The 9th National Congress of
Electrosmog
Bern, Switzerland, April 20, 2013
Bern, Switzerland, April 20, 2013
Speeches
1) Abstract: Mortality by neoplasia and cellular telephony base stations in Belo Horizonte, Brazil
1) Abstract: Mortality by neoplasia and cellular telephony base stations in Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Adilza Condessa Dode, PhD, MSc
One of the greatest environmental problems of the
twenty-first century is pollution caused by electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of
radiofrequencies (RF) generated by the telecommunication system. The purpose of
this research was to verify the existence of spatial correlation between base
stations (BS) clusters and cases of deaths by neoplasia in the Belo Horizonte
municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, from 1996 to 2006 and to measure the
human exposure levels to EMF where there is major concentration of cellular
telephone transmitter antennas.
Through an ecological-epidemiological approach, using georeferencing, a descriptive spatial analysis of the BSs and the cases of death by neoplasia identified in the municipality was performed. The database employed in the survey was composed of three data banks: 1. death by neoplasia documented by the Health Municipal Department; 2. BSs documented in ANATEL (Brazil’s ‘Telecommunications National Agency’); and 3. census and demographic city population data obtained from official archives provided by IBGE (‘Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics’).
Through an ecological-epidemiological approach, using georeferencing, a descriptive spatial analysis of the BSs and the cases of death by neoplasia identified in the municipality was performed. The database employed in the survey was composed of three data banks: 1. death by neoplasia documented by the Health Municipal Department; 2. BSs documented in ANATEL (Brazil’s ‘Telecommunications National Agency’); and 3. census and demographic city population data obtained from official archives provided by IBGE (‘Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics’).
2) Abstract: Use of mobile phones and cordless phones is
associated with increased risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma
Lennart Hardell, MD, PhD
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at WHO evaluation of the carcinogenic effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on humans took place during a 24 – 31 May 2011 meeting at Lyon in France. The Working Group consisted of 30 scientists and categorised the RF-EMFs from mobile phones, and from other devices that emit similar non-ionising electromagnetic fields, as Group 2B, i.e. a ‘possible’, human carcinogen. The decision on mobile phones was based mainly on the Hardell group of studies from Sweden and the IARC Interphone study.
An overview of current epidemiological evidence for an increased risk for brain tumours including a meta-analysis of the Hardell group and Interphone results for mobile phone use will be presented. Results for cordless phones are lacking in Interphone. Regarding mobile phone use the meta-analysis gave for glioma and acoustic neuroma a statistically significant increased risk in contrast to the results for meningioma. Also use of cordless phones increased the risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma in the Hardell group studies. Results from an on-going new study on brain tumours will also be presented. Some studies show increasing incidence of brain tumours whereas other studies do not.
It is concluded that one should be careful using incidence data to dismiss results in analytical epidemiology. The IARC carcinogenic classification does not seem to have had any significant impact on governments’ perceptions of their responsibilities to protect public health from this widespread source of radiation.
3) Abstract: The Italian Supreme Court recognized that
mobile phone use may induce head tumours
A. Levis, PhD
During 2010-2011 we carried out a close examination of the protocols and results of epidemiological studies on head tumour risks for mobile phone (MP) users, and for each study we identified the elements necessary for evaluating its reliability. We also performed new meta-analyses of the literature data limited to subjects with MP latency time compatible with the progression of the examined tumours, and with analysis of the laterality of tumour localization corresponding to the laterality of MP use.
Blind protocols, free from errors, bias and financial conditioning factors reveal a cause-effect relationship between MP use or latency and statistically significant increases (up to a doubling) of ipsilateral head tumour risk, with biological plausibility. Non-blind protocols, which instead are affected by errors, bias and financial conditioning factors, give systematic underestimate of such risks (up to an apparent, implausible protecting effect).
Recently the Italian Supreme Court - Labour Section - Sentence (n.17438: 3-12.10.2012) recognized for the first time - with the support of the above results given by the plaintiff consultants, the neurosurgeon Dr. G. Grasso and myself - the association between professional MP use and the development of a trigeminal nerve neurinoma, leading to the compensation for the suffering of an 80% physical impairment.
4) Abstract: Influence of electromagnetic waves on the
behaviour of honeybees
Daniel Favre, Dr. phil. nat.
In recent years, reports of a global loss of honey bees have risen owing to increased colony collapse disorder (CCD), which results in the extreme and sudden break down of colonies with no previous evidence of disease or parasitic infestation. CCD has serious implications for the production of many fruits and vegetables, which rely on insect pollination. Mites, pesticides, reduced immunity, bacterial and viral infections, genetically modified agricultural products and farming practices are suspected of playing a role in the disappearance of entire colonies.
According to reports in scientific journals and the media at large it is possible that mobile phones may also be contributing to this threat, since bees have difficulty in finding home when base stations for cordless phones are installed near colonies. Microwaves could therefore be partially responsible for the CCD syndrome.
The potential effects of the electromagnetic fields of conventional mobile phones for honeybees were consequently tested. Case studies showed that bees felt disturbed by the signals of actively communicating mobile phones when users were encouraged to send beeps. These observations suggest that the bees are sensitive to pulsed electromagnetic fields. Above all, loss of bee colonies is observed in those parts of the world (North America, Europe, Australia, South Brazil, Taiwan and Japan) where mobile phone use is widespread. This raises the question of whether the relationship between CCD and an intensive use of mobile phones can still be regarded as pure speculation (DOI: 10.1007/s13592-011-0016-x).
5) Abstract: 1000km of new high-voltage lines in Switzerland
Hans-U. Jakob
Effects on our health and our landscape and the opportunities for laying these new lines underground.
Why do we need high voltage grids? What type of magnetic
fields do power lines generate? How far do these magnetic fields extend and
under what circumstances? And what is their potentiality to affect the health
of human beings?
Plans are underway for 1,000 km of new high-voltage power lines in Switzerland, partly due to the ageing of the existing grid and partly to ensure the necessary energy transition. In order to protect the health of humans and animals and to preserve Switzerland‘s beautiful landscapes and historical heritage sites new power lines should be laid underground. The current methods of subterraneous installation are described and it is shown by how much they reduce magnetic fields. We will also show how power companies fight subterraneous installations employing every possible means to protect their profits. In two cases, Switzerland‘s High Court has already upheld two plaintiffs‘ demands for subterranean lines. These court cases are also highlighted.
For more information:
Plans are underway for 1,000 km of new high-voltage power lines in Switzerland, partly due to the ageing of the existing grid and partly to ensure the necessary energy transition. In order to protect the health of humans and animals and to preserve Switzerland‘s beautiful landscapes and historical heritage sites new power lines should be laid underground. The current methods of subterraneous installation are described and it is shown by how much they reduce magnetic fields. We will also show how power companies fight subterraneous installations employing every possible means to protect their profits. In two cases, Switzerland‘s High Court has already upheld two plaintiffs‘ demands for subterranean lines. These court cases are also highlighted.
For more information:
