**2.6 Latin American expert committee on high frequency electromagnetic fields and human health, June 2010**

*Latin American Expert Committee on High Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and Human Health. Scientific review: Non Ionizing electromagnetic radiation in the radiofrequency spectrum and its effects on human health.* 

www.wireless-health.org.br/downloads/LatinAmericanScienceReviewReport.pdf

The goal of this study was to comply with the increasing anxiety of the population from Latin American countries with regard to their exposure to non ionizing radiations, especially from wireless communication systems (mobile phones, handset and base station antennas). The report was written by an expert panel which consisted of 5 scientists from different South American countries and a number of renowned international experts. The study was performed on request of the Eduled Institute for Medicine and Health which is a non-profit research- and development institute at Campinas, Sao Paulo (Brazil).

The study reviewed some 350 scientific investigations that were published since February 2010, with emphasize on studies that were performed in South America. Special attention was devoted to Risk Communication and application of the precautionary principle (which are usually not considered in other expert group reports). Attention was also given to regional and international exposure standards and recommendations from international bodies such as ICNIRP (International Committee on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), ITU (International Telecommunication Union) and the FCC (Federal Communication Commission, USA).

This is a well done study but it should be stressed that it is written by a limited number of persons that were assisted by an advisory group with obvious ICNIRP/WHO signature. It is therefore not surprising that the conclusions were similar to those of ICNIRP and WHO. The



**2.6 Latin American expert committee on high frequency electromagnetic fields and** 

www.wireless-health.org.br/downloads/LatinAmericanScienceReviewReport.pdf

non-profit research- and development institute at Campinas, Sao Paulo (Brazil).

*Latin American Expert Committee on High Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and Human Health. Scientific review: Non Ionizing electromagnetic radiation in the radiofrequency spectrum and its* 

The goal of this study was to comply with the increasing anxiety of the population from Latin American countries with regard to their exposure to non ionizing radiations, especially from wireless communication systems (mobile phones, handset and base station antennas). The report was written by an expert panel which consisted of 5 scientists from different South American countries and a number of renowned international experts. The study was performed on request of the Eduled Institute for Medicine and Health which is a

The study reviewed some 350 scientific investigations that were published since February 2010, with emphasize on studies that were performed in South America. Special attention was devoted to Risk Communication and application of the precautionary principle (which are usually not considered in other expert group reports). Attention was also given to regional and international exposure standards and recommendations from international bodies such as ICNIRP (International Committee on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), ITU (International Telecommunication Union) and the

This is a well done study but it should be stressed that it is written by a limited number of persons that were assisted by an advisory group with obvious ICNIRP/WHO signature. It is therefore not surprising that the conclusions were similar to those of ICNIRP and WHO. The

Effect on the nervous system:

exposure

Other effects:

exposed mothers)

**human health, June 2010** 

*effects on human health.* 




FCC (Federal Communication Commission, USA).


Effects on reproduction and development:




conclusions were that there is insufficient evidence and lack of consistent data in favour of a causal relationship between low intensity radiofrequency radiation and short term adverse biological effects. The report acknowledge the existence of some alarming studies, e.g., on the blood brain barrier, but they were interpreted as due to thermal effects that are not relevant with respect to public exposures. Provocation studies in humans did not support the presence of health effects below thermal exposure levels. There were no indications of effects from mobile phone radiation on well being and no consistent indications of effects on cognitive functions, neurophysiologic and other physiologic or behavioural disorders. Epidemiological evidence is so far reassuring but it was acknowledged that we should await more studies on long term RF-exposures before any definite conclusion can be reached. The authors also stressed that it is not only important to investigate adverse health effects but that attention should also be paid to the benefits of wireless communication devises. They emphasize the need of correct information of the public via, for example, a central Latin American information centre for the general public and stakeholders. Not only biological effect studies are needed but also studies on socio-economic aspects of the mobile phone technology.
