4. March 2010 19:39
Forthcoming report on the impact of EMF directive on MRI research
European Medical Research Councils Position on the Implications of the EMF Directive 2004/40/EC for European Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Research Publication May 2010
The EU Physical Agents (EMF) Directive 2004/40/EC puts limits on the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields (EMF) with frequencies in the range from zero to 300 GHz. A forthcoming European Medical Research Councils report will highlight the negative implications of the directive for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research and the consequences for patient diagnosis and treatment. The report, chaired by Prof Gabriel Krestin and co-chaired by Prof Steve Keevil and Prof Juergen Hennig, also details how the directive’s practical constraints threaten Europe’s position as a world leader in MRI research.
MRI is a major tool in medical research and diagnosis and uses electromagnetic fields to provide high-resolution images of soft tissues in the body and has been safely used for over 25 years. Around 500 million patients have been exposed up to 100 times the exposure limit set by the Directive without evidence of harm to workers or patients. The limits proposed, particularly in the lower frequency range of up to 100 kHz, are based on cautious extrapolation from very limited experimental data.
To be alerted when the report becomes available please contact:
Chloe Kembery, ESF press office
Tel +33 (0) 388-762-158 Cell +33 (0) 643-172-382
