che raccoglie lavori da tutto il mondo . Journal of American Medical Association, per la sezione di PEDIATRIA sono stati pubblicati, nell'ultimo periodo :
- In un lavoro scientifico Sono state trovate associazioni variabili tra il tempo passato con i social media, la televisione e la depressione, che sembravano essere spiegate più dal confronto sociale verso l'alto e dal rafforzamento delle ipotesi spirali che dall'ipotesi di spostamento: sono paradigmi già utilizzati da vri ricercatori. Coinvolti 3826 adolescenti.
- In altro lavoro scientifico si è studiato lo sviluppo della prima infanzia in 2441 madri e bambini, il livello più elevati di tempo di visione di video nei bambini di età compresa tra 24 e 36 mesi sono stati associati a scarse prestazioni sul raggiungimento da parte dei bambini di traguardi di sviluppo a 36 e 60 mesi, rispettivamente. I risultati di questo studio supportano l'associazione direzionale tra tempo dello schermo e sviluppo del bambino. Le raccomandazioni includono l'incoraggiamento una programmazione nello uso dei media familiari, nonché la gestione del tempo di visualizzazione, per compensare le potenziali conseguenze di un uso eccessivo.
- In questo studio trasversale su 47 bambini in età prescolare sani, l'uso dello schermo maggiore di quello raccomandato dalle linee guida dell'American Academy of Pediatrics è stato associato a
(1) misure inferiori di organizzazione microstrutturale e mielinizzazione di tratti di sostanza bianca del cervello che supportano il linguaggio e le abilità emergenti di alfabetizzazione e
(2) corrispondenti valutazioni cognitive.
Ente pubblico francese, ANSES ha pubblicato un documento di quasi trecento pagine che conferma l'associazione ripetuta di effetti sulla salute (leucemia infantile) dall'esposizione a campi elettromagnetici a bassissima frequenza (ELF-EMF). La relazione scientifica raccomanda di ridurre al minimo le esposizioni, in particolare per i bambini e le donne in gravidanza in "aree sensibili".
ANSES ha finanziato varie campagne di misurazione e ha rivisto le conslusioni della ricerca dal 2010 rilevando che i valori più alti di ELF-EMF sono stati trovati nelle immediate vicinanze di strutture elettriche come trasformatori, sottostazioni e linee di trasmissione ad alta tensione che creano esposizioni croniche, diurne e notturne . Gli elettrodomestici all'interno delle case generano anche alti livelli di campi magnetici che tendono ad essere brevi esposizioni localizzate nell'area circostante l'apparecchio.
L'Agenzia ha ribadito le conclusioni del 2010 e ha formulato raccomandazioni aggiornate per ridurre l'esposizione a ELF-EMF, tra cui:
Le nuove scuole e ospedali NON devono trovarsi nelle immediate vicinanze di linee elettriche ad alta tensione.
Sono necessari migliori controlli e riduzioni per le esposizioni professionali, in particolare per le donne in gravidanza. L'Agenzia ha sottolineato che la ricerca ha rilevato che l'esposizione al feto in alcune situazioni potrebbe essere superiore ai limiti di esposizione pubblica e che le donne dovrebbero essere meglio informate.
I produttori di macchine industriali che emettono ELF-EMF dovrebbero misurare le esposizioni associate e fornire ai clienti / utenti informazioni tecniche su tali esposizioni.
Le normative attuali regolano solo i livelli di esposizione vicino alle linee di trasmissione e l'Agenzia ora raccomanda di estendere le normative per includere tutte le fonti di esposizione ELF-EMF alla popolazione generale.
French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES)
2019 Report on the Health Effects of Exposure To Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
June 21, 2018 The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) published a new report confirming the repeated association of health effects (childhood leukemia) from exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF). The reports recommends minimizing exposures, especially for children and pregnant women in “sensitive areas.”
ANSES has funded various measurement campaigns and reviewed research since 2010 finding highest values of ELF-EMF were found in the immediate vicinity of electrical facilities such as transformers, substations and high-voltage transmission lines that create full-body, chronic, day/night exposures. Household appliances inside homes also generate high levels of magnetic fields that tend to be short exposures localized to the area around the appliance.
