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"Workshop on Risk Communication - Electromagnetic Fields and Human Health"
Belgium	Created: 7 Mar 2013
European Commission January 20, 2013 January 20, 2013 the International EMF Alliance gave a presentation in the European Commission for the "Workshop on Risk Communication - Electromagnetic Fields and Human Health" the European Commission invited the International EMF Alliance for the Stakeholder Dialogue Group on EMF. The conclusions: 1. Regarding the protection of the general public from potential effects of EMF, the EU Treaties give the primary responsibility to the Member States and do not confer the Commission competence to legislate. The Council Recommendation on EMF exposure limits (1999/519/EC) was adopted to propose a common protective framework to guide the action of Member States in the hope to bring coherence among the various national approaches. Following the subsidiarity principle (apart from workers' protection), the role of the EU institutions is limited to provision of independent scientific advice (SCENIHR's work) and to coordination and harmonization of the Member States policies as well as promotion of the best practices. 2. Regarding the risk communication approaches presented at the Workshop, it is apparent that there is a need for interaction between different jurisdictions. This should increase the clarity and the effectiveness of the message for the general public. Therefore, the participants of the Workshop expressed their interest in continuing the Dialogue in its current configuration (stakeholders and member states representatives) on the same, risk-communication theme. For all presentations follow this link. http://iemfa.org/index.php/actueel-mainmenu-6 If you like to see daily updated the latest International EMF news: Follow this link http://iemfa.org/index.php/newsfeed International EMF Alliance Alex Swinkels, Netherlands Board Member Mail: info@iemfa.org Web:www.iemfa.org Twit: twitter.com/IEMFA
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Source: Agnes Ingvarsdottir.

Mobile phones to be banned for children
Belgium	Created: 5 Mar 2013
The Belgian government has announced measures to restrict the use of mobile phones by young children. Public Health Mobile phones to be banned for childrenminister Laurette Onkelinx has announced that sales of mobile phones to children under 7 years will be banned in shops and also on the internet. Adverts for mobile phones during children's programmes on TV radio and the internet will also be banned. Research shows than in Belgium every two out of three children under 10 years have a mobile phone. At 12 years they nearly all have one. The minister has highlighted the radiation risk from cell phones which is higher for young children than adults.
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Source: NG / Together Magazine / Expatica, 28 Feb 2013

Belgium: New Measures to Protect Children from Mobile Phones
Belgium	Created: 27 Feb 2013
Today, the majority of teenagers are hooked on mobile phones. The latest report of the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO) considers that its use is “possibly carcinogenic for humans” and that intensive use is dangerous. It did not need more for the Belgian authorities to react. There will be rules to follow. The Ministers for Health and for Consumer Affairs are encouraging a better protection of young users. In order to limit use, there will be rules to follow which mainly concern sales and advertising. There will no longer be advertising specifically targeting children younger than 14 years of age. Sellers will be obliged to inform their customers of the “specific absorption rate” of mobile phones, that is, the level of radiation of the device. The sale of mobile phones specifically designed for young children up to age 7 will be banned in Belgium. « Possibly carcinogenic » For the government, these are preventive measures. The desire to particularly protect children lies principally in the fact that, cumulatively, they will be potentially exposed longer to waves during the course of their lives. « International studies clearly state that it is possibly carcinogenic ». If a risk exists, protection is necessary,” declared the Minister for Health, Laurette Onkelinx, to RTBF. This royal decree is her initiative, along with that of her colleague in charge of consumer protection, Johan Vande Lanotte. The draft royal decree will be examined Friday in the Council of Ministers. The Minister for Health has also announced the drafting, between now and the end of the year, of another royal decree aimed at rendering obligatory the sale of a headset with mobile phones. “A child’s brain is a developing organ.” Health risks (essentially, brain cancer) caused by wireless communication systems are the subject of scientific studies for which there are “diverging opinions”, stresses Luc Verschaeve, of the Institute of Public health (ISP). “There are a number of doubts and some indications of a possible risk”, he said. In the 1.00 pm news on « La Première », Jacques Vanderstraeten, medical consultant to the « conseil supérieur » of health, explains that if these new rules aim principally to protect young persons, it is because « the brain of a child is a developing organ and thus, more sensitive to any eventual external influence » and that it is better to prevent than to cure. According to a study by Crioc, the association for consumer defense, more than 90% of young persons aged 12 to 17 have a mobile phone. Dating from 2011, this study also showed that within this age range, nearly all 13-year-olds have a mobile phone. Also, according to WHO, phoning half an hour a day for 10 years increases the likelihood of developing a glioma (malignant brain tumor) by 40%. Translation by Meris Michaels Original text in French: http://www.rtbf.be/info/belgique/detail_gsm-potentiellement-cancerigene-les-jeunes-vont-etre-mieux-proteges?id=7934895 Related news: Feb 2013, Belgium: Since 2008, Belgacom informs its customers about the electromagnetic waves of mobile phones, and promotes responsible use
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Source: rtbf.be, translation by Meris Michaels, 25 Feb 2013

