Limits on MRI Use in the EU postponed
The EU decided to postpone introducing a law regulating workers’ exposure to electromagnetic fields [1]. The decision is based on the fact that such as legislation would place serious limits on the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs).
Directive 2004/40/EC was aimed to protect workers against the occupational hazard of electromagnetic field exposure and was to take effect in April 2008 [2]. However, the high occupational limit values set by the directive would inadvertently put a ban on the use of MRI in diagnostic medicine.
“MRI is currently the leading technique for detecting brain tumours and many other serious conditions. It allows doctors to help 8 million patients each year…[the EC] is well aware of the enormous benefits of MRI and of its immense value for public health.” [1]
Other international agencies such as the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are looking into revising the current occupational limit values for electromagnetic fields [1]. The EU will probably introduce a revised directive based on similar limits in 2012.
In the meantime, the EU is pushing for more research in this field. It is funding projects under the 7th Framework Programme for Research to explore hybrid imaging systems such as MRI/PET and MRI/Ultrasound [1].
Sources:
[1] EU Press Release 26/10/2007. Commission to postpone and amend electromagnetic fields legislation to protect MRI Reference: IP/07/1610.
[2] Directive 2004/40/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004. Official Journal of the European Union L 159.
One Comment
- Babies Online The Blog | Current Events | Women vets have higher risk for miscarriage replied:
[…] Although this research followed up vets only, I would imagine that there are many women of childbearing age working in the healthcare industry who are also exposed to these occupational hazards. And their employers should make sure that they are well-protected in the work place! In the European Union, for example, there are plans to limit the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because of the occupational hazard of electromagnetic field exposure. […]
April 24th, 2008 at 7:25 am. Permalink.