Medical Practitioners Information Package

Electro-Magnetic Radiation - a Toxin?
Synopses

University of Albany, New York - 31 August, 2007 THE BIOINITIATIVE REPORT (616 pages)
An international working group of scientists, researchers and public health policy
professionals (The BioInitiative Working Group) has released its report raising serious public health concerns over exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) from power lines, cell phones and their transmitters. (PDF is bookmarked for section reference.)

1. Dr. Johansson : Today's Research is Tomorrow's Reality ( 7pp )
An interview with Olle Johansson at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm He is the head of the Unit for Experimental Dermatology at Department of Neuroscience. As a professor in cell biology, histology and neurobiology, his present employment is within basal and clinical neuroscience. Dr.Johansson has collaborated on over 500 research and scientific reports, review articles and book contributions and published them in journals like Science and Nature. His did his doctor's thesis in medicine at the Karolinska Institute.

Health effects from exposure
Swedish and international research clearly states that high frequency radio and microwaves from cellphones affect cells and tissue in both laboratory animals and humans. The first discovery on humans was first reported by Professor Johansson and described the levels between 5,000 and 25,000 times below the safety standard of 2W/kg. Since then researchers have repeatedly come to similar conclusions, even revealing results of 20 uW/kg, meaning 100,000 times (!) below this 'safety level'.

There is a document provided by Dr. Johansson of cited papers - see
Olle Johansson Authorities ( 27pp )

2. Freiburger Appeal ( 3pp )
An appeal started in 2002 in Germany and continuing to gain signatures from medical practitioners seeking action to curb pulsed high frequency microwave radiation. They identify the cluster of symptoms observed in humans exposed to such radiation. They make recommendations to reduce the hazardous exposure from cellphones, cordless phones and other wireless devices.

3. Bamberg Appeal, Aug 3, 2004, 114 physicians
German Doctors unite on RF health effects from masts

Open letter to Prime Minister of Germany August 2004
Summary: A number of German doctors are combining together to put forward their observations of adverse health effects from pulsed high-frequency EMFs (microwave) to the Prime Minister, Dr. Edmund Stoiber. The health effects include headaches, tiredness, inability to concentrate and dizziness, and show an alarming trend.

The following is written by the doctor who is representing the group, Dr. Cornelia Waldmann Selsam (Karl-May-Str.48, 96049 Bamberg):

Open letter to Edmund Stoiber, Prime Minister, Germany
These reports show that the people for years have been ill due to pulsed high frequency electromagnetic fields, without the treating doctors recognising the cause. For that reason, people who are receiving the high frequency at home or at work have suffered and are suffering and they receive no therapy. The deciding [effective] therapy is to end the exposure.

The continually repeated assertion in the media by the Radiological Protection Commission (Strahlenschutzkommission), that there is no proof for health risks under the present valid limits, has had the consequence that most doctors, (including myself until a year ago) have not drawn a relationship between the many unexplained illness patterns and high frequency radiation. The doctors do not know that at not one single mobile phone base station have investigations into the health-state of the people been carried out. Thus, the evaluation of the Strahlenschutzkommission in 2001 has no scientific basis.

In Oberfranken, we have just evaluated the medical complaints of 356 people who have had long-term [radiation] exposure in their homes.

• The pulsed high frequency electro magnetic fields (from mobile phone base stations, from cable-less DECT telephones, amongst others), led to a new, previously unknown pattern of illnesses with a characteristic symptom complex.

• 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.

• Even at 10µW/m2 (only 0.06 V/m average) many people are becoming ill.

• The symptoms occur in temporal and spatial relationship to exposure. It is no way only a subjective sensitivity disturbance. Disturbances of rhythm, hearing problems, sudden deafness, hearing loss, loss of vision, increased blood pressure, hormonal disturbances, concentration impairments, and others can be proved using scientific objective measures.