Since 2008, Belgacom informs its customers about the electromagnetic waves of mobile phones, and promotes responsible use
Belgium	Created: 27 Feb 2013
As part of its CSR commitment, the Belgacom Group aims to provide transparent communication to its customers. For this reason, since 2008 already Belgacom has been indicating the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value of the mobile phones in its shops and on its website. In addition, Belgacom offers its customers tips on its website regarding the safe use of mobile phones, along with an e-learning course on electromagnetic radiation. Read the entire statement here: http://www.belgacom.com/be-en/newsdetail/ND_20130226_ondes.page Related news: Dec 2012, Belgium: You don't see stories like this everyday! Conclusion of editor: They ALSO get blooming sick too from the Radiation
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Source: Belgacom, 26 Feb 2013

You don't see stories like this everyday! Conclusion of editor: They ALSO get blooming sick too from the Radiation
Belgium	Created: 15 Dec 2012
You don't see stories like this everyday; apparently there is a telecom company boss in Beligum with some common sense and a conscience - Wow!. This the the story of the Mr. Didier Bellens, the head of Belgium telecoms carrier Belgacom, and his policy of removing Wi-Fi from the management's 27th floor offices, and encouraging partners [...] You may view the latest post at: http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/belgacom-chief-does-not-like-the-wi-fi-and-says-mobile-phone-signals-are-dangerous/ You received this e-mail because you asked to be notified when new updates are posted. Please forward it to others! Thank you for your support! Stop Smart Meters! (uk) info@stopsmartmeters.org.uk Website: http://StopSmartMeters.org.uk Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Lk9h0S Twitter: @SpyMeters Leaflet (great for neighbours): http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/leaflets-please-circulate Notice of Non-Consent for 'Smart' Meter Installation: http://www.DontSmartMeter.me
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Source: Agnes Ingvarsdottir.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on health concerns associated with electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
Belgium	Created: 29 Apr 2012
The European Parliament adopted by 559 votes to 22, with 8 abstentions, a resolution on health concerns associated with electromagnetic fields (EMFs). in 2008. The resolution recalls that wireless technology (mobile phones, Wi-Fi/WiMAX, Bluetooth, DECT landline telephones) emits EMFs that may have adverse effects on human health. Most European citizens, especially young people aged from 10 to 20, use a mobile phone, while there are continuing uncertainties about the possible health risks, particularly to young people whose brains are still developing. The dispute within the scientific community regarding the potential health risks arising from EMFs has intensified since 12 July 1999, when exposure limits for fields in the 0 Hz to 300 GHz range were laid down in Recommendation 1999/519/EC. Among the scientific projects arousing both interest and controversy is the Interphone epidemiological study, financed by an EU contribution of EUR 3.8 million, primarily under the Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, the findings of which have been awaited since 2006. The purpose is to establish whether there is a link between use of mobile phones and certain types of cancer, including brain, auditory nerve, and parotid gland tumours. Reviewing the European standards for EMFs: the Commission is called upon to review the scientific basis and adequacy of the EMF limits as laid down in Recommendation 1999/519/EC and report to the Parliament. MEPs call for particular consideration of biological effects when assessing the potential health impact of electromagnetic radiation and for active research to address potential health problems by developing solutions that negate or reduce the pulsating and amplitude modulation of the frequencies used for transmission. As well as, or as an alternative to, amending European EMFs limits, the Commission, working in coordination with experts from Member States and the industries concerned, should draw up a guide to available technology options serving to reduce exposure to EMFs. Placement of masts and transmitters: the resolution calls for optimal placement of masts and transmitters. It calls for the sharing of masts and transmitters