Switzerland: Waves from Wireless Communication: Physicians for the Environment Requests Strict Application of the Precautionary Principle

23 MARCH 2012

Switzerland: Waves from Wireless Communication: Physicians for the Environment Requests Strict Application of the Precautionary Principle

Basel, 22 March 2012

Press Release from Physicians for the Environment (MfE – Switzerland)

Mobile Telephony :  MfE requests stricter limit values

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers the waves emitted by wireless communication “possibly carcinogenic”.  According to the IARC, the risk of cancer for this type of radiation is thus similar to that of the insecticide DDT, rightly banned.  Physicians for the Environment (MfE) is concerned that the limit values expected to protect the Swiss population, notably vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women, constitute insufficient protection.  In a communication sent to the Federal Assembly, MfE thus requests strict application of the principle of precaution and – in view of the risk of cancer – lower limit values.

Children’s rooms, housing, trams or offices are experiencing a growing exposure to radiation from diverse sources:  babyphones, mobile telephony, wifi, etc., yet more and more studies warn against the serious health consequences of electromagnetic pollution for human beings and animals.

Cataracts in calves, Alzheimer’s Disease, cancer …

Since 2001, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considered that magnetic fields emitted notably from current lines could be carcinogenic.  A 2008 Swiss study postulates increased risk of contracting Alzheimer’s Disease for residents living near power lines.  Other studies on the risk of brain tumors establish a higher risk for this pathology in the case of mobile phone use.  This is why the IARC, part of the United Nations, considered in 2011 that waves from mobile telephony are “possibly carcinogenic”.  In 2012, the University of Zürich noted a 10 times higher prevalence of blindness from birth (cataracts) in calves during the duration of operation of a relay antenna installed on a stable.

Strict application of the precautionary principle, lowering of limit values

“From the medical point of view, it is urgent to apply the precautionary principle for mobile telephony, wifi, power lines, etc.” states Dr. Peter Kälin, President of Physicians for the Environment.  The Austrian Medical Chamber has moreover just formulated the same requirement in regard to smart meters.  In a communication dated 16 March 2012 to the Federal Council of the Federal Assembly, Physicians for the Environment requested to divide the value limits by 10.  Dr. Yvonne Gilli, National Councillor, has repeated the demands of the MfE in requesting the Federal Council, if it has to protect the population, to apply the precautionary principle and to lower limit values.

Contact:

Dr Martin Forter, Bâle, directeur MfE 061 691 55 83

Dr en médecine Peter Kälin, Leukerbad, président Mfe 027 470 21 77

The communication to the Federal Assembly and parlementary intervention of Yvonne Gilli are available in German on www.aefu.ch.

Founded 25 years ago, the association of Physicians for the Environment (MfE) joins together around 1,500 physicians in Switzerland.


(Translated from French by Meris Michaels.)