in the working environment (occupational exposure). The EMF-NET consortium involves 41 participants, including all the coordinators of on-going EC projects, coordinators of research projects at European national level (Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, UK), and representatives of other EC and international activities, such as EC COST ACTION 281 and the WHO EMF project, associations of industries and manufactures, regulatory bodies, scientific associations, and trade union associations. The aim is not to produce new studies, but to ensure the best use of existing data on exposure to electromagnetic fields by identifying relevant studies and analysing their findings: the EMF-NET

17 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 9 efforts aim to scientifically inform political and health authorities, providing them with the tools and building blocks to take appropriate actions and decisions. The focus of the work is not only exposure associated with cell phones, but also exposure to many other sources such as power lines, broadcasting antennas, and electric household appliances, as well as electromagnetic sources encountered in the work environment especially in the industry and health care. Several separate tasks are undertaken in the EMF-NET coordination action. The results of current research are brought together and analysed, with consideration of both general public and occupational exposure. The issues of risk perception and risk communication is also being investigated, with an emphasis on how to communicate information. A series of EMF-NET Interpretation Reports, each based on the consolidation of all available evidence in a topic area by a board of EMF-NET expert have been published and are available on EIS-EMF Another project which is closely linked with EMF-NET but already finalised should be highlighted in this regard as well namely the EIS-EMF Project funded by DG Sanco and carried out by the European Joint Research Centre (JRC). The main task was to promote cooperation among policy makers on public health and EMF risk communication issues in the EU. The continuing and increasing public concern regarding EMF related issues highlighted the need to take a fresh look at approaches to risk communication with a view to identifying effective new initiatives. JRC through EIS-EMF provided scientific and technical support to EU policies in the area of EMF and health, on behalf of DG SANCO and other DG (RES, ENTR, ENV, EMPL, etc). The key achievements of the project comprises: A network of EU policy makers on EMF issues An operational science/policy interface Communication tools Communication tools developed and demonstrated by the EIS-EMF included among others the EU Country Reports on EMF and Health Issues presenting a concise and thorough review of national approaches, regulatory measures, and actions in the area of EMF, and potential health risks the EU Database on EMF exposure measurements and assessments. The feasibility of such a database was investigated and its further development is proposed to play an observatory function of EMF exposure in the EU, to promote common standards, and to become a reference for comparability for compliance with standards across the EU. More information can be found on

18 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 10 Working Group on Limitation of exposure of general public to electromagnetic fields The Commission updates and completes the first report on the implementation of the Council Recommendation. It wishes in particular to review with the Member States the results achieved, the monitoring and enforcement practices, the research activities as well as the main policy and communication issues in this area, taking into account the scientific developments. To this end, for this working group of government experts the following mandate for was proposed: 1. To monitor and review progress made with the implementation of Council Recommendation (1999/519/EC) and to assess the results achieved, the measures taken and instruments used, the monitoring and enforcement practices applied and their effectiveness with regard to the guidelines of International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and other relevant international standards; 2. To collect, review, compare and discuss information from the Member States on the aspects mentioned above in order to identify issues of common interest, possible areas for cooperation, best practices or needs for improvement. 3. In particular, to identify, examine and discuss specific policy issues in light of the experience of the Member States; 4. To keep under review the adequacy of the Recommendation in light of scientific developments. 5. To assist the Commission in preparing the 2nd implementation report of the Recommendation to the Council. The Working Group is composed of the governmental experts designated by the Member States. It is chaired by the Commission. Other experts from industry and other stakeholder organizations as well as scientists from the Commission Scientific Committees or other scientific and technical bodies may be invited for specific points at the initiative of the Chair.

19 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Actions undertaken at Member States level 7.1 AT- Austria Protective Framework In Austria the pre-standard ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8850 has been implemented in 2006 as a provisional technical standard for control of exposure. The norm has to be applied as state of the art to avoid health risks through EMFs for new installations in the permit procedure. It replaces the former norms ÖNORM 1119 and ÖNORM In general the Recommendation is valid for the whole country, however, local authorities demand sometimes more stringent levels as e.g. the country of Salzburg where authorities recommended considerably lower values Scope of the implementation measures Austria is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation support a high level of health protection for short term effects. However, they propose better consideration of uncertainties with respect to possible non- thermal and long- term effects as well as the consideration of a concept of justification and minimization. The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in the pre-standard correspond to those in the Council Recommendation. However, for mobile phone base stations the supreme health council has recommended in January 2008 an administrative intervention value of at least 100 times lower in terms of power density. Measures applied in Austria addresses combined exposure from several sources. Additional safety measures taken in Austria to reduce EMF exposure are some initiatives on network infrastructure sharing for mobile phone base stations. In addition there is a restrictions to use mobile phones and other high frequency sources within hospitals near medical equipment Monitoring Austria controls that the levels of EMF exposure do not exceed the limits set by monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern by the telecommunication authority Communication with the public Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites ( and on which several brochures and guidance material can be downloaded. In addition a flyer on the prudent use of mobile phones has been prepared as a Recommendation of the

20 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 12 supreme health court Research funding As regards research on possible health effects of EMF singular research projects on low frequency fields have been funded by the ministry of health and the ministry of environment. 7.2 BE - Belgium Protective Framework Belgium set up a framework in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields by the Royal Decree Aug 10, 2005 (gsm-masts) and the Ministery order April, 20, 1988 (power lines) which are both legally binding. The Royal decree of August, 10, 2005 covers radio frequency (between 10 MHz and 10 GHz) from immobile sources. It aims at the protection of health by means of setting exposure limits. [Koninklijk besluit van 10 augustus 2005 houdende de normering van zendmasten voor elektromagnetsiche golven tussen 10 MHz en 10 GHz]. The Ministery order April, 20, 1988 sets limits on ELF electric fields as general rules on electrical installations. [Besluit van de Minister van Economische Zaken, belast met het toezicht op de lijnen voor transport en verdeling van elektrische energie (MB van 7 mei 1987, BS art 1 vervangen bij MB , BS )] In Belgium there is no general legislation for ELF magnetic fields, but a general rule on electrical installations for the protection against biological effects of electric and magnetic fields: article 139, modified by Royal decree , BS 9/2/1995. It states that the Ministry of Energy is authorized to take measures for the protection against ELF electric and magnetic fields [Artikel 139 van het Algemeen Reglement op de elektrische installaties (zoals gewijzigd bij KB , BS )]. The Belgian decree only concerns the ELF and more specific the 50 Hz magnetic field (guided value 2 µt, action value 10 µt) generated by indoor household devices and outdoor electricity facilities. There is no indoor decree for the ELF electric field nor for the magnetic field of higher frequencies. In Belgium there are regional differences as the Flemish decree of June 10, 2004 is not applicable for the other regions of Belgium Scope of the implementation measures In Belgium the indoor decree is based on the precautionary principle as a political decision. The decision to apply more stringent limit values is not based on scientific evidence. The National Health Board in Belgium has recommended to use the precautionary principle and has proposed limit values

21 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 13 that are 200 times stricter than those of the Council Recommendation (for exposure to RF-radiation). Political decision has been taken to set up in the indoor decree limit values 4 times stricter (in terms of SAR-value) than those of the Recommendation. However it should be taken in mind that the indoor decree only concerns the ELF and more specific the 50 Hz magnetic field. The Royal decree of August, 10, 2005 sets 4 time stricter SAR-limits for public exposure to radio frequency (between 10 MHz and 10 GHz) from all immobile sources: mobile phone base stations, radio-, TV- broadcasting, military or police sources. The Flemish decree doesn t take into account basic restrictions. As regards the reference levels the limit values for radio frequency range are 4 times (in terms of power density) stricter. For ELF electric fields the limit value for urban area is the same as in the Recommendation. In particular the Ministery order of April 20, 1988 states "Article 1 : The value of the undisturbed electric field, in undisturbed regime, generated by any electrical installation involved in the transmission or distribution of electrical energy, must remain lower than the following values measured at 1.5 m above the ground (or home): (1) inhabited area, or area intended for habitation on sector plan: 5 kv/m (2) overhangs of roads: 7 kv/m (3) other places: 10 kv/m In the indoor decree both - the guided value for the magnetic field 0,2 µt and the action value 10 µt - are far below the reference level of 100 µt recommended in the Council Recommendation (1999/519/EC). Sources addressed by the Belgium measures are in particular high-voltage power lines (50 Hz), radio and TV broadcasting stations (10 MHz 10 GHz), mobile communication base stations (10 MHz 10 GHz), home/ domestic wiring (50 Hz) as well as combined exposure from several sources (10 MHz 10 GHz). Additional safety measures applied in Belgium focuses on safety zones around EMF sources, network infrastructure sharing of facilities for radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations and special restrictions based on total local EMF emission by type of EMF emissions details. The limits for RF-exposure are 4 times stricter at places accessible for the public. The limits are set on a total field strength value at the range 10 MHz -10 GHz, for all immobile RF-sources together. At the safety zones which are not accessible for public higher RF-fields are allowed Monitoring In Belgium monitoring of the levels of EMF exposure is performed by special studies regarding monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern and with estimation models for exposure evaluation

22 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 14 in the permit procedure. In the frame of the conformity assessment procedure, the operator must evaluate the specific and total exposure of his antennas on a site, by means of model estimations. In some cases (when expected exposure is above 5% of the norm), measurements on a site should take place to assess existing background exposure. All conformity assessment files are accessible for the public on The citizens have the opportunity to request the BIPT to evaluate the exposure at home or at home environment free of charge. The BIPT (Belgian telecommunication company) collects data from these measurements. Also VITO (Flemish Institute of Technological Research) is often performing monitor and model activities on demand of governmental related bodies. Some examples are: Modelling of the ELF EMF of power lines under and above the ground - Measurement campaign of EMF (0 3 GHz range) in public places Measurement campaign in order to estimate the number of children exposed to a magnetic field of 0.4 µt Measurement campaign for estimating the RF-field of WiFi in city areas Measurement campaign for estimating the indoor exposure of children to ELF, VLF and RF fields from indoor and outdoor EMF sources Communication with the public Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites like and A communication project aims at answering pro-actively on questions from the public, informing about exposure limits and the rationale behind the limits. Also a folder on children and mobile phone use has been distributed. Given the scientific evidence today does not show any danger to mobile phone users, neither for adults nor for children, this folder advises parents and young people to make smart use of mobiles as a precautionary measure Research funding Research activities within Belgium focuses on transportations systems using static fields (LNE 18 -funds for measuring campaign in public transport), commercial equipments (Measurement campaign for estimating the RF-field of WIFI in city areas) and combined exposure from several sources (Measurement campaign for estimating the indoor exposure of children to ELF, VLF, RF-fields). The overall objective of the exposure assessment of the EMFs (frequency range from 0 Hz 3 GHz) is 18 Departement Leffmiliee, Natuur en Energie

23 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 15 to gain insight in the levels at which the general public and more specific children are exposed relative to national (if they exist) and/or international exposure guidelines and/or standards. Since in general the indoor and outdoor ELF, VLF and RF exposure is small relative to their reference levels, there is a tendency to believe that, if the exposure limits are reliable, no health risks exists for the general public. The funding for research is provided by services associated with the Flemish Government such as the department of Environment, Nature and Energy (LNE) on the one hand and the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) as well as the BelgianBiomagnetic Group (BBEMG). The Belgian BioElectroMagnetic Group (BBEMG), created in 1995, includes 6 research teams involved for several years in the study of biomedical effects of electromagnetic fields. BBEMG is particularly interested in the effects of electric fields and magnetic induction generated by the transport and use of electric power in our daily life and places of work (50 Hz) and is covered by the 6 following participants and projects: M. Hinsenkamp (Université Libre de Bruxelles) - In vitro study of the effects of electromagnetic fields on cell sensitivity P. De Boever (VITO, Mol) - Study of the effects of electromagnetic fields on biological markers in patients complaining about electrosensitivity (genetic study) M. Crasson, J.J. Legros (University of Liège) - Electrosensitivity : Psychological and psychophysiological approach of people complaining about electrosensitivity J.L. Lilien, V. Beauvois (University of Liège) - Contact current perception and electrosensitivity / Characterization of typical contact currents in dwellings in Belgium / Electrical support of the BBEMG team G. Decat (VITO, Mol) - Characterization of typical contact currents in dwellings in Belgium / Determination of the proportion of children living in Belgium who are exposed to a 50 Hz magnetic induction field of 0,4 microtesla M. De Ridder, L. Braeckman (Ghent University) - Literature review / Analysis and risk assessment 7.3 BG - Bulgaria Protective Framework In Bulgaria there are exposure limit values for the general public since 1991, however, there are no basic restrictions up to now. It is intend to implement measures to set up a framework to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields according to the Council Recommendation in form of an ordinance for the maximal permissible exposure levels of the electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic fields in living environment. A project as regards a new ordinance considering the Recommendation limit values was prepared in 2005 and is in a stage now of co-ordination with Bulgarian and European legislation.

