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Parliamentary Commission on Childhood Leukaemia and Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)

Welcome to the website of the Parliamentary Commission on Childhood Leukaemia and Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF). This cross-party Commission consists of five Members of Parliament: Dr Howard Stoate MP (Chair), Michael Connarty MP, Dr Ian Gibson MP, Sandra Gidley MP and Nick Hurd MP. The first meeting of the Commission took place in Parliament on Monday 8 May 2006.

Background on EMF

Electricity is transmitted from power stations to its place of use via a network of power cables and sub-stations (known as the national grid). This transmission equipment will usually be surrounded by electric and magnetic fields (EMF).

Over the last 30 years there has been a growing understanding of the effects that these fields have on our health. In 2004 the UK adopted new guidelines from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) which set a level for magnetic fields above which people should not usually be exposed. In addition, on the recommendation of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) which has now merged with the HPA, the Government established a stakeholder process to consider and make recommendations on what further precautionary action should be taken to protect the public.

SAGE, the Stakeholder Advisory Group on ELF EMF (Extremely Low Frequency EMF), established in November 2004, was given the following terms of reference to 'bring together a range of stakeholders to identify and explore the implications for a precautionary approach to EMF and to make practical recommendations [to Government] for precautionary measures.' The SAGE process has sought to engage key groups concerned with this issue but has not evaluated public opinion more generally on this matter. Taking account of public concerns should be essential so that Parliamentarians, as representatives of the public, are able to call for action on EMF as a demonstration of public opinion.

In June 2005 the results of the largest ever study into childhood cancer and electricity were published. A team from the Oxford Childhood Cancer Research Group in collaboration with National Grid Transco reported that children living within 200m of a high voltage overhead transmission line (HVOTL) had a significantly higher risk of leukaemia (69%) than those living 600m or more away (Draper Report). These results are particularly significant as the SAGE process moves forward.

The Commission

The Parliamentary Commission on Childhood Leukaemia and EMF was established at the instigation of the charity CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA. The purpose of the Commission is to consider the case for taking precautionary action on EMF exposure. The administration of the Commission is supported and funded by CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA although it is in no way subject to any conditions on this basis.

Terms of Reference

The Commission is asked:

To consider an overview of the scientific evidence linking extremely low frequency EMF exposure with an increased risk of childhood leukaemia.
To consider the legal framework related to human proximity to EMF and what the rights and responsibilities of the various stakeholders should be.
To consider independent deliberative research exploring public attitudes to precaution in this matter and a quantitative study examining the extent to which these attitudes are held generally.
To encourage SAGE members to consider public opinion on the subject and how this should inform the actions of Government.
To make recommendations regarding the appropriateness of precautionary measures in relation to extremely low frequency EMFs and childhood leukaemia to protect the public from EMF exposure and to communicate these widely to Government, parliamentarians, SAGE members and all relevant stakeholders.

The Process

This process will consist of at least four meetings in Parliament. Summaries of the meetings will appear on this website. The schedule for the rest of the meetings will be decided by the Commissioners based on the number of people giving evidence to the Commission. If you would like to attend any of the meetings or give evidence to the Commission please contact the Commission’s secretary Catherine Nestor .

Updates

This site will be updated to include details of the next meeting. If you have any questions about this website, please contact the site editor, Chantelle Roberts.