• Some of the health disturbance disappears immediately the exposure ceases (removal of DECT telephone, temporary moving away from home, permanently moving away, using shielding). Therefore, the expansion must be stopped immediately. Mobile phone base stations, in whose fields people are exposed to more than 10µW/m2 must be turned off. DECT telephones must be changed.

Affected people, relatives and doctors must jointly commit themselves and work together with all their energy [to this end].

From: http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20050722_bamberg.asp

4. European Physicians’ View - a summary ( 2pp )
The Vienna Medical Association warns that excessive cell phone use is clearly harmful, especially for children (August 2005) There is a summary of physician's observations of patients.

5. CATANIA RESOLUTION September 2002 http://www.energyfields.org/resources/catania.htm

The Scientists at the International Conference State of the Research on Electromagnetic Fields Scientific and Legal Issues , organized by ISPESL*, the University of Vienna and the City of Catania, held in Catania (Italy) on September 13th 14th, 2002, agree to the following:

1. Epidemiological and in vivo and in vitro experimental evidence demonstrates the existence for electromagnetic field (EMF) induced effects, some of which can be adverse to health.

2. We take exception to arguments suggesting that weak (low intensity) EMF cannot interact with tissue.

3. There are plausible mechanistic explanations for EMF-induced effects which occur below present ICNIRP and IEEE guidelines and exposure recommendations by the EU.

4. The weight of evidence calls for preventive strategies based on the precautionary principle. At times the precautionary principle may involve prudent avoidance and prudent use.

5. We are aware that there are gaps in knowledge on biological and physical effects, and health risks related to EMF, which require additional independent research.

6. The undersigned scientists agree to establish an international scientific commission to promote research for the protection of public health from EMF and to develop the scientific basis and strategies for assessment, prevention, management and communication of risk, based on the precautionary principle.

Fiorella Belpoggi, Fondazione Ramazzini, Italy
Carl F. Blackman, President of the Bioelectromagnetic Society (1990-1991), Raleigh, USA
Martin Blank, Department of Physiology, Columbia University, New York, USA
Emilio Del Giudice, INFN Milano, Italy
Livio Giuliani, University Camerino, Italy
Settimio Grimaldi, CNR-INMM, Roma, Italy
Lennart Hardell, Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Oerebro, Sweden
Michael Kundi, Institute of Environmental Health, University of Vienna, Austria
Henry Lai, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, USA
Abraham R. Liboff, Department of Physics, Oakland University, USA
Wolfgang Löscher, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
Kjell Hansson Mild, National Institute of Working Life, Umea, Sweden
Wilhelm Mosgoeller, Institute for Cancer Research, University of Vienna, Austria
Elihu D. Richter, Unit of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hebrew-University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
Umberto Scapagnini, Neuropharmacology, University of Catania, Italy, Member of the European Parliament
Stanislaw Szmigielski, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland
*Istituto Superiore per la Prevenzione e la Sicurezza del Lavoro, Italy (National Institute for Prevention and Work Safety, Italy)

6. Irish Doctors' Environmental Association [IDEA]
Cumann Comhshaoil Dhoctúirí na hÉireann
IDEA Position on Electro-Magnetic Radiation

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.

• An increasing number of people in Ireland are complaining of symptoms which, while they may vary in nature, intensity and duration, can be demonstrated to be clearly related to exposure to electro-magnetic radiation (EMR).

• International studies on animals over the last 30 years have shown the potentially harmful effects of exposure to electro-magnetic radiation. In observational studies, animals have shown consistent distress when exposed to EMR. Experiments on tissue cultures and rats have shown an increase in malignancies when exposed to mobile telephone radiation.

• Studies on mobile telephone users have shown significant levels of discomfort in certain individuals following extensive use or even, in some cases, following regular short-term use.

• The current safe levels for exposure to microwave radiation were determined based solely on the thermal effects of this radiation. There is now a large body of evidence that clearly shows that this is not appropriate, as many of the effects of this type of radiation are not related to these thermal effects.

