NEWSLETTER - Summer 2006
Contents : Mobile Phone / Mast Radiation, ICNIRP Review, Pylons / Shielding, Electrosensitivity, History, Animal Studies, The Doctors , Spectran
Mobile Phone/Mast Radiation The first meeting for the EMF Discussion Group was held on 2nd March 2006; the meeting was chaired by Sir William Stewart and included key people from the Health Protection Agency, Department of Health, Mobile Operators Association (MOA) and representatives from campaign groups. It was a positive meeting and hopefully the first of many. Sir William has invited the EMF Discussion Group to provide a forum to consider health concerns related to exposure to EMFs and provide an input to EMF advice from the HPA.
Discussion however needs to be followed up with action we are committed on behalf of EHS people, cancer patients and the many other people suffering with problems related to EMF's to see this through. Thanks to Sir William Stewart for opening up an important and urgent debate.
You will be pleased to know that the record note of the March 2nd meeting is now posted on the HPA website. The second meeting is due to take place on 16th October 2006 .
The address is given below:
http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/understand/radiation_topics/emf/emfdg/index.htm
ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection) is reviewing its safety Guidelines for exposure to EMR - April 2006. “The U.S. Federal Communications Commission, (FCC's) exposure guidelines are considered protective of effects arising from a thermal mechanism but not from all possible mechanisms. Therefore, the generalisation by many that the guidelines protect human beings from harm by any or all mechanisms is not justified ” Norbert Hankin, Key EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) scientist USA .
Dr.George. Carlo Carroll &Graff 2001. Safe levels of exposure to all forms of radiation have been lowered continuously since the 1920s. From; Cell Phones Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age.
The UK has allowed the highest output of radiation in the world. The UK recently adopted lower levels of radiation by accepting guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection ‘ICNIRP'. However, the ICNIRP standard does not offer any form of protection other than from the heating effects of microwave radiation. In other words ICNIRP only protects your body from properties of high levels of elevated temperatures. A very substantial body of peer reviewed science clearly shows many biological changes have already happened.
The Government and Health Protection Agency Radiation Protection (HPA RPD) -formerly known as the NRPB now admit that magnetic fields at the power levels of 0.4 microtesla doubles the risk of contracting leukaemia, whilst other European Countries have brought down their power levels to 1 or 2 microtesla, the UK remain 100 times higher. Pylons / Shielding
Other countries such as Taiwan and Vietnam are now taking measures to protect the public from EMF exposures and we have brought thi to Sir William Stewarts attention. Taiwan
http://www.digitimes.com/telecom/a20060316A9052.html
Electromagnetic radiation issues mean large costs for mobile-telecom carriers in Taiwan. Yinxuan Wang, Taipei; Adam Hwang, DigiTimes.com [Thursday 16 March 2006] According to TTIDA statistics, about 2,700 of 49,000 existing base stations around Taiwan were under protest and nearly 900 were finally demolished in 2005. The operators spent a total of more than (US$30.8 million) in dealing with such issues. This year, the total cost incurred is likely to rise to (US$61.7 million), the operators estimate.
Vietnam
http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/?catid=3&newsid=13602
Protective shielding is to go up near high-voltage power lines
Some 2,099 households in central Vietnam are to be protected from dangerous electromagnetic fields emanating from a high-voltage power line with shielding technology, said Power Company No 2. The shields are to be set up to protect homes in line with Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) practice by end of March through central Vietnam, beginning in Gia Lai province and running north to Quang Binh province.
Leukemia, lymphoma and cancer of the nervous system are diseases that can be caused in children exposed to the powerful electromagnetic waves without protection. The shield system is considered the most effective measure to combat the waves and effectively protect anyone that spends excessive periods of time near high-voltage power lines. Reported by Quang Thang - Translated by Thanh Tuan
Electrosensitivity
A report on electronic smog by Geoffrey Lean, Environment Editor writing for the UK Independent news paper 7th May 2006. It states the curse of the mobile phone age: around your home there are countless gadgets whose electrical fields, scientists now warn, are linked to depression, miscarriage and cancer. Please go to enclosed website link for more information.
http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article362557.ece
Reporter Nic Flemings article in the Telegraph 4/11/2005 reported Dr Jill Meara of the UK Health Protection Agency as saying people who think they suffer from electro-sensitivity should consider keeping their distance from electrical appliances. This was the advice from the Health Protection Agency following the Irvine report:
http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/publications/hpa_rpd_reports/index.htm
It is not good enough telling the estimated 2 million EHS people suffering to keep their distance from electric devices. What do you do if you have a phone mast next to your home? How do you keep away from that?