The Agency reiterated their 2010 conclusions and issued updated recommendations to reduce ELF-EMF exposure including:
New schools and hospitals should NOT be in close proximity to high-voltage power lines.
Better controls and reductions are needed for occupational exposures especially for pregnant women. The Agency highlighted that research has found the exposure to the fetus in some situations may be higher than public exposure limits, and women should be better informed.
Manufacturers of industrial machines which emit ELF-EMF should measure the associated exposures and provide customers/users with technical information on these exposures.
Current regulations only regulate exposure levels close to transmission lines, and the Agency now recommends extending regulations to include all sources of ELF-EMF exposure to the general population.
Associations between ELF-EMF magnetic fields and childhood leukemia have been consistently found at levels between 2 and 4 milligauss, levels that can be found in homes in close proximity to high-voltage power lines. ANSES funded a study by a team from Inserm and the University Hospital of Caento to quantify how many children in France were exposed to such levels and found approximately 40,000 children less than 15 years of age are exposed at home to magnetic fields greater than 4 milligauss, and approximately 8,000 children are enrolled in a school where magnetic fields are greater than 4 milligauss. Research by the National Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Work Accidents and Occupational Diseases (INRS) and the Pension and Occupational Health Insurance Funds (Carsat) showed that some professionals may be exposed to very high ELF-EMF levels, even higher than legal limits in particular situations such as when using certain industrial machines.
Numerous research studies on ELF-EMFs have found a myriad of effects including cancer, synergisticeffects, impacts to sleep and stressing bees. Recently, Kaiser Permanente researchers published a replication study linking pregnant women’s exposure to electromagnetic fields with increased miscarriage. Kaiser research also has found increased obesity and asthma in prenatally exposed children.
“Several countries have enacted policies to minimize exposure to residents, especially when it comes to children in homes, schools and parks,” stated Theodora Scarato, Executive Director of Environmental Health Trust. Scarato pointed to the EHT database on international policy, which documents the dozens of policies by countries around the world to minimize ELF-EMF exposures. “However, the United States has no safety limits for this type of electromagnetic field; and here in the USA, homes, schools and parks are built directly underneath high-voltage powerlines and beside electricity substations. As an example, in my town, the power company created a biking path directly underneath their high-voltage powerline, and the action was heralded as a benefit to the community. In some countries, this would be illegal.”
Scarato highlights examples of how several countries have policies in place to strictly minimize exposure to ELF-EMF including:
The Netherlands: Since 2005, policy to reduce ELF-EMF near homes, schools and kindergartens. In 2013, the government had a buyout of houses directly under high tension power lines 380-220 kV. 2018 Report by the Health Council of The Netherlands confirms previous findings of an association to cancer, reiterates recommendations to reduce ELF-EMF.
Germany: 2013 Ordinance recommends to exhaust all possibilities to minimize ELF-EMF and 220 kV lines may not be erected over buildings “intended for the long-term presence of humans.”
Israel: The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Health maximum permissible level of exposure to ELF in places of prolonged chronic exposure, such as schools and residences, is 4 mG (milligauss).
French Polynesia: 2017 EMF public awareness campaign recommends reducing exposure including, “distance yourself and others at least 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 4.5 feet) away from induction stovetop or any appliance capable of generating electromagnetic waves such as your refrigerator.”
France: A ministerial recommendation advises to avoid as much as possible the creation of new hospitals, maternity wards and childcare facilities near power lines, cables, transformers and bus bars where children are exposed to a magnetic field stronger than 1 microtesla. The grid operator has the legal obligation to monitor EMF near power lines, and citizens can request ELF-EMF measurements from local power lines via their mayor.
Slovenia: ELF Limits at 10% of the EU Council Recommendation reference value for new and modified installations in the vicinity of flats, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, sanatoriums, playgrounds, parks, recreation areas and public buildings.
Denmark: Utilities measure magnetic fields at new installations: The annual average is supposed to not exceed 4 milligauss, and no kindergartens or new buildings are to be built in the vicinity of a high-voltage line.
