Electromagnetic fields – a new study but questions still remain

[22 October 2007 - 14h03]
[mis à jour le 23 October 2007 à 10h02]

On 31 August this year, the BioInitiative working group published a warning – received with almost complete indifference – about the dangers of exposure to electromagnetic fields. Which is by now, of course, a well-worn topic.

The The BioInitiative Working Group is made up of scientists and public health experts from America, Austria, China, Denmark and Sweden. They reviewed more than 2,000 studies and publications relating to the electromagnetic waves associated with mobile phones and phone masts.

Their conclusion is firm. “Long-term exposure can have serious effects on health”, they state in their report. Childhood leukaemia, brain tumours, Alzheimer’s disease … Electromagnetic waves appear to be particularly harmful. “Electromagnetic pollution is (in fact) the most invasive form of exposure to which human beings are subjected in western countries”, the experts conclude. “Our society cannot afford to wait before taking action”.

This warning is a far cry from the reassuring information given out by the World Health Organization! “Current data does not in any case confirm the existence of effects on health resulting from exposure to low intensity electromagnetic fields. However, our knowledge of the biological effects of these fields is still incomplete and research must continue to overcome these gaps.”. Put plainly, it’s best to wait and see.

Meanwhile, if in doubt and as a precaution, be careful how you use your mobile phone. Don’t use your phone for longer than ten minutes at a time and, most importantly, use an earpiece as much as possible. The aim is to keep the handset away from your head. And don’t give mobile phones to children under the age of 10. Doubts still remain about the risk of increased irradiation as young children’s cranium and nervous system are still not fully developed.

Source : BioInitiative.org, 31 August 2007, Cap21, WHO, 17 October 2007

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