placed in this way by providers so as to limit the proliferation of poorly positioned masts and transmitters. Moreover, MEPs urge the authorities responsible for authorising the placement of mobile telephony antennas to reach agreement, jointly with the operators in that sector, on the sharing of infrastructure, in order to reduce the volume thereof. Member States and local and regional authorities are called upon to create a one-stop shop for authorisation to install antennas and repeaters, and to include among their urban development plans a regional antenna plan. Keeping certain establishments clear: MEPs consider that it is in the general interest to encourage solutions based on negotiations involving industry stakeholders, public authorities, military authorities and residents' associations to determine the criteria for setting up new GSM antennas or high-voltage power lines. In this context, it is important to ensure at least that schools, crèches, retirement homes, and health care institutions are kept clear, within a specific distance determined by scientific criteria, of facilities of this type. Research: MEPs stress the need to increase research and development (R&D) funding for the evaluation of potential long-term adverse effects of mobile telephony radio frequencies. The Commission is called upon to launch, during the 2009-2014 parliamentary term, an ambitious programme to gauge the electromagnetic compatibility between waves created artificially and those emitted naturally by the living human body, with a view to determining whether microwaves might ultimately have undesirable consequences for human health. The Parliament proposes that the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) be given the additional task of assessing scientific integrity in order to help the Commission forestall possible cases of risk, conflict of interests, or even fraud that might arise now that competition for researchers has become keener. Interphone: the Parliament deplores the fact that, as a result of repeated postponements since 2006, the findings of the Interphone study have yet to be published. MEPs consider that it is up to the Commission to ask those in charge of the project why no definitive findings have been published and, should it receive an answer, to inform Parliament and the Member States without delay. Overcoming the lack of information: MEPs call on the Member States to make available to the public, maps showing exposure to high-voltage power lines, radio frequencies and microwaves, and especially those generated by telecommunications masts, radio repeaters and telephone antennas. That information should be published on the internet. MEPs also suggest to the Commission, to make for efficiency in policy and budget terms, that the Community funding earmarked for studies on EMFs be partly switched to finance a wide-ranging awareness campaign to familiarise young Europeans with good mobile phone techniques, such as the use of hands-free kits, keeping calls short, switching off phones when not in use (such as when in classes) and using phones in areas that have good reception. The Commission is called upon to present a yearly report on the level of electromagnetic radiation in the EU, its sources, and actions taken in the EU to better protect human health and the environment. Reducing exposure of local residents: the resolution encourages the introduction of a single standard designed to ensure that local residents would be subjected to as low a degree of exposure as possible when high-voltage grids were being extended. It also calls on the Member States to follow the example of Sweden and to recognise persons that suffer from electrohypersensitivity as being disabled so as to grant them adequate protection as well as equal opportunities. 2008/2211(INI) - 02/04/2009 Text adopted by Parliament, single reading
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Source: Iris Atzmon/Agnes Ingvarsdottir

MEP Declaration: Recognize MCS & EHS as diseases
Belgium	Created: 22 Mar 2012
Written declaration on the recognition of multiple chemical sensitivity and electrohypersensitivity in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). Date :12-03-2012 P7_DCL(2012)0014 Ongoing Raül ROMEVA i RUEDA, Kriton ARSENIS, Willy MEYER, Michèle RIVASI, Oreste ROSSI Date opened : 12-03-2012 Lapse date : 14-06-2012 Number of signatories : 24 - 15-03-2012 Get PDF of declaration via source link below...
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Source: EuroParl, 12 Mar 2012

