Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and health

Closed

Programme Category

EU Competitive Programmes

Programme Name

Horizon Europe (2021-2027)

Programme Description

Horizon Europe is the European Union (EU) funding programme for the period 2021 – 2027, which targets the sectors of research and innovation. The programme’s budget is around € 95.5 billion, of which € 5.4 billion is from NextGenerationEU to stimulate recovery and strengthen the EU’s resilience in the future, and € 4.5 billion is additional aid.

Programme Details

Identifier Code

HORIZON-HLTH-2021-ENVHLTH-02-01

Call

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and health

Summary

There has been an exponential increase in the use of wireless personal communication devices (new generation radio-communication networks, e.g. 5G) and this has resulted in an increase in man-made electromagnetic radiation in our surroundings. Due to this, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection prepared guidelines for limiting exposure to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields. Nevertheless, there is some concern over the possible impact on health and safety from potentially higher exposure to EMF. 
While digitalisation presents new opportunities, e.g. distance monitoring of air and water pollution and health outcomes, it also presents potential health risks. Europe needs a digital sector that puts sustainability at its heart: when deploying new technologies, the potential risks related to human health should also be assessed.

Detailed Call Description

Research actions under this topic should provide forward-looking information on potential hazards and risks of existing and emerging EMF exposures through innovative monitoring techniques, experimental evidence and modelling and should include all of the following activities:

  • Monitoring of exposures of the general population and specific groups at risk such as children and workers using innovative technologies.
  • Establishment of potentially new exposure patterns and comparison with existing patterns. It should be documented how exposures to EMF changes over time due to the introduction of new technologies, including 5G, supporting infrastructure, radiofrequency bands, modulation techniques and applications.
  • Investigating evidence of local and systemic biological effects and health impacts across the lifecycle using in vitro and in vivo approaches, respecting the 3Rs principle, and taking into account combined exposures and changing patterns of device use.
  • Delivering FAIR data on the causal links between level and duration of exposures and potential health (biological) effects, including potential mechanisms, in living and working environments, considering also vulnerable groups, particularly children.
  • Proposing new quality criteria and standards for the analytical methodologies used for the assessment of exposure to EMF and their impact on human health and on the environment.
  • Undertaking case studies on solutions for exposure reduction based on acquired evidence and deliver practical guidelines for exposure prevention along the stakeholder chain.
  • Proposing and testing efficient communication methods and tools for engaging citizens in preventive actions and addressing their concerns.

All projects funded under this topic are strongly encouraged to participate in networking and joint activities, as appropriate.
Proposals are expected to include a budget for the attendance to regular joint meetings and may consider to cover the costs of any other potential joint activities without the prerequisite to detail concrete joint activities at this stage.

Call Total Budget

€30,00 million

Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan

100%

EU contribution per project:€ 8,00 million

Thematic Categories

  • Health
  • Information Technology
  • Research, Technological Development and Innovation
  • Telecommunications

Eligibility for Participation

  • Private Bodies
  • Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions

Call Opening Date

22/06/2021

Call Closing Date

21/09/2021

National Contact Point(s)

Research and Innovation Foundation
Marinos Fotiadis
Contact Phone: 22 205 048
E-mail: mphotiades@research.org.cy
Website: https://www.research.org.cy/

Ioannis Theodorou
Contact Phone: 22 205 038
E-mail: itheodorou@research.org.cy
Website: https://www.research.org.cy/

(Publish Date: 01/08/2021-for internal use only)

EU Contact Point

European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation

https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/research-and-innovation_en#contact