24 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 16 There are no regional differences in Bulgaria. The precautionary principle is used for powerful stationary sources, for products emitting EM radiation (microwave ovens, VDUs, mobile phones) Scope of the implementation measures Bulgaria is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation do not support a high level of health protection as the Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC does not take into account long term and non-thermal effects. In Bulgaria the implemented measures related to the basic restrictions are the same as outlined in the Council Recommendation. Concerning the reference limits an approach of sensitive areas is used. This means to set different exposure limit values for different zones which are defined through aspects like the possibility of human exposure and the duration of exposure. This is done by setting higher limit values for zones where human exposure is seldom or practically impossible and much lower for zones with 24 h stay, where the exposure of sensitive groups occurs, including children, pregnant women, elderly and ill people. The zones in Bulgaria are defined as follows: 1. First zone (short-term stay) sets regions where only short-term human stay is possible: hardto-access areas, slope roofs of residential buildings. 2. Second zone (periodical stay) sets regions where temporary and/or periodical human stay is possible: agricultural lands, accessible roofs of residential buildings, residence areas, streets, electric transport. 3. Third zone (temporary stay) sets critical regions in relation to risk perception: places for recreation and leisure, parks, gardens, green spots, including attraction parks, recreation parks, zoos and botanical gardens, health recreation facilities and the exterior of facilities for elderly people, rehabilitation and social re-adaptation establishments, children centres, schools, kindergartens, creches, healthcare establishments, country/summer house areas. 4. Fourth zone (permanent residence) sets places for permanent human stay: residential premises, inside of public buildings (without workplaces), schools, health care establishments, kindergartens and creches. The Council Recommendation limit values are set only for the first and partly for the second zone. The limit values for the other two zones are more stringent. The following sources are addressed by the protection measures: high-voltage power lines (Static fields/elf/power frequency 50 Hz), radio and TV broadcasting stations (RF (including MW) ranges), transportation systems (static and power frequency 50 Hz), mobile communication base stations (MW range 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 3500 MHz), home/ domestic wiring (50 Hz), domestic

25 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 17 equipments and appliances (if anything different from the EU requirements and standards) (50 Hz, 2450 MHz), combined exposure from several sources (every kind of combined exposure by sources emitting in different frequency ranges). Additional safety measures taken to reduce EMF exposure focus on safety zones around EMF sources and special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc for high voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, powerful radars and mobile communication base stations as well as special restrictions based on total local EMF emission by type of EMF emissions for static fields (0 Hz), extremely low frequencies (ELF) (>0 to 300 Hz), intermediate frequencies (IF) (300 Hz to 100 khz) and radiofrequencies (RF) (100 khz to 300 GHz). In this regard it should be mentioned again that Bulgaria uses an approach defining specific sensitive areas with stricter reference limits Monitoring Monitoring activity in Bulgaria comprises the monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern in particular after the installation of the source, after any optimization or changes in the installation and on requests. In the permit procedure safety zones calculations on the basis of technical data of the communication sources and measurements for exposure evaluation are performed after the installation of new systems. A study for monitoring base stations for mobile communication considers data from measurements and evaluation of safety zones around base stations in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian legislation sets two stages of hygiene control of EMF in the surroundings of base stations for mobile communication. The first stage covers a check of the documentation with calculation of the safety zone around the source during the planning of the base station for mobile communication. The estimated safety zones vary from 10 to 70 m depending on technical characteristics of the antenna and the power provided by the mobile operator. The second stage covers measuring the EMF values. The measurements are made by standard methods in the surrounding of stationary transmitter antenna of all types servicing systems for mobile communications. The measurement points are determined by the deployment, mounting and possible population access to emitting equipment. A database for mobile communication base stations in Bulgaria is prepared. It contains information on 4528 base stations subjected to preliminary sanitary control (on planning stage), and 2674 with recorded measurements in the period The measurement data are sorted by the mounting types of base stations antenna: facades, slope roofs, telecommunication masts, poles of different height on rooftops of residential and public buildings. Data for two fixed distances from the antennae surfaces on the rooftops at different antennae mounting height are presented. The mean values of EMF power density on a distance 2 m reach up to 150 µw/cm 2 in the antennae patterns. The power density values in case of antennae mounted on telecommunication towers or on slope roofs of residential buildings exceed 10 µw/cm 2 in few cases only. Higher EMF values are measured mainly in close proximity to the base station

26 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 18 antennae mainly on rooftops. As a conclusion, measured values of EMF around base station antennae are lower compared to the ICNIRP guidelines/council Recommendation Communication with the public Communication to the public is carried out via internet site ( citizens' jury or other respective stakeholder dialogue events, citizens' blogs or other means to facilitate continuous feedback from citizens, specialized publications as well as via newspapers and magazines. Originally published by the World Health Organization, the paper "Establishing a Dialogue on Risks from Electromagnetic Fields" has been translated in Bulgarian language in 2007; a brochure on mobile phones and health was issued in 2006, regional seminars on specific areas of interest (mobile communication etc.), press-conferences, participation of experts in special TV and radio health programmes, meetings with citizens and citizens' committees and meetings and workshops (national and international) for specialists in the fields of EMF human protection have also been carried out. The national communication programme developed by the Bulgarian National Programme Committee as a part of the International EMF Project (WHO) is implemented as a communication initiative. The Programme is directed to all parts of the society, also to all stakeholders Research funding In Bulgaria there is scarce public research funding. Only one projects funded by the Ministry of Health: "National Action Plan on Environment and Health" includes - as a small part EMF exposure to humans. High-voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations as sources of EMF radiation are partly covered by the project. Most of the finished studies in this area are funded by the National Foundation "Faraday" and by some international organizations as WHO, European Office for Aerospace Research and Development, EMF-NET European Project (European Commission 6 th Framework programme). 7.4 CH - Switzerland Protective Framework Switzerland has implemented a number of legally binding measures to protect the public against exposure to electromagnetic fields. According to the Law on the Protection of the Environment (LPE; SR ), the non-ionizing radiation must be limited in such a way to protect environment or man against effects that are, or might be, harmful or nuisance. This law was implemented with the Ordinance relating to the Protection from Non Ionizing Radiation (ONIR; SR ), implemented on 1st February It regulates the limitation of electric and magnetic field emissions with frequencies range 0 Hz to 300 GHz that are generated by stationary installations like power lines,

27 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 19 railways and trams, broadcasting stations or mobile phones base stations. For electrical devices and equipments covered by the Low Voltage Ordinance (SR ) and for telecommunication end devices covered by the Ordinance on Telecommunications Installations (SR ) the corresponding EU product standards and requirements are legally binding. There are no regional variations within Switzerland regarding protection of the public against electromagnetic fields Scope of the implementation measures Switzerland is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation do not support a high level of health protection. Low cost precautionary measures, especially for products, should be added as legally binding measures. For example: in the corresponding product standards should be fixed up requirements for declaration of radiation and consumer information to minimize exposure for products which are close to limits. Basic restrictions are not explicitly mentioned in the Swiss legislation but included indirectly. Exposure limits are defined mostly as reference limits, but calculating and measuring procedures are defined in a conservative way in order to ensure compliance with the basic limits. Where more convenient, basic restrictions are used directly as exposure limits (SAR values for mobile phones). Exposure limits defined in the ONIR correspond to the ICNIRP reference limits. In addition precautionary limits are defined for single installations in sensitive areas". Those installation limits lay factor 10 to 100 below the ICNIRP limit. Based on the Article 1 of the LPE law that states Early precautionary measures shall be taken in order to limit impacts which could become harmful or a nuisance, two levels of exposure limits are defined in the ONIR. The ICNIRP limit values are adopted as minimum requirements, that must be adhered without exemption to all places accessible to people. In addition, precautionary installation limits are defined in order to limit exposure in sensitive areas like rooms and buildings regularly occupied by persons for prolonged periods, or children s playgrounds. These limits consider single installations and have been chosen in such a way that it is possible to respect them technically and economically. Where this is not possible, special dispensations are given out for example for old installations, large individual emitting bases such as for radio transmitters and for linear sources such as power lines and railways Monitoring Monitoring is performed by estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure. To check the compliance with the installation limits, standardized models have been developed in order to estimate exposure in sensitive areas caused by specific installation.

28 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Research funding In 2004, the Federal Council approved the launching of the National Research Programme NRP 57. Research conducted in the framework of NRP 57 addresses open questions related to characterization and measurement of electromagnetic fields and their possible damaging effects on people. Of special interest are effects of EMF exposure on the body, such as on the brain, and possible effects on health and well-being. A further focus of NRP 57 is on cell biological studies investigating the underlying mechanisms of the cellular effects of EMF that significantly complement and extend the international efforts. Rounding off the research programme are research projects investigating risk perception, examining growing public concerns about possible damaging effects of electromagnetic radiation. Funds of 5 million CHF were granted to this four-year national research programme. The research has started in January out of 36 project proposals have been selected by the Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation. Initial results are expected to be available in Public research funding in regard to potential health risks of EMF focus on high-voltage power lines, mobile communication base stations, mobile phones and combined exposure from several sources Communication with the public Communication with the public on the potential health impacts of EMF and measures taken to address them focus mainly on specialized publication and the internet sites of the Federal Office of public health: and the Federal office for Environment: CY - Cyprus Protective Framework Cyprus has implemented general measures to establish a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields within the Radiocommunications (Authorizations) Regulations of 2004 and The reference levels proposed in Recommendation 1999/519/EC are applied as the National Exposure Limits. For licenses granted with administrative procedures (PMR 19, fixed links, satellite earth stations etc), it is prescribed in specific Regulations that these licenses shall include a term that the public exposure must be below the National Exposure Limits. The same term is included in all licenses granted by comparative or competitive contests (e.g. mobile network, wireless access network etc). 19 Professional Mobile Radio like TETRA, GSM etc.

29 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 21 There are no regional differences Scope of the implementation measures Cyprus states that they believe that the basic restrictions and the reference levels support a high level of health protection since they take into account uncertainties related to individual sensitivities, environmental conditions and the age of individuals. There are not basic restrictions as outlined in the Council Recommendation implemented in Cyprus. However, Cyprus applies the same reference limits as in the Recommendation. The rationale for this approach is that Cyprus has adopted the reference levels as National Exposure Limits because they are measurable quantities and in their view respecting the reference limits guarantees that the basic restrictions are also respected. The sources addressed by the regulations in Cyprus are: radio and TV broadcasting stations (UHF and VHF TV, MW Radio, FM), radio mobile communication base stations (GSM 900, GSM 1800, UMTS) and combined exposure from several sources. Additional safety measures are taken in form of safety zones around EMF sources for radio and TV broadcasting stations. Radio and TV broadcasting stations share the same facilities in common transmitting sites which are situated away from built up areas Monitoring In Cyprus the wireless electronic communications network operators conduct measurements every six months for the base stations of their network. The results are submitted to the Department of Electronic Communications. The Department of Electronic Communications also conducts regularly and randomly measurements for these stations as well as for all other stations. Furthermore it carries out measurements in response to requests from the general public and public authorities. Additionally estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure and estimation models for exposure evaluation after the installation of new systems are used. With a few exceptions the exposure quotient resulting of all sources is generally well below Communication with the public Communication to the public will mainly be performed via a website which is currently been set up. In addition special programmes and special programmes in TV and radio are used.

30 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Research funding Research funding concentrated on high-voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations, mobile phones as well as home/domestic wiring. 7.6 CZ - Czech Republic Protective Framework In the Czech Republic the Governmental Ordinance No 480/2000 Coll. on non-ionizing radiation protection establishes a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields. There are no regional differences in the Czech Republic Scope of the implementation measures Representatives of the Czech Republic are of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation support a high level of health protection. The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in the Czech Republic are the same as in the Council Recommendation. No implementation measures have been taken for specific sources as the measures are applicable for all sources. Furthermore no additional safety measures are foreseen. In the Czech Republic the electromagnetic field are controlled and compared with the ICNIRP reference values Monitoring The monitoring activities in the Czech Republic comprises special studies for the monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern and estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure Communication with the public Communication with the public on EMF issues takes place via the website personal communications and special publications Research funding Public research activities focus on high voltage power more specific on the issue of childhood

31 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 23 leukaemia and proximity of power lines. Measurements and their assessment are currently in progress. The aim of the project is to contribute to the issue of childhood leukaemia and its enhanced incidence near the power lines. 7.7 DE - Germany Protective Framework Germany has not implemented general measure to establish a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC. Currently Germany is working on a law that the existing regulations should expand for the entire frequency range of the Recommendation 1999/519/EC. In Germany separate limit values for the certain areas of the electromagnetic spectrum are mandatory. In January 1997 the 26th Ordinance on the Implementation of the Federal Emission Protection Law (Ordinance on electromagnetic fields 26th BImSchV) entered into force. This Ordinance sets limit values for the electric and magnetic fields in the vicinity of power supply facilities with a voltage exceeding 1000 V and railway power supply systems as well as limit values for high-frequency fields including mobile phone frequencies. The Ordinance aims at protecting the population from scientifically established adverse health effects caused by high-frequency and lowfrequency electromagnetic fields Scope of the implementation measures Germany is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Council Recommendation supports a high level of health protection. The Ordinance on electromagnetic fields (26th BImSchV) outlines no basic restrictions, however, the measures implemented in Germany address exposure levels in specific frequency ranges: - under BMWi Order on the procedure for providing proof as regards limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields [German designation: BEMFV] published 2002: 9 khz GHz - Under the 26 BlmSchV: 16 2/3 Hz, 50 Hz, 10 MHz GHz The environmental exposure levels are addressed under the 26th BImSchV. In the low frequency range, the limit values have to be complied- taking other low-frequency emitters into account. In radiofrequency range, compliance with the limit values must take into account other fixed radio transmission installations. In the BMWi Order on the procedure for providing proof as regards limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields [German designation: BEMFV], incidental exposures are taken into account by means of a supplementary factor.

32 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 24 The following sources and frequency range(s) are addressed by the protection measures: High-voltage power lines (16 2/3 and 50 Hz), Radio and TV broadcasting stations (3 khz to 300 GHz) Mobile communication base stations (3 khz to 300 GHz) Additional safety measures focuses in Germany on safety zones around EMF sources for radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations as well as special restrictions based on total local EMF emissions for high voltage power lines; radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations Monitoring Monitoring in Germany comprises monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern and estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure. Germany ensures that the levels of exposure to EMF comply with the implemented measures via DIN VDE 0848, BMWi Order on the procedure for providing proof as regards limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields [German designation: BEMFV] published 2002, the 26 th BImSchV at state and municipal level. The levels have been measured nation-wide several times since All the exposure levels measured were below the limits set by ICNIRP and the council Recommendation respectively. The mean levels were at least 100 times stricter. Further details can be found at URL Communication with the public Several different websites are in use in order to communicate with the public on EMF issues in Germany, namely Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit (BMU) Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (BfS) Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie (BMWi) Beside this several federal states provide websites with information about technique, typical exposure situations and health risks regarding EMF. Examples are: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt, Gesundheit und Verbraucherschutz Landesanstalt für Umwelt, Messungen und Naturschutz, Baden Württemberg In addition specialised publications, monitoring programmes, citizen blogs are provided from the national authorities as well as from the authorities of the federal states.

