By Mrs Eileen O'Connor
Trustee for the EM Radiation Research Trust: www.radiationresearch.org
Founder SCRAM: www.scram.uk.com
1st October 2005

The UK has allowed the highest output of radiation in the world. The UK recently adopted lower levels of radiation by accepting guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection 'ICNIRP'. However, the ICNIRP standard does not offer any form of protection other than from the heating effects of microwave radiation. In other words ICNIRP only protects your body from properties of high levels of elevated temperatures. A very substantial body of peer reviewed science clearly shows many biological changes have already happened.

The Government and Health Protection Agency Radiation Protection (HPA RPD) -formerly known as the NRPB now admit that magnetic fields at the power levels of 0.4 microtesla doubles the risk of contracting leukaemia, whilst other European Countries have brought down their power levels to 1 or 2 microtesla, the UK remain 100 times higher. They also admit that they have known about this for over three years: www.electric-fields.bris.ac.uk/PressRelease.htm.

The Government has taken over 22 billion in the selling of the licences to the mobile phone industry. They put 3.5 million back into research along with 3.5 million from the Mobile Phone Industry. Further support was announced on November, 04 for research on three additional studies for the MTHR programme. While we welcome further research, we are concerned that it lacks true independence and would prefer the funding to go to an independent group of scientists with no industry connections.

Other countries medical professions recognise that some people are sensitive to non-ionising radiation. Sweden now has a medical register of 285,000 and California 700,000. We believe these figures are underestimated, since many people are not aware that their symptoms are connected to a condition known as electro-sensitivity or hypersensitivity (EHS) people. However, if the same figures apply to the UK this could indicate over 2.1 million people are knowingly or unknowingly affected to environmental fields (EMF).

Sir William Stewart, head of the UK's Health Protection Agency (HPA), has called for the precautionary principle to be invoked, especially where children are concerned, as they will absorb a higher dose of radiation and for a longer period of time. A recent news report (amongst others) The Sunday Times, must have been based on advance information from the HPA study indicating that EHS is a valid condition, prior to contrary statement by WHO. We live in hope of unmoderated analysis of Neil Irvine's data, and wait anxiously for the much delayed HPA report, now due to be released in October 2005: www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1774586,00.html

We are now seeing evidence of cancer clusters appearing in radiation from phone masts after long-term exposure, throughout the UK. There appears to be a cancer epidemic across Europe with younger people developing this deadly disease.

The Naila Study, Germany (November 2004) - This study, conducted over 10 years was released by The Federal Agency for Radiation Protection, Germany. Medical doctors compiled case histories since 1994 - 2004, looking at heightened risk of taking ill with malignant tumours. They discovered a threefold increase after five years exposure to microwave radiation from a mobile phone mast transmitter for up to 400 metres distance, compared to those patients living further away.

A study carried out by Ronni Wolf MD and Danny Wolf MD, Kaplan Medical Centre, Israel (April 2004) discovered a fourfold increase in cancer within 350 metres after long-term exposure to microwave radiation from a mobile phone mast and a tenfold increase specifically among women, compared to patients living away from the mast.

Five other short-term mobile phone mast studies have also found significant health effects such as headaches, dizziness, depression, fatigue, sleep disorder, difficulty in concentration and cardiovascular problems. Click on the studies for more information:

Austrian scientists Dr Gerd Oberfeld sent out a press release 1 May 2005 with this report: 'A study in Austria examined radiation from a mobile phone mast at a distance of 80 metres; EEG tests of 12 electro-sensitive people proved significant changes in the electrical currents of the brains. Volunteers for the test reported symptoms like buzzing in the head, palpitations of the heart, un-wellness, light headedness, anxiety, breathlessness, respiratory problems, nervousness, agitation, headache, tinnitus, heat sensation and depression.'

Bamberg, Germany 26-April, 2005
Dr C Waldmann-Selsam, Dr U. Seger,

Bamberg, Oberfranken evaluated the medical complaints of 356 people who have had long-term [radiation exposure in their homes from pulsed high frequency magnetic fields (from mobile phone base stations, from cord-less DECT telephones, amongst others).

People suffer from one, several or many of the following symptoms: Sleep disturbances, tiredness, disturbance in concentration, forgetfulness, problem with finding words, depressive mood, ear noises, sudden loss of hearing, hearing loss, giddiness, nose bleeds, visual disturbances, frequent infections, sinusitis, joint and limb pains, nerve and soft tissue pains, feeling of numbness, heart rhythm disturbances, increased blood pressure episodes, hormonal disturbances, night-time sweats, nausea: Open letter to German Prime Minister following from the Bamberger study: www.tetrawatch.net/links/links.php?id=stoiberlet.

If you compare the results of the "Bamberger Appell" study to "The Microwave Syndrome - Further Aspects of a Spanish Study Oberfeld & Navarro 2004". Both studies seem to show the same symptoms being reported at the same level of powerflux density.

Campaign groups have also been working with retired physicist Dr John Walker. Six studies now show an increase in serious illness appearing in radiation from masts after long-term exposure. I would suggest that the threefold increase found in the Naila study up to 400m and the fourfold increase found in the Israel study will be much higher. These figures will be diluted; they will have taken in the whole area within the 350/400m range. Dr John Walker's research clearly shows the clusters of illness appear in radiation at exposures of around 1.5v/m, which is below the guidelines significantly permitting around 40 to 50 v/m (varying according to microwave frequency). We believe the increase will be approx 10 to 12 per cent within concentrated areas. See examples at: www.starweave.com/gallery. This situation demands proper and full investigation

The Hamlet of Wishaw (see Daily Telegraph article)

Out of the eighteen houses surrounding the mast at up to a range of 500 metres, 77% of the tiny hamlet had health related illness believed to be as a result of radiation from the mast. The out break of illness occurred in 2001 after seven years of exposure to the radiation emitted by the T-Mobile mast. We are now in contact/communication with many people who are suffering from this form of radiation throughout the UK and Europe.

One other important fact is that since the Wishaw Mast vanished on November 2003, many of the residents are reporting a restored feeling of well-being. The residents are reporting improvement in their sleep patterns and increased energy levels. The headaches and dizzy symptoms have disappeared. We have recently seen a baby boom with three babies born in the village, one of the ladies had previously had treatment for pre-cancer cervical cells, another had previously suffered a miscarriage. We have also seen a return of wildlife in the area and the horse has since recovered and is now strong and healthy and no longer needs treatment. Finally a tree has blossomed for the first time in 10 years in line with the mast.

Many animal studies have shown biological effects. The most recent study White Stork Ciconia ciconia by Alfonso Balmori Vallodolid, Spain is published in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 24: 109-119, 2005.

Behavioural observations of white stork nesting sites up to 300 metres were carried out. Productivity and behavioural observations were made. The results have shown microwaves are interfering with reproduction which is comparable with other lab studies.

Animal studies are of great importance as biological effects cannot be put down to psychological effects

Microwaves seem to also be interfering with human reproduction according to a recent paper by Dr Imre Fejes of the obstetrics and gynaecology department at the University of Szeged in Hungary who concludes: "The prolonged use of cell phones may have a negative effect on sperm production and male fertility, that deteriorates both concentration and motility." See news report-: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1159951,00.html

The effects of EMR are being felt by wildlife and the environment as a whole, Birds, bees, worms, trees are all being affected. We need to fight for not only the future of mankind but for the future of the whole environment.

Medical Doctors are also campaigning for precaution.

Finland: Helsinki Appeal 2005

The Helsinki Appeal 2005 from EMF Team Finland calls on the European Parliament to act promptly for the adoption of the new safety standard in the European Union. Physicians and researchers, feel great concern about the Precautionary Principle not being sufficiently applied to electromagnetic fields. They want the standards recommended by ICNIRP to be rejected, because recent scientific studies report various disturbances caused by mobile phone and other RF radiation. They also appeal to the European Community to take prompt measures for solving the refunding of the REFLEX project, which showed evidence of genotoxic effects of mobile phone radiation and should be continued: www.emrpolicy.org

The Irish Doctors' Environmental Association believes that a sub-group of the population are particularly sensitive to exposure to different types of electro-magnetic radiation. The safe levels currently advised for exposure to this non-ionising radiation are based solely on its thermal effects. However, it is clear that this radiation also has non-thermal effects, which need to be taken into consideration when setting these safe levels. The electro-sensitivity experienced by some people results in a variety of distressing symptoms which must also be taken into account when setting safe levels for exposure to non-ionising radiation and when planning the siting of masts and transmitters.

