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News for Brazil
| Court orders Nokia to pay compensation to phone-tower worker who got rare cancer | |
| Brazil | Created: 2 Feb 2015 |
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The Seventh Chamber of the Paraná Regional Labor Court (TRT-PR) determined payment of compensation to a Curitiba technician who worked for fifteen years in the maintenance of mobile telephone towers and developed a rare type of bone cancer. The transmitters were not switched off during the maintenance. The companies Nokia Solutions and Networks and Brazil Telecommunications Ltd., formerly Siemens SA, will pay $250,000 in damages plus annually 50% of final salary. The decision can still be appealed. The technician was hired by the company in August 1986 and conducted testing services, repairs and installations for over 15 years in the signal transmission towers of the company. In 2002, a tumour was found in the worker's right thigh, which was diagnosed as chondrosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. He underwent several surgeries, but finally retired due to disability at age 37. Three co-workers have developed the same type of cancer and died aged 28, 39 and 45. The technician filed a lawsuit against the company at the 15th Curitiba Court claiming that the health problems could have been caused by direct exposure to the electromagnetic fields radiated by mobile phone towers. In the first instance, the opinion of the judge of was that there was not sufficient evidence to establish a causal link between the type of work and the disease, since cancer can have multiple causes, such as diet and medications, among other factors. The worker appealed, arguing that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization, classifies exposure to electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans. In their analysis, the judges of the Seventh Class ruled in favor of the employee, noting that an expert report presented information from the medical literature linking electromagnetic radiation with cellular and genetic phenomena that promote cancer. They also highlighted that the company was guilty of omitting prevention and monitoring of risks, in addition to not have performed exposure control of workers at risk of radiation exposure. "Taking the facts and evidence together, it is considered that the work activities undertaken by the plaintiff contributed to the development of the disease, satisfying a causal link. We find the defendant (Nokia/Brazil Telecommunications Ltd) guilty for not arranging for the work to be performed without risk to the health of the plaintiff," said the text of the judgment, which ordered the company to pay a lifetime monthly pension plus compensation for damages. Related news: Mar 2014, Switzerland: Major Insurance Firm Warns of Losses Due to Health Effects of EMFs Mar 2013, USA: Insurance ranks Radiofrequency Radiation #1 Emerging Risk Jul 2011, USA: Next asbestos could be in air |
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| Click here to view the source article. | |
| Source: Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 9ª Região, Translation. MV, 02 Feb 2015 | |
| Brazilian Courts order lower electromagnetic pollution | |
| Brazil | Created: 13 Jun 2014 |
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The Brazilian Judiciary determined to reduce the level of electromagnetic pollution generated by power lines to standard adopted by Swiss law (1 microtesla). Two associations of residents in São Paulo the largest city of Brazil proposed the action. The plaintiff has pleaded to not be exposed to electromagnetic fields incompatible with the human health. The electromagnetic fields generated by power lines that cross these areas is 10 times greater than the level determined by the court. The judgment of the Court of State of São Paulo (Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo) has determined that the concessionaire of electric power reduces the electromagnetic field generated by power lines that pass through these neighborhoods. The decision applied the provisions of the Brazilian Federal Constitution which declare the protection of health and the balanced environment and the precautionary principle contained in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (1992), also known as the Rio Summit, which intended to protect the population against damage to health and the environment. Judge Renato Nalini, who has several matters published on the protection to the environment, pronounced the majority opinion. It recognized "the great possibility of the electromagnetic field of low frequency to be carcinogenic agent in human beings". The opinion, which widely examined the international research and the pioneering book on the subject in Brazil, written by Elza Boiteux, Professor of University of São Paulo (Universidade de São Paulo USP) and Fernando Boiteux, concluded: "obligation of the concessionaire of electric power in reducing the electromagnetic field of the power line to 1.0 μT (one microtesla)." Martin Blank has