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Scientists Urge Greater Precaution and
Independent Research, to Protect Health from Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)
A group of scientists is urging people to take sensible precautions
against potential health risks related to exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF).
They also call for a full and independent review of the scientific
evidence that points to hazards from current EMF exposure conditions world-wide, and for an independent, publicly
managed research program to investigate critical issues of health and safety.
At a meeting held in Benevento, Italy last February 2006, these
scientists reviewed current scientific evidence on potential health effects related to EMF exposure in the
extremely-low frequency (ELF) and radio frequency (RF) band of the electromagnetic spectrum (0-300GHz).
Energies of these frequencies, called non-ionizing, are used in electrical transmission, distribution and
electrical use by the public, by radio and television broadcasts, cellular transmissions, wireless internet access
and more.
These scientists believe that exposure to even the weak fields emitted
by these technologies can affect biological systems.
After several months of debate, 31 scientists, have just signed a
consensus statement, called the "Benevento Resolution" to advise the public and the scientific community
of their strong belief that there are adverse health effects from current EMF exposure conditions.
They urge more prudent use of all EMF-emitting devices, products and
services. They specifically advise children and young teenagers be guided to limit use of cellular and
cordless phones and that marketing campaigns to them should be banned.
Dr. Sandro D'Allessandro, a physician and Mayor of Benevento from 2001
- 2006, at the time the City of Benevento sponsored the February 2006 meeting, states, "Public opposition to
two high power transmission lines that went through a nearby village, Contrada San Vitale, led to their
removal. As a physician, and as the Mayor of Benevento, I share public concern about electromagnetic safety.
We sponsored this workshop in response to public interest in knowing more about the science on
bioelectromagnetics."
The 3-day workshop, entitled, "Precautionary EMF Approach:
Rationale, Legislation and Implementation", began on February 22, 2006. The organizer was the
International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety (ICEMS), who invited participants from12 different countries -
Brazil, Canada, China, Israel, Italy, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United
States.
The Benevento Resolution of 2006 affirms the Catania Resolution,
adopted in 2002, that conveyed a similar scientific position. These resolutions apply the Precautionary
Principle to encourage more protective safety measures be employed in the design, manufacture, and
standard-setting process for all EMF-emitting technologies, calling for health assessments of current EMF exposure
conditions for the general public and for workers.
Prof. Livio Guiliani, ICEMS Spokesman, who directs research programs
for the "Instituto Superiore per la Prevenzione e la Sicurezza del Lavoro" (ISPESL), the Italian Health
Ministry's worker safety and protection program, stated, "Why is it taking so long to get these concerns
addressed? Scientific controversy about EMF and this meeting provide new reasons to reach an agreement on
increased public health and worker safety protection. The criticisms of some scientists who ignore the
epidemiological findings are effectively challenged as new experimental results were presented that indicate
mechanisms of electromagnetic field non-thermal bio-interaction."
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1 The Precautionary Principle states -
"When there is uncertainty concerning possible adverse effects
from an exposure, the risks from in action may be much greater than the risks of action to control these
exposures, and the burden of proof is shifted from those suspecting the risk to those who deny it." |
