During December 7-8, London was the host of a conference called "Mobile Phone: any Risk to Health?". More than six months have passed since then, but we believe the issue discussed has not lost its topical character. For this reason we decided, though with some delay, to return to the topic of the relationship between mobile systems and health.
In many countries, mobile phones are used by more than half of the population. According to the forecasts, by 2005, the number of mobile phone-users will reach 1.6 billion worldwide. The number of base stations of mobile networks will increase correspondingly. Mobile phones as well as base stations and other telecommunication systems (e.g. TV and radio-transmitting antennas, radars, medical and industrial equipment) are the source of an electromagnetic field. Today all of the world, both the developed and developing countries, undergo the influence of that field. Isn’t this dangerous for human health? This was the topic of the international conference held in Great Britain on December 7-8, 2000. The Georgian company, Magti GSM, was among the participants at the forum.
It was not accidental to hold a conference dedicated to this issue in the country where mobile phones are used by more than 40 million (!) people, i.e. two-thirds of the population, where more than 20,000 towers of 4 mobile networks operators have sprouted, mainly on the roofs of houses or very near flats.
The influence of this electromagnetic field (EMF) on human health is being studied by international and national organizations. Since 1996, the Scientific Research Project of the International Health Organization has been playing a leading role. Today, a major part of research and medical study worldwide are concentrated around this project. The International Health Organization has more than 45 national research partner centers in many countries worldwide. The problem is also being studied by INCIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection), COST 244 (Cooperation in Science and Technology) and FGF (Germany). The FGF is a non-commercial fund founded by the state sector and the companies operating in communications and radio broadcasting.
In addition to these international organizations, the subject is being
studied by European and American national commissions. In total, 250 million
dollars has been spent on medical research. The facts and the research
presented at the Conference are based on the results of the work carried
out by these organizations.
According to the preliminary conclusion of the World Health Organization,
science has no documents yet to prove that electromagnetic fields have
any hazardous effects on human health. The investigation of the question
will be completed by the World Health Organization in 2005.
As was mentioned by Dr. Michael Repacoli, representative of the International Health Organization at the conference, "the stories on the ill affects of mobile phones are mainly spread by mass-media. The point is that some scientists often disclose the results of their research to mass-media, instead of letting their colleagues get familiarized with them. Mass-media, for their own part, are eager to spread news which is interesting and dramatic at the same time. Scientists with no alarming results attract little attention of the mass-media. The point is that the media is trying to create "sensational" news. That is the reason why the public receives less serious news about the ill affects of mobile phones".
One more topic discussed at the conference was the possible affect of mobile network base stations on human health.
John Moulder, Professor of Radioactive Oncology, Wisconsin University,
the USA:
"If the base stations of the mobile telephone network are installed
with the observance of statutory standards, there is no risk for human
health. The distance between such stations and homes is of no vital
importance. One can even install a base station on the top of a house".
In many countries, paging and other communications antennas, e.g. fire alarm, police and ambulance communications means the create an electromagnetic field similar to a mobile network base station. By the way, the electromagnetic fields of TV and radio broadcasting antennas are much more powerful than the ones of a mobile network base station.
The admissible level of radiation in Europe is specified by a special
body - ICNIRP. The electromagnetic field of mobile phones and base stations
is 100 times less than those levels. The standards operating in the territory
of the former Soviet Union, including Georgia, are much more strict, 50
times less than European standards.
Today, the analysis of medical research made in various countries,
confirmed that mobile phones and network base stations do not have adverse
affects on human health.
The World Health Organization specifies no special safety measures while using mobile phones, although the users can decrease the duration of the call if they wish to. Most experts don’t share the opinion that it is necessary to use special equipment to protect oneself from electromagnetic radiation.
It has also been proven that using a mobile while driving increases the possibility of a car accident. That is why drivers are advised to abstain from using mobiles while driving.
Such advice is intended for self-protection purposes only, and it is up to the individual user whether he should follow them.
The inhabitants of misty Albion are indeed not known for their moderateness in using mobiles. Base stations are springing up all over. Antennas are installed on the top of every fifth home. In 2001, according to forecasts 75% of the British population will be armed with mobile phones.
Financial part of the work done by national
commissions
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FINANCING |
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| 1 | Britain | 7 million pounds | 4 years |
| 2 | France | 40 million francs | 5 years |
| 3 | Switzeland | 4,3 million Swiss francs | |
| 4 | Finland | 1,2 million dollars | 1998-2001, 6 progects |
| 5 | Sweden | 8 million crowns | since 1997 |
| 6 | Italy | 4,65 million Euros | 3 years |
| 7 | Hungary | since 1996, 7 programs | |
| 8 | Netherlands | 3 progects | |
| 9 | Germany | more than 90 progrcts |
Information on the research made by the World Health Organization may be found on the Internet at this address:
Tamar Barbakadze
Levan Buchukuri