participated at the public hearing to explain the risk of electromagnetic fields to human health based on his research about this subject for over thirty years. His last published book about is Overpowered (2014). This judgment puts the Brazilian Judiciary at the same level of others international courts in defense of the environment and shows the relevance of the research on the risks of electromagnetic fields. The concessionaire of electric power filed an appeal to the Brazilian Constitutional Court (Supremo Tribunal Federal). The Justice Rapporteur designated a public hearing (took place on March 6th, 7th and 8th, 2013) to consult experts on non-ionizing radiation, public health, consumers and other interested sectors of the society. The Brazilian Supreme Court has not decided to take the case yet. |
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| Click here to view the source article. | |
| Source: Environmental News Network, Elza Boiteux, 12 Jun 2014 | |
| Deadly aerials? | |
| Brazil | Created: 20 Oct 2011 |
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New study in Brazil finds direct link to 4924 cancer deaths from cellular antenna radiation. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by transmitting cell phone antennas is linked to the occurrence of some types of cancer, according to a study by Brazilian researchers. The study established a direct link between cancer deaths in Belo Horizonte, the third largest city, with the antennae of the mobile telephone network, reported in Science Hoje site, the news portal of the Brazilian Society for Progress Science (Sociedad Brasileña para el Progreso de la Ciencia.) The research was conducted by scientists at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil's southeastern state whose capital is Belo Horizonte. The results give a warning in a country where, according to the latest data available, at least one person has a cell phone in 82% of the residences. Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) Belo Horizonte - Brazil. Repeated exposure is not safe According to the engineer Adilza Condessa Dode, PhD, UFMG researcher and coordinator of the study, repeated exposure of cell phone users to the electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the device and the antennas is not as safe as indicated by other research. According to the study, more than 80% of people who die in Belo Horizonte by specific types of cancer live less than 500m from the 300 identified cell phone antennas in the city. Scientists found between 1996 and 2006 died in Belo Horizonte a total of 4924 victims of cancer types that may be caused by electromagnetic radiation, such as tumours in the prostate, breast, lung, kidneys and liver. After finding on the map nearly 300 points antennas of cellular phone networks in the city, the researcher found that 80% of those victims lived within 500m from one of these premises. Radiation levels exceed maximum allowed According to estimates quoted by the researcher, the level of local radiation in excess of 300 GHz antennas considered maximum under Brazilian law of 2009. "These levels are already high and dangerous to human health. In the closer you live on an antenna, the greater the contact with the electromagnetic field," said Dode. The researcher claims that the antennas of the devices themselves are also dangerous. "The power emitted by the cell phone is continuous and exacerbated by the position of the antennas that are directed toward the user's brain," he said. The engineer said that the legislation setting emission limits for electromagnetic radiation is not based upon health criteria, but solely upon industrial, economic and technological criteria. For the full study go to: http://whyfry.org/brazilian-study-cancer-associated-with-radiation-from-cellular-antennas New study finds direct link between cancer deaths and antennae NCBI: Mortality by neoplasia and cellular telephone base stations. http://www.bblounge.co.za/showthread.php?t=2708 |
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| Click here to view the source article. | |
| Source: Robert Riedlinger/Agnes Ingvarsdottir | |
| Cell Tower Raise Cancer Risk, New Study Confirms | |
| Brazil | Created: 25 Jul 2011 |
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Brazilian scientists have confirmed results of earlier Austrian, German, and Israeli studies by finding that living within 100 meters of a cell tower [mast / transmitter] raises your cancer risk by 35%. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969711005754 |
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| Click here to view the source article. | |
| Source: Mark G/Agnes Ingvarsdottir | |
| Brazilian study associates cancers with radiation from basestations | |
| Brazil | Created: 11 Jul 2010 |