The Irish Doctors' Environmental Association believes that the Irish Government should urgently review the information currently available internationally on the topic of the thermal and non-thermal effects of exposure to electro-magnetic radiation with a view to immediately initiating appropriate research into the adverse health effects of exposure to all forms of non-ionising radiation in this country, and into the forms of treatment available elsewhere. Before the results of this research are available, an epidemiological database should be initiated of individuals suffering from symptoms thought to be related to exposure to non-ionising radiation. Those claiming to be suffering from the effects of exposure to electro-magnetic radiation should have their claims investigated in a sensitive and thorough way, and appropriate treatment provided by the State.

The strictest possible safety regulations should be established for the installation of masts and transmitters, and for the acceptable levels of potential exposure of individuals to electro-magnetic radiation.
www.ideaireland.org

7. IDEA Study: Sensitivity to Non-Ionising Radiation in Ireland. ( 5pp )

8. Mobile Telecommunications and Health : the ECOLOG study ( 2pp )

Summary of the ECOLOG study for T-Mobile, 2000. Germany
In 2000, the same year the Stewart Report was commissioned by the UK Government, T-Mobil in Germany (the parent company of T-Mobile) commissioned a highly-rated independent research institute, the ECOLOG Institute in Hanover, to review all relevant available research to date with regard to the health risks from mobile telecommunications.

This review of over 220 peer-reviewed and published papers found strong indications for the cancer-initiating and cancer-promoting effects of high frequency electromagnetic fields used by mobile telephone technology. Experiments on cell cultures at power flux densities much lower than the guidelines, yielded strong indications for genotoxic effects of these fields, like single and double stranded DNA breaks and damage to chromosomes. The findings that high frequency electromagnetic fields influence cell transformation, cell growth promotion and cell communication also point to a carcinogenic potential of the fields used for mobile telephony. The study also found teratogenic effects (birth deformities) and loss of fertility in animal studies. Moreover, disruptions of other cellular processes, like the synthesis of proteins and the control of cell functions by enzymes, have been demonstrated.

9. Dr. Cherry: Evidence that Electromagnetic Radiation is Genotoxic: ( 3pp )
The implications for the epidemiology of cancer and cardiac, neurological and reproductive effects by Dr. Neil Cherry, June 2000 . New Zealand
Excerpted quotes from Dr. Neil Cherry study,
[See this study at: http:www.whale.to/b/cherry6.html ]

For scientific studies on cell phones / cellular towers go to: www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html

“It is observed that both biological effects and epidemiological effects appear to be the same or very similar from ELF exposure and from RF/MW exposures, including calcium ion efflux, melatonin reduction, DNA strand breakage, chromosome aberrations, leukaemia, brain cancer, breast cancer, miscarriage and neurological effects.”
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The article ends with the following:

Cell Phone Conclusions:

• Cell phones will highly probably increase many neurological diseases and brain tumours over the next 10 to 20 years.
  
• Cell sites will highly probably increase miscarriage, many cancers, many diseases, significant neurological and cardiac diseases and death.

• Thousands of cell sites being installed in communities, are significantly raising the exposure of millions of people to RF/MW at levels that are known to cause serious adverse health effects.

• The problems are going to increase unless rapid, drastic and determined moves are made to reverse the trend and only install new sites in locations that produce extremely low mean residential exposures, somewhat less than 10 nW/cm2 (0.01m W/cm2).

