Update, May 2006
On 17th May, the Commons’ Select Committee on Science & Technology heard evidence on MRI and the Directive as part of its enquiry into how Government uses evidence in policy-making.
The first session heard evidence from
- Dr Stephen Keevil (King’s College London)
- Professor Colin Blakemore (Medical Research Council)
- Professor Ray Dolan (University College London)
The second session heard evidence from
- Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Work and Pensions)
- Mr Geoffrey Podger (Health and Safety Executive)
- Dr John Stather (Health Protection Agency)
- Dr Alastair McKinlay (Health Protection Agency)
You can view an uncorrected proof of the evidence here.
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The Health and Safety Executive is to examine evidence for the impact of the Directive (PAD) on MRI and work towards any changes that may be needed at European level. This was confirmed by senior representatives of the HSE on 27th April, at the first meeting of the HSE-convened working party to look at solving the problems the PAD poses for clinical MRI and research.
The meeting was attended by
- Mr Les Philpot and other HSE representatives
- Dr Steve Keevil (King’s College London)
- Dr Delyth Morgan (Medical Research Council)
- Mr David Grainger (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
The meeting looked at the evidence base for biological and health effects. Steve Keevil pointed out that 100-400 million MRI patients have been exposed to electromagnetic fields at up to 100 times the gradient limit with no suggestion of acute, detectable, adverse health effects. He emphasised that this is not a proper scientific study, but it is indicative. HSE staff agreed that this is a very powerful argument. Another issue raised was the extent to which current MRI use exceeds the limits in the Directive. It was suggested that research projects in the UK and other countries on this be brought together in either the HSE labs or the Health Protection Agency’s labs.
If this work demonstrates the MR community’s case, the HSE will speak to MEPs and ministers to alert them to the need for changes to the PAD. They will use Foreign and Commonwealth Office channels to follow up the establishment of the EC working party promised by Commissioner Spidla at the 9th March Brussels meeting. If the Directive can be amended, it will probably be through EMF limits proposed by the International Electrotechnical Commission that, if adopted next year, would set a new international standard. This would create a conflict with the PAD, driving an amendment.
The HSE will begin public consultation in the summer with a view to implementing the Directive in the UK in October 2008 (six months late). The consultation will include a statement regarding the status of MRI reflecting whatever position has been reached by that time.
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Last updated: April 16 2008