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The electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile-phone basestations is linked to the occurrence of some types of cancer, according to a study by Brazilian researchers. The study established a direct link between cancer deaths in Belo Horizonte, the third largest city, and basestations of the mobile telephone network. This was reported on the Science Hoje site, the news portal of the Brazilian Society for Progress in Science. The research was conducted by scientists at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil's southeastern state whose capital is Belo Horizonte. The results present a warning in a country where, according to the latest data available, at least one person has a cellphone in 82 percent of all residences. According to Professor Adilza Condessa Dode, UFMG researcher and coordinator of the study, repeated exposure of cellphone users to electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the device and the basestations is not as safe as indicated by some other research. According to the study, more than 80 percent of people who have died in Belo Horizonte of specific types of cancer, live less than 500 meters away from the 300 identified basestations in the city. According to the research, between 1996 and 2006, a total of 4924 people died in Belo Horizonte of cancer types that may be caused by electromagnetic radiation, such as tumors in the prostate, breast, lung, kidneys and liver. After mapping out nearly 300 basestations locations in the city, the researcher found that 80 percent of those victims lived within 500 meters away from one of these premises. According to estimates quoted by the researcher, the level of local radiation from the 300 basestations exceed exposure limits considered maximum under Brazilian law of 2009. "These levels are already high and dangerous to human health. In the closer you live to a basestation, the greater the exposure to the electromagnetic field," said Dode. The researcher claims that the antennas of the cellphones themselves are also dangerous. "The radiation emitted by the cell is continuous and exacerbated by the position of the antenna which directs toward the user's brain," he said. The researcher said that the legal exposure limits for electromagnetic radiation are not protective of public health, but instead industrial, economic and technological interests. Dode cited countries such as Switzerland and Italy, with more restrictive laws, and suggested that each Brazilian municipality should set limits as it deems appropriate. "This is a precaution. I think we will succeed only with social mobilization rather than 'Waiting on a change in the law," she said. As long as the legislation does not guarantee the health of the population, the researcher suggested that people only use cellphones for emergency calls and to prefer texing over talking on the cellphone. She also recommends the use of cellphone headsets to keep the unit away from the body, and to ban the use of cellphones by children and in places such as schools and hospitals. |
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| Click here to view the source article. | |
| Source: People Daily, 09 Jul 2010, (auto-translation from Spanish cleaned up by H. Eiriksson, mast-victims.org) | |
| The Porto Alegre Resolution | |
| Brazil | Created: 9 Nov 2009 |
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We, the undersigned scientists, were honored to participate in a workshop organized by the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul and the Public Ministry of Rio Grande do Sul and sponsored by the Brazilian Health Ministry, the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety, the Porto Alegre Environmental Council (COMAM/PA), the Rio Grande do Sul Center for Health Vigilance (CEVS/RS) and others, entitled, "International Workshop on Non-Ionizing Radiation, Health and Environment" which took place on May 18 and 19, 2009, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. This resolution follows several international resolutions agreed to by concerned scientists and medical doctors over the past decade, including resolutions developed by the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety [1], based on evidence and consideration on documents such as the BioInitiative Report [2] and a special issue of the journal Pathophysiology on electrical and magnetic fields, published in August 2009 [3]. We agreed that the protection of health, well-being and the environment requires immediate adoption of the Precautionary Principle, which states, "when there are indications of possible adverse effects, though they remain uncertain, the risks from doing nothing may be far greater than the risks of taking action to control these exposures. The Precautionary Principle shifts the burden of proof from those suspecting a risk to those who discount it", until new scientific discoveries are recognized as the only criterion for the establishment or modification of non-ionizing radiation exposure standards; We recognize that, in Brazil as well as all over the world, where there has been an unprecedented explosion in the availability and use of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields for electrical and wireless communications technologies (mobile and cordless phones, WiFi and WIMAX networks, RFID, etc,), as well