Udvalget for Videnskab og Teknologi 2011-12
KOM (2011) 0152 Bilag 2
Offentligt
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Radiograf Rådet
H. C. Ørsteds Vej 70, 2. tv.
1879 Frederiksberg C
Dear
Minister of Health,
Minister for European Affairs,
and Minister of Employment
Kontakt:
Telefon: +45 3537 4339
Fax: +45 3537 4342
[email protected]
www.radiograf.dk
Åbningstider:
Mandag - torsdag
Fredag
Request for Denmark’s support to remove threat to MRI from EU
health and safety legislation (EMF Directive 2004/40/EC): Priority
issue for Patients
09.00-14.30
09.00-13.00
Radiograf Rådet, represents approximately 500 MR workers, is seriously concerned that European
health and safety legislation on electromagnetic fields (EMF Directive 2004/40/EC
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) will continue to
impede the use of MRI unless a derogation is agreed.
Due to concerns raised by patient groups, scientists and the medical community, the European
Commission, on the basis of sound scientific evidence, has proposed a derogation for MRI from
the exposure limits set in the Directive.
We are bringing this to your attention, as Ministers responsible for health and safety are currently
considering rejecting the European Commission’s proposed derogation. Whilst we understand that
the Minister for Social Affairs’ priority is to ensure the highest level of worker safety, there is a very
worrying lack of consideration for the potential impact of their decision on the use of MRI which is a
vital life-saving technology.
The situation is now critical as discussions are on-going in the Council in Brussels and we urge you
to intervene on this issue before a decision is made which will have a seriously detrimental impact
on the welfare of patients and on the ability of the public health system to deliver.
A derogation for MRI is vital for the following reasons:
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MRI has been used for over 25 years, imaging up to 500 million patients without evidence of
harm to workers due to EMF exposure
MRI examinations are undertaken in highly controlled environments and there are stringent
safety standards to ensure the safety of patients and workers
MRI is free from health risks associated with ionising radiation such as X-rays, which would
form the alternative to MRI in many situations.
Our radiographer members operate MRI scanners in their daily professional activities and are
unanimous in supporting the derogation for MRI, as they do not experience any health effects
Directive 2004/40/EC on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to
the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields)
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and as adequate safety standards are already in place to ensure utmost safety of workers and
patients alike. Radiographers are professionals who have the highest competency and
responsibility in maintaining safety measures for patients and professionals in all imaging
modalities using ionizing radiation and electromagnetic fields.
This is now in jeopardy and we therefore request:
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That it is made clear to the Ministry of Social Affairs the importance of securing a derogation
for MRI for public health reasons
A clarification from you on Denmark’s position on this issue.
We look forward to taking hearing from you and resolving this issue satisfactorily at your earliest
convenience.
Best regards
Charlotte Graungaard
President, Radiograf Rådet
Encl:
EFRS Position Paper
Alliance for MRI Position Paper
Copies sent to:
Ministry of Health
Ministry for European Affairs
Ministry of Employment
Committee of Health
Committee for European Affairs
Committee of Employment
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