In the face of the massive deployment of wireless technologies, health professionals are asking the government to apply the precautionary principle to protect the population and more particularly the most vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children. .
" Where there is a risk of serious or irreversible damage, the lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing the adoption of effective measures to prevent environmental degradation ... ".
Precautionary Principle issued at the Rio Conference on Biological Diversity (1992)
Since 1900 and the arrival of electricity, technologies generating fields and electromagnetic radiation have continued to expand at an exponential rate in our environments: radio and television broadcasting, radar, DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone) technologies, wi -fi, bluetooth, 2G, 3G, 4G, ... 5G mobile phone. We live in an era that can be described as "electromagnetic" as our society is based on the massive use of these technologies. From the extremely low frequencies of our radio frequency / microwave network to the wireless communication technologies, all the frequency ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum below the infra-red range have been invested by our technologies ( 1) .
The question of 5G is mainly tackled from an economic and technical point of view. Schools are proud to equip school buildings with a wi-fi network. Our hospitals and public places are not spared by the invasion of wireless communication technologies. Today, everyone has a smartphone that emits electromagnetic radiation, even out of communication. We are talking about ultra-connected cars of the future ... We are bathed 24 hours a day in an environment loaded with fields and artificial electromagnetic radiations.
Yet, deleterious effects on the living fields and artificial electromagnetic radiation have been identified with consistency for decades. They are highlighted in thousands of scientific studies independent of the industry. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a WHO body, classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields and radiation in our wireless technologies as possible carcinogens for humans (Group 2B). IARC relied in particular on studies that suggested cancer risks for heavy cell phone users ( 2) . However, the heavy users of the time of these studies correspond today to average or weak users, which is particularly worrying …
The WHO recommendations on which most current standards are based are based on the recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP ) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers ( IEEE ) ( 3). organizations with close links to industry ( 4) . These recommendations only consider thermal effects (warming up) without taking into account biological effects occurring at exposure levels much lower than those at which thermal effects occur. The conclusions of the 2012 Bioinitiative 6 report state that: "many of these biological effects can reasonably be suspected of causing health effects when exposures are prolonged or chronic. (...) ".
In 2011, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe advocated the application of the " As Low As Reasonably Achievable " (ALARA ) principle , that is to say the lowest level that is reasonably possible. achieve, taking into account not only the so-called thermal effects, but also the non-thermal biological effects of fields and electromagnetic radiation ( 5) . However, the biological effects, highlighted through a number of independent studies, are still not considered in the regulations. Between the WHO recommendations and the value recommended by the Council of Europe 5, inspired by the Bioinitiative report, it is a factor of 20,000 to 100,000! This non-consideration of biological effects allows manufacturers to continue deploying their technologies exponentially.
All living things are electrosensitive. From the vegetable, to the man. Since DNA has the properties of a fractal antenna, studies have shown that it is rapidly damaged in the presence of low intensity fields and electromagnetic radiation and that effects may persist after the exposure has stopped ( 7) : single and double-strand breaks, increased micronuclei, decreased ability to self-repair, cell mutation or death, ...
These same rays also act on DNA by disrupting protein synthesis: increasing stress and free radicals ( 8), decreased immunity, etc. We are well aware of the link that leads to genetic mutations in cancer. These mutations are also transmissible to subsequent generations. Advances in the field of epigenetics are hardly more reassuring since epigenetic mutations are also possible and transmissible to subsequent generations ( 9-10) .