as major electrical grid and wireless broadband infrastructure changes, this assessment should inform risk management to take proper steps to protect the public from long-term, low-level exposure to extremely-low frequency as well as radiofrequency electromagnetic fields that have substantially increased in the ambient environment in recent years. We are concerned about the body of evidence that indicates that exposure to electromagnetic fields interferes with basic human biology and may increase the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. The exposure levels at which these effects have been observed are many times lower than the standards promulgated by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing radiation Protection (ICNIRP) [4] and the IEEE's International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES) [5]. These standards are obsolete and were derived from biological effects of short-term high intensity exposures that cause health effects by temperature elevation and nerve excitation discovered decades ago. Recent research indicates that electromagnetic fields could cause detrimental health effects even at very low levels of exposure. The ICNIRP and IEEE/ICES standards are being supported and promoted by interested parties to avoid precautionary technical planning, precautionary laws, and precautionary advice to the public. We are deeply concerned that current uses of non-ionizing radiation for mobile phones, wireless computers and other technologies place at risk the health of children and teens, pregnant women, seniors and others who are most vulnerable due to age or disability, including a health condition known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity. We strongly recommend these precautionary practices: 1. Children under the age of 16 should not use mobile phones and cordless phones, except for emergency calls; 2. The licensing and/or use of Wi-Fi, WIMAX, or any other forms of wireless communications technology, indoors or outdoor, shall preferably not include siting or signal transmission in residences, schools, day-care centers, senior centers, hospitals or any other buildings where people spend considerable time; 3. The licensing for siting and installation of infrastructure related to electrical power and wireless broadband telecommunications, particularly, cellular telephony, Wi-Fi and WIMAX, should only be approved after open public hearings are held and approval granted with full consideration given to the need to apply the Precautionary Principle. Sensitive areas should be avoided to protect vulnerable populations; 4. Mankind shall be encouraged to continue to discover new means of harnessing non-ionizing electromagnetic energy, aiming at bringing benefits to society, through definition of new standards of human exposure, which are based on the biological realities of nature and not solely on the consideration of economic and technological needs. We, therefore, urge all nations to join Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Russia China, the U.S. (for the FCC standard for partial exposure of the head) and other countries and regions that have chosen to adopt a more precautionary strategy, aiming to assure more safety to the public while maintaining good service quality. We make an urgent call to all nations to convene a panel of experts, selected from candidates recommended by civil society groups (not only those preferred by the affected industries) to discuss precautionary technology, laws and advice in order to develop policies that reconcile public health concerns with further development of wireless communications technology such as mobile phones as well as electric power transmission and distribution systems. Citations: [1] ICEMs Benevento Resolution (2006) and Venice Resolution (2008) www.icems.eu. [2] BioInitiative Report www.bioinitiative.org [3] A Special Issue of Pathophysiology on the science and public health/policy issues regarding Electromagnetic Fields was published March 2009, and is the only peer reviewed scientific journal referenced on this list. It is now available online at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09284680 [4] International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection www.icnirp.de [5] Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. www.ieee.org. For further information, please contact info@icems.eu. Signed by: 2 Franz Adlkofer, Prof. Dr. Med., Verum Foundation, Germany Carl Blackman, PhD., CFB, USA Martin Blank, PhD. Prof. Columbia Univ., USA Devra L. Davis, PhD , MPA , Founder, Environmental Health Trust, USA Om P. Gandhi, Sc.D. , Univ. of Utah, USA Elizabeth Kelley, M.A., Electromagnetic Safety Alliance, USA Michael Kundi, PhD. , Medical Univ. of Vienna, Austria Henry Lai, PhD., Univ. of Washington, USA Leif Salford, MD, PhD., Lund Univ., Sweden Carlos E. C. Abrahão, M.D. , Campinas, SP, Brazil Adilza C. Dode, M. Sc., MRE, MG, Brazil Claudio R. Fernández, M. Sc., IFSUL, Pelotas, RS, Brazil Robson Spinelli Gomes, Dr., MP/RJ, Brazil Sergio Koifman, M. D., ENSP/Fiocruz, RJ, Brazil Renato