NIH Workgroup on EMF and RF-EMR

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Adapted from this National Institute of Health web page.

National Institutes of Health Workgroup for Electromagnetic Fields and Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation

Acronym Legend

  • Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
  • Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation (RF-EMR)

EMF and RF-EMR Facts

  • Current FCC RF-EMR maximum public radiation exposure guidelines were set decades ago
  • Current FCC RF-EMR guideline is based on the outdated premise that a device would need to emit enough heat to raise the temperature of one’s skin in order to cause harm
  • There are now over 25,000 articles published
  • The majority of non-industry funded studies show great evidence of biological harm at the non-thermal RF-EMR power levels
  • The mechanisms of harm are being identified.
  • Children and fetuses are especially vulnerable, as are the elderly and those with existing health conditions such as multiple chemical sensitivities, mold toxicity and chronic illnesses.

Workgroup Focus

  • The group’s focus will be influenced by the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) which is in the midst of reporting out findings from its largest study ever, a $25M multi-year project.
  • In this NTP study, the scientists expected to prove cell phones are safe, but, instead, in the very first set of peer-reviewed findings, they reported statistically significant brain and heart tumors, plus DNA damage.
  • These identified harms apply to all wireless technologies as they all operate in the microwave radiation spectrum.
  • More NTP findings are expected in 2018

Policy Implications

  • The Telecom industry and FCC are pushing fast at both the state and federal level to put forth legislation to take away home rule in our local municipalities so the Telecom industry can install toxic 5G infrastructure before any more of the NTP study findings can be reported out.
  • The FCC and the Telecom industry are not concerned with public health.
  • Their goal is to be first to market with 5G and the Internet of Things.
  • There are also indications that the millimeter waves used for 5G spectrum will compromise the integrity of building materials which may cause them to fail inspections.

The insurance industry recognizes the electromagnetic fields of radiation (EMFs) emitted by wireless technology as a leading risk. Lloyds of London and others have already put exclusions in their policies, which could leave municipalities and businesses assuming legal liability for harm. Courts in France, Spain, Italy and elsewhere have already set precedent in awarding for damages.

The group will address several efforts currently underway in the US to address links between wireless radiation and health, including:

  • Massachusetts leads the U.S. with seven bills to address wireless radiation and public health. At the top of the bills page is an Executive Summary on wireless radiation, and an EMF Points of Confusion vs. Fact sheet that helps to connect the dots and dispel common misconceptions.

  • California and Connecticut have issued cell phone radiation fact sheets, and Massachusetts is preparing a series of more current EMF fact sheets that cover man-made radiation from high voltage power lines, cell towers, cell phones and wireless devices/systems.

  • The Environmental Health Trust provides a database of worldwide policies on cell phones, wireless and health that the U.S. can emulate