33 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 25 Regular stakeholder dialogue is performed regarding mobile communication in form of the Runden Tisch Mobilfunk organized by the BfS. In this forum casually also the dialogue with physicians takes place, who have the opinion, that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation do not support a high level of health protection. In several communities the placement of new mobile communication base stations is discussed in citizen juries with the community responsible and the network operators Research funding Public Research funding focuses on radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations, mobile phones and domestic equipments. From 2002 to 2007 (estimated) approximately 50 research projects in mobile telecommunications have been carried out in four fields (biology, dosimetry, epidemiology and risk communication). Topics covered a broad spectrum, reaching beyond current GSM and UMTS standards. One objective, among others, is to clarify fundamental effects and mechanisms. Another will be to delve into the possible causes of electromagnetic sensitivity. The programme will seek results pertinent not only to existing mobile telecommunications but in order to make statements on future developments as well. Further information and descriptions of the research projects can be found on DK - Denmark Protective Framework Denmark has not implemented specific measures to set up a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels in order to protect the general public from Electromagnetic fields. However, they have set up a voluntary Recommendation which follows ICNIRP regulations and 1999/519/EC. In Denmark there are no regional differences related to the national regulations Scope of the implementation measures Denmark is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation support a high level of health protection. As there is only a voluntary Recommendation based on the Council Recommendation in Denmark no implementation measures are taken on basic restriction. The reference levels applied are the same as in the Council Recommendation. Sources addressed in the voluntary Recommendation are: high-voltage power lines, mobile

34 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 26 communication base stations, mobile phones and domestic equipments and appliances. Denmark has implemented the following Recommendations to minimize public exposure: 1. The National Board of Health recommends that new utility installations, such as high power distribution lines, transformer stations or utilities, are placed not too close to existing dwellings and institutions for children and vice versa: that new dwellings and institutions for children are not placed close to existing power line installations. The Board has not defined a limit in this distance (meter between installation and dwelling). The Danish Utility Companies have established a safety zone between new power line installations and existing dwellings and institutions for children, which is 50 meter on each side of a 400 kv power line. 2. In addition there are Recommendations issued by the National Board of Health to limit the exposure from mobile phones by using hand free set and other simple ways in use close to the ear. This Recommendation is aimed at all age groups (children, adolescence and adults). Moreover parents are reminded of not giving a mobile phone to their children before they are at an age where they may understand to follow the Recommendations. 3. The National Board of Health is currently producing some information on possibilities of reducing EMF exposure from WiFi installations (Wireless networks, portable phones, DECT phones etc) in public buildings such as kindergartens, schools, universities, hospitals etc and in private dwellings. The advices are based on an evaluation of the scientific evidence for an association between the exposure and health effects (in 1. for the IARC conclusion on a possible risk of leukaemia in children exposed to high levels of ELF EMF). For 2. and 3. the reason for advices and information are first of all lack of sufficient knowledge concerning children and concerning long term use. None of the above mentioned Recommendations are mandatory or issued as legally binding. As mentioned above additional safety measures are recommended like safety zones around EMF sources (power lines and antennas for mobile communication); network infrastructure sharing of facilities (power lines and radio) as well as special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc. Other restrictions are e.g. general restrictions for use of mobile phones in many hospital areas or requirements for the distance between buildings and broadcasting stations due to safety caused by falling towers and construction issues Monitoring Monitoring, citizens may ask for monitoring of EMF from - amongst others - power lines or antennas for mobile communication by the Utility Companies or Tele Companies. Ad hoc projects on monitoring EMF may also be done Communication with the public Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites with information for the public like: or

35 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Research funding In Denmark there was a special research programme from issued by the Danish National Strategic Council. The total funded amount was to 4 million Euros (see also The research mainly focused on mobile communication base stations and mobile phones. 7.9 EE - Estonia Protective Framework Estonia has implemented general measures establishing a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields as follows: 1. Regulation of the Minister of Social Affairs nr 38 Non-ionizing radiation limits on the residential and rest areas, in the buildings and classrooms and measurement of the levels of non-ionizing radiation, was adopted on 1 February and entered in to force on 1 July According to Public Health Act (was adopted on 8 December 2004 and entered in to force on 1st January 2005) the state supervision body for protection of the public against exposure to electromagnetic fields is the Health Protection Inspectorate. In addition the Regulation of the Minister of Social Affairs nr 17 Procedure of approving of the conditions for using radio frequencies on the basis of a frequency authorization was adopted on 3 February 2006 and entered into force on 16st February Regulation of the Minister of Social Affairs nr 57 Health protection requirements for using of computers was adopted on 7 June 2001 and entered in to force on 1st July In Estonia there are no regional variations regarding the implementation of the Recommendation 1999/519/EC Scope of the implementation measures Estonia is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation support a high level of health protection. The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels adopted are the same as in the Council

36 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 28 Recommendation. The Electronic Communications Act was adopted on 8 December 2004 and entered into force on 1st January The Act provides requirements for the publicly available electronic communications networks and communications services, conduct of radio communication, management of radio frequencies and numbering, for apparatuses and state supervision regarding compliance with the requirements and liability for violation of the requirements. The Act includes amendments to the Public Health Act: Legal persons in public law, legal persons in private law and natural persons shall obtain the approval of the Health Protection Inspectorate for the conditions for using radio frequencies on the basis of a frequency authorization pursuant to the procedure provided by the Minister of Social Affairs." The sources addressed are in particular: radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations and combined exposure from several sources. There are no additional safety measures taken in Estonia Monitoring Monitoring is conducted in Estonia by estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure The user of radiofrequencies must send the application to the Communications Board in order to obtain a permit for using the radiofrequencies. The conditions of the permit should be approved by the Health Protection Inspectorate. During the approval of the conditions the Laboratory of Physics of the Health Protection Inspectorate carries out the needed calculation. In addition investigation of the levels of EMF around the Tallinn Television Tower are performed Communication with the public The public is informed on EMF issues via a internet site ( Citizens' blogs or other means to facilitate continuous feedback from citizens. The owners of frequency authorizations, which conditions were approved by the Health Protection Inspectorate, are published on the Health Protection Inspectorate website. Anyone has the possibility to check whether a certain antenna or other source is or is not approved by the Health Protection Inspectorate. In case of any problems the public has the possibility to contact the Health Protection Inspectorate Research funding Public research funding has been allocated to domestic equipments.

37 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ ES - Spain Protective Framework In Spain the Royal Decree 1066/2001 of 28 September set up a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels in order to protect the public from electromagnetic fields. This decree was made following the Recommendation 1999/519/EC related to the exposure of the public to electromagnetic fields. The Royal Decree is designed to guarantee the safety of the public from electromagnetic waves in the spectrum of radiofrequencies. Therefore exposure limits addressing radio communication systems are established based on the cited EU Recommendation. The regulation also contains mechanisms for further monitoring of the exposure levels. Therefore operators of telecommunication systems have to provide an annual report on the certification procedure and the realisation of inspection plans to the Department of Science and Technology. The Royal Decree 1066/2001 has the basic rank of a norm. This means it establishes the minimum levels to be applied in Spain. However, the independent Communities have the possibility to implement stricter measures Scope of the implementation measures Spain is of the opinion that the reference levels and basic restrictions set in the Recommendation supports a high level of health protection. Therefore the basic limits as well as the reference levels implemented in Spain follows the Council Recommendation. The fulfilment of the reference levels will guarantee that basic restriction levels are respected. Annex I of the Spanish decree comprises limitations and requirements concerning the protection from emissions from certain electric installations. Annex II specifies the exposure limits of the electromagnetic waves. The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in Spain are the same as in the Council Recommendation. The established limit values are applicable in areas where people are regularly present and for end user applications, without replacing the specifications of other legislation in these fields. A special attention is given to sensitive areas such as schools, health care centres, hospitals or public parks in which levels of emissions shall be kept as low as possible. Sources addressed are radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations. The provisions of the implemented measures are applicable for electromagnetic waves emitted from wireless communication base stations. Wireless base stations are defined as: one or more

38 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 30 transmitter or receiver, or a combination thereof, including related installations, which are necessary to provide a service for radio communication and radio astronomy. Additional safety measures applied in Spain focus on special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals and kindergartens for radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations. In accordance with the Order CTE/23/2002, of January 11 (setting restrictions to radio electrical emissions and protective measures against them), conditions for the preparation of studies and certifications are set for operators of radio communication services of the type ER1 and ER2 in the case that sensible areas are located within 100 m radius (e.g. nursery schools, play schools, schools, health centres, hospitals, public parks, residents for elderly). The studies to be realized in this context, have to explain the minimisation of the exposure levels according to the ones in the article 8.7 of the Royal decree 1066/2001, of September 28, bearing in mind the already existing levels of emission, in the above mentioned spaces. Concerning the process for measurements of emission rates all necessary information have to be broad together in advance to evaluate the surrounding of the installation. This approach aims to identify the spot with the highest emission rate in order to use this spot for measurements in places with permanent human stay. Therefore surrounding factors as well as radio electric factors which might influence the measurements have to be considered. The surrounding factors comprises: identification of zones in which humans stays usually in close distance to emitting sources, especially in the main radiation direction. Furthermore the identification of buildings and other obstacles and their impact on the measurements have to be assessed. Also the appearance of sensitive areas (kindergartens, education facilities, health centres, schools, hospitals, public parks, residents for elderly) close by the wireless base stations has to be considered Monitoring Monitoring is performed by monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern. Exceeded reference level does not necessarily mean that the basic restrictions are exceeded. Nevertheless in such circumstances it is necessary to verify if the basic restrictions are respected. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Commerce developed a report focusing on an inspection plan, realised activities, measurement results of non-ionised radiations in the spectrum from 9 khz to 300 GHz and measurements results for sensible places and their audit systems. In general it can be said, that the values of measured radio electrical exposition at national territory are far below the reference values for the protection of human health established in Annex II of the Royal decree 1066/2001. The results are available on the webpage of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Commerce.

39 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Communication with the public In Spain the internet site is used for communication with the public. Further publications, are included in the publishing program of the Ministry of Health and Consumption Research funding Research activities in Spain related to EMF focus on radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations FI - Finland Protective Framework Finland set up a decree (2002/294) on limiting public exposure to non-ionizing radiation by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in 2002 in order to implement the Council Recommendation. There exist exposure limits for the radio-frequency fields (above 100 khz) which shall not be exceeded while the low-frequency limits (below 100 khz) have only the status of Recommendations. Because the low-frequency fields have not been previously regulated the Ministry of Social Welfare and Health published a guidance report on the application of the decree (Korpinen L. Public exposure to low frequency electric and magnetic fields in Finland. STM guide 2003:12). The guide gives general information on electric and magnetic fields around transmission lines, electric installations and electric equipment and compares typical field levels with the reference levels. Also guidance on the measurements of magnetic fields in the buildings are described particularly in the case of indoor transformers. There are no regional differences Scope of the implementation measures Finland is of the opinion that in general the basic restrictions and reference levels provide a sufficient level of protection but that the reference level 5 kv/m for 50 Hz electric fields is a little bit too high. Touching of metallic bodies may produce spark discharges above a few kv/m. Residential areas, kindergartens, schools etc. should be placed in discharge free areas, where they in practice are. The basic restrictions should be changed to induced electric field. However, this does not change the present protection level.

40 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 32 Finland applies the same basic restrictions as in the Recommendation. Regional authorities regulating land use have asked several times for advice of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) concerning the placement of residential areas, a golf course, a super market and a parking place in the vicinity of power lines. STUK has stated that the reference levels shall not be exceeded. Additionally STUK recommends to limit magnetic fields as low as reasonably possible in the areas where the general public and particularly children may stay for a significant time From the measurement point of view STUK measured electric and magnetic fields in the vicinity of Pori LF/MF broadcasting station. The magnetic and electric fields exceeded the reference levels at a distance up to a few hundred meters from the site of the station. It is not allowed to build residences at this area. One base station has been requested to be moved to another place because there was an easy access for children to get in touch with it. In the case where the magnetic fields in the residence above an indoor distribution transformer exceed the reference level 100 µt, STUK requests to decrease the field below the reference level. Sources addressed by the regulation in Finland are: high voltage power lines (50 Hz fundamental frequency and harmonic components up to ca. 2 khz), TV broadcasting stations (300 khz -30 MHz (MF/HF broadcasting), mobile communication base stations (900 MHz GHz), mobile phones and home/domestic wiring. If measurements show that an effective value of 100 µt including harmonic components is exceeded in an apartment in the vicinity of an indoor transformer substation the owner of the station is requested to do mitigative actions. Additional safety measures are realised by safety zones around EMF sources (radio and TV broadcasting stations). The safety zone near the Pori broadcasting stations was determined by measurements and calculation Monitoring STUK carries out regular market surveillance of mobile phones. Thus far over 40 mobile phones have been tested according to the testing standard. Maximum SAR measured was 1.3 W/kg, which is below the 2 W/kg limit defined by the Council Recommendation. If 2 W/kg is exceeded in the market surveillance STUK orders to withdraw the corresponding mobile phone from the markets. A RF background study is on-going. Its purpose is to collect data for risk communication only. Already in the early eighties special measurements have been carried out focusing on Russian radars. The observed radar emissions were very small and did not cause any health and EMF interference effects. Some environmental measurements and calculations have also been made in the vicinity of Finnish radar stations. Power density has always been well below the reference levels. Occasional magnetic field measurements near indoor transformers and base stations have been done on the request of the customers. In few cases the maximum magnetic flux density exceeded the 100 µt limit by a factor up to 2 in the floor above the low voltage bus bars or cables. Occasional measurements

41 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 33 in the residential areas and residences near base stations indicated that the maximum power density is at least 100 times below the reference levels Communication with the public Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites like Research funding A national research programme for EMF health effects of mobile phones is funded by the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, manufacturers, operators and participating research institutions. The most recent national research project HERMO (Health Risk Assessment of Mobile Communications) examined the effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones. Studies were made with cell cultures, test animals, test persons and calculated models, but no evidence of harmful effects to health was found. However, the results on biological effects of the electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced certain interesting observations such as small protein changes. The 13 subprojects in the HERMO programme determined the repeatability, mechanisms and significance of the biological effects of low -level exposures to human health. In the projects, they examined the acute and chronic effects of radiofrequency (RF) fields on the nervous system and sense organs, and also aimed to assess whether the fields have effect on the maturing nervous system of children and adolescents. In addition, the impact of the RF fields in the vicinity of metallic implants was studied, the dose measurements for the biological analyses were developed and information for the assessment of cancer risk due to EMF was generated. The HERMO project was planned basing on the needs in the area of EMF listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the most recent results published on the subject. HERMO programmes, carried out by Finnish Universities and research institutes, are aimed to answer the people s need for information and to support the ongoing international projects in the assessment of EMF health effects. University of Kuopio acted as the coordinator of the HERMO project. University of Helsinki (UH), Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), Tampere University of Technology (TUT), University of Turku (UTU), Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) and Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) were responsible for the subprojects. The total budget of the three-year project was about 1.6 million. The results of the HERMO project were presented on September 4, 2007, in a closing seminar held in Helsinki, at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health FR - France In France Articles L34-9, L34-9-1, R20-10 et R20-19 of the code des posts et des communications électroniques implemented measures to establish a framework of basic restrictions and reference

42 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 34 levels in order to protect the public from electromagnetic fields. The legislative framework comprises two segments as regards radiofrequencies: on the one hand, mobile phones and on the other hand base stations. Provisions are also in place as regards the limitation of electromagnetic fields from transport and distribution of energy. Decree No of 3 May 2002 has transposed the Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 into French legislation as regards the electromagnetic fields emanated by equipment used in the telecommunication sector or by radio electric installations. Article 1 of the decree applies for all communication networks according to article L.32 of the code. All networks which are accessible for the public are addressed including private installations, installations for defends as well as audiovisual networks. The reference levels are applicable for the total exposure emitting from various sources at one place (article 2) Scope of the implementation measures France is of the opinion that the basic restrictions as well as the reference levels support a high level of health protection. Order of 17 May 2001 on technical conditions for the supply of transport systems and electric energy distribution sets out limit values for the exposure of the public to magnetic and electric fields of extreme low frequency. Decree No refers to radio frequencies. These documents incorporate the basic restrictions of the Recommendation, e.g. the limit values for public exposure. In conformity with the provisions of the Council Recommendation, compliance with the reference levels implies the compliance with the corresponding basic restrictions. The following sources are addressed by the measures: high voltage power lines (50 Hz), radio and TV broadcasting stations (0-300 GHz), mobile communications base stations (0-300 GHz) and mobile phones (0-300 GHz). Decree sets out that operators of related radio frequency emitting equipment have to take all necessary measures to ensure that the levels of exposure of the public in the electromagnetic fields issued by such networks and installations of telecommunications are less than in the basic restrictions. Moreover, Order of 8 October 2003 fixes the limit values of exposure of the public from equipment which has to respect at any rate in order to be put into operation and be used in France. Additionally, a second Order of 8 October 2003 foresees for the radio frequency emitting equipment intended to be used in France, that the SAR level appears in a legible and visible manner in the manual and that corresponding information mentioned in the Annex of the Order appears in the manual under a section called "Caution when using the equipment".

