EPA - Ireland's Environment, An Integrated Assessment - 2020

Ireland’s Environment – An Integrated Assessment 2020 Topic Box 14.5 Radioactivity Monitoring Programme Artificial radioactivity in the Irish environment has been routinely monitored since 1982. These data show that, although the levels of artificial radionuclides in the Irish environment are detectable, they are low and do not pose a significant risk to the health of the Irish population. The results of this monitoring are publicly available on the EPA’s website. 5 The main elements of the EPA’s radioactivity monitoring programme are outlined below. The National Radiation Monitoring Network This is a network of 21 stations across Ireland that constantly monitor radiation levels in the environment, with the support of Met Éireann, local authorities and the defence forces. Rainwater and aerosol samples from these stations are measured in the laboratory, while data from online gamma dose-rate monitors are sent live to the EPA’s website and international reporting systems. This network ensures that Ireland receives the first measurements in the event of a radioactive ‘cloud’ reaching the country. The network plays an important role in the National Plan for Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Exposures. The Marine Monitoring Programme The EPA carries out its Marine Monitoring Programme to determine the levels of radioactivity in the marine environment. Samples of seawater, seaweed, sediment, fish and shellfish are collected from fixed locations around the coast, in the Irish Sea and from fishing ports. These data provide a baseline against which measurements can be compared and will enable elevated radiation values to be identified quickly. Radioactivity in food products and drinking water Samples of drinking water, milk, ‘complete meals’, cereals and individual foodstuffs are also collected and analysed for radioactivity. The data collected are used to calculate the radiation doses received by the Irish population from artificial radioactivity. These are small compared with those received as a result of natural radiation and do not constitute a significant health risk. 5 http://www.epa.ie/radiation/monassess/per/ Non-ionising Radiation According to the World Health Organization, no health effects have been identified for electromagnetic fields exposure at levels below the guidelines set for members of the public. In May 2019, the EPA was given responsibility for monitoring public exposure to non-ionising radiation as well and providing advice to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and general information to the public. Non-ionising radiation is more commonly referred to as electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which are needed for all forms of telecommunications (mobile phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) and are produced when electricity is generated, transmitted and used (Figure 14.9). Other bodies and agencies involved in this area of activity include the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Commission for Communications Regulation, Health and Safety Authority and ESB. Typical EMF levels in Ireland are low and well below the levels set in the international recommendations for members of the public. The introductions of new technologies, such as 5G, may result in a slight increase but the total exposure is expected to remain low with no consequences for public health. According to the WHO, no health effects have been identified for EMF exposure at levels below the guidelines set for members of the public. This conclusion is in line with the 2015 report Electromagnetic Fields in the Irish Context , prepared on behalf of the Irish Government by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment of the Netherlands (RIVM, 2015). The effects of radiofrequency EMFs, including the frequencies used and envisaged for 5G, have been subject to significant research. No health effects have been shown at levels below the ICNIRP guidelines for members of the public; therefore, no consequences for public health are expected from exposure to 5G. The EPA works closely with the WHO on EMF issues, and has published a public information pamphlet on 5G (EPA, 2020f). 372