Dr. Neil Cherry presented a peer-reviewed research paper (with 122 references) in May 2000 to the New Zealand Parliament, to Italy, Austria, Ireland and the European Parliament in Brussels.
[ See this study at: http:www.whale.to/b/cherry6.html ]

From this research paper, some of the illnesses caused by long-term, low level electromagnetic radiation are listed:

• Heart problems
• Blood problems
• Interference with bone marrow
• Tumors
• Calcium interference
• 46% reduction in night-time melatonin
• Increased arthritis
• Skin problems
• Ear problems
• Risk of leukemia
• Childhood cancer
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Memory loss
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Mental conditions

10. Journal Article - Abstract: Cancer Near A Cell-Phone Transmitter Station
RONNI WOLF MD1, DANNY WOLF MD2
From: The Dermatology Unit, Kaplan Medical Center, Rechovot, and the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, ISRAEL. The Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, Hasharon Region, Kupat Holim, ISRAEL.
Address for correspondence: Ronni Wolf, MD, Dermatology Unit, Kaplan Medical Center, Rechovot 76100, ISRAEL. Fax 972-9-9560978. E-mail: wolf_r@netvision.net.il

International Journal of Cancer Prevention
VOLUME 1, NUMBER 2, APRIL 2004
Increased Incidence of Cancer near a Cell-Phone Transmitter Station
by Ronni Wolf and Danny Wolf

Abstract
Significant concern has been raised about possible health effects from exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields, especially after the rapid introduction of mobile telecommunications systems. Parents are especially concerned with the possibility that children might develop cancer after exposure to the RF emissions from mobile telephone base stations erected in or near schools. The few epidemiologic studies that did report on cancer incidence in relation to RF radiation have generally presented negative or inconsistent results, and thus emphasize the need for more studies that should investigate cohorts with high RF exposure for changes in cancer incidence. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is an increased cancer incidence in populations, living in a small area, and exposed to RF radiation from a cell-phone transmitter station.

This is an epidemiologic assessment, to determine whether the incidence of cancer cases among individuals exposed to a cell-phone transmitter station is different from that expected in Israel, in Netanya, or as compared to people who lived in a nearby area. Participants are people (n=622) living in the area near a cell-phone transmitter station for 3-7 years who were patients of one health clinic (of DW). The exposure began 1 year before the start of the study when the station first came into service. A second cohort of individuals (n=1222) who get their medical services in a clinic located nearby with very closely matched, environment, workplace and occupational characteristics was used for comparison.

In the area of exposure (area A) eight cases of different kinds of cancer were diagnosed in a period of only one year. This rate of cancers was compared both with the rate of 31 cases per 10,000 per year in the general population and the 2/1222 rate recorded in the nearby clinic (area B).

Relative cancer rates for females were 10.5 for area A, 0.6 for area B and 1 for the whole town of Netanya. Cancer incidence of women in area A was thus significantly higher (p<0.0001) compared with that of area B and the whole city.

A comparison of the relative risk revealed that there were 4.15 times more cases in area A than in the entire population. (Emphasis added)

The study indicates an association between increased incidence of cancer and living in proximity to a cell-phone transmitter station.

Key Words: Radiofrequency radiation; Cell-phone transmitter station (cell-phone antenna); Cancer incidence study; Netanya.

Informant: Dr. Horst Eger www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20050207_israel.pdf

11. EMF : A Priority for Public health. ( 26 slides .pdf)
Dr, Gerd Oberfeld, Government of Salzburg.
Slide Presentation in Westminster, London . July 2005

12. Summary of a Public Hearing about Cell Phone Radiation. 26/2/2007 ( 6pp )
Jersey, Channel Islands. UK. organised by the Jersey Mast Group and the local goverment.
Expert Witness - Dr. George Carlo MD.

Dr. Carlo is Chairman of the non-profit Science & Public Policy Institute based in Washington D.C. USA. A position he has held since its inception in 1992.
His qualifications: trained in medical sciences, pathology, epidemiology and law. Has been a medical faculty member of a Washington D.C.university for 25 years.
This is a summary of the transcipt made of the Hearing and subsequent Question and Answer period.

“This is a medical problem now - there is DISRUPTED CELLULAR COMMUNICATION. Patients in many countries have now developed MEMBRANE SENSITIVITY SYNDROME.”

