Italian Environment Minister Mr Willer Bordon has warned the Vatican that Italy could cut all power to its radio station if it does not reduce electromagnetic radiation from transmitters suspected of causing cancer.
A committee of experts from Italy and the Vatican is to draft a report on the radiation from giant Radio Vaticano antennas, located in the Roman suburb of Santa Maria in Galeria. The report is to be submitted by early May.
"Checks by our technicians have priority," said Mr Bordon. "If the law is violated, I will order electricity providers to cut power to the facility."
Mr Bordon, taking a tough stand less than two months before general elections, said Italian law was not negotiable.
Serious illnesses and cases of leukemia have been linked to the powerful radio transmitter which helps the Holy See send the Pope's word worldwide.
Residents of nearby Santa Maria are taking the Vatican to court to have electromagnetic pollution in the area reduced. But Vatican officials are arguing Italian courts are not competent as the radio station is extra-territorial.
According to the environment ministry, electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Radio Vaticano transmitter is three times higher than the levels authorized under Italian law.
AFP