43 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 35 Concerning extremely low frequencies, the Order of 17 May 2001 sets out technical requirements related to transport systems and distribution of electricity. This Order stipulates that new or changed installations have to respect the limit values of exposure. Domestic installations or installations at industrial plants located outside zones covered by approvals relating to energy feeding are not covered by this Order. As regards additional safety measures safety zones around EMF sources and special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc. are implemented for radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations and wireless installations (WiFi, WiMA). An interdepartmental circular of 16 October 2001 related to the installation of mobile communication base stations provides simple rules for the administrators of buildings and the telecommunication operators while respecting the limit values for public exposure. This circular also reminds the responsible authorities to assess the environmental impact of the planed radio installation taking into account existing radio frequency emitting installations in the surrounding. Further on it encourages the responsible persons - who are the local representatives of the State - are required to consult concerned de centralized authorities for environment, health and planning as well as the municipal authorities and the operators of the concerned networks. The Decree n imposes on the persons exploiting networks or radio frequency emitting installations to provide evidence showing that the exposure to the public from the electromagnetic field, emitted by equipment or installations is as weak as possible while preserving the quality of service, when this equipment is located within hundred meters of a school, a day nursery or an health centre Monitoring Monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern focus on specific studies. All the measurements of electromagnetic field are accessible to the public on a specially established web page The results of the measurement campaigns were presented within a document called "Panorama of electromagnetic radiance 2004, accessible at the following web page: This document has been updated in Communication with the public Communication activities in France comprises specialised publications as well as websites like (French General Directorate of Health), (French agency for environmental and occupational health safety) (Health and Radiofrequencies Foundation)

44 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 36 The communication measures aim in most cases at providing the public the present state of scientific knowledge in this domain. The national Agency of frequencies (ANFR) has set up a web page dedicated to the localisation of the radio electrical stations, including equipments constituting networks of mobile telephony, as well as the results of the measurements of electromagnetic fields ( Research funding Research activities mainly focuses on radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations, mobile phones and combined exposure from several sources. A foundation on Health and Radio frequencies was created to encourage research efforts concerning effects on the persons from the exposure from electromagnetic waves and to spread around knowledge on this subject for the public, for the authorities, for doctors, for professionals, etc. It allows to manage the available funds necessary for the financing of these actions and to set up an independent valuation of the plans which are related to it. The Foundation has a budget warranted for 50 % by the State and for 50 % by industry (founder members). The initial capital envisaged for five years amounts to 4.8 million which will allow a longterm programming. The Foundation finances research plans on the effects of radio frequencies on health in following domains: epidemiology, experimental studies on the animal, studies in vitro, effects of RF on measuring equipment, dosimetry, measurements of exposure and humanistic and social sciences. The research priorities of the Foundation follow the research calendar establish by the WHO. Three calls for projects were made (March 2006, December 2006 and April 2007) and there are 15 plans supported within this framework. Supplementary information on missions and plans of the Foundation are available on its Internet site: http: // A call for a research project plan exposure and radio frequencies was also made by the French Agency of the environmental protection, occupational safety and health (Afsset) to advance the knowledge of the exposure of various groups of population in the electromagnetic fields of radio frequency GR - Greece Protective Framework Greece has implemented general measures establishing a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields. The relevant legislative acts are the following: About electronic communications and other provisions, Law No 3431, GG No.13/A/ Protection measures for the exposure of the general public to all land based antenna stations

45 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 37 (GG No.1105/Vol.B/ ), Common Ministerial Act of the Ministries of Development, Transport and Communications, Health and Welfare and Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works Protection measures for the exposure of the general public to all low frequency electric and magnetic fields emitting devices (GG No.512/Vol.B/ ), Common Ministerial Act of the Ministries of Development, Health and Welfare and Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works. However, in the case of antenna stations the Greek legislation applied additional safety parameters to the allowed EMF-exposure levels. Hence according to the above mentioned Law, the safety limits for the exposure of the general public in the vicinity of all kinds of antenna stations are set in general to 70% of the EU recommended basic restrictions and reference levels values, and to 60% 20 of them when antenna stations are located closer than 300 meters from the perimeter of schools, kindergartens, hospitals or eldercare facilities. In the case of extremely low frequency fields, the exact reference levels were set as the safety limits. The Greek Atomic Energy Commission (E.E.A.E.) is the competent national authority for the protection of the general public and the environment from artificially produced non-ionizing radiation. There are no regional differences Scope of the implementation measures Greece is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation support a high level of health protection against all known adverse health effects and implemented therefore the basic restrictions and reference values set in the Recommendation (1999/519/EC). However, in the case of RF in Greece additional 70% and 60% reduction factors at the limit values of the EU Recommendation, shown in the relevant decision of E.E.A.E.'s board concerning the application of the reduction factors to the EU Recommendation values in the case of antenna stations ( are applied. The safety limits for the exposure of the general public in the vicinity of all kinds of antenna stations are set in general to 70% of the EU Council's Recommendation values, and to 60% of them for antenna stations located closer than 300 meters from the perimeter of schools, kindergartens, hospitals or eldercare facilities. In the Common Ministerial Act of 2000 concerning antenna stations, the safety limits for exposure of the general public were set at 80% of the EU reference level values. However, this was amended by the 2006 Law. According to the Greece opinion applying 70% and 60% reduction factors at EU Recommendation's 20 Both factors referred to power density in W/m²

46 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 38 basic restrictions is simple and straightforward. The reduction factors are applied directly on the values for current density, SARs and power density. The averaging times (e.g. 6 min for SAR) and the frequency ranges remain unaffected. Since the Greek Law concerns only antenna stations the reduction factors are applied in the frequency range of 1 khz up to 300 GHz. In the case of extremely low frequency fields the basic restrictions and the reference levels were kept exactly the same as in the Council Recommendation. Since the reduction factors of 70% and 60% provisioned in the Greek law concerning exposure of the general public to all land based antenna stations have been applied on the EU recommended basic restrictions, new reference levels have been derived for showing compliance with them. The following sources are addressed by the Greek law: high-voltage power lines (50 Hz), radio and TV broadcasting stations (100 khz 800 MHz), transportation systems (DC to 2 khz), mobile communication base stations (400 MHz 2100 MHz), home/ domestic wiring (50 Hz and its harmonics) as well as combined exposure from several sources (1 Hz GHz). Additional safety measures which are taken are safety zones, network infrastructure sharing of facilities and special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc. for radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations. Access of the general public to areas around antenna stations where the safety limits imposed by the Greek legislation may be exceeded, is restricted (e.g. by fencing), as prescribed in the technical study of electromagnetic emissions. This has to be submitted by the operator of each antenna station to E.E.A.E. before applying to the competent authority for issuing a license for an antenna station in a particular location. Collocation of antenna stations is encouraged whenever possible, by the Greek legislation. Specific restrictions/requirements exist concerning town planning for buildings and land directly under or in close proximity (25m) from power lines for electrical safety reasons. The safety limits for the exposure of the general public in the vicinity of all kinds of antenna stations (operating from some khz to many GHz) are set in general to 70% of the EU Recommendation values. In case that an antenna station is sited at a distance lower than 300m from the perimeter of the premises of kindergartens, schools, hospitals or eldercare facilities the Greek limits are set to 60% of EU Recommendation values. Furthermore, it is not allowed to install mobile phone antenna stations at these premises. All existing installations at the above mentioned premises (i.e. mobile phone base stations that are located on the top of these premises but not the neighbouring ones) have to be removed within a time frame of 6 months after implementation of the law Monitoring Monitoring activities in Greece focus on the monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern and estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure. In addition the Greek atomic Energy Commission (E.E.A.E.) or other laboratories authorized by it, perform inspections and measurements in the vicinity of antenna stations after the request of any interested party, within 20 working days. There are also two web sites, where the general public can acquire information about exposure to mobile phone base stations and other kind of antenna stations based on actual

47 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 39 continuous measurements that are conducted by University laboratories with the financial support of mobile operators. The Greek atomic Energy Commission (E.E.A.E.) or other laboratories authorized by it, perform inspections and measurements in the vicinity of antenna stations ex officio, through a sampling process and annually in the vicinity of 20% of all antennas installed in urban areas. With the implementation of the Law No the audits of the electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of antenna stations are drastically intensified. To this end, the Greek atomic Energy Commission (E.E.A.E.) or other laboratories authorized by it, performs inspections and measurements in the vicinity of antenna stations either: ex officio, through a sampling process and annually in the vicinity of 20% of all antennas installed in urban areas, or, after the request of any interested party, in 20 working days The results of these inspections are immediately published at E.E.A.E.'s web site and collectively per year. Soon all this information about the already measured sites as well as the results for every new measured antenna station will be posted to the web page of E.E.A.E. Measurements in antenna stations according to the legislation, may also be performed by the Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Transport and Communications or other laboratories authorised by the EEAE (e.g. University laboratories). According to the Greek legislation, a technical study of electromagnetic emissions is mandatory to be submitted to E.E.A.E. before the antenna station owner submits the application to the competent authority for issuing a license for an antenna station in a particular location. These studies include architectural blueprints and topographical charts of the station as well as technical information about the operation of station's antenna system. The intensity of the incident electromagnetic radiation is calculated in places accessible to general public. The existence of any other antenna station at a distance lower than 50 meters from the examined antenna station is also taken into account. It is not allowed to build a new antenna station before the approval by the Greek Atomic Energy Commission of a technical study showing that the EMF levels in the vicinity of the station will be lower than the aforementioned limits. It should be also mentioned that according to the Greek legislation, an approval concerning all environmental aspects related to each antenna installation foreruns the license for the construction of this installation. Hence, a technical study examining the environmental impact of a new antenna station should be submitted to the General Secretariat of each District, which in 10 days sends it to E.E.A.E. asking its expert opinion. In this study, the electromagnetic background in a 300 m distance should be estimated before and after the installation of every new antenna station. The results of EMF measurements show that there might be cases where powerful radio or TV broadcasting antennas cause field levels greater than the established reference values for human exposure, if proper care were not shown during their design and installation phases. Regarding the

48 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 40 EMF levels in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations, the measurements conducted by E.E.A.E show that the maximum values of electromagnetic fields are typically hundreds to thousand times lower than the reference levels. In the vicinity of high voltage power lines, the magnetic field is typically much lower than the imposed limits but the values of the electric field may reach values close to the limits (no case of excess ever found, however). Outside the perimeter of high voltage substations there are no significant values of EMFs, besides the locations close to power lines where the typical values around them are found Communication with the public Communication with the public is performed in Greece via internet site, a citizens' jury or other respective stakeholder dialogue events and specialized publications. The E.E.A.E. has published informative brochures for the general public entitled: Mobile telephony and health: Questions and answers ( Extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields ( Especially the websites of the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (E.E.A.E., and of the National Telecommunications and Post Commission (E.E.T.T) ( are used for this purpose. Some major risk communication events have been organised as one-day workshops open to the local authorities, the public and the media in the years , entitled: Exposure of the general public from mobile phones base stations by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the National Committee of Post and Telecommunications, the EEAE and/or the municipal authorities (proceedings from some of these workshops have been published as booklets). See also, e.g.: It should be mentioned that there are currently two web sites, where the general public can acquire information about exposure to the non-ionising radiation of mobile phone base stations and other kind of antenna stations based on actual continuous and spot measurements that are performed by university laboratories with the financial support of mobile operators: and Some university laboratories provide also information about non ionising radiations, e.g The mobile operators have also published brochures and provide information concerning mobile

49 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 41 telephony and health on their web sites ( Finally it should be mentioned that a new telemetric network of measuring stations, planned and financed by E.E.A.E, for continuous monitoring of the electromagnetic radiation at radio frequencies, emitted to the environment by various sources, such as radio and television station transmitting antennas, mobile telephony antennas, radars, etc. is under development Research funding Public research funding focuses on high-voltage power lines (epidemiological studies, exposure assessment of general public and workers, laboratory studies), radio and TV broadcasting stations (animal studies, exposure assessment of general public and workers), mobile communication base stations (exposure assessment of general public and workers) and mobile phones (theoretical studies modelling, laboratory studies, clinical studies). Some Universities and research centres in Greece propose and get approval for carrying out research projects related to EMF funded by the EU and/or national resources in the framework of the general national research support. Until now, there has been no centrally planned and organised research project for EMFs HU - Hungary Protective Framework Public exposure limits to electromagnetic fields in Hungary were set up in the following Decree of Ministry of Health according to Recommendation 1999/519/EC: Decree on safety limits for public exposure to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields in the frequency range of 0 Hz-300 GHz [63/2004. (VII. 26.) ESzCsM]. There are no regional differences Scope of the implementation measures Hungary agrees that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation support a high level of health protection. Otherwise in specific cases, in the residential area where the general public spend a long-term period Hungary is of the opinion that additional precautionary measures should apply. For example in cases when the exposure for the public is high due to near EMF sources Hungary would suggest that the providers should keep the exposure below 10% of the exposure limits for the exposure from their sources since the general public is usually exposed by other additional sources. Basic restrictions as well as reference limits are applied in Hungary according to the one defined in the Council Recommendation.