EHS victims are often unable to use their talents and capabilities to earn a living through denial of access to transport and places most people take for granted. With other forms of disability, society has taken the view that such a situation is unacceptable and as legislated to ensure equal access and equal opportunity.
It is somewhat dismissive to say “keep your distance from electrical appliances” or “Get over it, take a pain killer” when you could travel to work and be employed in our WiFi office surrounded by cordless and mobile phones”. There appears to be little understanding of the nature of EHS or even of its existence in the UK unlike some of our European neighbours such as Sweden.
We must surely be looking at including measures to combat these emissions.
History The Naila Study, Germany (November 2004) – This study, conducted over 10 years was released by The Federal Agency for Radiation Protection, Germany. Medical doctors compiled case histories since 1994 – 2004, looking at heightened risk of taking ill with malignant tumours. They discovered a threefold increase after five years exposure to microwave radiation from a mobile phone mast transmitter for up to 400 metres distance, compared to those patients living further away.
A study carried out by Ronni Wolf MD and Danny Wolf MD, Kaplan Medical Centre, Israel (April 2004) discovered a fourfold increase in cancer within 350 metres after long-term exposure to microwave radiation from a mobile phone mast and a tenfold increase specifically among women, compared to patients living away from the masts. Six other short-term mobile phone mast studies have also found significant health effects such as headaches, dizziness, depression, fatigue, sleep disorder, difficulty in concentration and cardiovascular problems:
1) H-P Hutter, H Moshammer, P Wallner and M Kundi
http://oem.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/63/5/307
Subjective symptoms, sleeping problems, and cognitive performance in subjects living near mobile phone base stations: Conclusion: Despite very low exposure to HF-EMF, effects on wellbeing and performance cannot be ruled out, as shown by recently obtained experimental results; however, mechanisms of action at these low levels are unknown.
2) Santini et al (Paris) [Pathologie Biologie (Paris)] 2002
http://www.emrnetwork.org/position/santini_hearing_march6_02.pdf
3) Netherlands Ministries of Economic Affairs, Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment and Health Welfare and Sport. (TNO) 2003
http://www.unizh.ch/phar/sleep/handy/tnoabstractE.htm
4)The Microwave Syndrome – Further Aspect of a Spanish Study – Oberfeld Gerd. Press International Conference in Kos (Greece), 2004
http://www.mindfully.org/Technology/2004/Microwave-Syndrome-Oberfeld1may04.htm
5) Austrian scientists Dr Gerd Oberfeld send out a press release 1 May 2005 with this report:
‘A study in Austria examined radiation from a mobile phone mast at a distance of 80 metres; EEG tests of 12 electro-sensitive people proved significant changes in the electrical currents of the brains. Volunteers for the test reported symptoms like buzzing in the head, palpitations of the heart, un-wellness, light headedness, anxiety, breathlessness, respiratory problems, nervousness, agitation, headache, tinnitus, heat sensation and depression.
6)Bamberg, Germany 26-April, 2005 Dr C Waldmann-Selsam, Dr U. Säeger,
Bamberg, Oberfranken evaluated the medical complaints of 356 people who have had long-term [radiation] exposure in their homes from pulsed high frequency magnetic fields (from mobile phone base stations, from cord-less DECT telephones, amongst others).
People suffer from one, several or many of the following symptoms:
Sleep disturbances, tiredness, disturbance in concentration, forgetfulness, problem with finding words, depressive mood, ear noises, sudden loss of hearing, hearing loss, giddiness, nose bleeds, visual disturbances, frequent infections, sinusitis, joint and limb pains, nerve and soft tissue pains, feeling of numbness, heart rhythm disturbances, increased blood pressure episodes, hormonal disturbances, night-time sweats, nausea: Open letter to German Prime Minister following from the Bamberger study http://www.tetrawatch.net/links/links.php?id=stoiberlet
If you compare the results of the “Bamberger Appell” study to “The Microwave Syndrome – Further Aspects of a Spanish Study Oberfeld & Navarro 2004”. Both studies seem to show the same symptoms being reported at the same level of powerflux density. Animal Studies
Out of the eighteen houses surrounding the mast at up to a range of 500 metres, 77% of the tiny hamlet had health related illness believed to be as a result of radiation from the mast. The out break of illness occurred in 2001 after seven years of exposure to the radiation emitted by the T-Mobile mast.
Since the Wishaw Mast was removed in November 2003, many of the residents are reporting a restored feeling of well-being with improvement in their sleep patterns and increased energy levels. The headaches and dizzy symptoms have disappeared.
