Betreff: The Radiation Blob, Indeed
Von: Dr. George L. Carlo
Datum: Sat, 02 Jun 2007 20:52:54 -0400



Subject: The Radiation Blob, Indeed

To the Editor of The Guardian:
 
 I am appalled by the insensitive, mean-spirited and factually incorrect opinion put forth by Andrew Goldacre in The Guardian (Saturday, June 02, 2007).  His premise, that patients suffering from symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity are misinformed hypochondriacs, reeks of the adage: “Those who are saying don’t know; and those who know, arent saying.”  Goldacre does not know.  It is time for those who know to speak up.
 
For the past five years, through our Safe Wireless Initiative project, we have operated the only post-market surveillance database in the world systematically collecting symptom information from thousands of patients suffering from the effects of various forms of electro-magnetic radiation (EMR).  In addition, we coordinate a network of clinicians who regularly share information about their experiences treating patients with these conditions, another important and unique resource. Thus, we do not rely solely on self-reported information but have corroboration from treating doctors.  It is noteworthy that our health concerns registry will open in the UK through a  new local Safe Wireless Initiative branch within the month.  This is an important public health step because in the UK, there are absolutely no reliable data on the incidence and prevalence of EMR-related conditions.  Thus, Goldacres speculations are all the more misinformed, but clarity is forthcoming.  
 
In the Safe Wireless Initiative, we have a number of scientific papers in various stages of the peer-review process expected to be published by year’s end addressing this emerging medical problem. However, in the interim we continue to share summary information from our registry database in various fora around the world, including a February 2007 presentation at the House of Commons, for the benefit of clinicians and patients alike. 
 
Overall, our data show the following:
 
It is a fact that every serious public health problem man has faced has first been identified through clinical observations, the historically confirmed first line of evidence for preventing epidemic spread of disease.   It is a disservice to the public when uninformed speculation serves to lessen the acuity with which important early signs that can save lives are seen and heeded.

Dr. George L. Carlo
Science and Public Policy Institute
1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW -- 7th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20004
www.sppionline.org
www.safewireless.org
202-756-7744