§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has commissioned into the possible health effects of telecommunication masts transmitting microwaves. [21250]
§ Ms JowellI have been asked to reply.
The Department has commissioned two studies on biological effects of microwaves as part of its Radiation Protection Research Programme. The first is investigating the influence of radiation on learning ability and behaviour. The other is a laboratory study looking for biological responses of human cells in an electromagnetic radiation field.
The Department is also contributing to the World Health Organisation International Electromagnetic Field Project which includes health effects of microwaves.
In addition, the Small Area Health Statistics Unit, on behalf of this and five other Government Departments, has investigated the incidence of leukaemia near 20 high power Television/FM transmitters in Great Britain. The study found that living close to a transmitter was not associated with an increased risk of leukaemia.
277W