Many animal studies have shown biological effects. The most recent study White Stork Ciconia ciconia by Alfonso Balmori Vallodolid, Spain is published in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 24: 109-119, 2005.] Behavioural observations of white stork nesting sites up to 300 metres were carried out. Productivity and behavioural observations were made. The results have shown microwaves are interfering with reproduction which is comparable with other lab studies.
Loscher & Kas, Universities of Hannover Veterinary School and University of the German Army in Munich 1998.
A study funded by the Bavarian State Government in Germany following reported adverse health effects in dairy cattle after a Telecoms Mast had been erected. There was a significant drop in the milk yield of that herd of cattle and Extraordinary Behaviour Disorders in some of the cows related to the microwave transmissions from that Mast. When the cattle were moved away from its vicinity after a period the milk yield and the behaviour of that herd was totally restored to normal. However, when the cattle were returned to the mast environment their symptoms returned.
Animal studies are of great importance as biological effects cannot be put down to psychological effects.
Microwaves may also be interfering with human reproduction according to a recent paper by Dr Imre Fejes of the obstetrics and gynaecology department at the University of Szeged in Hungary who concludes: “The prolonged use of cell phones may have a negative effect on sperm production and male fertility that deteriorates both concentration and motility.” See news report-: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1159951,00.html
Vienna physicians are displaying information posters in doctor’s surgeries. They state radiation from mobile phones is far from being harmless as they have been told by the cell phone companies. They have therefore, in order to act responsibly, the Chamber of Doctors in Vienna, Austria, has decided to inform people about potential medical risks.
The Doctors
Doctor Caroline Lucas MEP, one of the Radiation research Trustee has been campaigning actively for changes and is perticulary concerned about the risks to children. We have found similar concern reflected by the medical profession around the world:
Finland: Helsinki Appeal 2005
http://www.emrpolicy.org/news/headlines/helsinki_appeal_05.pdf
The Helsinki Appeal 2005 from EMF Team Finland calls on the European Parliament to act promptly for the adoption of the new safety standard in the European Union. Physicians and researchers, feel great concern about the Precautionary Principle not being sufficiently applied to electromagnetic fields. They want the standards recommended by ICNIRP to be rejected, because recent scientific studies report various disturbances caused by mobile phone and other RF radiation. They also appeal to the European Community to take prompt measures for solving the refunding of the REFLEX project, which showed evidence of genotoxic effects of mobile phone radiation and should be continued:
http://www.emrpolicy.org/
The Irish Doctors' Environmental Association - http://www.ideaireland.org/ believes that a sub-group of the population are particularly sensitive to exposure to different types of electro-magnetic radiation. The safe levels currently advised for exposure to this non-ionising radiation are based solely on its thermal effects. However, it is clear that this radiation also has non-thermal effects, which need to be taken into consideration when setting these safe levels. The electro-sensitivity experienced by some people results in a variety of distressing symptoms which must also be taken into account when setting safe levels for exposure to non-ionising radiation and when planning the siting of masts and transmitters.
Catania Resolution September 13-14, 2002, 16 world leading scientists at the International Conference State of the Research on Electromagnetic Fields, Scientific and Legal Issues, by ISPESL*, the University of Vienna, and the City of Catania, held in Catania (Italy) on September, 2002,
Thirty GPs in Liverpool
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=13656858&method=full&siteid=50061-name_page.html
It was reported in the Liverpool Echo on November 2003 “bad medicine”. A group of thirty, hospital doctors and consultants have signed a petition over the installation of a mast which they believe is a risk to health.
Freiburger Appeal
http://www.laleva.cc/environment/freiburger_appeal.html
In October 2002 a team of German medical doctors started the Freiburger Appeal. After seeing a dramatic rise in severe and chronic diseases, they have noted a clear temporal and spatial correlation between disease and exposure to microwave radiation. The appeal has since been signed by thousands of doctors. Furthermore, the Russians, Chinese and many other parts of Europe are rejecting ICNIRP standards and are concerned about the biological effects. The Ministry of Chinese Health revealed that in the last ten years studies on radiation similar to that emitted by the mobile phone industry have shown a majority of results are showing biological effects. Out of 154 studies, 88 or 57% have shown biological effects such as cancer, genetic molecular and cellular changes, electro physiology effects, behaviour changes etc. in a survey by Dr Henry Lai, Washington University, Seattle 2003. It said that the amount of evidence for biological effects and the characteristics of these are so alarming, that all efforts should be dedicated to find a way to minimize these effects
China held an International Conference September 2005 in order to discuss and establish Asian Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ACNIRP). Research scientists have found that relatively low-level of RF (radio-frequency) radiation can lead to DNA breaks.