50 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 42 No implementation measures for specific sources were mentioned as the measures are applicable for all possible sources. No additional safety measures are taken Monitoring In Hungary special studies monitor the levels of EMF in the areas of concern. The public health services may have a request for an exposure assessment with measurement and/or estimation in the areas of concern. The request has to be ordered by the public health inspector Communication with the public Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites as (webpage of the "Fréderic Joliot-Curie" National Research Institute for Radiobiology and Radiohygiene); (served by the Hungarian mobile network operators). Specialized publications were supplied on ELF exposure and mobile telecommunications. A poster has been released for students on mobile phones including the topic of EMF and health issued by the Scientific Association for Infocommunications Hungary Research funding Limited research funding was available from the mobile network operators for exposure assessment of mobile base stations. A limited research funding by the government and the industry was available on the exposure assessment in the apartments above built-in high voltage transformers (sub-stations). For the exposure assessment for mobile base stations funding was made available by the mobile network operators. There is no specific national EMF programme established in Hungary so far. All research activities done so far as regards the EMF issues were part of general research projects with low funding. Only specific work packages focused on EMF IE - Ireland Protective Framework There is currently no legislative framework set up in Ireland. However the ICNIRP guidelines have been adopted by the Communications Regulator (ComReg) in relation to licensing conditions for telecommunications operators. The Irish operator of high voltage powerlines Eirgrid complies with the EU/ICNIRP limits.

51 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 43 The responsibility for the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields in Ireland is the function of the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government since 1 May The Irish Government has decided that a single state agency should be established to deal both with ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation. This will be achieved by extending the statutory powers of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to include responsibility for matters relating to nonionizing radiation. The details of implementation of the new mandate for the RPII will be presented to Government for approval in due course following detailed consultation with other relevant Government Departments and Agencies Scope of the implementation measures From Ireland s point of view the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation support a high level of health protection. In Ireland no implementation measures are taken on basic restrictions. The reference levels applied are the same as in the Council Recommendation. Concerning additional safety measures sharing of mobile phone infrastructure is encouraged Monitoring ComReg has commissioned audit reports to verify that licensed telecommunications operators are in compliance with their license conditions relating to emission limits for non-ionizing radiofrequency radiation. Reports of the commissioned audits are available on the website Communication with the public The main power company in Ireland -the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) - is aware of people's views and concerns on the issue of Electric and Magnetic Fields. The ESB supplies open and detailed information on this subject on their website. A measurement service for power frequency of electric and magnetic fields is provided by them for concerned members of the public. The main website for information for the public is: EnvironmentalRadiation/ Research funding No research has been carried out in Ireland to date. The Government has agreed to establish a national research programme to undertake further scientific research in Ireland on the health effects of exposure to EMF. This research programme will build expertise in Ireland and contribute to global knowledge.

52 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ IT Italy Protective Framework The European Recommendation 1999/519/CE has been implemented in Italy by two decrees of July 8th 2003, only for sources different than power lines or fixed telecommunication plants. For such cases specific restrictions in term of exposure limit values, attention limit values and quality goals are applied, stated in the same decrees as enforcement of the law 36/2001. The legislative framework which address EMF in Italy are: (1) DECRETO DEL PRESIDENTE DEL CONSIGLIO DEI MINISTRI 8 luglio Establishment of exposure limits, attention values, and quality goals to protect the population against electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields generated at frequencies between 100 khz and 300 GHz G.U. 28 agosto 20 n (2) DECRETO DEL PRESIDENTE DEL CONSIGLIO DEI MINISTRI 8 luglio Establishment of exposure limits, attention values, and quality goals to protect the population against power frequency (50 Hz) electric and magnetic fields generated by power lines G.U. 29 agosto 2003 n (3) LEGGE 22 febbraio 2001 n. 36. FRAMEWORK LAW ON THE PROTECTION AGAINST EPOSURE TOELECTRIC, MAGNETIC, AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS G.U. 7 marzo 2001 n. 55. The law 36/2001 includes among its general principles the adoption of precautionary measures for the prevention from possible long term effects. According to the framework law 36/2001, the definition of all values (limit, attention and quality), is exclusive within the competence of the National Government Scope of the implementation measures Italy is of the opinion that the European Recommendation ensures a high protection level from established effects. However, in the context of the Italian legislation further restrictions are given, expressed in terms of the fields that are measurable in the environment, as precautionary measures for the protection from possible long term effects. Such further restrictions have been arbitrarily determined, due to the fact that there is no scientific evidence to allow their statement from a biological or health rationale. The basic restrictions applied in Italy are the same as in the Recommendation but have been introduced only for the exposure caused by sources different than power lines and fixed telecommunication plants. As regards the reference limit Italy has implemented stricter limits as in the Recommendation. Just in the case of exposure due to power lines and fixed telecommunication plants, the following applies:

53 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 45 The exposure limits for ELF (50 Hz) fields are the same as in the Recommendation, however, the attention value as well as the quality goal are significantly lower (factor 10 and 33, respectively) The exposure limits set for RF ( MHz) fields are about 1,5 4 times more stringent related to the magnetic field strength, the attention value as well as the quality goal are even lower (4,7 to 10 times); related to the power density the values are lower for the factor depending on the frequency Sources addressed by Italian legislation are high voltage power lines (50 Hz), radio and TV broadcasting stations (100 khz 3 GHz) and mobile base stations (100 khz 3 GHz). As far as it concerns power lines, attention value and quality goal are defined for the magnetic field at 50 Hz frequency. For all the other sources decree of July 8 th 2003 on radiofrequency fields is applicable. There are no particular measures for specific sources. As additional safety measures safety zone around power lines are defined where no new plants or buildings should be erected. Also special restrictions based on total local EMF emissions from radio, TV, and mobile communications base stations (definition of criteria for compliance of multi-sources telecommunication plants) have been implemented in Italy Monitoring In order to monitor the EMF levels in the areas of concern surveys are performed on request by people and citizens, local or legal authority. Very often fixed instruments are used, in order to monitor the areas for long periods (from some days up to a week). In addition estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure are used for all new installations Communication with the public The National Institute of Health (ISS) has translated into Italian all the fact sheets documents for the general public issued by the WHO. Such documents are available on the web site The Scientific Organization ELECTRA 2000 has translated into Italian the WHO document Establishing a dialogue on risk from electromagnetic field. The document is available on the above mentioned WHO web site as well as on the web site: The ELECTRA 2000 Organization, together with the Foundation Ugo Bordoni performed an information campaign going around all the Italian Country (Blubus Project). More information is available on the web site

54 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 46 The Health Ministry Centre on Diseases Control (CCM), in cooperation with the National Institute of Health, is developing the project Health and electromagnetic fields, which aimed at a good communication with the general public and authorities Research funding The only project completely financed with national funds has been the following one funded by the University and Research Ministry: Man and Environment safeguard from electromagnetic emissions ( ). The project included research on power lines, mobile base stations, domestic devices and transport systems. New researches on power lines and radiofrequencies have been recently funded by the National Environmental Protection Agency (APAT). Lot of research in Italy has been performed with European or international funds LT - Lithuania Protective Framework Lithuania has implemented measures to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields by several instruments. However, the Council Recommendation is not yet fully implemented related to some aspects like static fields and low intensity RF fields in the frequency range of 0 Hz -10 khz, SAR values and some other aspects. These include the following legally binding acts: 1. Law on Electronic Communications No I-2135, April 15, 2004 (Official Gazette (O.G.), 2004, No ); 2. HN 80:2000. Electromagnetic field at work and at living places. Normative values and measuring requirements in 10 khz-300 GHz. Adopted by the Ministry of Health, Order No 361, June 27, 2000 (O. G., 2000, No ); 3. HN 110:2001. Industrial frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic fields at work. Permissible levels and measurement requirements. Adopted by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Security, Order No 660/174, December 21, 2001 (O. G., 2001, No.4-109); 4. HN 104:2000. Protection of the population for electric fields from air transmission electric lines. Adopted by the Ministry of Health, Order No 4, January 4, 2001 (O. G., 2001, No 4-109); 5. HN 81:2005 Base stations of mobile cellular communications

55 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 47 Adopted by the Ministry of Health, Order No V-1029, December 29, 2005 (O. G. 2005, No ); 6. Permissible levels of the electrostatic fields at work. Rules of measurement requirements. Adopted by the Ministry of Health, Order No 28, January 18, 2001 (O. G., 2001, No ); 7. The rules to exchange information between institutions in areas with non-ionizing radiation sources and health effects of general public. Adopted by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Communication and The Communications Regulatory Service. Order No V-82/3-102/1V-23, January 24, 2004 (O. G., 2004, No ); 8. The health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from electromagnetic fields. Adopted by the Ministry of Social Security, Order No A1-119, April 25, 2006 (O. G., 2006, No ). Start in force April 30, Technical regulation TN 01: 1998 Visual display. Maximum permissible levels of electromagnetic fields. Adopted by the Ministry of Communication, Order No 257, June 23, 1998 (O. G. 1998, No ). There are no regional differences in Lithuania Scope of the implementation measures Lithuania is of the opinion that the reference levels support only a medium level of the health protection in frequency range 0 khz-300 GHz. As a consequence the basic restrictions in order HN 80:2000 Electromagnetic field at work and at living places. Normative values and measuring requirements in the range of 10 khz-300 GHz are stricter than in the Recommendation 1999/519/EC namely 2-3 times in frequency range 10 khz-300 MHz and 100 times in frequency range 300 MHz-300 GHz. However, in Lithuania no implementation measures on basic restrictions are taken for the general public. An update of the current legislation in this aspect is expected soon. Implementation measures taken on basic restrictions for workers according Directive 2004/40/EC will start in force April 30, 2008 ( The health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from electromagnetic fields and adopted by the Ministry of Social Security, Order No A1-119, April 25, 2006 (O. G., 2006, No ). In case that the permissible levels of EMF were exceeded, the penalties or sanctions associated with non compliance in Lithuania (Code on Administrative Violations of Laws of the Republic of Lithuania and the information exchanges between State Public Health Service, State Environmental Health Centre and Communications Regulatory Service (The rules to exchange information between institutions in areas with non-ionizing radiation sources and health effects of general public, Order No V-82/3-102/1V-23, 4 and 5 paragraph) will be applied.

56 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 48 Furthermore the Communications Regulatory Service of Lithuania shall have the following rights: assess the conformity of equipment and devices, radio equipment and terminal equipment with mandatory requirements and/or standards, including health effects of general public (Law on Electronic Communications No I-2135 Article 10). In case the permissible levels of EMF are exceeded for visual display units (Technical regulation TN 01: 1998 Adopted by MPR 1990:8 (MPRII) Test methods for visual display units the penalties or sanctions associated with non compliance in Lithuania (Code on Administrative Violations of Laws of the Republic of Lithuania and Law of Product safety) applies. In Lithuania the following EMF sources are addressed by the protection measures: high-voltage power lines (industrial frequency (50 Hz), power lines with a voltage of 330 kv and higher power), radio and TV broadcasting stations in the frequency range 10 khz-300 GHz, mobile communication base stations in the frequency range 450 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2500 MHz as well as combined exposure from several sources (radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations) in the frequency range 10 khz-300 GHz. Additional safety measures applied in Lithuania are: 1. Safety zones around EMF sources (for high voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations and visual displays in the frequencies 5 Hz 2 khz and 2 khz 400 khz) 2. Network infrastructure sharing of facilities EMF sources (for high voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations) 3. Special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc. (for high voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations and visual displays) 4. Special restrictions based on total local EMF emissions (for high voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations and visual displays in the frequencies 5 Hz 2 khz and 2 khz 400 khz) 5. Special restrictions by type EMF emissions for static fields, ELF, IF and RF as well as for the work places around EMF sources and for visual displays in work places, in the school internet rooms and in public internet rooms in the frequency ranges 5 Hz - 2 khz and 2 khz -400 khz Monitoring Monitoring activities on EMF levels in Lithuania focuses on monitoring in the areas of concern around radio and TV broadcasting stations and around mobile communication base stations once a year and more frequently in case the permissible levels have been exceeded. Monitoring is additionally performed in the permit procedure of radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations and after the installation of new systems. In measurements near TV broadcasting stations, 54 measurements near radio broadcasting stations and 881 measurements near mobile communication base stations (reference values 10

57 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 49 µw/cm 2 ) have been carried out. Only the reference levels near one radio broadcasting station were exceeded Communication with the public Communication on the potential health impacts of EMF with the public mainly is performed via the following sources: Special programmes in TV and radio Newspapers and magazines and Specialized publications e.g. Health effects of electromagnetic fields, 1998 (I, II edition) and 2004 (III edition) Research funding The research project Health effects by mobile phones users was carried out from the Institute of Hygiene. Research object (1045 respondents - workers and students) was the intensity of using mobile phone but also data about health status and quality of life were collected by questionnaire. As a conclusion it could be followed that specific health effects occur frequently in cases mobile phones are used for 6 years and more and non-specific health effects occur frequently by managers ( Health effects by mobile phones users R. Jankauskas, S. Vainauskas, Public Health No2 (33) 59-64) LU Luxembourg Protective Framework Following the Nordic studies on ELF exposure and cancer risk and the Swedish policy of prudent avoidance, Luxembourg decided to recommend to local authorities not to create new residential areas close to overhead high voltage power lines (Circ N 1644; ref. 26/94, march 11th 1994). In the same philosophy, authorizations of new overhead high voltage power lines had to respect the same criteria (distance to residential zones). With the multiplication of the mobile phone operators, the publication of possible long-term risks and possible problems of electromagnetic compatibility in the mid and late 90es arose the need for a strategy to define a good practice on how to install mobile base stations without exposing population to unjustified high levels of radiation, even if these are still far below the recommended ICNIRP values. Due to the complex antenna diagram, no distances but exposure constraints had been chosen. The retained constraint value of 3 V/m per antenna (ITM-CL ) guarantees in the

58 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 50 opinion of Luxembourg - a low level of exposure to the most exposed persons of the public at almost no additional costs (but excellent coverage) to the operators. Luxembourg has not implemented any general measures establishing a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC based on a political decision in 2002 not to create a non-ionizing radiation law (no creation of a national document transposing 1999/519/EC). However, security prescriptions for installations needing authorization now refer to Recommendation 1999/519/EC. The following legal instruments are in use in Luxembourg: Decree: Security prescription ITM-CL or Authorization procedure: > Guichet virtuel > Etablissements classes > Télécommunications or Recommendation: Circ N 1644 (voluntary) ITM-CL applies 1999/519EC in the 10 khz 300 GHz domain for devices with an effective isotropic radiated power >100 W, but additionally a constraint of 3 V/m per antenna of mobile communication applies at places, where public may stay for longer time (inside houses etc.) to prevent unnecessary exposure of the public. Circ N 1644 recommends to mayors not to create new residential areas close to overhead power lines (20 m side distance for 65 kv; 30 m for kv). There are no regional differences in Luxembourg, but in case of Circ N 1644 mayors may decide not to observe recommended distances to 65 kv overhead power transmission lines regarding the creation of new residential areas Scope of the implementation measures Luxembourg is of the opinion that the basic limits and reference levels set out in the EC Recommendation support a high level of health protection. However, in their opinion, the introduction of new technologies should first be examined on European levels in order to enhance protection of potentially critical population groups, especially, when peak exposure values may be larger than mean reference values (pulsed devices). Special attention should be taken concerning electromagnetic compatibility problems (garage opens, domestic cooking devices going on and off,...) well below reference values.

