§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what research he has(a) commissioned or (b) evaluated on the health risks associated with electro-magnetic radiation being emitted from household appliances; and if he will make a statement; [1596]
(2) what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the safety levels for electro-magnetic radiation emitted from household appliances such as (a) vacuum cleaners, (b) irons, (c) fridges and (d) microwaves; and if he will make a statement. [2044]
§ Mr. Ian TaylorMy Department has not commissioned or evaluated research into the health risks associated with electro-magnetic radiation from household appliances, nor have we received representations concerning safety other than in relation to microwave ovens.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 (SI1994/3260) lay down requirements for the safety of household electrical appliances, implementing the low voltage directive (73/23/EEC), and include a requirement that radiation which would cause a danger must not be produced. The European electrotechnical standards body, CENELEC, has produced standards controlling radiation from appliances such as microwave ovens and sunbeds but has not found it necessary to specify requirements for other appliances.