Internationsl Petition: Some 80 percent of European consumers are set to have smart energy meters installed in their homes
Belgium	Created: 19 Jan 2012
International petition, PLEASE sign, just choose your country! Some 80 percent of European consumers are set to have smart energy meters installed in their homes by 2020 (businessweek.com) "Here's another layer of radiation that independent scientists have been saying for years that is harmful, not potentially harmful, it is harmful (Milt Bowling, president Clean Energy Foundation) An independent survey of 443 individuals indicated that 49% of respondents claimed they or a member of their household had health problems after having the Wireless Meters installed. 94% of the respondents stated that they wished to retain or have their analogue meters reinstated (surveydna.com 2011). Watch the Trailer of the Film Stop Smart Meters: http://smartmeterfilm.com/ "The inauguration of smart meters, with grudging and involuntary exposure of millions to billions of human beings to pulsed microwave radiation, should immediately be prohibited" (Professor Olle Johansson) "The smart meter basically watches everything that goes on in the house down to the microsecond, it tells them what was turned on, when it was turned on, how long it was used for" (Josef Tyls, Environmental Engineer) "With this new technology you no longer have privacy in your own home" (Walt McGinnis, StopSmartMeters.ca) "The government is not prepared to tell the truth and is not prepared to have a debate and if that's the case we only have one thing left and that's people power" (Rafe Mair, former British Columbia Minister of Environment) Stop the rollout of harmful Wireless Energy Meters and sign the Petition (No Cost Analog Meters) at: http://signon.org/sign/no-cost-analog-meters?source=s.em.cp&r_by=1851628 (this petition is directed to the government in the US, but also non-US-citizens can sign the petition) "I am hopeful that the people will rise up against the smart meters" (Bill Vander Zalm, former Premier British Columbia) The book "Smart Meters - Smarter Practices" by Dr. Jamieson (commissioned by the UK EM Radiation Research Trust), comprises 265 pages of research & current knowledge of health & environmental effects from the smart meters. This work is a highly recommended read and can be downloaded (for free) on: Part 1 of the book "Smart Meters - Smarter Practices": http://www.electromagneticman.co.uk/images/stories/downloads/051211_SM_Brussels_pt_1_v3.pdf Part 2 of the book "Smart Meters - Smarter Practices": http://www.electromagneticman.co.uk/images/stories/downloads/051211_SM_Brussels_pt_2_v4.pdf
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Source: Agnes Ingvarsdottir/Steven Boone.

MEPs calls for EU-wide action to reduce cancer risk from mobile phones
Belgium	Created: 2 Dec 2011
A conference in parliament heard that repeated exposure to electromagnetic fields from devices such as mobile phones can pose a cancer risk. The seminar, 'Early warnings: the case of mobile phone and head tumours,' heard how the European institutions 'can act' to help counter the carcinogenic risk caused by mobile phones. The event was co-hosted by MEPs Kriton Arsenis, Michèle Rivasi and Frédérique Ries. Arsenis, a Greek deputy, said that 'past failures' to react to early warnings had led to 'public health tragedies'. The Socialist member said, "Two scientific studies have indicated the first early warnings on the carcinogenic effects of the use of mobile phones particularly by children and pregnant women. "In many cases in the past, our failure to react to early warnings led to public health tragedies. "Based on the precautionary principle, the commission should immediately inform the public on ways to reduce exposure to mobile phone radiation, reduce the radiation exposure limits and encourage independent scientific studies to further examine these first warnings." His demand was enthusiastically endorsed by Rivasi, a French Greens deputy, who said, "We are now beyond the alert phase regarding the abusive use of mobile phones. "Brain tumours have been definitively, scientifically proved. From now on, this is no longer the principle of precaution that must be applied, but the prevention principle. "It is now time to act. European recommendations have to be revised and research must be developed on the other effects of electromagnetic waves on living beings. "In addition to cancer or childhood leukaemia, some studies show the link between exposure to these radiations and Alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders or psychological problems." The conference also heard from Ries, a Belgian ALDE member and parliament's 2009 rapporteur on "concerns about the health effects of electromagnetic fields". She said, "The limits of public exposure to electromagnetic fields haven't changed in Europe since 1999. At this time, wireless devices were not used everyday. "We cannot wait or delay these decisions until later." Elsewhere, Lennart Hardell, professor of oncology at the university hospital of Örebro in Sweden, told the conference, "Our studies showed an increased risk for malignant brain tumours and acoustic neuroma and use of mobile or cordless phones. "The risk increased with latency time and cumulative use. Highest risk was found in the group with first use of a wireless phone before 20 years of age." Further comment came from David Gee, European environment agency senior advisor on science, policy and emerging issues, who told the conference that mobile phones have "numerous social, economic and even environmental benefits". He went on, "However, there is significant disagreement in the scientific community about whether mobile phone use increases the risk of head cancers. "We recommend using the precautionary principle to guide policy decisions in cases like this. "This means that although our understanding is incomplete, this should not prevent policymakers from taking preventative action."
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Source: The Parliament, Martin Banks, 17 Oct 2011