R. Lieber, Dr., UNESP, Guaratinguetá, SP, Brazil Anaiza H. M. Miranda, Public Official, Ministerio Publicia, Rio de Janiero, Brazil Ana Maria M. Marchesan, Public Official, Ministerio Publica, Rio do Sul, Brazil Alvaro A. de Salles, Ph.D., UFRGS, RS, Brazil Solange R. Schaffer, M.Sc., Fundacentro, SP, Brazil Cintia Schmidt, environmental lawyer, OAB/RS, Brazil Helio A. da Silva, Dr., UFJF, MG, Brazil Francisco de A. Tejo, Dr. , UFCG, Pb, Brazil Geila R. Vieira, M.D., CGVS/SMS, P. Alegre, RS, Brazil Additional scientists signing on to the Porto Alegre Resolution after September 15, 2009: Rodrigo Jaimes Abril, Vice Dean, Electrical Engineer, National University of Colombia, Bogota, Col. Betânia Bussinger, M.D., Biological Effects of Non Ionizing Radiation, UFF, RJ, Brazil Simona Carrubba, PhD, Louisiana State Univ. Health Science Center, Shreveport, La, USA. Christos Georgiou, PhD., ICEMS, Prof. Biochemistry, University of Patras, Greece Magda Havas, PhD. Prof. Environmental Science, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada L. Lloyd Morgan, Electronics Engineer (retired), USA. Wilhelm Mosgoeller, MD, Prof. Medical University of Vienna, Austria Jerry L. Phillips, PhD. Prof. Dir. Science Learning Ctr. Univ. Colorado, Colorado Springs, USA. Nesrin Seyhan, PhD., ICEMS, Prof. Medical Faculty of Gazi University, Chair, Biophysics Dept. -Turkey Rep/WHO EMF IAC, Panel member, NATO RTO, HFM, Turkey David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD. Clinical Professor, Psychiatry, Univ. Pittsburgh USA Stanislaw Smigielski, MD, ICEMS, Military Institute of Hygiene & Epidemiology, Poland Stelios A Zinelis MD, ICEMS, Hellenic Cancer Society, Cefallonia, Greece 3 Other signers who are advocates, organizations or members of the general public: Dea Emilia Carneiro de Andrade, Sou Presidente do Comitê de Cidadania Comissão Justiça e Paz - da Arquidiocese de Juiz de Fora MG, Brazil Jose Maria Tiburcio Barroso, engineer, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil Elizabeth Barris, Director, The Peoples Initiative Foundation, USA Elaine S. A. Cabral, M. Sc., Education, Environmental Law; member, Human Rights Commission -of Attorney Association-OAB, J. de Fora, MG, Brazil Kerry Crofton, PhD, Health Educator, Canada Sergio A. Pereira De Borja, Prof. Direito Constituciona, PUC/RS e da Instituicones de Direito, UFRGS Bill Curry, PhD. Physics, ret. Argonne National Labs, Board Member, EMR Network, USA Frances Fox, Psychic Counselor, Florida, USA Cristiano M. Gallep, Prof. Dr., DTT, Unicamp, Brazil Carol C. Georges, PhD. Psychologist, Italy Margaret M. Glaser, USA Andrew Goldsworthy BSc PhD, Lecturer in Biology (retired) Imperial College, London, UK Sissel Halmøy, Principal advisor electromagnetic radiation, Norges Miljøvernforbund, Norway Dr. Carrie Hyman, L.Ac., O.M.D, USA. John Kristensen P. Biol., VP Technical, RETA (Responsible Electricity Transmission for Albertans), - Alberta, Canada Ellen Marks, Lafayette, California, USA Zack Marks, CEO, The California Brain Tumor Association, USA Sandi Maurer, EMF Safety Network, California, USA Luiz Roberto Santos Moraes, Professor Titular em Saneamento, Universidade Federal da - Bahia, Brazil Eileen O'Connor, Director, Electromagnetic Radiation Research Trust, UK Jorge Panazio. Telecommunications Engineer, MCT (retired), Brazil Luiz Jacques Lüderitz Saldanha, Porto Alegre, RS/Brasil. Rodrigo Borsu de Salles, Economist, Porto Alegre, Brazil Fanny Helena Martins Salles, psychologist, public official, Prof. University of Bage, RS, Brazil. Judi Shils, Teens Turning Green, Marin County, California, USA Sarah J. Starkey, PhD. Neuroscientist, UK Carmen Ruth Stangenhaus, Arquiteta MSc, Associação Brasileira de Materiais e Tecnologias - - Não Convencionais - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil Alex Swinkels, National Platform on Radiation Risks, Netherlands Alex W. Thomas, Ph.D, CIHR University-Industry, Chair, Bioelectromagnetics, Lawson Health Research - Institute, University of Western Ontario. Ana Maria Daitx Valls Atz, Farmacêutica,Porto Alegre/RS, Brasil Cesar Nicolau Vargas, Tecg° Eletroeletrônica, Federação Nacional dos Urbanitários - FNU/CUT, Brazil Isabel Wilke, Dipl.-Biologin, KATALYSE Institut für Angewandte Umweltforschung e.V., Köln, DE Sandra H. Wilkinson, Hamilton Township Residents against Pensyll Creek Tower, PA, USA To request that your name be added to this Resolution as a scientist, advocate, organization or member of the general public, we welcome you to notify ICEMS at info@icems.eu. Please indicate your name, title, affiliation, city and country (1-2 lines at most.) Kind Regards, Eileen O'Connor Director Radiation Research Trust http://www.radiationresearch.org & Rewire Magazine http://www.rewire.me |
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| Source: ICEMS | |
| Porto Alegre Resolution on Nonionizing Radiation Health and Environment | |
| Brazil | Created: 29 Sep 2009 |