As cancers develop over long periods of time, we can only wait for the results of epidemiological studies in the coming years to confirm a possible correlation between exposure to fields and electromagnetic radiation and cancer. An epidemiological study published in 2018 that showed an increase in the incidence of glioblastoma between 1995 and 2015 among the English population does not reassure us on this point ( 11) . At the more macroscopic level, studies report in particular a disturbance of the melatonin synthesis ( 12) , with sleep disorders, an alteration of sperm quality ( 13) , an activation of the adrenergic system ( 14-15). . Studies in rats confirm the increase of gliomas and schwannomas after exposure to GSM waves at levels comparable to those experienced by the population ( 16-17-18) . Epidemiological studies have shown a link between ELF (Extremely Low Frequencies) exposure, especially in high voltage power lines, and the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease ( 19-20). )
According to the studies carried out, the effects of fields and electromagnetic radiation do not spare the fauna and flora: retardation of growth and puberty in rats exposed to Wifi in utero ( 21) , alteration of the response to pheromones of ant colonies and degradation of protozoan motility and cell membrane by GSM waves ( 22) , altered frog growth ( 23) by mobile telephone relay antennas, slower growth of corncobs and tree disease ( 24) by the wifi ... The relay antennas alter the fertility of the storks ( 25) , and increase the frequency of miscarriages in cattle ( 26). Very low levels of fields and electromagnetic radiation disrupt the ability of migratory birds ( 27) and bees to navigate , which has been linked to bee colony collapse syndrome ( 28) .
Based on the results of these thousands of studies that demonstrate the existence of these biological effects on living things, calls and reports from doctors and scientists have followed each other since the 2000s around the world. These doctors and scientists alert authorities and citizens and demand the application of the precautionary principle. Salzburg Resolution, Freiburg Appeal, Helsinski Appeal, BioInitiative 6 Report , European Parliament Appeal, Council of Europe Resolution 1815 5 , ... the list is long and yet so far they remain unanswered.
Why ? Some lines of response have been put forward, such as that of sociologist Annie-Thébaud-Mony, research director at Inserm. In her book " Assigned Science " ( 29) , published in 2014, she explains how the scandals of asbestos and pesticides have revealed the active participation of industrialists in the denial of risks. To counter a suspicion of toxicity of one of their products, she describes how they discredit systematically scientific studies that find a harmful health impact, by immediately publishing a reassuring negative study in response, and / or by criticizing the methods or even the competence of the scientists who conducted the study. Some industries go so far as to create so-called independent research foundations, which conduct studies that systematically find no negative effects on their products or technologies ( 30) . We find the same explanation supported by the late Professor Martin Blank, specialist of the subject, who devoted two whole chapters of his reference work on all historical events confirming this track.
These strategies allow the industry to keep health authorities inactive and thus save time. The public opinion then remains in an impression of uncertainty about the potential toxicity of the product, which allows the consumer to continue to buy without asking too many questions. This impression of blur suits consumers who prefer not to do without these products to which they are so attached.
Maintaining the idea that there is still uncertainty about the effects of electromagnetic fields and radiation, they are leading health authorities to ask for more and more studies to try to reach a higher level of evidence. In the words of Annie Thébaud-Mony: " The complexity of the living resists a simple mechanical interpretation (even simplistic). This complexity is exploited by industry to demand evidence that is often scientifically inaccessible and, above all, meaningless in the face of evidence of danger. "
In its Resolution 1815 dating from 2011, the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe states that " a ait high levels of scientific and clinical evidence before acting to prevent well-known risks could lead to very high costs term of health and economy, as was the case with asbestos, leaded gasoline and tobacco. " ( 5)
In its two reports " Early signals and late lessons " ( 31) , the European Environment Agency, remakes the history of numerous health scandals of the last century: asbestos, PCB, lead, radioactive radiation ... The authors seek to know if there could have been in the past a situation of false alarm, concerning the alleged toxicity of a product which would have proved later harmless. And if then, the precautionary measures would have been taken unnecessarily. They could not find any example: there never existed in the history of the industry such a situation where doctors and scientists would have warned of the dangers of a product for years without it being really dangerous. Here is a reminder of products formerly considered harmless because the level of scientific proof was limited, while very early signals alerted about their toxicity: asbestos, active and passive smoking, bisphenol-A, leaded gasoline, lead paints, some pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, radium.
Taking all this information into account, we find that we have an individual responsibility to make our own opinion by gathering information at the source. By reading independent studies and reference works. We must not wait for this information to reach our ears, because there are apparently too many economic issues. This is what we, independent physicians, have done, and are particularly concerned for the future of our children.