Report on the European Electrosmog Protest held on the 16th of November 2011
Belgium	Created: 2 Dec 2011
Report on the European Electrosmog Protest held on the 16th of November 2011 (16h - 18h30) at the Charlemagne building in Brussels The protest was: During and at the entrance of the EU-Conference on EMF & Health, for more details on the conference: http://www.onetec.be/emf2011 Organised by 7 organisations of 4 different countries: StopUMTS.be (B), StralingsArmVlaanderen.org (B), Collectif Dé-Mobilisation (B), StopUMTS.nl (NL), infoAMICA.it (I), Next-Up.org (F) and RobindesToits.org (F). Attended by 50 people from Belgium, Netherlands, France, Italy and UK During the protest a 2-page information handout has been given to every person present at the conference (approx. 300) with more information on the protest and the demands. Covered by the press: Belga news, RTL-TVI and by documentary maker Marc Khanne. Broadcasted on the evening news (16 Nov.) of the Belgian tv-channel RTL-TVI. Supported by: Prof. O. Johansson, Prof. Dr. M. Havas, Prof. V. Moshchalkov, Prof. Dr. Eng. G. Spadanuda, Prof. M. Al Salameh, Prof. Dr. K. Richter, Prof. D. Henshaw, Prof. Em. Dr. F. Decreus, Prof. Dr. Laenens, A. Goldsworthy BSc PhD, Dr. med. G. Oberfeld, Dr. D. Favre, Dr. M. Ahonen, A. Philips BSc (Eng), H. Sanctorum (Flemish Parl.), P. Zazzera (Italian Parl.), E. Lannutti (Italian Parl.), Eileen O'Conner, K. Kunze (director movie "Disconnect"), and by the organisations: IEMFA.org, Teslabel.be, Belfort-Group.eu, ES-UK.info, PowerWatch.org.uk, MobileWise.org, Mast-Victims.org, UK Radiation Research Trust, Buergerwelle.de, Diagnose-Funk.org, Kompetenzinitiative.de, HESEProject.org, ElektrosmogNews.de, Campact.de, Elettrosmog Volturino, Electrosmog-Free Italia Network, ADUSBEF.it, Centro Tutela Consumatori Utenti, MCS-SOS.ch, Gigaherz.ch, ASQUIFYDE.es, OikosAmbiental.org, Asides.es and California Brain Tumor Association. For more information on the protest and the demands: - read pdf in English: http://www.stopumts.nl/pdf/EUROPEAN%20ELECTROSMOG%20PROTEST%20laatste%20ver sie.pdf - read pdf in French: http://www.nextup.org/pdf/Manifestation_contre_la_pollution_electromagnetique_Bruxelles_16_11_2011.pdf For pictures (view and download) of the protest, go to: http://stopumts.smugmug.com/Other/European-Electrosmog-Protest For a youtube-video of the protest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd7oyjTtPME For further information please contact: Steven Boone e-mail: steven@petition-electrosmog.be
Source: Agnes Ingvarsdottir.

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