Mobile tower radiation: No telling proof of adverse health impact

Seeking to allay fears among people about adverse impact of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from mobile towers, an expert has said there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects.

“Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects,” Emilie van Deventer, Team leader of the Radiation Programme at the World Health Organisation said in her presentation.

She was making her presentation at the International Telecommunication Union-T SG5 meeting in Kochi earlier this week. The topic was “Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields in India”. The Cellular Operators' Association was also part of the meeting.

Deventer, however, mentioned that there is need for clear roles and responsibilities in government on this topic and need for adoption and compliance of health-based standards. She added that there is need for a public information programme and dialogue with stakeholders and need for promoting research to reduce uncertainty.

Talking about the challenges that lie before governments, Deventer added that rapidly evolving radio frequency technologies, disparities in risk management measures and regulations around the world, and concern from the public are some of the key concerns. In the short-term effects, she said: "To date, research does not suggest any consistent evidence of adverse health effects from exposure to RF fields at levels below those that cause tissue heating." 

"Research has not been able to provide support for a causal relationship between exposure to EMF and self-reported symptoms, or electromagnetic hypersensitivity."

In the long-term effects, she added: "No increased risk of glioma, meningioma or acoustic neuroma with mobile phone use (less than 10 years). But Indications of increased risk of glioma for heavy user." Glioma is a type of tumour that starts in the brain.