“MEMBRANE SENSITIVITY SYNDROME has been identified for 25 years and was originally seen as the result of expoosure to chemicals and now is seen from Electro Magnetic Radiation exposure.”

“MEMBRANE SENSITIVITY SYNDROME is environmentally induced genetic damage. The good news is it can be repaired. If the Information Carrying Radio Wave exposure is removed and the people are put through a detox procedure the cell membranes can be returned to normal.”

MEDICAL DOCTORS - there is available an intake document SWEEP that allows one to see if EMF/ ICRW is/are affecting a patient's health and prognosis.

Science & Public Policy Institute safewireless.org

See also the full transcipt of the public hearing
Health, Housing and Social Services Sub-Panel Telephone Mast Review ( 50 pp )

13. Correspondence Between UK group and Dr. Carlo's Safe Wireless Initiative. October 2006. Details of current work of the Program. ( 10 pp )

14. I.A.F.F RESOLUTION August 2004 ( 31pp )
The International Association of Fire Fighters' position on locating cell towers commercial wireless infrastructure on fire department facilities, as adopted by its membership in August 2004 (1), is that the IAFF oppose the use of fire stations as base stations for towers and/or antennas for the conduction of cell phone transmissions until a study with the highest scientific merit and integrity on health effects of exposure to low-intensity RF/MW radiation is conducted and it is proven that such sitings are not hazardous to the health of our members.

Further, the IAFF is investigating funding for a U.S. and Canadian study that would characterize exposures from RF/MW radiation in fire houses with and without cellular antennae, and examine the health status of the fire fighters as a function of their assignment in exposed or unexposed fire houses. Specifically, there is concern for the effects of radio frequency radiation on the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system, as well as other metabolic effects observed in preliminary studies

15. Journal article about impact of Mobile phone masts. Abstract
Occup Environ Med. 2006 May;63(5):298-9.

Subjective symptoms, sleeping problems, and cognitive performance in subjects living near mobile phone base stations.
Hutter HP, Moshammer H, Wallner P, Kundi M.
Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. hanspeter.hutter@univie.ac.at

BACKGROUND: The erection of mobile telephone base stations in inhabited areas has raised concerns about possible health effects caused by emitted microwaves.METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of randomly selected inhabitants living in urban and rural areas for more than one year near to 10 selected base stations, 365 subjects were investigated. Several cognitive tests were performed, and wellbeing and sleep quality were assessed. Field strength of high-frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF) was measured in the bedrooms of 336 households.RESULTS: Total HF-EMF and exposure related to mobile telecommunication were far below recommended levels (max. 4.1 mW/m2). Distance from antennae was 24-600 m in the rural area and 20-250 m in the urban area. Average power density was slightly higher in the rural area (0.05 mW/m2) than in the urban area (0.02 mW/m2). Despite the influence of confounding variables, including fear of adverse effects from exposure to HF-EMF from the base station, there was a significant relation of some symptoms to measured power density; this was highest for headaches. Perceptual speed increased, while accuracy decreased insignificantly with increasing exposure levels. There was no significant effect on sleep quality.

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.

16. The Benevento Resolution - Feb. 2006
“What is needed is a comprehensive, independent and transparent examination of the evidence pointing to this emerging potential public health issue....

Arguments that weak (low intensity) EMF cannot affect biological systems do not represent the current spectrum of scientific opinion.”

International Commission for Electro-magnetic Safety, Benevento, Italy.

17. WHO: Mobile Phone/Masts Concerned Groups from the UK and Ireland meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) 16th January 2007 ( 3pp)

18. Tuning into radio waves issue / WHO guidelines urge govts to take steps to monitor EMF levels June 18, 2007 ( 3pp )

Masaki Takakura / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer. Japan

The World Health Organization earlier this month recommended governments to take measures to study healthy levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). The WHO's electromagnetic fields Environmental Health Criteria, released June 18, 2007 focus on exposure to electromagnetic waves that is suspected of being linked to leukemia in children.
Radio waves radiate from sources such as electrical appliances and power cables.