Croatia: Reduced electric and magnetic field limits for ‘sensitive areas’ which is defined a homes, offices, schools, playgrounds, kindergartens, maternity wards, hospitals, homes for the elderly and disabled.
Luxemburg: Ministerial recommendation not to create any new living spaces in the immediate vicinity of overhead power lines (within 20 metres for 65 kilovolt lines and 30 metres for 100 to 220 kilovolt lines).
Finland: The Radiation Safety Authority (STUK) recommends avoiding the construction of permanent residences in areas where the magnetic flux density continuously exceeds the level of approximately 0.4 microtesla.
Norway:Government has an “Investigation level” of 0.4 microtesla (annual average) applicable to new homes, kindergartens and schools, and new power lines. If exceeded, they must evaluate possible methods for reducing exposure, but are only required to implement reduction measures if they are evaluated as “reasonable.”
Italy: 2017 Decree of the Environment Minister recommends reducing to as low as possible the indoor exposure to ELF-EMFs induced by electrical systems. In addition, a precautionary “attention value” applies to 24-hour median exposure in homes, playgrounds, schools and places where people can stay for more than 4 hours.
Belgium: In Flanders, new power lines over schools and childcare centers should be avoided and passing over homes kept to a minimum. New schools and childcare centers should not have more than 4 milligauss year-averaged exposure. In Brussels, a ministerial instruction requires that the magnetic field levels in places near newly installed transformers where children less than 15 years of age may stay is kept below a 24-hour average of 4 milligauss.
Please link to Environmental Health Trust in reposting this press release. This information on international policy is also documented in the EHT international database on EMF policy here. Unless hyperlinked, sources for these policies are from The Netherlands Government Report “Comparison of international policies on electromagnetic fields” commissioned by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.
The USA used to have a robust Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) research program on EMF before it was defunded. A 2002 Report by the California Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Program (a program also now defunct) concluded, “To one degree or another, all three of the DHS scientists are inclined to believe that EMFs can cause some degree of increased risk of childhood leukemia, adult brain cancer, Lou Gehrig's Disease, and miscarriage.”
The California Department of Education enacted regulations (Title 5, Section 14010) that require minimum distances between a new school and the edge of a transmission line “right-of-way.” The school setback distances are 100 feet for 50-133 kV lines, 150 feet for 220-230 kV lines, and 350 feet for 500-550 kV lines. There is a history of out-of-court settlements related to EMF exposure from high-voltage transmission lines. For example, Massachusetts Electric, a subsidiary of New England Electric System, agreed to an out-of-court financial settlement to avoid a lawsuit by the family of a child who contracted acute myeloid leukemia. The magnetic fields inside the front bedroom of the family home reached as high as 37 mG.
Reducing Personal Exposure to ELF-EMF from Electronics and Electrical Appliances.
ELF-EMF fields from electronics and appliances fall off rapidly with distance. At one foot away the field is generally reduced. At two to three feet, it is significantly reduced. Experts are less concerned about the brief exposures to ELF-EMF we encounter every day but more concerned about longer-term exposures, such as every night.
Do not sleep near a charging cell phone or a charging laptop or digital device. Always charge devices away from sleeping/living spaces and preferable during the daytime. Charging generates high EMFs near the cord and batteries can catch fire during charging.
Do not use a cell phone while it is charging as the ELF-EMF field is high. Likewise- try to use your laptop on battery , rather than while charging. Always unplug the laptop once it is charged.
Corded alarm clocks and radios can have intense EMFs, so replace your alarm clock with a battery powered alarm clock. This will reduce your exposure at night.
Do not sleep with your head or body near a wall that has the electric panel, electric meter or appliance on the other side.
Unplug appliances and electronics such as TV’s and microwaves ovens when not in use. This reduces ELF and also reduces energy consumption. An easy way to do this for electronics is to get a powerstrip that you can easily switch off.
Remove electronics from the bedroom—especially around your bed and the crib.
Avoid sleeping with electric blankets and heating pads; if you use an electric blanket to preheat your bed, unplug it before sleeping. If you only turn it off, the EMF will still be present.
Do not stand near a microwave oven when it is on.
