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riirem alerts the WHO
17/09/2008 5:46 pm
The organization that you direct recently published (May 2006) an explanatory document: “Fact Sheet Paper on Electromagnetic Fields and Health.” In its conclusion, it stated that “considering the very low levels of exposure and the results of studies conducted to date, there is no compelling science which confirms the possible noxious effects of base stations and wireless networks on health.”
Dear Mr. Director,
The organization that you direct recently published (May 2006) an explanatory document: “Fact Sheet Paper on Electromagnetic Fields and Health.” In its conclusion, it stated that “considering the very low levels of exposure and the results of studies conducted to date, there is no compelling science which confirms the possible noxious effects of base stations and wireless networks on health.”
Our association can’t help but be surprised and regret that such a position, which it finds to be non-pertinent and of a nature that establishes a general feeling of security that is unfounded, has been taken.
To support our criticism, we would like to submit to you the principal elements of our argument, asking you to examine them carefully.
(...)
in addition to the thermic effects, the non-ionizing radiation also provokes effects which are known as “athermic” and which are linked to the living character of the receptor organism. These effects are unpredictable in that they manifest themselves in a specific manner depending on the person who is affected and even within the same person depending on the time and the physiological condition. In this capacity, the intensity of the radiation received remains a significant parameter, but the frequency of the radiation, the structure of the wave which is received (modulated or not) and the condition of the living receptor organism can also be decisive.
(...)
Numerous studies performed in vitro and in vivo have shown the non-thermic effects from microwave radiation, particularly radiation from mobile phones and cell towers. We will limit our references just to those which we find the most significant:
In vitro:
- alteration in the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) enzyme activity
- effects on the electrochemistry in the brain (flow of calcium)
- increase in chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in the lymphocytes in human blood.
In vivo:
- increased permeability in the hemato-encephalic barrier in rats
- effects on the functioning of the brain’s dopamine-opiate system
- increase in the rate of rupture of DNA in the brains of rats
(...)
There is still a great deal of scientific work to be done to understand the mechanisms which explain the pathologies provoked by exposure to radiation from microwaves emitted at a low frequency, such as those connected with mobile phones. Nevertheless, the existence of these pathologies and their connection with frequent or prolonged exposure has been widely proven, especially among those who live near cell towers.
Therefore, we believe that it is inadmissible to ignore these facts and to argue that we have a current lack of scientific certitude regarding the biological mechanisms at stake and expose populations to radiation levels and frequencies which could be, based on the relevant scientific studies, considered hazardous to our health.
The prestige of the World Health Organization necessitates that it adopt such an attitude; otherwise, it will be subordinating health to the most powerful industrial interests.
Le (riirem alerte l’OMS - Lettre adressée au Directeur de l’OMS en réaction à l’aide-mémoire n°299 de mars 2006
(riirem.
27.07.2006.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs299/fr/index.html
http://www.criirem.org
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