The WHO recommendations should be a starting point for a discussion of the possible health risks of electromagnetic radiation.

19. Wireless networks: Official advice about use in schools and kindergartens. Letter from Salzburg Goverment, Austria. 12/2005 ( 1pp)

20. Testimony: Dr. Havas, Trent University. Canada. ( 5pp .pdf ) and ( 51pp .pdf )
Concerning Wi-Fi systems in urban areas and the adverse effects of radio frequency radiation.

21. Electrosensitive people have formed groups to oppose EMR sources and promote awareness. The International Network includes 13 countries at this time. ( 9pp )

There is an International Network for the Electrosensitive based in Sweden.

FEB - The Swedish Association for the ElectroSensitive
ELÖVERKÄNSLIGAS RIKSFÖRBUND
Box 9098
SE-126 09 HÄGERSTEN SWEDEN
Fax. +46 8 712 89 48

In Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Norway, Ireland each have 1 group, in France and Switzerland there are 2, in Germany there are 8. In USA there are 7 groups, in Australia 3, in Japan 1 and in the UK there are 4.

22. Citizens Action : Cell Towers Are Coming Down

Israel - 2000 - Residents rioted and ripped towers down because of concerns about clusters of cancers near the towers.

Taiwan - 2005 - 900 cell towers were demolished because of health concerns. (Cost: $31 million)

Greece - 2006 - Athens Appeal Court ordered 10 towers removed, citing “ urgent concerns regarding the protection of public health.”

Israel - 2006 - Phone mast equipment destroyed. Residents said,
“It was about our children's lives.”

UK - April 2007 - Mast Operator O2 forced to remove tower in Warwickshire due to cancer cluster in vicinity

Australia July 2007
Armoured personal carrier, stolen by former employee of cell phone operator who claimed brain damage from his employment, flattens several cell phone towers before crashing into a electrical sub-station. (See article in Chicago Sun-Times)

23. Phone masts affecting health nationwide, claim campaigners
02/02/2006 - Ireland.

Mobile phone masts are accountable for adverse health effects on residents nationwide, it was claimed today.

Members of IERVN ( Irish Electromagnetic Radiation Victims Network ) recounted their daily sufferings to the Joint Committee on Health and Children in Leinster House.

Group spokesman Con Colbert said electrosensitivity was not just an Irish phenomenon but a global one, with people suffering from physical pain and discomfort all over the world.

Many members, some suicidal, have been forced from their homes due to radiation levels from nearby phone masts. Their quality of life - domestic, social and economic - has deteriorated with families being disrupted and sufferers unable to shop or work in areas with a high energy capacity.

Mr Colbert himself sleeps in a chalet at the end of the garden of his Raheny home to try and escape the burning sensation from radiation from nearby phone masts.

Fellow sufferer Helen McCorry and her two children were forced to flee a new apartment in Dublin's inner city due to the erection of antennae.

Once rehoused in Clontarf their health improved until antennae appeared on a building just 80 metres from their home. All three are now forced to sleep in their car at night to avoid the radiation.

Mrs McCorry, who was physically distressed during the committee hearing from the use of phones in the building, called for the homes of all sufferers to be screened from radiation waves with specialist materials.

“I have pleaded with phone companies to turn the masts down,” she said. “We are sitting in our homes dying from this. There is nothing we can do.”

Others, including farmers, reported the erection of masts near their land having a detrimental affect on their lives and that of their livestock.

John Gormley TD told the speakers they were the forgotten victims of a lucrative business.

Senator Fergal Browne contacted Beaumont Hospital to research any links between brain tumours, particularly in young people, and radiation.

He said: “A big difficulty is that we have no significant evidence proving that masts are bad for you.”

Healthy Housing Society.
New Denver. B.C. Canada
August 18th.2007