China plans curbs on mobile radiation

Brussels, 18 June 2002

Recent draft legislation put forward by the Chinese government aims to limit the levels of radiation from mobile phones. Should Europe be taking note?

China is the world's largest mobile phone market. The number of mobile phone users has recently been estimated to be 128 million with some projecting this will rise to over 350 million by the year 2005. This represents an enormous market for network providers and phone manufacturers - especially since China's acceptance as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

However, draft legislation presented by the Chinese government would, if adopted, cap the level of permissible mobile radiation emissions at just half the current international standard, making China's mobile emissions standards the toughest in the world.

Lessons for Europe?

Although industry analysts doubt such draconian and far-reaching legislation could ever become law, the underlying research used to propose such curbs could be particularly relevant to European researchers working in the same areas.

A number of European research projects funded under the 'environment and health' key action of the Quality of Life programme and in the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) are already looking at the potential health risks of electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones.

Further cooperation, through the exchange of expertise and know-how and researcher mobility, could provide scientific and economic benefits for both Europe and China.

More information on this subject: http://www.bdaconnect.com/

DG Research
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/research/ index_en.html