Nexus - 0226 - New Times Magazine-pages

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3rd May 1995 Dear Editor, Pa T've been meaning to contact your magazine for several months now regarding the health haz- ards from microwave/radiofrequency (MW/RF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR). My report deals niger ie Arp? frequencies (ELF), and covers some of the problems with RF/MW frequencies. Of special concem are current at ts by the Standards Association of Australia a increase existing maximum exposure limits for RF/MW radiation by a factor of five (times five). The Standards Sub-committee met last week for a vote on whether to pass the proposals or not. The CSIRO [Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation|—a committee member and a strong opponent of increasing existing radiofrequency eee levels—deliv- ered a damning report which indicated that the existence of athermal (low-level) biological effects must be taken into account in setting exposure levels, and that the proposed DR95900 levels are dangerously high. As a result of the CSIRO report and their scientific opposition to DR95900, Telecom and Optus (much to their credit) withdrew their support for the DR95900's increased limits and abstained from the final vote. They apparently stated, in light of the CSIRO report, that they saw no need to-increase existing leveis. ‘ However, the Department of Defence representatives on the Standards Committee voted in favour of increasing RF/MW exposure levels, so that when it came to the vote, of the 20 com- mittee members, seven voted against and nine for, with four abstentions. Dr Michael Rapicholi, committee chairman and architect of DR95900, considered a vote of nine out of 20 as el, and succeeded in ramming the new standards through against much opposition. The relevant trade union representatives on the committee haye indicated that they will actively oppose the adoption of DR9S900 by the Australian and New Zealand governments. In my conversations with several people involved with this particular committee, concerns were raised about a possible “secret agenda" in the insistent push to get these high limits approved by the committee, After all, if Telecom and Optus see no need to increase existing limits, then why do "we" need significantly higher levels?—especially so, considering the significant hazards as men- tioned by the CSIRO and in several viher submissions to the committee. It is possible that the push to raising safety limits is more to do with the development of future MW/RF technology than with existing communication systems. Our exposure to MW/RF radiation is increasing rapidly with the development and popularity of cellular/mobile phones, wireless communications, etc. One such "brave new world” Mh which is of concern is a plan to surround the world with an array of low-orbit satellites which would be part of a global cellular phone system, With this system, mobile phone users can call anywhere in the world. Instead of the phone transmitting to a nearby phone tower, it would transmit directly to an overhead satellite positioned about 500 kilometres high. Obviously such a phone would require more transmitting power than existing ones. So are present mobile phones "safe"? The following information may be of interest to mobile phone users and live buyers: 1, Studies have shown that 30 per cent of the radiated energy from the aerial of a mobile phone is absorbed directly into the brain of the user. 2. Two research studies on EMR at frequencies similar to mobile phone transmissions have shown it to cause DNA breakages in the brains of exposed rats. 3. The US Food and Drug Administration has advised mobile phone users to use them only when absolutely necessary and, when used, to make calls as brief as possible. 4, Recent legal claims in the USA maintain that brain tumours may be caused by the use of digital cellular telephones. 1 am currently collecting information for a report dealing exclusively with cellular (mobile) telephone systems and the health hazards implicated. Looking forward to hearing from you, Yours sincerely, Don Maisch North Hobart, Tasmania, Australia If proposed revised EMR safety standards are adopted, Australians and New Zealanders may soon legally be exposed to five times today's radiation levels, despite damning evidence that no level is actually ‘safe' for health. by Don Maisch Extracted from his report Non-lonizing Electromagnetic Fields and Human Health: Are Current Standards "Sate"? First published October 1994 Updated March 1995 Compiled for the Australian Democrats JUNE - JULY 1995 NEXUS ¢ 37