Our response was to initiate the Hippocrates Electrosmog Appeal Belgium , a referenced informative website, and a call gathering all the caregivers feeling concerned and asking for the application of the precautionary principle. Our requests are in line with those of some 30 other calls that have preceded us since the 2000s.
We want to educate and inform as many health professionals as possible, and call for caution. It seems to us our duty to ask governments to apply the precautionary principle, taking into account the biological effects of EMFs on life - which is not the case at the moment - and to put health first to put the population, and especially our children, at risk .
And I will end by quoting the late Professor Martin Blank, author of the book " These waves that surround us " which I highly recommend reading: "Nobody wants to return to the Middle Ages, but there are smarter and safer ways to 'interact with the technology that exposes us to electromagnetic radiation, both as an individual and as a society' ( 32 )
Dr. Magali Koelman
Hippocrates Electrosmog Appeal Belgium
Faced with the massive and reckless deployment of wireless technologies, we health professionals are asking the government to apply the precautionary principle in order to protect the population and more particularly the most vulnerable groups, including pregnant women. and the children.
" Hippocrates Electrosmog Appeal Belgium"
On the eve of the deployment of 5G, Belgian health professionals sound the alarm
Smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, connected objects of all kinds, WiFi at home, at workplaces, nurseries, schools, transport and public places, ... The exposure of the population to electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation / microwave (RF / MO) keeps increasing. We are now talking about the arrival of 5G and its myriad of connected objects.
The Precautionary Principle was by no means respected during the massive deployment of these wireless technologies. The standards intended to protect the population from exposure to electromagnetic RF / MO radiation only take into account the heating of the tissues (thermal effect) during an exposure of limited duration (30 minutes). These standards do not take into account repeated and / or prolonged exposures or any other non-thermal biological effects that occur at values well below currently permitted values. They have not been designed to protect fetuses, children, adolescents, the elderly …
The widespread deployment of wireless technologies has had known health risks for several decades. Thousands of studies (studies on cells, animals, epidemiological studies) confirm the existence of non-thermal biological effects induced by exposure to electromagnetic RF / MO radiation emitted by wireless technologies. For children, the risks may be increased due to the cumulative effects of prolonged exposure. Their developing and immature brains, organs and tissues may be more sensitive to exposure.
As healthcare professionals, we deplore more and more pathologies that may be related to environmental components such as the increasing exposure of the population to electromagnetic radiation from wireless.
We are also meeting more and more people with physical disorders potentially related to exposure to electromagnetic radiation. They describe headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, insomnia, skin rashes, muscle and / or joint pain, severe cognitive impairment (attention and concentration deficit, loss of immediate memory), heart problems (arrhythmia, tachycardia), .... These symptoms disappear when the person moves away from the source of exposure. These people suffer from the so-called electro-hypersensitivity syndrome (EHS) syndrome recognized in Sweden as a functional disability. They are often unable to work and experience some form of social exclusion.
With reference to Resolution 1815 of May 2011 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and in line with dozens of calls from doctors and scientists around the world, we ask that federal, regional and local public take their responsibilities and the necessary measures to obtain:
- the application of the precautionary principle to protect the population, especially the youngest,
- the ban on WiFi in kindergartens, nursery schools and places with young children,
- stopping the deployment of WiFi and connected objects in schools and the return to unconnected or wired alternatives,
- health impact studies before deploying new wireless telecommunications technologies, including 5G,
- a moratorium on the deployment, distribution and sale of connected objects such as phones, tablets, games, watches, baby-phones and other RF / MO transmitters for children,
- raising the awareness of citizens, in particular parents, teenagers and pregnant women, to a reasoned and responsible use of wireless connected objects,
- educating health professionals about the biological and health risks of exposure to electromagnetic radiation,
- means to invest in research on the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of electro-hyper-sensitivity (EHS),
- recognition of the existence and extent of EHS as a syndrome that affects more and more adults and children,
- the creation of a "vigilance center" to monitor the evolution of emerging EHS cases,
- the establishment of truly protective exposure standards based on the biological and non-thermal effects of EMFs...
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