PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Electromagnetic Fields: Health Hazards (16 October 2024)

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will take steps with technology and communications companies to mitigate harm to people with electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

Asked by:
Dr Beccy Cooper (Labour)

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published advice on exposure to electromagnetic fields in the everyday environment, including electrical appliances in the home and mobile phones. You can find this information and the relevant fact sheets on the government website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/electromagnetic-fields.

A robust regulatory framework exists to ensure that exposure to electromagnetic fields remains well within safe levels. In the UK, the control of exposures occurs through product safety legislation, health and safety legislation and planning policy.

The ongoing transition from analogue to digital landlines (“the PSTN migration”) will not change the regulatory obligations on telecommunications companies to keep their users safe. We expect telecoms companies to follow guidance on product safety in relation to radio waves, as set out by the UKHSA.

Answered by:
Chris Bryant (Labour)
25 October 2024