By Andy McCue, 14 January 2004 15:50
NEWS A new report by UK government scientists says there is still no evidence of any health risks from mobile phones and masts - but it has been slammed by campaigners who claim it has ignored vital research, particularly on 3G.
The independent Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation (AGNIR) reviewed research on the health effects of radiofrequency (RF) transmissions from handsets and masts that has been published since the Stewart Report into mobile phones and health in 2000.
That original report concluded that existing radiation emission guidelines were safe for adults, although it recommended that children should not be exposed to mobile phones for long periods and should use them only in emergencies.
The new AGNIR report, Health Effects from Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields, claims evidence on the effect of low-level radiation emissions from handsets is "inconclusive", and that mobile phone base station masts are "unlikely to pose a health risk". But the AGNIR admits that more research needs to be carried out.
"The published research on RF exposures and health has limitations, and mobile phones have only been in widespread use for a relatively short time," the report said. "The possibility therefore remains open that there could be health effects from exposure to RF fields below guideline levels; hence continued research is needed."
Mast Action, which campaigns for stricter legislation on radiation emissions and the planning process for mobile-mast siting, claims that the AGNIR report ignores important research showing harmful effects from low-level emissions near mobile masts.
Mast Action's Lynne Edmunds told silicon.com: "Low-level radiation produces biological effects that are not covered in any of the British guidelines, which only measure the heating effect on human tissue."
She said Mast Action has seen evidence in various communities around the UK of biological effects, including interrupted sleep, full-body skin rashes, nosebleeds and severe migraines, occurring suddenly in people who did not suffer from these conditions before the transmission masts were erected.
A Dutch report from last year that found 3G masts emitting one volt per metre on subjects in a two-mile radius caused headaches and nausea was not taken into account by the AGNIR. Edmunds said this is especially worrying, given that one mobile operator is currently erecting 3G masts in Scotland that will emit 30 volts per metre.
But the Mobile Operators Association, which represents the UK's five networks, welcomed the report.
Mike Dolan, executive director of the MOA, said in a statement: "The Report clearly confirms the findings of the Stewart Report, which concluded that the balance of evidence suggests that mobile-phone technologies do not cause adverse health effects."
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1. Drew Edgar
MIKE DOLAN'S DECEPTION
As is to be expected by spin doctor Dolan, he knowingly & deliberately misrepresents the findings of the Stewart Report.
I am particularly concerned that the proven health risks - microwaves damage the brain & soft tissue, particularly of children or other vulnerable people such as the infirmed or the aged - make it utterly inappropriate to site masts close to people's homes, visible to everyone and close to working businesses and schools & hospitals.
Accordingly, in England’s second city, Birmingham City Council has an all-party policy of banning the erection of antennae on Council property.
The inquiry conducted by Sir William Stewart, a former UK Chief Medical Officer, recommended (The Stewart Report) on 11 May 2000 that a "precautionary approach" be taken to the erection of antennae.
Amongst the principal findings of the Stewart Report were -
· Some scientific evidence shows that radio-frequency (RF) radiation may affect biological function. It is not possible to say therefore that exposure to RF radiation, even at levels below national guidelines, is totally without potential adverse health effects.
· A precautionary approach should be adopted until more detailed information becomes available.
· Some people's well-being may be adversely affected by the environmental impact of mobile phone base stations (antennae) sited next to houses, schools or other buildings, as well as by fear of perceived direct effects.
· All base stations, including those under 15 metres, should have permitted development rights revoked and the siting of all new base stations (masts) should be subject to the normal planning process.
· The widespread use of mobile phones by children should be discouraged.
In conclusion, The Precautionary Principle (Maastricht Treaty 1993) is at one with Stewart's conclusions above. The Precautionary Principle is implicitly incorporated into environmental planning policy or guidance.
Furthermore, art.8 of the European Convention on Human Rights protects the right to respect for a person's private and family life, home and correspondence. I am advised, “that living in fear due to the proximity of a mast may infringe this right.”
Councils, their Committees and procedures are bound by the legislation to which I have referred
TETRA
There’s a process in the brain known as ’calcium efflux’ – CE.
The Stewart Committee, led by Sir William Stewart, a former UK Chief Medical Officer, affirmed that CE is a vital part of brain activity, especially in the function of nerve cells. If it isn’t working properly it can seriously affect both the brain itself and all sorts of bodily functions that are controlled by the brain.
The Stewart Committee looked at how CE was affected by microwave “pulsing” - vibrating at billions of times a second, but intermittently at say 5,10, 15 or 20 Hz (times a second).
7 of 11 experiments showed significant effects on CE from pulsing, particularly pulsing at around 16 times a second, at low levels of microwave radiation.
The Stewart Report concluded “the weight of evidence suggests that [pulsing around 16 cycles per second] does increase the release of calcium from brain tissue”.
GSM presently has no major pulsing around 16 Hz whilst TETRA, pulsing at 17.6 Hz, is now being rolled out nationwide.
Scientists on the Stewart Committee who knew about TETRA did not give prominence to the vital knowledge about its possible harmful effects. The Committee was given only a ‘safe’ reference to other technology, which wouldn’t cause any alarm.
Several times since publication of the Report (11 May 2000), Sir William Stewart has been quoted as saying that he was kept in the dark over TETRA by scientists on the Committee.
Last month, MPs called for a complete overhaul of the planning system for putting up mobile-phone masts. The move follows a report that concluded operators (on whose behalf Mike Dolan spins) are ignoring volunta