EMFs from electrical wiring can be reduced if you flip the switch on the breaker for the electrical circuits near the bedroom at night. However circuits are not designed to be flipped every night so we recommend getting a “kill switch” set up in your home so all you have to do is flip one switch at night to turn off breakers all at once.
Get a magnetic field meter to take measurements in your home. If your ELF measurements show high levels in your home, it could be faulty wiring which an electrician can fix. Often simple fixes can greatly reduce ELF-EMF exposure.
Take measurements in your home if you live near powerlines because levels can be high throughout the house from the EMF emanating from high voltage powerlines.
Un quarto bambino che frequenta la scuola è stato diagnosticato un cancro venerdì. Alcuni genitori hanno ritirato i loro figli da scuola, e molti di loro sono usciti in forza a una riunione del consiglio scolastico di Ripon (Wisconsin) lunedì sera per chiedere l'intervento.
In una dichiarazione preparata, il presidente del consiglio Kit Oase ha dichiarato che i test effettuati sulla torre hanno rilevato che funzionava normalmente entro gli standard di sicurezza.
Monica Ferrulli, il cui figlio è stato curato per cancro al cervello nel 2017, ha detto che la Scuola ha citato uno studio obsoleto della American Cancer Society nel mantenere la torre in atto da quando la polemica è scoppiata due anni fa. "È solo una smentita", ha detto Ferrulli al board. Ha giurato che i genitori continueranno a combattere e terranno i loro bambini fuori dalla scuola.
Vi segnalo questo articolo preso dalla rivista Internazionale (del 12.10.18) - rivista che consiglio molto - in cui si parla di capacità cognitive e di lettura che pc e smartphone stanno portando il lettore ad una 'impazienza cognitiva', ovvero grande difficoltà e rifiuto di chi è continuamente con il naso su uno screen, a leggere un testo più lungo di qualche riga !
Scopro che la capacità di lettura non è trasmessa 'geneticamente' (come per vedere e parlare) ma deve essere sviluppata in un ambiente particolare quindi la capacità di lettura si adatta alle richieste dell'ambiente circostante! Quindi in una famiglia in cui l'unica lettura è di qualche riga proiettata nello schermo del TV, da news e/o 'cazzeggi' nei "Social" ... come sarà il futuro cittadino nel la Società?
Una persona incapace di elaborare un proprio pensiero che parta da dati e informazioni esterne.
In previsione della visita del Papa in Irlanda una associazione irlandese di Genitori chiederà - tramite in documento pubblico qui sotto riportato - una 'intercessione' del Papa per richiedere al Governo Irlandese di ridurre l'impatto dei wifi nei confronti dei bambini nelle aule scolastiche.
Una ricerca scientifica della Università di San Diego ha individuato una correlazione tra tempo passato di fronte ad un video (PC o smartphone) ed insoddisfazione della vita di adolescenti
L'indagine è stata rivolta ad adolescenti dagli 8 ai 12 anni ai quali si è chiesto quanto tempo passano di fronte ai vari dispositivi informatici e quindi valutato il loro livello di 'felicità'.
Questo studio segue altri lavori che hanno portato ad analoghi risultati
From News Medical, an online, open-access medical information provider for healthcare professionals, medical researchers and engaged consumers.
New research conducted at San Diego State University has shown the relationship between adolescent life satisfaction and screen time.
Excerpt:
The study, published in the journal Emotion, found that Teenagers who are constantly glued to their smartphones are significantly less happy.
In order to explore this association, investigators analyzed data from the Monitoring the Future (MtF) longitudinal study—a nationwide representative survey comprising millions of U.S. 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-graders.
In this survey, the students were asked to answer a questionnaire about the total time spent on their mobiles, computers, and tablets, as well as their direct social interactions and their happiness in general.
On average, it was found that teenagers who spent an excessive amount of time on screen devices (using social media, playing computer games, video chatting, and messaging) exhibited lower levels of happiness than teenagers who spent more time engaging in non-screen activities such as reading magazines and newspapers, sports, and direct social interactions.
According to Jean M. Twenge, the lead author and professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, while the current study could not find the exact cause, various other studies have shown that more social media use leads to unhappiness, but unhappiness does not lead to more social media use.
