SCIENTISTS WARN OF ELECTROSMOG DANGER

8. In view of the above, the Assembly recommends to the member states of the Council of Europe,

8.1 in general terms: scientists warn of the danger of electrosmog

8.1.1. Take all reasonable measures to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields, especially to radiofrequencies emitted by cell phones. And in particular exposure in children and young people, for whom the risk of head tumors seems to be higher;
8.1.2. Reconsider the scientific basis for current EMF exposure standards. Set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. That it has serious deficiencies, and apply the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle. That is, the lowest level reasonably possible, both for thermal effects and for athermal or biological effects of electromagnetic emissions or radiation;

They also recommend:

8.1.3. Implement information and awareness campaigns on the risks of potentially harmful long-term biological effects on the environment and human health. Aimed especially at children, adolescents and young people of reproductive age;
8.1.4. Pay special attention to “electrosensitive” people affected by a syndrome of intolerance to electromagnetic fields. As well as the adoption of special measures to protect them. Including the creation of “white zones” not covered by wireless networks;
8.1.5. Increase research efforts on new types of antennas, cell phones and devices such as DECT. In order to reduce costs, save energy and protect the environment and human health. In addition, to promote research. And the development of telecommunications based on other technologies that are just as effective, but less harmful to the environment and health;

8.2 Individual use

From cell phones, DECT cordless phones, WiFi, WiMAX and WLAN to computers and other wireless applications, such as baby monitor intercoms, scientists warn of the danger of electrosmog:
8.2.1 Establishing prevention thresholds. Taanto for long-term indoor microwave exposure levels [de los edificios]. In accordance with the precautionary principle, no higher than 0.6 volts per meter [≅ 0.1 μW/cm²] and reduce it in the medium term to 0, 2 volts per meter [≅ 0.01 μW/cm²];
8.2.2 Implement all necessary procedures. For risk assessment as well as, for any new form of device before allowing its commercialization;
8.2.3 Introduce a clear labeling system . Thus, indicating the presence of microwaves or electromagnetic fields. And noting the Transmitting Power or the “Specific Absorption Rate” (SAR) of the device. As well as, the health risks related to their use;
8.2.4 To inform about the potential health risks of DECT cordless telephones, baby monitoring intercoms . And other household appliances that continuously emit pulsed microwaves, when all electrical devices are permanently left in standby position. And recommend the use of corded telephones in homes or, failing that, models that do not permanently emit pulsed waves;

8.3 Protection of children

8.3.1 Design, within the scope of the different ministries (education, environment and health), programs of action to improve the quality of life of the population.nformation campaigns aimed at teachers, parents and children to warn them of the specific risks of early, indiscriminate and prolonged use of cell phones and other devices that emit microwaves;
8.3.2 Giving preference, for children in general and especially in schools. [“école”: includes pre-school, primary and secondary education] and in classrooms, to wired internet access systems [i.e. avoiding wireless Wifi] and to strictly regulate the use of students’ phones on school premises;

8.4 Planning of power lines and base stations for mobile telephone antennas

8.4.1 Take urban planning measures that require a safety distance between power lines and other electrical installations and dwellings;
8.4.2 Apply strict safety standards regarding the sanitary impact of electrical installations in new houses;
8.4.3 Reduce the permissible threshold for antennas in accordance with the ALARA principle and install global and continuous monitoring systems for all antennas;
8.4.4 Determine the location of any new GSM, UMTS, WiFi or WiMax antenna. Not only based on the interests of the operators, but also in consultation with local authorities and residents or associations of affected citizens;

8.5 Style of risk assessment and precautions to be taken

8.5.1 Risk assessment should focus more on prevention;
8.5.2 Improve the risk assessment criteria and the quality of the assessment by creating a standard risk scale, making it mandatory to indicate the level of risk, having various risk scenarios studied, taking into account compatibility with real life conditions;
8.5.3 Takeearly warning scientists into account and protect them;
8.5.4 Formulate a human rights-based definition of the precautionary principle and the ALARA principle;

More precautions to take:

8.5.5 Increase public funding for independent research. Especially through corporate donations. And of taxes on products that are subject to public study for health risk assessment;
8.5.6 Create independent commissionsfor the allocation of public funds;
8.5.7 Mandatory transparency in lobbying;
8.5.8 Promote pluralistic and controversial discussionsamong all interested parties. Including civil society (Aarhus Convention).

1 Text adopted by the Standing Committee, acting on behalf of the Assembly,on May 27, 2011(see Doc. 12608, report of the Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Territorial Affairs, rapporteur: M. Huss).
2 Translator’s note: This Resolution proposes to lower the legal exposure limits by almost 1,000 times, since Spanish state legislation currently fails to distinguish between indoor/outdoor exposure of buildings or dwellings, and does not consider non-thermal and long-term effects.