Update, March 2006
There has been a very welcome development in efforts to seek change to the EC Physical Agents Directive: the Commission has agreed to establish a scientific working group to review the Directive’s likely impact.
On 9th March, a group representing the European radiology, medical physics and MRI communities met with Commissioner Spidla (of DG Employment, with responsibility for the Physical Agents Directive) in Brussels. The delegation included Dr Steve Keevil, Professor Peter Dawson (who was representing the Royal College of Radiologists and the British Institute of Radiology) and seven other radiologists from various European bodies and countries: Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and the Czech Rebublic… this is no longer a UK-only effort! Present from the Commission were Commissioner Spidla, Jose Biosca of DG Employment and members of the Commissioner’s cabinet.
The MR community delegation presented the case for amendment of the annex to the Directive (which contains the limits) so as to exclude MRI. They explained the basis of MRI and its importance in healthcare and research in Europe, citing several major trans-national projects that will have to be abandoned if the Directive goes ahead. The lack of scientific basis for the limits and their impact on clinical and research MRI was described.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of minimising occupational risks, as far as this is compatible with ethics and common sense. At the end of the meeting, he summarised the delegation’s arguments as being that the Directive confuses biological effects and harmful effects, and that there are instances when MR staff have to be exposed at the same level as patients. He said that he is open to re-evaluation but only if there is clear evidence that the Directive would restrict the use of MRI so as to reduce patient benefits and limit the evolution of the discipline.
It was agreed that a working group of representatives of the radiology and scientific communities and Commission representatives be formed. The delegates at the meeting will make suggestions about the mandate and composition of this group. The primary purpose will be to establish the impact on MRI practice. Although the Commissioner is open to changes in the Directive, it was acknowledged that this will not be easy and would have to be agreed through the EU institutions.
This is the best outcome that we could have hoped for. The delegation believe that it will reasonably straightforward using existing literature, and perhaps some more modelling work, to demonstrate the extent of the anticipated impact on practice.
If you would like to comment or contribute to any aspect of the working group review, or would like further information on any related matter, please contact us by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or on 020 7478 4380.
NOTE: The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee will be hearing evidence on the Physical Agents Directive in May as part of its inquiry into how Government uses evidence in policy-making.
Last updated: April 16 2008