Dáil Éireann - Volume 475 - 18 February, 1997

Written Answers. - Microwave Emissions.

Mr. Deasy Mr. Deasy

43. Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the scare tactics being used by certain elements in Irish society that microwave emissions are injurious to health; if he will confirm that this is not the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4358/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan, Limerick East) Michael Noonan

149

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan, Limerick East): Any danger to health from microwave emissions would depend on the levels being emitted. I am aware that there has been some public concern about whether adverse health effects might occur from the microwave emissions [149] associated with telecommunications systems and transmitting masts.

The International Radiation Protection Association has specified the levels of exposure at or below which there is no substantive evidence that adverse health effects can occur. Telecommunications companies in Ireland are licensed by the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications and must operate within the limits specified by the IRPA. Measurements show that the exposure levels here are about 1,000 times lower than the IRPA safety levels.

Dáil Éireann 475 Written Answers. Microwave Emissions.

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