The REFLEX report also highlights RF-induced DNA breaks. The REFLEX project was set up to investigate the effects of low-levels of RF radiation on cellular systems; cost of approximately $3 million. The work was carried out by 12 research groups in seven European countries. Yet again it was shown RF radiation could increase the number of DNA breaks in exposed cells and could also activate a stress response – the production of heat shock proteins. It was clear chromosome damage could be seen in the cell exposed to mobile phone radiation over 24 hour’s exposure at SAR level 1.3W/kg, ICNIRP/WHO level = 2W/kg, similar chromosome damage can be seen in the cell exposed to irradiation equal to
1600 chest x-rays.
You can view an image of the comet-assay cell damage on Dr Gerd Oberfeld’s Westminster Presentation on www.radiationresearch.org Here
Full report visit: http://www.verum-foundation.de/www2004/html/pdf/euprojekte01/REFLEX_Final%20Report_Part%201.pdf
The Daily Mail reported a 25% increase in young people being hit by mouth cancer on 25/9/05. The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) said risk factors are normally caused by smoking and drinking, however none of these are common risks in younger people. The figure is forecast to rise sharply in the next ten years, with people in their twenties and thirties increasingly vulnerable. (Daily Mail Report 10/11/03).
If children or adults are wearing braces or have fillings, metal intensifies radiation. See statement : http://www.chemistryquestion.com/English/Questions/ChemistryInDailyLife/23c_microwave_metal.html . Again, worth researching. Also enclosed recent BBC report on 50% increase in cancer in teenagers as reported by Tim Eden - from Manchester's Christie hospital http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4366606.stm
If children or adults are wearing braces or have fillings, metal intensifies radiation. See statement : http://www.chemistryquestion.com/English/Questions/ChemistryInDailyLife/23c_microwave_metal.html . Again, worth researching.
Also enclosed recent BBC report on 50% increase in cancer in teenagers as reported by Tim Eden - from Manchester's Christie hospital http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4366606.stm
Trustees Brian Stein and Eileen O'Connor met with Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt on 6 th January 2006. They presented her with a file of research/information for the Department of Health to consider, and summed up the meeting by quoting a paragraph taken from evidence provided by Robert O. Becker, M.D. in evidence given to Birmingham City Council Scrutiny Committee:
"I have no doubt in my mind that at the present time, the greatest polluting element in the earth's environment is the proliferation of electromagnetic fields. I consider that to be far greater on a global scale, than warming, and the increase in chemical elements in the environment.''
Yet the leaflets form the Department of Health on mobile phones and masts have not been updated since 2000! Sir William Stewart has called for this to happen now! Eleven national infrastructures – four GSM operators, five 3G, one TETRA and shortly the Network Rail GSM – duplicate their infrastructures. Further, the mobile phone operators have gone far beyond their original remit, being now into hi-tech mass marketing of entertainment and business services. The second 3G auction is due in 2007.
Our children, in this age of increasing non-ionising radiation, are a high priority for public health. Mobile phone networks should use the lowest possible exposure values, exclusion zones for masts from schools and homes should be brought in based on current empirical evidence. We recently shared a platform with the Rt. Hon. Oliver Letwin at Dorchester to speak against a huge new mast in a school. Luckily the councillors listened and the application failed. A huge education programme should be launched providing public information, encouraging the use of mobile phones for emergency use only, and let the Government offer the public full information on the issue, not expansion of masts by stealth or default.
The Mail on Sunday on 7 May advised how O2 was busy lavishing hospitality towards senior police and fire officers – “blatant corporate payoff”. You can contrast this with Stockholm 's council making it a criminal offence from August 2006 for commuters caught using mobile phones outside designated areas on buses, trains and trams!
Let's try and strike a balance – the Curry Bill which fell on 3 March 2006 should be re-enacted and now that Ruth Kelly has taken over from the ODPM's inertia, let us have some sensible new planning process taking the above issues into account.
Spectran UK Preview - A low cost handheld professional field tool for EMF detection was previewed in the UK on the 11/06/06. The German made innovation is already proving popular in Europe for its ease of use, portability and accuracy. Aimed at both the professional and home market the product is planned for release in the UK in three models, the basic model capable of detection and analysis of field strength, frequency and direction of EMF's likely to be found within domestic environments. Other models boast the ability to scan the entire EMF spectrum up to around 10 GHz with the ability to log and download the information gathered to a p.c for in-depth analysis. You can also pre-set 10 hot keys for 'quick scans' of the area's of your interest - e.g. WiFi, Mobile phone base stations, DECT etc. You can pre-order or register an interest here or get further product information from the manufacturer's site here.
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