Having no interaction with digital screen devices also doesn’t lead to happiness. The happiest teenagers used digital media for under an hour per day. However, the findings showed that daily usage of screen devices could gradually increase unhappiness…SNIP
l'Associazione Medica di Cipro, l'Associazione Medica di Vienna e il Comitato Nazionale Cipriota sull'Ambiente e la Salute dei Bambini hanno emesso una dichiarazione sulle radiazioni con una proposta di miglioramento in 16 passi per ridurre la esposizione ai cellulari e al wifi.
L'evento è stato patrocinato dal Ministero della Salute Cipriota ed un Commissario UE all'Ambiente.
Dichiarazione di Nicosia sui campi elettromagnetici /
Radiofrequenze, novembre 2017 Dichiarazione di Nicosia sui campi
elettromagnetici / Radiofrequenze, novembre 2017 Vengono proposte norme
pratiche basate sulle norme esistenti pubblicate annualmente dalla Camera
medica di Vienna / Austria, le norme pubblicate dalla commissione cipriota
sull'ambiente e la salute dei bambini e il recente appello di Reykjavik 2017.
Le 16 Regole pratiche Le regole pratiche sono proposte,
sulla base delle norme esistenti pubblicate annualmente dalla Camera medica di
Vienna / Austria, le norme pubblicate dal Comitato cipriota sull'ambiente e la
salute dei bambini e il recente appello di Reykjavik 2017.
1.I bambini e gli adolescenti al di sotto dei 16 anni devono
portare solo i telefoni cellulari per le emergenze!
2. I telefoni cellulari, i tablet, i laptop non sono
giocattoli o un mezzo di intrattenimento per bambini. Possono essere utilizzati
dai bambini solo come dispositivi semplici, cioè in modalità aereo e con Wi-Fi,
dati Bluetooth e mobili disattivati. Giochi, canzoni ecc. Devono essere
scaricati e salvati in anticipo dai genitori. Tuttavia, il loro uso deve essere
ancora limitato e proporzionato all'età del bambino. Uso minimo per bambini in
età prescolare e nessun uso per neonati e bambini di età inferiore ai 2 anni.
3. In generale, mantieni le chiamate brevi e il meno
possibile. Utilizza una rete fissa o scrivi un SMS.
4. "La Distanza è tuo amico" .Tenere il telefono
lontano dal corpo e dalla testa durante la composizione e mantenere almeno la
distanza minima raccomandata nella guida dell'utente. Sfruttare il vivavoce
incorporato o utilizzare un auricolare!
5.Non tenere il telefono direttamente sul corpo quando si
utilizza un auricolare o il vivavoce incorporato. Le donne incinte dovrebbero
essere particolarmente caute. Negli uomini, i telefoni cellulari rischiano la
loro fertilità se trasportati nella tasca dei pantaloni. Le persone con
impianti elettronici (pacemaker, pompa per insulina, ecc.) Devono prestare
particolare attenzione alla distanza. Se non è disponibile altra opzione,
utilizzare la tasca esterna del cappotto, uno zaino o un borsellino / borsa per
trasportare il telefono!
6. Non utilizzare i telefoni cellulari e gli smartphone (auto,
autobus, treno). Senza un'antenna esterna, la radiazione all'interno del
veicolo è più alta. Inoltre, l'utente è distratto e diventa un fastidio per gli
altri sui mezzi pubblici!
7. Non inviare messaggi di testo mentre sei alla guida! La
distrazione ti fa diventare un pericolo per te e un pericolo per gli altri
utenti della strada!
8. Fai telefonate a casa e al lavoro tramite una rete
cablata.
9. Lavorare offline più spesso o mettere il telefono in
modalità aereo. Per funzioni come l'ascolto di musica, macchina fotografica,
sveglia, calcolatrice o giochi offline, non è sempre necessaria una connessione
Internet!
