EU fights back over MRI rules

Brussels has hit back at claims that new EU rules designed to limit worker exposure to electromagnetic fields will prevent doctors and nurses from giving proper treatment to patients.

The EU regulation on Magnetic Resonance Imaging - set to come into force in April 2008 - is designed to protect workers in the transport, health and other industries where electromagnetic fields are used, by setting limits on exposure.

Recent news reports have warned that the new proposals will prevent doctors and nurses from giving proper treatment to patients, accusations denied by the European Commission.

"The risk of MRI is a real one for everybody who is exposed to it regularly, not to parents or their children undergoing treatment", said European Employment Commissioner Vladimir Spidla.

"I am concerned that those who are protesting are underestimating the radiation of MRI at the expense of the health of their employees.

"I am glad that this directive will give a solid protection to doctors and nurses exposed to MRI."

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is used to generate detailed images of internal organs - for diagnosis of diseases and illnesses.

Experts in London said that the new rules could harm patients by forcing them to use different x-ray techniques which can be less effective.

"All the most vulnerable patients are those that are going to be deprived," Professor Ian Young at Imperial College London told a press conference.

But in a statement, the European Commission said the laws were based on recommendations issued by ICNIRP (International Commission for Non Ionizing Radiation Protection), an independent world wide recognised organisation.

The European Parliament and all national governments signed up to the laws in April 2004.

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