INTRODUCTION
“The mobile phone has moved beyond being a mere device to become a
Key “social object” present in every aspect of our daily lives”
International Telecommunications Union. ITU
1. Telecommunications is no longer viewed as a luxury service, but recognized as an important infrastructure service that should be available, to all at affordable prices. It is now a well accepted fact that the telecom delivers manifold economic and social benefits. Many studies have established the direct multiplier effect of increase in teledensity on economic growth.
2. It is well established from various international studies that there exists a causative relationship between increase in telecommunication penetration and GDP growth.
3. Research has also shows that having access to telecommunications substantially improves the social and economic conditions of people living in rural areas by improving access to family, education, health & financial services & by enabling development of non-agricultural economic activity.
4. Within telecom, it is the mobile infrastructure that has demonstrated itself to be the most conducive medium to rapidly deliver the benefits of connectivity in developing economies. In fact mobile has been identified as the missing link for
· Improved connectivity,
· Social empowerment,
· Higher productivity,
· Increased employment opportunities,
5. Further, with the growth of mobile communications population is being exposure to the low-level Electromagnetic Fields produced by the base station antennas normally mounted on cellular mobile towers and by handheld mobile telephone sets/radio terminals.
6. It is most important to note that the RF radiations emitted by Mobile Communication Systems lie in the non-ionizing part of the electromagnetic spectrum and thus do not have enough energy to cause any genetic damage. And, the RF emissions from mobile phones and base stations are some 50,000 times lower than the levels at which the first health effects begin to be established. Also, the output power of mobile phones is less than 1 Watt (typically is in the range of 0.2 to 0.6 watts), which is far lower than the emission levels that emanate from the microwave or even the radio.
7. However, it is very disappointing to know that due to lack of awareness and proper communication about various national and international studies and reviews, there exists a general misconception that Electromagnetic Radiations emitted from Mobile Systems are a potential source of health hazards.
8. It is relevant to mention that for several decades extensive RF research has been undertaken by researchers of the highest integrity at organizations like World Health Organization, British Medical Association, Royal Society of Canada, International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, U.K. Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, Swedish Radiation Protection Institute, Food And Drug Administration (USA), Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, Indian Council for Medical Research etc. and general consensus of these studies does not demonstrate any substantive link between human health risks and the use of digital mobile phones or living near a base station.
9. Further, many expert panels have reviewed the large body of existing scientific literature and have consistently concluded that compliance with the existing science based standards is sufficient to protect public health. These reviews have concluded that for exposures to radiofrequency energy up to levels below the safety limits prescribed by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and endorsed by WHO, there is no substantive or convincing evidence of biological effects that could harm a person’s health.
10. It is evident that this concern on alleged health hazards is a misplaced concern as extensive research studies done both nationally as well as internationally, have opined that there is no conclusive evidence of any health hazard due to electromagnetic radiations emitted from mobile base stations or mobile handsets.
11. It is felt that that there is pressing need to establish an effective system of health information and communication, designed by scientists, government, industry and public, to raise the level of general understanding about mobile phone technology and reduce any mistrust and fears both real and perceived. The information transmitted should be accurate, based on scientific evidence and at the same time be understandable to the intended audience.
Prominent doctors' views on EMF Health Concern
Dr. Anil K Anand, Chief – Radiation Oncology, Max Healthcare, Delhi http://youtu.be/xVqeH7N9yZg
Dr. Anup kohli, Senior Consultant Neurologist at IndraprasthaApolloHospital, New Delhi http://youtu.be/obP32yxzjAE
Dr. Geeta B Nath, gynaecologist, Gurgaon http://youtu.be/S3GRTLVBEqg
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