§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the research he has carried out into the possible effects of radiation emitted from television and mobile telephone masts on public health; what were the findings of that research; and if he will make a statement. [84870]
§ Ms JowellIn 1996, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) evaluated an epidemiological study by the Small Area Health Statistics Unit. This study, undertaken on behalf of this and five other Government Departments, investigated the incidence of leukaemia near 20 high power TV/FM radio transmitters in Great Britain. The study found that living close to a transmitter was not associated with an increased risk of leukaemia. In their statement (copies of which are available in the Library) COMARE reiterated their previous advice that there is no firm evidence of a carcinogenic hazard from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from television and radio mast emissions.
The Department is currently contributing to the World Health Organisation International Electromagnetic Fields Project, which includes health effects of electromagnetic fields and is funding studies investigating possible biological effects from EMF generally. A three-year study in the United Kingdom of occupational exposure to radiofrequency fields, including those from TV and radio transmitters, was launched in November 1998. The Department is supporting this study.
I have recently announced a working group to assess the current state of research into the health implications of mobile telephones usage. The chairman, members, terms of reference and time scale for reporting will be announced shortly.