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On behalf of the sponsors and organizers of the "International Workshop on Non-Ionizing Radiation, Health and Environment" which took place on May 18 and 19, 2009, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, we announce the release of the Porto Alegre Resolution. It was initially dated September 15, 2009. This resolution presents the most recent scientific consensus view on the state of EMF science and gives their call for public policy and other solutions. See resolution attached and inserted below. Dr. Alvaro A. de Salles and Dr. Geila Vieira, MD were the lead organizers. The conference sponsors included the Pan American Health Organization, the Brazilian Health Ministry and the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety. For more information on the Porto Alegre conference, including a complete record of the proceedings, see http://www.icems.eu under "Workshops." This resolution and a video recording of the entire conference will be added to the ICEMS website soon. We invite concerned scientists, advocates, organizations and any members of the general public who want to support this resolution by adding their names to contact ICEMS email at info {-at-} icems.eu Regards, Elizabeth Kelley, M.A. International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety email info {-at-} icems.eu http://www.icems.eu ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Porto Alegre Resolution We, the undersigned scientists, were honored to participate in a workshop organized by the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul and the Public Ministry of Rio Grande do Sul and sponsored by the Brazilian Health Ministry, the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety, the Porto Alegre Environmental Council (COMAM/PA), the Rio Grande do Sul Center for Health Vigilance (CEVS/RS) and others, entitled, "International Workshop on Non-Ionizing Radiation, Health and Environment" which took place on May 18 and 19, 2009, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. This resolution follows several international resolutions agreed to by concerned scientists and medical doctors over the past decade, including resolutions developed by the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety [1], based on evidence and consideration on documents such as the BioInitiative Report [2] and a special issue of the journal Pathophysiology on electrical and magnetic fields, published in August 2009 [3]. We agreed that the protection of health, well-being and the environment requires immediate adoption of the Precautionary Principle, which states, "when there are indications of possible adverse effects, though they remain uncertain, the risks from doing nothing may be far greater than the risks of taking action to control these exposures. The Precautionary Principle shifts the burden of proof from those suspecting a risk to those who discount it", until new scientific discoveries are recognized as the only criterion for the establishment or modification of non-ionizing radiation exposure standards; We recognize that, in Brazil as well as all over the world, where there has been an unprecedented explosion in the availability and use of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields for electrical and wireless communications technologies (mobile and cordless phones, WiFi and WIMAX networks, RFID, etc,), as well as major electrical grid and wireless broadband infrastructure changes, this assessment should inform risk management to take proper steps to protect the public from long-term, low-level exposure to extremely-low frequency as well as radiofrequency electromagnetic fields that have substantially increased in the ambient environment in recent years. We are concerned about the body of evidence that indicates that exposure to electromagnetic fields interferes with basic human biology and may increase the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. The exposure levels at which these effects have been observed are many times lower than the standards promulgated by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing radiation Protection (ICNIRP) [4] and the IEEE's International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES) [5]. These standards are obsolete and were derived from biological effects of short-term high intensity exposures that cause health effects by temperature elevation and nerve excitation discovered decades ago. Recent research indicates that electromagnetic fields could cause detrimental health effects even at very low levels of exposure. The ICNIRP and IEEE/ICES standards are being supported and promoted by interested parties to avoid precautionary technical planning, precautionary laws, and precautionary advice to the public. We are deeply concerned that current uses of non-ionizing radiation for mobile phones, wireless computers and other technologies place at risk the health of children and teens, pregnant women, seniors and others who are most vulnerable due to age or disability, including a health condition known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity. We strongly recommend these precautionary practices: 1. Children under the age of 16 should not use mobile phones and