Doctors call to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields

In April 2009, 50 doctors issued a united call to leaders in politics and health in the Dutch capital, The Hague. They called for stricter measures to be taken to minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields.

The Dutch doctors, ranging from general practitioners, specialists to medical scientists, called for a reduction in the exposure to electro-magnetic fields (EMF) and a more conscious use of electrical and wireless technology.

The group reported an increase in recent years of chronic diseases that have occurred simultaneously with recent dramatic increases in radiation exposure in the environment. They argued that such symptoms as palpitations, concentration and memory disorders, headaches, fatigue, stress and sleep disorders were the result of EMF exposures. Many of these symptoms can be remedied with very simple measures such as replacing a cordless phone with a corded one. .

The Doctors’ appeal joins a growing number of scientists, health agencies, governments and professional scientific organisations worldwide, voicing concern over the health risks of EMF. August 2007 saw the release of a landmark report from the BioInitiative Working Group, an international group of scientists, researchers and public health policy professionals. The report raised serious scientific concerns about current limits regulating levels of EMF exposure. The European Environment Agency contributed to this report warning that further delay in taking precautionary measures could lead to a health crisis similar to those caused by asbestos, smoking and lead in petrol.

In September 2008, MEPs raised concerns over electromagnetic radiation in the resolution on the mid-term review of the European Environment and Health Action Plan (2004-2010). This was followed by a report on EMF, written by MEP Frédérique Ries (ALDE, BE) emphasising the “continuing uncertainties about possible health risks” related to EMF exposureand. This was adopted in March 2009 by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety.

Despite the mounting evidence, there is still little action being taken by decision makers, at EU or member state level. This recent appeal from Dutch doctors has brought the EMF issue to the Dutch government’s attention, but there still remains a lot of work to be done. HEAL advocates for regulatory and preventative actions to be taken as soon as possible by the EU and in particular, for a review of all EMF regulations.