25/02/2011 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
Even if exposure to electromagnetic fields should not be harmful, vigilance must be maintained and scientific research on the subject must continue. In short, there is an essential need to respect the precautionary principle, to reinforce prevention measures, to hold a debate involving all those concerned and to provide serious information.
This was the starting point proposed by Jean Huss (Luxembourg, SOC) at the opening of a hearing held this morning in Paris by the Assembly's Committee on the Environment with a view to preparing a report on the question.
Participants included David Gee, Senior Adviser at the European Environment Agency, who drew attention to this body's support for the development of early warning mechanisms. He believes that scientists must be able to work freely and independently, even if the results of their work clash with certain interests, and that, as for all new technologies, investment in research that can bring to light potential dangers is a must.
Etienne Cendrier, national spokesman for the French NGO "Robin des toits" (Robin of the Roofs), cited the multiplication of relay antennas as a good example of the tangible application of the precautionary principle. He voiced scepticism about the results of studies that largely depended on the source of their funding and, while being in favour of the use of mobile technology, called for regulations to set a compulsory limit on exposure to radio frequencies of 0.6V/m, since scientific researchers independent of the industry unanimously maintained that emissions were harmful beyond this level.
Jean-Marie Danjou, Deputy Director General of the French Telecoms Foundation (FFT), underlined that the World Health Organization (WHO) and national health authorities have stated that living near a relay antenna poses no health risk. He added that it was above all necessary to restore composure and trust in this debate, while playing the transparency card.
The members of the committee will discuss a draft report by Mr Huss and vote on a preliminary draft resolution at their meeting to be held next April.