cordless phones, except for emergency calls; 2. The licensing and/or use of Wi-Fi, WIMAX, or any other forms of wireless communications technology, indoors or outdoor, shall preferably not include siting or signal transmission in residences, schools, day-care centers, senior centers, hospitals or any other buildings where people spend considerable time; 3. The licensing for siting and installation of infrastructure related to electrical power and wireless broadband telecommunications, particularly, cellular telephony, Wi-Fi and WIMAX, should only be approved after open public hearings are held and approval granted with full consideration given to the need to apply the Precautionary Principle. Sensitive areas should be avoided to protect vulnerable populations; 4. Mankind shall be encouraged to continue to discover new means of harnessing non-ionizing electromagnetic energy, aiming at bringing benefits to society, through definition of new standards of human exposure, which are based on the biological realities of nature and not solely on the consideration of economic and technological needs. We, therefore, urge all nations to join Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Russia China, the U.S. (for the FCC standard for partial exposure of the head) and other countries and regions that have chosen to adopt a more precautionary strategy, aiming to assure more safety to the public while maintaining good service quality. We make an urgent call to all nations to convene a panel of experts, selected from candidates recommended by civil society groups (not only those preferred by the affected industries) to discuss precautionary technology, laws and advice in order to develop policies that reconcile public health concerns with further development of wireless communications technology such as mobile phones as well as electric power transmission and distribution systems. Citations: [1] Benevento Resolution (2006) and Venice Resolution (2008) at http://www.icems.eu. [2] BioInitiative Report http://www.bioinitiative.org [3] A Special Issue of Pathophysiology on the science and public health/policy issues regarding Electromagnetic Fields was published in March 2009. It is the only peer reviewed scientific journal referenced on this list and is available online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09284680 [4] International Commission for Nonionizing Radiation Protection, http://www.icnirp.de [5] Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, http://www.ieee.org ______________________________________________________________ Signed by, Franz Adlkofer, M.D., Verum Foundation, Germany Carl Blackman , PhD, CFB, US Martin Blank , PhD., Columbia University, US Devra L. Davis, PhD, MPA, University of Pittsburgh, US Om P. Gandhi, PhD. University of Utah, US Ms. Elizabeth Kelley, MA, Electromagnetic Safety Alliance, US Michael Kundi, PhD, Medical University of Vienna, Austria Henry Lai , PhD. University. of Washington, US Leif Salford , M.D. Lund Univ., Sweden Dr. Carlos E. C. Abrahão, medical doctor, Campinas, SP, Brazil Ms. Adilza C. Dode, MRE, MG, Brazil Prof. Claudio R. Fernández, IFSUL, Pelotas, RS, Brazil Dr. Robson Spinelli Gomes, MP/RJ, Brazil Dr. Sergio Koifman, ENSP/Fiocruz, RJ, Brazil Dr. Renato R. Liber, UNESP, Guaratinguetá, SP, Brazil Dr. Anaiza H. M. Miranda, Public Promoter, MP/RJ, Brazil Dr. Ana Maria M. Marchesan, Public Promoter, MP/RS, Brazil Dr. Alvaro A. de Salles, UFRGS, RS, Brazil Dr. Solange R. Schaffer, Fundacentro, SP, Brazil Dr. Cintia Schmidt, environmental lawyer, OAB/RS, Brazil Dr. Helio A. da Silva, UFJF, MG, Brazil Dr. Francisco de A. Tejo, UFCG, Pb, Brazil Dr. Geila R. Vieira, CGVS/SMS, P. Alegre, RS, Brazil For further information, or to request that your name or the name of your organization be added to this Resolution as a scientist, a member of the general public or as an organization, we welcome you to contact ICEMS email at info {-at-} icems.eu. Additional scientific signers to the Porto Alegre Resolution after September 15, 2009: Magda Havas, PhD. Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Lloyd Morgan, electrical engineer (retired), US Wilhelm Mosgoeller, MD, Medical University of Vienna, Austria |
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| Source: International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety, 25 Sep 2009 | |
| International Workshop on Non-Ionizing Radiation set for May 18-19, 2009 in Brazil | |