Catania Resolution September 13-14, 2002, 16 world leading scientists at the International Conference State of the Research on Electromagnetic Fields, Scientific and Legal Issues, by ISPESL*, the University of Vienna, and the City of Catania, held in Catania (Italy) on September, 2002,.

Thirty GPs in Liverpool

It was reported in the Liverpool Echo on November 2003 " bad medicine". A group of thirty, hospital doctors and consultants have signed a petition over the installation of a mast which they believe is a risk to health.

Freiburger Appeal

In October 2002 a team of German medical doctors started the Freiburger Appeal. After seeing a dramatic rise in severe and chronic diseases, they have noted a clear temporal and spatial correlation between disease and exposure to microwave radiation. The appeal has since been signed by thousands of doctors.

My own oncologist and breast cancer surgeon supplied me with a letter on 9th December 2003 stating that "we agree that there is some scientific evidence that suggests microwaves can damage cells but as yet there is no direct evidence that this is a problem in humans. We would agree that this issue needs to be raised at the highest level and funding released to support the debate and independent research to get a definitive answer."

Furthermore, the Russians, Chinese and many other parts of Europe are rejecting ICNIRP standards and are concerned about the biological effects. The Ministry of Chinese Health revealed that in the last ten years studies on radiation similar to that emitted by the mobile phone industry have shown a majority of results are showing biological effects. Out of 154 studies, 88 or 57% have shown biological effects such as cancer, genetic molecular and cellular changes, electro physiology effects, behaviour changes etc. in a survey by Dr Henry Lai, Washington University, Seattle 2003. It said that the amount of evidence for biological effects and the characteristics of these are so alarming, that all efforts should be dedicated to find a way to minimize these effects.

China held an International Conference September 2005 in order to discuss and establish Asian Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ACNIRP). Research scientists have found that relatively low-level of RF (radio-frequency) radiation can lead to DNA breaks.

The REFLEX report also highlights RF-induced DNA breaks. The REFLEX project was set up to investigate the effects of low-levels of RF radiation on cellular systems; cost of approximately $3 million. The work was carried out by 12 research groups in seven European countries. Yet again it was shown RF radiation could increase the number of DNA breaks in exposed cells and could also activate a stress response - the production of heat shock proteins. It was clear chromosome damage could be seen in the cell exposed to mobile phone radiation over 24 hours exposure. You can view an image of the cell damage on Dr Gerd Oberfeld's Westminster Presentation on www.radiationresearch.org or click here for the full report.

The Daily Mail reported a 25% increase in young people being hit by mouth cancer on 25/9/05. The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) said risk factors are normally caused by smoking and drinking, however none of these are common risks in younger people. The figure is forecast to rise sharply in the next ten years, with people in their twenties and thirties increasingly vulnerable. (Daily Mail Report 10/11/03).

I am concerned that radiation from phones will intensify around the mouth if children or adults are wearing braces or have fillings, metal intensifies radiation. See the statement. This is an area that needs urgent attention!!!

Overall background radiation is excessive not least because we have eleven national infrastructures, four GSM operators, five 3G, one TETRA and shortly the Network Rail GSM. No other utilities duplicate their infrastructures, yet maintain competition. Further, the mobile phone operators have gone far beyond being a utility, into hi-tech mass marketing of entertainment and business services

I have taken this fight to Westminster, visited Director Generals in Brussels along with fellow trustee Chairman Mike Bell and scientists Dr Oberfeld, Salzburg Government Scientific Adviser and Professor Olle Johansson, Karolinska Institute, Sweden.

I have given evidence to Birmingham and Liverpool City Council, met with Merseyside Fire Authority and given presentations to 100's of packed meetings throughout the UK. I even appeared earlier this year on ITV political reality TV show "vote for me" (www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=2454) I entered the show on a single issue "phone masts" and came an incredible second place receiving 1000's of votes from the general public, the highly regarded 'Tonight with Trevor McDonald' show followed on with a special feature on phone masts which I featured with fellow trustee Dr Gerard Hyland - www.itv.com/news/tonight_878099.html.

I met with Minister, Solicitor General QC MP Mike O'Brien on 1st October, 05. Sadly one door remains firmly closed, the door to Tony Blair despite repeated requests for meetings from Labour MP's Mike O'Brien and Claire Curtis Thomas.

For the sake of us all especially our children, non-ionising radiation is a high priority for public health. Mobile phone networks should use the lowest possible exposure values based on current empirical evidence. Mobile phones should be used for emergency use only.

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