59 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 51 Within the Decree ITM-CL the restrictions are the same as in the Recommendation. No other implementation measures have been taken on basic restrictions. Also the reference levels are those of the Recommendation 1999/519/EC. However, there are additional constraints stricter than in the Recommendation: - ITM-CL 179.4: for public long time exposure (inside houses or on public places) an additional constraint for the network operator for the electric field E applies: for n Antennas serving the same sector: E 3 V m n - Circ N 1644: Distances for creation of new residential areas close to overhead power lines The sources addressed by measures in Luxembourg are within ITM-CL 179.4: radio & TV and mobile communication base stations; within Circ N 1644 high voltage power lines. Additional safety measures implemented in Luxembourg are restrictions in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens, etc. essentially due to EMC reasons (lab/hospital equipment failure not covered by standards). Mobile operators were also invited (not binding) not to insist too much on sites on or close to schools, in order not to cause unnecessarily anxiety among parents Monitoring Activities in order to monitor that the levels of EMF exposure do not exceed the limits set in the Council Recommendation are performed via estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure as well as spot measurements. As a result it could be identified that national provisions are not always respected Communication with the public In Luxembourg communication with the public is performed via various tools. A Internet site ( will probably start spring 2008 as well as public brochures about mobile communication, exposure and Recommendations will be published also spring At present there is a phone hotline available for the public for clarification of exposure status and information about health effects (generally WHO and/or BfS documentation used). A Commission for sector mapping of mobile base stations analyzes on demand the justification of the creation of new emitter sites and gives Recommendations. More information about this topic can be obtained at ( and territoire/planification_nationale/plans_sectoriels/stations_de_base).

60 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ LV - Latvia Protective Framework Latvia set up a framework in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields by focusing on the working environment of people. Therefore Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers Nr.745,,Safety Requirements for workers security against EMF in their workplaces" from and Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers Nr. 660,,Order of Working environment supervision" from are applied. There are no regional differences in Latvia Scope of the implementation measures Latvia stressed that the basic restrictions and reference levels does not cover EMF from pulsating EMFs sources such as civil or military radars in airports etc. near inhabited places. 21 The basic restrictions used in Latvia are the same as in the Council Recommendation and are controlled by State Agencies. Also the reference limits are according to the ones of the Recommendation. There are no implementation measures taken for specific sources. The framework focuses on the protection at work places. Additional safety measures are applied by safety zones around EMF sources for high voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base station which are addressed by the,,law of shelterbelts" of , Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers Nr. 415,,Methodology for shelterbelts determination along electrical lines" of and the,,building law" of Monitoring In Latvia monitoring that the levels of EMF exposure do not exceed the limits set is performed by special studies regarding estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure and estimation models for exposure evaluation after the installation of new systems. Monitoring of EMF is mostly carried out by the operators of mobile phone basic station on average twice per year. This is obligatory before any new EMF source installation receives licensing from the State Public Health Agency. 21 However, the Recommendation (Annex III, second note) covers also pulsating sources. It lies in the responsibility of the country which sources they address.

61 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Communication with the public In Latvia the communication with the public is mostly performed through a dialog between inhabitants, state institutions and stakeholders as well as occasionally information via newspapers and magazines. For example: there was a discussion in about Military radar buildings near inhabited areas (Audrini). Discussions between State Public Health Agency, inhabitants of Audrini and Ministry of Defence continued for 2 years and were widely reflected in media (TV, radio, newspapers) Research funding There is no public funding for research on potential health risks of EMF available in Latvia. Latvia is interested in mapping of inhabited territories on EMF exposure levels but the realisation depends on the possibilities of external funding like e.g. from the EC or other sources MT - Malta Protective Framework Malta has implemented the general public exposure levels established by the EC Recommendation by a law ( Regarding the other measures contained in the EU Recommendation, Malta has implemented them through administrative measures Scope of the implementation measures Malta feels that the levels in the EC Recommendation are based on scientific studies and therefore are considered to be adequate. The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in Malta are the same as in the Recommendation. Sources addressed by the Malta measures are in particular radio and TV broadcasting stations ( MHz (FM band), MHz (TV band III), MHz (TV bands IV/V)) and mobile communication base stations (900 MHz and 1800 MHz (GSM bands), 2100 MHz (UMTS band)) Monitoring As a generic measure to EMF issues, Malta carries out ongoing audits on various sources of EMF. The summary of their EMF measurement campaigns is available at

62 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 54 openemf.asp. It is to be noted that EMF sources intended to be measured are either chosen randomly or as a result of a concern from the general public Communication with the public Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites as During 2006, Malta organised a forum between stakeholders on the subject of EMF. Various (local/foreign) experts delivered presentations which were followed by a discussion. In addition information leaflets are distributed at trade fairs on ICT and other public fora ( Research funding In Malta there is no public funding for research on potential health risks of EMF NL - Netherlands Protective Framework In the Netherlands although having several measures in place the explicit implementation of Recommendation 1999/519/EC is currently being considered. Currently the following legal measures are in place: Telecomwet (Telecommunication Act) - limited to RF (legally binding law), Besluit Radio en Randapparatuur (Decree on radio and peripheral appliances) - limited to RF (legally binding decree), Covenant on Mobile Phone antennas - limited to placing of antennas for mobile phones (voluntary Recommendation) and Ware Act is stated that product should be safe (legally binding product safety measure). In fact there is no particular rule for EMF in the Ware Act but in a related norm namely the EU Low Voltage Directive. National Antenna Policy (Nationaal Antennebeleid; NAB) The Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment as well as the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport have been involved in the development of the NAB and are responsible for it. The NAB was finalized in

63 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 55 December 2000 and accepted by the Parliament in May The aim of the NAB is to encourage and facilitate the provision of sufficient antenna sites within a clear framework relating to public health and the environment. Covenant As consequence of the NAB a covenant has been signed by the mobile phone operators, the national authorities and the organization of Dutch municipalities (VNG). In the covenant agreements are made about the discussion of a plan for placement of antennas with the local authorities considering visual harmony, residents approval and exposure limits. According to the NAB, the signing of the covenant made it possible to include antennas not higher than 5 meters (and under certain conditions) within the list of constructions that do not require a building permit. ICNIRP values shall be met on the outside of public buildings and homes. The implementation of the R&TTE-Directive in Telecomwet includes (implicitly) compliance with the limit values of the Recommendation 1999/519/EC. Explicit implementation of 1999/519/EC values in Dutch legislation is presently being prepared. Precautionary principle for power lines In October 2005 a Recommendation based on the precautionary principle has been issued by which it is recommend that "...the creation of new situations be avoided as much as is reasonably possible, whereby children undergo long-term stays in the areas around overhead high-voltage power lines within which the annually averaged magnetic field is greater than 0.4 µt (the magnetic field zone)." (see There are no regional differences Scope of the implementation measures The Netherland are of the opinion that in case of RF the basic restrictions and reference levels provide an adequate level of health protection, however, in case of ELF precautionary measures should be added (in view of childhood leukaemia risks). In the Netherlands the reference levels are the same as in the Council Recommendation. However, for ELF more stringent levels are used. The precautionary measures are based on a magnetic field of 0,4 µt. Sources addressed by the Netherlands are in particular high-voltage power lines (50 Hz), TV broadcasting stations (complete RF spectrum), transportation systems (complete RF spectrum), and mobile communication base stations (complete RF spectrum). As regards additional safety measures safety zones around high voltage power lines are applied. In addition measures are taken to promote sharing of facilities for radio and TV broadcasting stations as well as for mobile communication base stations, primarily for spatial planning purposes, and not for safety measures. Also special restrictions are applied for high voltage power lines in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens, etc.

64 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Monitoring Agentschap Telecom (AT) performs yearly a series of measurements of the RF fields at a few hundred locations chosen at random. The last report has been published in July 2007.The measured values of the electromagnetic fields are all well below the recommended levels Communication with the public Communication with the public is mainly performed via websites as: (for information on RF); (for information on ELF) Besides this citizen juries and other relevant stakeholder dialogue events have been performed. A socalled knowledge platform (Kennisplatform) on electromagnetic fields and health has been established with the aim to improve communication of scientific knowledge to the public and in particular to official persons (local authorities, physicians, etc.). In the Netherlands there is a resident s approval procedure meaning that all the residents (tenants) of a building on top of which an antenna should be placed shall be thoroughly informed and given the opportunity to vote. In case the majority of the tenants votes against, the antenna will not be placed Research funding A widespread research program on electromagnetic fields and health has started in See Within this project all sources of EMF are addressed PL - Poland Protective Framework Poland set up a framework in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields by Act of 26 June 1974 Labour Code (Dz. U. of 1998, No. 21 item 94 as amended), Act of 27 April 2001 Environmental Protection Law (Dz. U. of 2006, no 129 item 902 as amended) and an Ordinance of 30 October 2003 of the Minister of Environment on permissible electromagnetic field levels in the environment and ways of monitoring these levels (Dz. U.

65 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 57 No 192, item 1883). In relation to the first two Acts mentioned above there are two ordinances in Poland specifying reference levels. Based on the Labour Code the Ordinance of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of 29 November 2002 gives regulations on the acceptable maximum concentration and intensity of harmful elements for health in work environment (Dz. U. of 2002 No 217 item 1833 as amended), where radiation limits are set for exposed working persons to: electric field strength component E for the frequency in the range 0 Hz 300 GHz, magnetic field strength component H for the frequency in the range 0 Hz 3 MHz. Based on the Environmental Protection Act limits are fixed in: Ordinance of 30 th of October 2003 of the Minister of Environment on permissible electromagnetic field levels in the environment and ways of monitoring these levels (Dz. U. No 192, item 1883), wherein reference levels are specified: o for the whole population : electric field strength component E [V/m] for the frequency in the range 0 Hz 300 GHz (except for the ranges of 0 Hz 0.5 Hz and 50 Hz 1 khz), magnetic field strength component H [A/m] for the frequency in the range 0 Hz 3 MHz, power density S [W/m2] in the range: 300 MHz 300 GHz. o for the area intended for housing purposes for the range of 50 Hz (component E and H). Currently there are no limits regarding product safety. There are no regional differences. Protection against excessive exposure to electromagnetic field is maintained in Poland since Scope of the implementation measures Poland s point of view is that the basic limits introduced in the Recommendation contribute to high health protection level but that elements referring to product use safety should be added. In Poland basic limits have been taken into account when defining the permissible level of short-term exposure at the workplace (on the grounds of scientific research elaborated upon request of the Inter-Ministerial Committee of harmful factors in the work environment, assigned upon a decision of the Council of Ministers). The values published by the ICNIRP have been taken into account. Reference levels for the permissible exposure for the population were set as harmonised derivative values, applying the appropriate reducing coefficients. The implementing measure introducing the basic limits indirectly is the Ordinance of the Minister of

66 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 58 Environment on permissible electromagnetic field levels in the environment and ways of monitoring these levels of 30 October Therein more stringent limits than in the Recommendation as referred to fields of very high frequencies and the magnetic components of fields with frequency 50 Hz are set. For the electric components a different approach was assumed than in the Recommendation 1 kv/m in housing areas and 10 kv/m in the environment. Limits concerning the electric components for fields with frequency 50 Hz are in force since 1998 and are respected. Concerning the reference levels the permissible exposure of the population takes into account the approach resulting from the precautionary policy and is several times lower than the one provided in the 1999/519/EC Recommendation for very high frequency fields and the magnetic component of the field with 50 Hz. In addition, for the electric component ten times lower values are applied for housing areas than for the environment. Sources addressed by the Poland measures comprises high voltage power line (in the range of the direct current and frequency of 50 Hz), radio and TV broadcasting stations (in the whole range of the frequencies used), transportation systems (in the whole range of the frequencies used), mobile communication base stations (in the whole range of the frequencies used), medical equipment for the treatment of patient (exposure of patients is not covered by limits referring to permissible population exposure) and combined exposure from several sources (in the whole range of the frequencies used). Limits refer to total exposure, regardless of the emitting source in frequency ranges between 0 Hz and 300 GHz, the evaluation covers the combined exposure from all sources. Standard procedures for checking whether the levels for individual devices/installations and for the combined exposure are defined for e.g. radio-communication, radio-navigation and radiolocation installations, long-wave and medium-wave radio-communication installations, short-wave radio-communication installations, ultra short wave radio communication, television radio communication installations, radiolocation installations, non-professional radio-communication installations and power stations and lines. As regards additional safety measures safety zones (areas of restricted use) are being set if environmental quality standards cannot be maintained. This refers to power stations and lines, radio, television, radiolocation and radio navigation installations Monitoring In Poland monitoring that the levels of EMF exposures do not exceed the limits set is performed by special studies regarding monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern and estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure. In the vicinity of all RF sources, whose Effective Isotropical Radiated Power (EIRP) is higher or equal to 15 W, measurements of electromagnetic field levels are obligatory to check whether permissible levels specified in the Polish legislation are not exceeded. Such measurements are also made in the vicinity of electric power lines and stations with a voltage rating of 110 kv or higher. Measurements of electromagnetic field levels are made:

67 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ immediately after first operation of the installation; 2. each time, when the operation conditions of the installation change and the changes may contribute to altered electromagnetic field levels generated by this installation. Monitoring of the population exposure level is done by the Inspection for Environmental Protection, the State Sanitary Inspection (statutory tasks) and accredited research laboratories. This ensures constant updates of information from population exposure to electromagnetic field and initiates administrative correction measures if the legal requirements are not met. The data gathered to date show that the rules applied in Poland as regards the limitation of the population exposure do not collide with the functioning and development of modern telecommunication, electric power systems and other sources of electromagnetic fields present in the environment Communication with the public Location of installations, which may have significant impact on the environment, requires the application of an environmental impact assessment procedure. The participation of the population in the procedures is possible, when a will referring to this is expressed Research funding Research in the field of the evaluation of electromagnetic hazards from various sources was systematically implemented in Poland, within the framework of statutory work of specialized research institutes such as: Central Institute for Labour Protection National Research Institute, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Łódź, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Wroclaw University of Technology and Warsaw University of Technology. Currently no research is carried out regarding potential health hazards relating to EMF, financed from public funds PT - Portugal Protective Framework In Portugal several legally binding measures are in place in order to protect the general public from exposure to electromagnetic fields. The Decree-Law nº 151-A/2000, of July 20th establishes the legal provisions applicable to licensing of radio communication networks and stations, the supervision of the installation of the mentioned stations and the use of the radio spectrum. This instrument foresees that the installation of radio communication stations and respective accessories shall be subject not only to the legal consent of owners of urban or rural buildings but also to the approval procedures required by law. The

68 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 60 competence therefore lies on the local authorities. The competent authorities shall be responsible for the setting of reference levels for the purpose of the assessment of the exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by radio communications stations. Decree-Law n.º 11/2003, of January 18th established the procedures required by the local authorities to licensing of radio communication networks and stations. Administrative Rule n.º 1421/2004, of 23 November adopted the levels fixed by EU in Recommendation of the Council 1999/519/EC whereas Reg. ICP 22 n.º 86/2007, of 22 May, published in DR, 2.ª série, n.º 98 of 22 May 2007 addresses specific procedures of monitoring and evaluation of EMF intensity related with electromagnetic fields emitted by radio communications stations Scope of the implementation measures Portugal is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Council Recommendation supports a high level of health protection. The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in Portugal are the same as in the Recommendation. The following sources are addressed within the Portuguese legislation: high-voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, mobile communication base stations (9 KHz GHz). Additional safety measures focus on safety zones around EMF sources, network infrastructure sharing of facilities and special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc. Each of them is applicable for radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations Monitoring As regards the monitoring in Portugal several guidelines are available for the surveillance of the EMF levels Communication with the public Communication to the public is performed via different tools namely special programmes in TV and radio, citizens jury or other stakeholder events, specialised publication, newspaper and magazines as well as websites ( 22 ICP: Instituto das Communicacoes de Portugal; Portugese telecommunication regulator

69 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Research funding The problem of the non-ionising electromagnetic radiation exposure received special attention, as the ICP adopted the levels fixed in EU Recommendation 1999/519/EC, applicable to all communications stations. As a part of an ICP proposal, an agreement was reached to create an interministry team, composed of representatives from the Health Ministry (team leader), the Infrastructure Ministry, the Economy Ministry and The Science and Technology Ministry. This decision was made through Join Order n.º 8/2002, signed by the respective ministers on 27 November 2001, and through Order n.º 6449/2002 from 14 February 2002,. The team will be responsible for analysing the Rec. of Council n.º 1999/519/EC, of 12 July 1999, and will propose a set of basic restrictions to follow, put together and propose concrete actions. The subway company of Lisbon has launched in 2004 a project on electromagnetic compatibility, namely the interchange of high voltage power lines running in parallel, intersecting with an viaduct and a radar transmisser which included various measurements and simulations to verify if a risk to the safety of people could be considered. They found that the health of human beings is not at threat from electromagnetic radiation or from high-tension lines, in that particular situation RO - Romania Protective Framework Romania has implemented general measures establishing a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields within the Order of Minister of Public Health no from 29 September 2006 published in Official Monitor of Romania, Part I, no. 895 from 3 November 2006 "Norms concerning Exposure of General Population to Electromagnetic Fields from 0 Hz to 300 GHz" ( legis_pck.htp_act?ida=6782). There are legal requirement for the construction and installation of the antennas (mobile communication, radio and TV stations), namely: A general authorization, which is issued by ANRCTI for the provider. A special authorization including a sanitary permit, accompanied by a health impact study - which is issued by the local authority (mayor s office or town hall) for each antenna construction and installation. There are no regional differences within Romania Scope of the implementation measures Romania is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation support a high level of health protection.

70 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 62 The basic restrictions as well as the reference limits applied are the same as in the Council Recommendation. The following sources are addressed by the protection measures: High-voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, transportation systems, mobile communication base stations as well as combined exposure from several sources. No additional safety measures taken Monitoring In Romania some monitoring activities are undertaken. A. According to the Government Emergency Ordinance (GEO) 134/2006, GEO 25/2007, and GEO 79/2002, the National Regulatory Authority for Communications and Information Technology (ANRCTI) monitors and controls the compliance with the legislation in force imposed on the providers of electronic communications networks and services by the general authorizations. This monitoring activity implies measurements of frequency range, field strength or power flux-density values, radio direction-finding assessment, and spectrum occupancy evaluation. These measurements are performed in the vicinity of all sources of radiofrequency fields, including mobile communication base stations, radio and TV antennas. The database containing these measurement data is under construction; it will be done for 20 cities from 10 districts (out of 41) in the middle of All the measured values for the electric field are well below the limits recommended by national and international standards for the general public. B. The second type of monitoring is a passive monitoring. Starting from 2005, the Institute of Public Health Bucharest collects power density measurement data performed in the vicinity of mobile base stations in the request of the concerned population. The RF power density measurements have been performed indoor and outdoor, by ANRCTI and laboratories of Armed Forces. Until now, this database contains over 1500 measurement points carried out in 40 cities and town from 30 districts. All the measured values of the power density are well below the limits recommended by national and international standards for the general public. If reference levels are exceeded ANRCTI transmits a notification to the provider, whereby this is informed on the intention to apply a sanction according to legislation in force. The provider has a period of 30 days to take appropriate actions to reduce de field level. If the provider does not comply with this notification, ANRC suspends or withdraws the general authorization or the license of the provider Communication with the public Communication with the public is performed via the following website:

71 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Research funding Research activities in Bulgaria are performed with a focus on high-voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, transportations systems using static fields, mobile communication base stations, home/domestic wiring and combined exposure from several sources. Studies regarding bio-electromagnetic interactions and biological impact of human exposure to radiofrequency and microwave electromagnetic fields are realized in the CEE programme of the Ministry of Education and Research as well as projects on electromagnetic ecology - sources characterization, effects, preventing and control. The CEE project was proposed by a group of six Romanian institutional partners. The objectives of the project were: 1. Methods, instrumentation and measurements of RF radiation emitted by sources in the UHF band in free space, urban & extra-urban conditions, (incl. GSM signals), in order to compare the measured values to the reference levels given in human exposure standards and relevant to human health and safety. 2. Biological dosimetry determinations of the radiofrequency and microwaves fields, through theoretical and experimental methods; 3. The design, set-up and characterisation of an exposure system for controlled irradiation of biological objects in the UHF band; 4. The study of the interaction phenomenon between RF electromagnetic field and complex molecular system or biological structures: investigation of induced changes at molecular levels; investigation and interpretation of induced changes at cellular level in animal tissue, through spectrophotometry and electronic spin resonance techniques; comparison study of the correlated influence exercised by the in deepen radiofrequency and microwaves on nucleic acids in animal tissue. 5. Tracking of electromagnetic events in RF application for biological protection through the use of an intelligent transducer SE - Sweden Protective Framework In Sweden the basic restrictions and reference levels have been implemented in SSI FS 2002:3 (legally binding Recommendation). Apart from that the responsible Swedish authorities already in 1996

72 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 64 issued simple and low cost precautionary measures for long-term exposure of children to ELF, especially from new constructions. As there was some indication for scientific uncertainty (from the INTERPHONE study on acoustic neuroma) regarding long-term health effects from using handsets for mobile telephony the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority, SSI, has recommended since 2004 some simple precautionary measures (use of hands-free devices) when using mobile phones. In 2005 it was added that these precautionary measures were especially important for children and adolescents. Since 2002 SSI has an independent international expert group on EMF and health. The task of the group is to follow the scientific development in the EMF area and report annually to SSI. There are no regional differences in Sweden Scope of the implementation measures Sweden is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation supports a high level of health protection. However they have some doubts as regards long-term exposure for ELF (childhood leukaemia) and long-term use of mobile phones as some good quality studies indicate increased risk for acoustic neuroma. The basic restrictions as well as the reference levels applied in Sweden are the same as in the Council Recommendation. They address the following sources: high-voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, transportation systems, mobile communication base stations, mobile phones commercial equipments (antitheft equipments, other security systems, remote control systems etc.), home/ domestic wiring, domestic equipments and appliances and combined exposure from several sources. The Recommendation 1999/519/EC has been implemented in Sweden as a Recommendation (General Advice). For one specific application, drying with microwaves, SSI has issued a stronger regulation. This technique is used for drying out concrete floors and walls damaged by water. Additional safety measures taken to reduce EMF exposure in Sweden are network infrastructure sharing of facilities and precautionary measures regarding ELF and use of mobile phones Monitoring SSI has measured ELF exposure from power lines and electrical installations, indoors and outdoors, and from different RF applications as radio, television, mobile telephony (GSM 900 and 1800, UMTS), W-LAN, WiMax, TETRA etc. The exposures are low in comparison with the reference levels, especially in the RF range. SSI has also made measurements of exposure generated by EAS (Electronic Surveillance Systems). The measured values exceeded the reference values for all investigated electro mechanical systems and for most acousto-mechanic systems SSI Report 2006:03.

73 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Communication with the public Beside the provision of information on the website the SSI initiated in 2004 and 2005 the Transparency Forum consisting of a series of three open seminars on mobile telephony, where all interested stake holders were invited to participate. The seminars were planned by a reference group in which all stakeholders participated. The Transparency Forum, , was an important stakeholder dialogue event. SSI has also, often together with other central authorities, participated in numerous municipal information brochure on "How to reduce the exposure from your mobile phone" ( biltelefoni and MenueType=1&Menu2=Mobiltelefoni&Menu3=MinskaStralning) Research funding In Sweden the research concentrates mainly on mobile phones. Sweden takes part in a major international prospective cohort study and a case-control study on childhood brain tumours and RF fields SI - Slovenia Protective Framework Slovenia has implemented several measures for the protection of the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields. At the end of 1996 two legislative instruments came into force: Decree on Electromagnetic Radiation in the Natural and Living Environment (Official journal of the republic of Slovenia No 70/96) and Regulations on Initial Measurements and Operational Monitoring for Sources of Electromagnetic Radiation and Conditions for Their Execution (Official journal of the republic of Slovenia No 70/96). The decree shall, in connection with electromagnetic radiation in the environment stipulate the threshold values of electromagnetic fields in the environment, the levels of protection from radiation in particular areas of the natural and living environment, the method of determining and evaluating radiation load on the environment and measures for reducing and preventing excess radiation. The regulations shall stipulate the range of properties of electromagnetic fields that are subject to initial measurements and operational monitoring of electromagnetic radiation in the environment resulting from the use or operation of a radiation source, the methodology of measuring such properties, the contents of the report on initial measurements and operational monitoring and the method and form of reporting data to the ministry responsible for environmental protection. There are no

74 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 66 regional variations in Slovenia concerning protection of the public against electromagnetic fields Scope of the implementation measures Slovenia is of the opinion that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation support a high level of health protection. No implementation measures have been taken on basic restrictions. The provisions of the present decree shall apply to radiation outside controlled zones caused in individual areas of the natural and living environment by permanent or temporary emission by one or more sources of radiation load on the environment. Excluded is the radiation from devices used for diagnostics or therapy in medicine, radiation from mobile or portable broadcast and radar systems for defence needs and for protection, rescue and aid. The reference limits set out are generally the same as in the Recommendation, stricter reference limits (ten times more stringent) are used for new and reconstructed radiation sources within specific sensitive zones. The decree implemented in Slovenia includes reasonable preventive measures. Two zones have been created, which reflect the levels of protection required against radiation. Zone I calls for a higher level of protection and covers, for example, schools, playgrounds, recreation areas, day care centres, hospitals, residential housing, etc. For new systems and installations of EMF sources in the environment in Slovenia, an additional factor of 10 across the whole frequency spectrum 23 (0 Hz GHz) within Zone I was introduced to the current ICNIRP limit values. Zone II includes all zones which cannot be allocated to Zone I, such as areas without private dwellings, used either for industrial, professional or other purposes, or relating to transport, storage or services and agricultural or forested areas. For EMF sources within Zone II and for existing radiation sources within Zone I threshold values are the same as the reference limits in the Recommendation. The decree stipulates that threshold values shall not be exceeded. The decree in Slovenia considers high-voltage transformer, electricity substation, above- or belowground power lines for electricity transmission, wireless communication transmitting system, radio or television transmitter, radar or other device or installation, which use or operation burdens the environment with: low-frequency electromagnetic radiation from 0 Hz to 10 khz, operating at a voltage rating exceeding 1 kv; or high-frequency electromagnetic radiation from 10 khz to 300 GHz with a maximum output power exceeding 100 W as radiation sources. An amateur radio station is not considered as radiation source. 23 for RF fields > 400 MHz the factor of 10 is applied on the power density