| Brazil | Created: 11 May 2009 |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: May 6, 2009 Contact: Dr. Alvaro de Salles Email: aasalles@ufrgs.br International Workshop on Non-Ionizing Radiation set for May 18-19, 2009 in Brazil The health effects of electromagnetic fields are of concern among a growing number of scientists, medical doctors and citizens worldwide. Since the mid 1990s, humankind is becoming more reliant and more exposed to manmade EMF from electric power and wireless communications sources as part of daily life. We would like to announce a workshop, entitled "International Non-Ionizing Radiation and Health Workshop - Brazil ", will be held on Monday 18th May and Tuesday 19th May 2009, at the Ministério Público do RS, Av. Aureliano de Figueredo Pinto 80, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. The workshop will be under the sponsorship of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations. International researchers from several countries will deliver invited talks on selected topics. Researchers, public health authorities, as well as authorities representing legislative, executive and judiciary governmental bodies in Brazil, other South American countries, Europe, and the United States, are also invited. According to the principal organizer, Dr. Alvaro A. de Salles, a professor at the Universidate Federal Du Rio Grande Del Do Sol., in Porto Alegre, Brazil, "This conference presents a unique opportunity for people to hear lectures that form the basis to initiate discussions among Brazilian and foreign scientists and public health authorities on the potential biological and health consequences of exposure to EMF, and to discuss exposure limits to minimize such hazards. We expect that it can result in a more informed public about a highly controversial matter that has enormous health implications for the general public and workers." For more information and to apply to attend, see http://www.ufrgs.br/ppgee/rni.htm. |
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| Source: Eileen O´Connor | |
| Lei limita instalação de antenas de empresas em cidades | |
| Brazil | Created: 8 May 2009 |
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Brasília - As operadoras de telefonia celular e empresas de energia elétrica terão de seguir os limites recomendados pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) para instalar antenas de transmissão de sinais e outros equipamentos que emitem radiação, como subestações de energia. A lei que dispõe sobre os limites de exposição da população a campos elétricos, magnéticos e eletromagnéticos foi sancionada hoje pelo presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva e publicada hoje no Diário Oficial da União (D.O.U.). A lei proíbe que as antenas sejam instaladas nas chamadas "áreas críticas", a menos de 50 metros de hospitais, clínicas, escolas, creches e asilos. O objetivo, segundo o texto, é garantir a "proteção da saúde da população e do meio ambiente". Os limites recomendados pela OMS foram determinados pela Comissão Internacional de Proteção Contra Radiação Não Ionizante (ICNIRP, na sigla em inglês). As novas regras não são aplicadas aos radares militares e civis usados para defesa ou controle de tráfego aéreo, que obedecem a regulamentação própria. As pesquisas sobre exposição humana a esses campos serão financiadas pelo Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (FNDCT), que recebe dinheiro de fundos setoriais de energia e de telecomunicações. A nova regra reitera a obrigação, prevista na Lei Geral de Telecomunicações (LGT), de uso compartilhado de torres pelas prestadoras de serviços de telecomunicações, com o objetivo de manter uma distância mínima de 500 metros entre uma torre e outra. As condições de compartilhamento dessas antenas são definidas pela Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (Anatel), que também fará a fiscalização do cumprimento das regras previstas na lei, assim como a Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (Aneel). As empresas terão 180 dias para enviar ao respectivo órgão regulador documentos que comprovem o cumprimento das normas. |
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| Click here to view the source article. | |
| Source: Agencia Estado, Gerusa Marques, 06 May 2009 | |
| "6th International Non-Ionizing Radiation Workshop", Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 14-17, | |
| Brazil | Created: 13 Sep 2008 |
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The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, ICNIRP, is glad to inform you that the upcoming "6th International Non-Ionizing Radiation Workshop", Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 14-17,2008 is open for registration. The organization is a joint effort by ICNIRP, and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Brazil. All frequencies in the NIR range will be reviewed in the lights of recent research findings and programs, including ultraviolet radiation, static and electromagnetic fields,etc. Reviews and courses on the fundamentals (i.e. on mechanisms, biological effects, approach to protection) will be offered by experts in the fields of epidemiology, physics & engineering, biology and medicine. For more detailed information concerning the programme and registration conditions please visit https://www.icnirp.org/NIR2008/NIR2008.htm. Best regards, Karine Chabrel www.icnirp.org ICNIRP c/o BfS - G. Ziegelberger Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1 85764 Oberschleissheim Germany T +49 89 31603 - 2156 / Fax -2155 |
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| Click here to view the source article. | |
| Source: Iris Atzmon | |
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