The Brussels government on Thursday validated, at second reading, the principle of a limited increase in the current emission standards with a view to the implementation of 5G technology.
The ministers approved the principle of raising the emission standard to 14.5V/m outdoors and 9.19 V/m indoors by integrating radio and television antennas, the office of Environment Minister Alain Maron (Ecolo) said on Friday. A public inquiry will be organized in August and September.
The third reading of the draft is expected by the end of the year.
In October 2021, Brussels’ ministers validated, for the first time, a preliminary draft ordinance, stipulating that this standard is “the strictest in the country, and far below the recommendations of the ICNIRP (Independent Scientific Commission specializing in the Protection against Non-Ionizing Radiation, Editor’s note) or the World Health Organization (WHO),” Alain Maron said at the time.
This validated text thus confirms the principle of a limited increase in the emission standard for non-ionizing radiation in compliance with precautionary and standstill principles, and with a view to protecting the health of all Brussels residents.
It also includes obligations for operators, aimed at limiting the environmental consequences of 5G and the digital boom in terms of energy and waste, the Minister said.
The text still has to be submitted to the Council of State, after which the Brussels parliament will need to decide on it.
“Brussels Region is therefore moving forward by preparing for the arrival of a 5G network that is harmonious and respects the health of the inhabitants and the environment, for the benefit of all,” the office of Minister Maron told Belga News Agency on Friday.