75 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 67 As regards additional safety measures Slovenia applies safety zones around EMF sources like high voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations. In planning, constructing or reconstructing a radiation source the investor must adopt technical approaches and consider findings and solutions that ensure that the threshold values are not exceeded and that the radiation load on the environment is as low as is technically attainable. The person causing radiation load on the environment must ensure the enclosure of the proximate surrounding of the radiation source if the radiation source cannot be located in such a way that access to the area of excess radiation load on the environment is made impossible. If this is impossible other radiation protection measures have to be adopted. Any abnormal operation of the radiation source that causes excess radiation load on the environment has to be reported to the inspectorate responsible for environmental protection. The occurrence of earthed circuits, short circuits and the activation of various safety mechanisms on facilities and devices used for distributing electrical energy shall not be deemed to be abnormal operation of a radiation source Monitoring Monitoring of the levels of EMF exposure is carried out by personal exposure monitoring, monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern, estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure, estimation models for exposure evaluation after the installation of new systems and specific measurement campaigns. Levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields are subject to checks. Initial measures were performed after new or reconstructed sources of radiation were used for the first time. During operation periodic calculations are made Once every three years for high-frequency radiation and Once every five years for low-frequency radiation. Checks on the pollution from sources are carried out by the inspectorate responsible for environmental protection. An inspector responsible for environmental protection may order the owner or administrator of a radiation source to change the programme of operational monitoring if such an inspector determines that the frequency of measurements should be higher because the radiation load on the environment owing to the use or operation of the source has changed in the period between two periodic measurements or because owing to the operation of the radiation source the radiation load on the environment is an occasionally exceeded. Responsible persons that conduct initial measurements or operational monitoring themselves and persons that conduct initial measurements or operational monitoring on behalf of responsible persons must have ministry authorization for such activities. The entitlement of a legal or natural person to conduct initial measurements or operational monitoring shall be recognized through the authorization. For the needs of execution of initial measurements and operational monitoring on behalf of responsible persons by other persons the ministry shall administer a list of authorized persons that contains information on the name and head office of such persons. The list of those persons could be

76 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 68 obtained from the Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia, (Vojkova 1b, 1000 Ljubljana. To give the Slovenian communes and their inhabitants the possibility to obtain information about electromagnetic fields in their neighbourhood Forum EMS an independent project aimed to inform general public about electromagnetic fields and their biological effects started monitoring campaign in 2005 and prepares specially measurement campaigns every year. If communes express interest, a remote monitoring station was installed for one week. The value of electric field intensity is stored every minute, 24 hours a day. For each location all collected data were evaluated and presented to the interested public as an article in a commune bulletin and on internet, where the data for all locations are available. In the last two years more than 35 communes participated in this campaign. Project Forum EMS also offers for individuals personal dosimeter for 24-hours measurement of exposure to electromagnetic fields around EMF sources Communication with the public Communication with the public is performed via internet site ( and specialized publications. Beyond measuring campaigns, seminars and conferences were performed. Efforts have been made since 2003 to stimulate a broad discussion among all stakeholders. With this aim Project Forum EMS was established. The Forum EMS consists of: Advisory Board (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment, Ministry of Economy, Consumers Association, Local Communities) Supporting Organizations Board (Mobile telephony operators, National TV broadcasting company) Expert Committee (Faculty of Electro technical studies, Institute of Oncology, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Faculty of Philosophy, Neurology Clinic, Ministry of Transport) Coordinator (Institute for Non-ionising Radiation; independent non-government institution) Communication with the public is one of the Forum EMS principal tasks. In this respect several actions has been taken: Forum EMS offers a web page with relevant information for the public: It has published several publications (6 brochures, questions-answers pamphlet, book on EMR, etc.) with relevant information on EMR. Forum's Newsletters are published 3-4 times per year. In addition Forum EMS frequently appears in daily press and other media. In 2004 the Codex of good practice was signed by mobile telephony operators and national TV broadcasting company. The Forum EMS Advisory Board is entitled to judge if the Codex has been followed in the particular case.

77 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 69 Several measuring campaigns (55 measuring spots in 40 local communities) with an automatic measuring system were organized in the frame of Forum EMS. In addition personal monitoring campaign with interested volunteers is ongoing at the moment. Within this, 30 individual measurements are financed by Ministry of Health. Forum EMS has organized several seminars and conferences including seminars specially dedicated to the communication with the public. Forum EMS follows-up research and scientific development and publish the summary results on the web page Research funding Research is funded focusing on high-voltage power lines; radio and TV broadcasting stations and mobile communication base stations. The Ministry of Environment has funded a project: Exposure to electromagnetic field of high-voltage power lines in the living environment as well as a nationwide measurement campaign on EMF exposure in the living environment. This project also established a database on all TV and radio transmitters nationwide. The Ministry of Defence and Research Agency funded a project on biological effects of TETRA system SK - Slovak Republic Protective Framework In the Slovak Republic general measures establishing a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels corresponding to those in Recommendation 1999/519/EC in order to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields are currently being implemented. The Slovak Republic has already implemented measures to protect the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields. These included legally binding acts: Act of the National Council of the Slovak Republic No 272/1994 (Coll.) on the protection of public health; Decree of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic No 123/1993 (Coll.) on the protection of health from the harmful effects of electromagnetic fields; which are now amended by Act No 355/2007 on preservation, support and development of public health. There are obligations for employees and user of EMF sources to ensure technical, organizational and other measures which avoid or reduce public exposure on limits determined in related legislation. There are no regional variations in the Slovak Republic regarding the protection of the public from

78 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 70 electromagnetic fields Scope of the implementation measures The support of the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation is regarded as to provide a high level of health protection. There are no implementation measures taken on basic restrictions, the reference limits (defined as action values of exposure ) applied are the same as outlined in the Council Recommendation. There have not been taken implementation measures for specific sources, as well as additional safety measures Monitoring In the Slovak Republic EMF levels in the area of concern are measured at least once every three years Communication with the public Communication with the public on the potential health impacts of EMF and measures taken to address them is only performed via specialized publications Research funding There is no public funding for research on potential health risks of EMF UK - United Kingdom Protective Framework The UK has implemented general measures establishing a framework of basic restrictions and reference levels in order to protect the general public from exposure to electromagnetic fields within the Health and Safety at Work Act etc That set basic principles which must be followed by employees and employers to help to ensure a safe working environment. Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974 places duties on employers to ensure that - so far as is reasonably practicable- members of the public who are affected by the conduct of employer s undertaking are not thereby exposed to risk to their health or safety. In complying with this section of the Act, employers are expected to take into account the Health Protection Agency (HPA) advice. The HPA s Radiation Protection Division (when it was the National Radiological

79 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 71 Protection Board) undertook a comprehensive scientific review and recommended that the UK adopt ICNIRP guidelines. Employers, therefore, fulfil their duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act by applying the ICNIRP guidelines as specified in the European Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC. Product safety is dealt with separately under Consumer Protection legislation. In this case the CE marking legislation applies where ENs are drafted under Mandate 305 [R & TTE Directive and Low Voltage Directive]. There are no regional differences within the UK. Whilst there are some differences in planning approval regimes but the objectives and the outcomes for public EMF safety are the same Scope of the implementation measures The UK feels that the basic restrictions and reference levels set up in the Recommendation do support a high level of health protection. The basic restrictions set out in the UK are the same as recommended by the Council. Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974 is assessed by using the basic restrictions in risk assessments in [Advice on Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (0-300GHz) from the HPA in documents of the NRPB Vol 15, No 2, publications/documents_of_nrpb/abstracts/absd15-2.htm] i.e. adoption of the ICNIRP guidelines in the UK for both workers and the public. For some frequencies only, the HPA has advised a three stage approach, adopting realistic numerical modelling of exposures, for clarification of the application of ICNIRP levels. In the case of power frequencies the figures are 9 kv/m and 360 µt i.e. less stringent than the reference levels in the Council Recommendation (see radiation/understand/information_sheets/icnirp_exp_guidelines.htm). Although this does not constitute formal government guidance to industry, the HPA advice could in practice be deployed through challenges for example at way leave hearings and reviews of overhead line consents. The reference levels set out in the UK comply (for power frequency only in the first stage) with the ones in the Recommendation. The sources addressed are the following: High-voltage power lines, radio and TV broadcasting stations, transportation systems, mobile communication base stations, Mobile phones, commercial equipments (antitheft equipments, other security systems, remote control systems etc.) medicinal equipments for the treatment of patient (diathermy equipments, electrocautery devices, patient monitors, MRI scanners, hyperthermia machines, surgical devices), home/ domestic wiring, domestic equipments and appliances and combined exposure from several sources. Additional safety measures focuses on safety zones around EMF sources, network infrastructure sharing of facilities, special restrictions applied in the neighbourhood of hospitals, kindergartens etc as well as special restrictions based on total local EMF emissions. For mobile phone base stations the ICNIRP reference level has become a de facto limit that is not allowed to be exceeded in public areas. In Scotland and Northern Ireland this limit is statutory i.e. legislation requires operators to provide certification that their installations will comply with the

80 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 72 ICNIRP reference levels. In practice, access to areas where the reference levels may be exceeded is restricted either by location (at height) or by enclosure within the transmitter housing. Sharing of masts is encouraged wherever possible and the technical requirements permit. For schools, there is a public web site ( that provides advice on planning matters relating to phone masts (base stations). There is a (nonstatutory) requirement that school governors be consulted on all proposals for masts on or near a school or college. Additionally network operators must consult local people, including schools and colleges before submitting an application to erect a mast. The Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development published in 2002 sets out procedures for mobile phone network operators to follow when consulting with schools and colleges before they submit an application to erect a mast ( A review of the 2002 Code of Best Practice was published in 2006 ( releases/pr255.asp) and the findings will be considered in an ongoing review of planning legislation relating to telecommunications. Local planning authorities are also required to consult the local schools when an application for a base station is received. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) advises schools and colleges that wish to be consulted about base stations in their local area to notify their local planning authority. The operator of the last added emitting sources on a shared mast is obliged to demonstrate that ICNIRP compliance is continued Monitoring Monitoring activities within the UK comprises personal exposure monitoring, monitoring of EMF levels in the areas of concern, estimation models for exposure evaluation in the permit procedure as well as ad hoc measurements of electric and magnetic fields near power lines, in response to requests from members of the public. These measurements are largely carried out by the utility companies rather than by the Government. Special studies supported by the UK Mobile Telecommunications and Health research programme are the following: a) MTHR study of childhood cancer incidence and proximity to base stations includes a limited estimate of RF exposures, b) MTHR technical assessment of RF personal exposure monitoring device (antennas). In addition special studies as regards monitoring of RF levels near base stations in response to public requests is funded by the Government and free of charge for the public. Over 500 such exposure measurements (mostly close to schools) have been undertaken to date ( Each planning application for base station (mast) includes a projected emission evaluation Communication with the public In the UK communication with the public is performed via internet site, citizens' jury or other respective stakeholder dialogue events and specialized publication

81 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 73 ( H_ ). The communication via internet sides comprises the following different websites: a) Health Protection Agency Radiation Protection Division web site provides information on all aspects electromagnetic fields and RF radiation. The web site includes Q and A on not only the main topics of interest such as power lines, mobile phone base stations and WiFi (WLANs) but also on other sources. A large number of technical documents and scientific review publications is available on this web site. ( b) The Department of Health web site host 3 items i) the information leaflets on Mobile phones and Health (see d) below), ii) a page on electromagnetic fields and the SAGE report ( and iii) a page on new and emerging wireless technologies includes WLAN, WiFi, Bluetooth, DECT etc. ( ChiefMedicalOfficer/Features/FeaturesArchive/Browsable/DH_ ). c) Ofcom, the communications industry regulator, has a site that includes the details of all the measurements of RF exposure near mobile phone base stations (see above) displayed as annual Audit each year since It also has a Sitefinder facility to see a map showing the base stations in a particular locality ( d) Following the publication of the Stewart Report in 2000, the Department of Health printed several million leaflets on Mobile Phones and Health and Mobile Phone Base Stations and Health and they were distributed to shops, libraries, doctors surgeries and local authority planning departments ( PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_ ). e) The Radiation, Risk and Society Advisory Group considers radiation risk more generally and has published a document on communicating risk to the public at ( radiation/publications/documents_of_nrpb/abstracts/absd15-4.htm). f) Detailed scientific reviews are available to the public and professional reader. For example: The Health Protection Agency is advised by an independent Advisory Group on Non-ionising radiation (AGNIR) that publishes authoritative reviews of the scientific published work on specific EMF and health topics ( agnir/index.htm). Events and procedures within the category citizens' jury or other stakeholder dialogue event can be mentioned as follows: a) SAGE The stakeholder advisory group on ELF has been exploring possible practical precautionary measures with respect to Power frequency fields. Its first report was published in 2007 (

82 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/06 74 b) The Health Protection Agency has held a series of meetings with public concern representatives to discuss issues of mutual interest ( understand/radiation_topics/emf/emfdg/index.htm). c) The Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development published in 2002 sets out procedures for mobile phone network operators to follow when consulting with schools and colleges and members of the public before they submit an application to erect a mast ( Research funding In the UK research funding is allocated to potential health risks of high-voltage power lines, mobile communication base stations, mobile phones, home/domestic wiring and domestic equipments. Several ELF health research studies are included in the Department of Health Radiation Protection Research programme. In addition the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) programme funded jointly (50:50) by government and industry under independent management. The 1 st phase lasted 6 years and cost 8.8million ( 13M). A report of 23 completed studies has been published in September The 2 nd research phase is just beginning. ( Furthermore the Health Protection Agency carried out a special study of the residential sources of magnetic fields related to data in a previous childhood cancer study ( publications/hpa_rpd_reports/2005/hpa_rpd_005.htm). Concerning WiFi the Health Protection Agency s Radiation Protection Division undertakes its own programme of EMF studies to underpin its advice. For example: ( _wifi.htm). The EMF health research, in its various programmes, is intended to challenge the EMF guidelines. The experimental exposures are, in the main, below the international guidelines. Publication of the results in peer reviewed journals is encouraged in order to ensure a high standard of scientific endeavour. In time, the work supported in these programmes can be judged by weight-of-evidence reviews and lead to more robust health, safety guidelines and policy advice.

83 SI SANCO/2OO7/C7/ Overall picture on the situation in the Member States In order to summaries the information provided in the previous chapters for the individual Member States and to provide an overall picture on the different approaches used, all MS and Switzerland have been compared using a systematic approach described in detail further on in this chapter. The principle which has been followed was to assort all MS and CH to categories depending on their individual national situation as regards EMF protection, communication and research. As this approach is a priori too general in order to be used to evaluate the situation as a whole, the comparison of individual MS and CH has been performed for specific subtopics namely the protective framework, the scope of the implemented measures, monitoring, communication with the public as well as research funding. All countries have been categorised according to the following scheme: Figure 1 schematic approach for categorisation An Excel tool has been developed comprising sheets for all MS and CH as well as an overall sheet. In the individual MS sheets each category has been evaluated by answering several specific questions. For each question five defined answers were possible. Each of the five answers represents one of the categories mentioned above. To simplify matters each category has been linked to a specific number of points which can be inserted in the Excel sheet. In order to derive a number of points for each