October,
2006
Mobile Phone/Mast Radiation
I attended the first meeting for the EMF Discussion Group at the Health
Protection Agency for Radiation Protection (HPA - RPD) on 2nd March 2006; the
meeting was chaired by Sir William Stewart and included key people from the
HPA, 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 needs to be followed up with action and I along with fellow
members of the group are committed on behalf of EHS people, cancer patients
and the many other people suffering with problems related to emfs to see this
through to the end. I would like to take this opportunity to thank 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 web site. The second meeting is due to take place in
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. They seem to get it wrong every time! 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.
See Telegraph news report: Pylon cancer fears put £7bn blight on house
prices.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=KICYAAGPSMXEHQFIQMFSFFOAVCBQ0IV0?xml=/news/2006/04/29/npylons29.xml&sSheet=/portal/2006/04/29/ixportaltop.html
Other countries such as Taiwan and Vietnam are now taking measures to protect
the public from EMF exposures.
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 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
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?
What sort of society are we living in when only certain people are allowed to
earn a living, consigning the rest to live out their lives in pain, enforced
poverty and isolation? By encouraging the proliferation of wireless devices,
society has created an invisible under-class who are denied the opportunities
available to everyone else. ES 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 unacceptable to say "keep your distance from electrical
appliances" or "Get over it, take a pain killer" then you
could travel to work and be employed in our WiFi office surrounded by
cordless and mobile phones". Why should EHS people in the UK be any
different to the recognised EHS people in Sweden?
We want prevention and protection, we need to be treated with respect and
honestly represented by the people in power we deserve nothing less.
The UK Government has taken over £22 billion in the selling of the licences
to the mobile phone industry. They put £3.5 million back into research along
with £3.5 million from the Mobile Phone Industry. Further support was
announced on November, 04 for research on three additional studies for the
MTHR programme. While we welcome further research, we are concerned that it
lacks true independence and would prefer the funding to go to an independent
group of scientists.
Other countries medical professions recognise that some people are sensitive
to non-ionising radiation. Sweden now has a medical register of 285,000 and
California 700,000. We believe these figures are underestimated, since many
people are not aware that their symptoms are connected to a condition known
as electro-sensitivity or hypersensitivity (EHS) people. However, if the same
figures apply to the UK this could indicate over 2.1 million people are
knowingly or unknowingly affected to environmental fields (EMF).
Sir William Stewart, head of the UK's Health Protection Agency (HPA), has
called for the precautionary principle to be invoked, especially where
children are concerned, as they will absorb a higher dose of radiation and
for a longer period of time.
We are now seeing evidence of cancer clusters appearing in radiation from
phone masts after long-term exposure, throughout the UK. There appears to be
a cancer epidemic across Europe with younger people developing this deadly
disease.
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.
Campaign groups have also been working with retired physicist Dr John Walker.
Six studies now show an increase in serious illness appearing in radiation
from masts after long-term exposure. I would suggest that the threefold
increase found in the Naila study up to 400m and the fourfold increase found
in the Israel study will be much higher. These figures will be diluted; they
will have taken in the whole area within the 350/400m range. Dr John Walker's
research clearly shows the clusters of illness appear in radiation at
exposures of around 1.5v/m, which is below the guidelines significantly
permitting around 40 to 50 v/m (varying according to microwave frequency). . We
believe the increase will be approx 10 to 12 per cent within concentrated
areas see examples at-: http://www.starweave.com/gallery/
This situation demands proper and full investigation.
The hamlet of Wishaw is a prime example-:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2003/04/25/nmast25.xml
Five ladies developed breast cancer
One case of prostrate cancer
One bladder cancer
One lung cancer
Three cases of pre-cancer cervical cells
One motor neurone disease age 51, who also had massive tumour removed from
the top of his spine.
People have developed benign lumps
Electro-sensitivity
Three cases of severe skin rashes
Many villagers suffering with sleep problems, headaches, dizziness and low
immune system problems.
Horse with blood problems, continuous treatment needed by the vet.
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. We
are now in contact/communication with many people who are suffering from
this form of radiation throughout the UK and Europe.
One other important fact is that since the Wishaw Mast vanished on November
2003, many of the residents are reporting a restored feeling of well-being. The
residents are reporting improvement in their sleep patterns and increased
energy levels. The headaches and dizzy symptoms have disappeared. We have
recently seen a baby boom with three babies born in the village, one of the
ladies had previously had treatment for pre-cancer cervical cells, another
had previously suffered a miscarriage. We have also seen a return of wildlife
in the area and the horse has since recovered and is now strong and healthy
and no longer needs treatment. Finally a tree has blossomed for the first
time in 10 years in line with the mast.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2003/11/30/nmast30.xml&sSheet=/news/2003/11/30/ixhome.html
Many animal studies have shown biological effects. The most recent study
White Stork Ciconia ciconia by Alfonso Balmori Valladolid, 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 and Kas of 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 seem to 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
The effects of EMR are being felt by wildlife and the environment as a whole,
Birds, bees, worms, trees are all being affected. We need to fight for not
only the future of mankind but for the future of the whole environment.
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.
Medical Doctors are also campaigning for precaution.
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 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.
My oncologist and breast cancer surgeon supplied me with a letter on 9th
December 2003 stating that "we agree that there is some scientific
evidence that suggests microwaves can damage cells but as yet there is no
direct evidence that this is a problem in humans. We would agree that this
issue needs to be raised at the highest level and funding released to support
the debate and independent research to get a definitive answer."
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
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).
I am concerned that radiation from phones will intensify around the mouth 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 . This is an area that needs
urgent attention!!!
Also enclosed recent BBC report on 50% increase in cancer in teenagers as
reported byTim Eden - from Manchester's Christie hospital
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4366606.stm
I have taken this fight to Westminster, visited Director Generals in Brussels
along with fellow trustee Mike Bell and scientists Dr Oberfeld and Professor
Olle Johansson. I have given evidence to Birmingham and Liverpool City
Council, met with Merseyside Fire Authority along side Dr Gerard Hyland and
given presentations to 100's of packed meetings throughout the UK.
I attended a meeting with Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt on 6th January
2006 along with fellow trustee for the EM-Radiation Research Trust, Brian
Stein. We presented her with a huge file of research/information for the
Department of Health to consider. I 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, quote:
Dr Robert O. Becker – twice nominated for the Nobel Prize
"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.''
Overall background radiation is excessive not least because we have eleven
national infrastructures, four GSM operators, five 3G, one TETRA and shortly
the Network Rail GSM. No other utilities duplicate their infrastructures, yet
maintain competition. Further, the mobile phone operators have gone far
beyond being a utility, into hi-tech mass marketing of entertainment and
business services.
The phone industry are un-elected officials who forcefully and
undemocratically ignore the wishes and concerns of local communities.
For the sake of us all especially our children, non-ionising radiation is 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. A huge education
programme should be launched providing public information, encouraging the
use of mobile phones for emergency use only.
Mrs Eileen O'Connor
Trustee – EM Radiation Research Trust – www.radiationresearch.org
Founder – SCRAM (Seriously Concerned Residents Against Masts) www.scram.uk.com
Quotes:
There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must
never be a time when we fail to protest.
- Elie Wiesel
It is the spirit and not the form of law that keeps justice alive.
- Earl Warren
You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change
something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.
- Buckminster Fuller
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