10. Un numero inferiore di app significa meno radiazioni.
Riduci al minimo il numero di app e disattiva i servizi di background più
inutili sul tuo smartphone. Disattivazione di "servizi mobili" /
"modalità di rete dati" / Wi-Fit reimposta lo smartphone in un
telefono cellulare convenzionale. Puoi comunque essere raggiunto, ma eviti
molte radiazioni non necessarie dal traffico di dati in background! In
particolare, gli adolescenti devono essere cauti.
11. Evitare di effettuare chiamate in luoghi con scarsa
ricezione (cantina, ascensore e simili). In tali casi, un telefono cellulare
aumenta la sua potenza di trasmissione. Se la ricezione è scarsa, utilizzare
invece l'auricolare o l'altoparlante
12. Acquistare telefoni cellulari con un valore SAR molto
basso e un connettore per antenna esterno, se possibile!
13. Accesso Internet tramite una connessione cablata come
LAN (ad es. Tramite ADSL, VDSL, fibre ottiche) non emette radiazioni: è veloce
e sicuro. Devono essere evitati i telefoni cordless DECT, i punti di accesso
Wi-Fi, le chiavette dati e i modem LTE in costante irraggiamento! Questo
dovrebbe essere evitato soprattutto a casa e nelle scuole. I router Wi-Fi
causano l'esposizione passiva ai non utenti. Una distanza di almeno 4 metri
fino a 10 metri in giù dai dispositivi dovrebbe essere mantenuta da luoghi in
cui i bambini giocano, soggiornano o dormono. Il Wi-Fi deve essere sempre
tenuto: spento quando non viene utilizzato, specialmente di notte o quando una donna
incinta e bambini sono vicini.
14 Si consiglia di telefonare e telefonare su Internet via
cavo
15. Proteggere donne incinte e bambini da "esposizione
passiva", mantenendo una distanza di almeno 1 metro mentre sul telefono
cellulare. Quando si utilizza Internet wireless (Wi-Fi o dati mobili), la
distanza deve essere il più possibile lontana. Dispositivi come telefoni
cellulari, laptop o tablet con connessione wireless devono essere tenuti
lontani dalla pancia di una donna incinta o da una donna che tiene in braccio
un bambino. In nessuna circostanza una donna incinta o un bambino si siedono
vicino a un router o tra un router e il loro computer. In generale, quando i
genitori tengono i loro bambini in braccio o li ostacolano, non devono usare o
tenere i loro telefoni cellulari o lavorare con dispositivi wireless e non
dovrebbero posizionare il cellulare sopra o vicino al passeggino del bambino. Il
rischio è maggiore se il dispositivo mobile è connesso a Internet tramite Wi-Fi
o dati mobili.
16. Attenzione ai baby monitor digitali wireless a causa dei
potenziali rischi di danni irreversibili allo sviluppo del cervello del
bambino. I dispositivi analogici o cablati sono i più richiesti. I dispositivi
digitali dovrebbero essere almeno senza capacità video ed essere "attivati
dalla voce" (trasmissione non continua). In ogni caso, qualsiasi
dispositivo non dovrebbe essere collocato nella culla del bambino, ma a una
distanza di almeno 2 metri!
The 2017 Nicosia Declaration on Electromagnetic and Radiofrequency Radiation
November 11, 2017
Cyprus National Committee on Environment and Children’s Health Press Release (Reprint)
The Signing of the Nicosia Declaration 2017
The Cyprus Medical Association, the Vienna Austrian Medical Chamber and the Cyprus National Committee on Environment and Children’s Health have signed the Nicosia Declaration on electromagnetic and radiofrequency radiation and have issued a new position paper and 16 practical steps to reduce exposure to cell phones and wireless radiation. The event was under the auspices of his excellency the Minister of Health Dr. George Pamborides and the Commissioner for the Environment Mrs. Ioanna Panayiotou.
The Minister of Health in his greeting expressed his support and in particular to the activities of the NCECH and said that investments on Children’s Health are of utmost importance. He welcomed the cooperation established by the three organizations from Cyprus and Austria. He said that the Declaration is an important development with specific and quite important targets. Referring to the issue of EMF/RF he mentioned that it is a potential carcinogen 2b and concluded saying that Prevention is the only choice
The President of the Cyprus Medical Association Dr. Petros Agathangelou highlighted that the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, Medical Associations and many other scientists warned that despite scientific controversies the scientific evidence of serious health impacts due to the exponentially growing exposure to, among others, a potential carcinogen radiation (IARC 2011), is strong enough. We must apply the Precautionary Principle, the legal limits need to be urgently revised, professionals, decision makers and the public need to be adequately informed about potential health impact and new technologies must be adequately controlled for their potential health impact. Finally, he stressed, that it is urgent to minimize the exposure.
