The European Commission should make more reliable information available about the effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields to citizens who feel that they are not well informed.

The report was adopted with 559 votes in favour, 22 against and 8 abstentions.

The report acknowledges the wide use of wireless technologies and other electromagnetic emitting technologies and their benefits to society, but also raises concerns over their “continuing uncertainties about possible health risks.” In particular, there are concerns about the exposure of children and young people to electromagnetic fields. Therefore, MEPs call for stricter regulation and protection for residents and consumers.

Better protection for eu citizens through “optimal placement of devices”

The report, drafted by Frédérique RIES (ALDE, BE), notes that industry stakeholders can already influence a number of safety factors, including the direction of the transmitting antenna in relation to living spaces, and the distance between the site and the transmitter. Industry actors are being encouraged to use this power to give better protection to people living nearby, and to prevent a “proliferation of poorly positioned masts and transmitters.”

The placement of antennas, mobile phone masts and high-voltage power lines should be negotiated between industry actors, public authorities and residents’ associations in order to minimise health risks and legal action cases. This will also ensure that EMF-transmitting devices are kept clear of schools, crèches, retirement homes and health care institutions. In addition to this, the House recommends that mobile telephone operators should negotiate to share infrastructure in order to reduce “the exposure of the public to EMFs.”

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