The President of NCECH, Dr. Stella Canna Michaelidou highlighted that the realistic approach proposed in the Declaration, combined with adequate awareness raising and education, defines and promotes a framework for rational and safe technology utilization. Technology should be used as a tool and not as a substitute to human relations and in particular of adequate substantial education and relationships with our children.
Dr. Lercher from the Vienna/Austrian Medical Association convened the greetings from the President Prof. Dr. Thomas Szekeres. He stressed that our children are our future and characterized this event and the signed Declaration, as having the potential to raise a strong world wide awareness effect.
The signing of the Nicosia Declaration is a milestone of international importance and very significant for Cyprus, which is contributing substantially to international efforts for understanding potential health impacts from EMF/RF, raising awareness and most importantly in taking effective measures to minimize the risks of the developing technology. The Common Position Paper specifies scientifically evidence based positions and recommendations in how to deal with this serious and complicated Health issue. An issue with wide range implications because of serious risks affecting in particular all children, the new generations but also the entire population.
The main issues raised in the Declaration are :
Potential health Impacts of non ionizing radiation from EMF/RF include carcinogenicity (class 2b IARC 2011), developmental neurotoxicity, effects on DNA, on fertility, hypersensitivity and other serious effects are well documented in peer reviewed studies and occurring at extremely lower levels than existing limits. The fact that fetuses and children have delicate systems that direct the development of human life is reaffirmed. Despite scientific controversies substantial scientific evidence of risks for fetuses and children does exist, indicating damages that could be serious and in some cases irreversible. This evidence is strong enough to support precautionary actions and to establish activities and rules for minimizing exposure as well as careful technology handling.
These concerns and the emerging risks were further confirmed from the scientific presentations made by the eminent speakers, Prof. Olle Johanson, Dr. Piero Lercher, Dr. Antigoni Papavasileiou, Dr. Theodoros Metsis and Dr. Stella Canna Michaelidou.
Abstract of the main suggestions made:
At the Policy level guidelines and regulatory standards need to be revised. In the meantime existing science based and biological relevant criteria must be applied to evaluate children’s exposure from devices or infrastructures.
Decision makers especially in Education and the Health Sector need to be aware of risks and the existing safe alternatives of the Technology, must consider adequately Health concerns, children’s vulnerability and support safe environments in schools, day-care and paediatric units. They must promote age related rational application of digital technology. Wireless Networks should be prohibited in schools, particularly in preschools, kindergartens and elementary schools, where wired connections should be adopted. We ask them to follow the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle and the Council of Europe Resolution 1815 to take all reasonable measures to reduce exposure to RFR.
Exposure at home and schools (where children depending on their age spend at least 60- 90% of their time) can and must be reduced by minimising the use of mobile phones and other wireless devices.
Medical professionals, especially paediatricians and obstetricians should be adequately educated
The public have the right to be fully informed about potential health risks from all wireless and EMF transmitting devices/infrastructures and educated on risk reduction strategies. Parents need to be empowered to demand a safe environment at home and schools.
Sixteen recommendations to reduce personal exposure were issued, including that children under age 16 should only use cell phones for emergencies, to use airplane mode and turn off wireless antennas in electronics before handing devices to children, to distance the phone away from the body and use wired connections rather than wireless connections.
In Cyprus, wireless networks have been removed from children’s classrooms to reduce their daily exposure to radiofrequency radiation. The Cyprus National Committee on Environment and Children’s Health recently released a new video aimed at teenagers about how to reduce exposure to cell phone and wireless radiation. Previously, the Cyprus National Committee released a brochureabout how to reduce exposure and a video for parents and for pregnant women about reducing exposure to cell phone and wireless radiation.
