International EMF ProjectInternational EMF Project

7th progress report7th progress reportInternational Advisory CommitteeInternational Advisory Committee

6-7 June 20026-7 June 2002

Dr MH RepacholiDr MH RepacholiCo-Co-ordinatorordinator, Radiation and Environmental Health, Radiation and Environmental HealthWorld Health Organization, Geneva, SwitzerlandWorld Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland

RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Dr Gennadi SouchkevichScientist IR

Dr Leeka KheifetsTeam leader

Dr Larry GoldsteinScientist EMF

Sarah BullockSecretary

Dr Emilie Van DeventerScientist EMF

Dr Michael RepacholiCo-ordinator

Unit SecretaryAnnette Nock

6 June 2002

InternUV Radiation

Health Impact AssessmentRadiation Studies

Teija KatajainenSecretary

Dr Istvan TuraiMedical Officer IR

Dr Zhanat CarrMedical Officer IR

Dr Eric Van RongenScientist EMFSecondment

Dr Carlos DoraScientist

International ManagementInternational Management

An An International Advisory CommitteeInternational Advisory Committee has been has beenestablished from representatives of theestablished from representatives of theinternational and national collaboratinginternational and national collaboratingagencies, and agencies, and WHOWHO collaborating institutions. collaborating institutions.

International Advisory CommitteeInternational Advisory CommitteeTerms of ReferenceTerms of Reference

✦✦ Provide oversight on the conduct of the Project.Provide oversight on the conduct of the Project.✦✦ Review Project outputsReview Project outputs✦✦ Provide a forum for a co-ordinated internationalProvide a forum for a co-ordinated international

response on the health concerns raised byresponse on the health concerns raised byexposure toexposure to EMFsEMFs..�� Biological effectsBiological effects�� Health issuesHealth issues�� Use of precautionary measuresUse of precautionary measures�� StandardsStandards

Role of WHO staff in EMF ProjectRole of WHO staff in EMF Project

��Facilitate and implement the programme agreed by theFacilitate and implement the programme agreed by the International Advisory Committee International Advisory Committee��Form part of the non-voting secretariat at all meetings andForm part of the non-voting secretariat at all meetings and expert groups expert groups��Compile minutes, fact sheets and reports of meetingsCompile minutes, fact sheets and reports of meetings published after comments by IAC and outside experts published after comments by IAC and outside experts��Give presentations summarising the conclusions of WHOGive presentations summarising the conclusions of WHO meetings or expert groups meetings or expert groups��Ensure compliance with WHO�s conflict of interestEnsure compliance with WHO�s conflict of interest policies (Committee membership, funding, etc) policies (Committee membership, funding, etc)

Internationalscientific reviews

Risk perceptionand communication

Environmentalimpact

Informationand trainingStandards

WHOTask Groups

User Friendly Handbookand EHC Monograph

Handbook published 2001Monograph in 2003?

EMF ManagementProgramme

Publication 2005

Seminarsand W/G Reviews

Scientific research database

See www,who.int/emf

WHO/IARC Task Group Reviewsand Health Risk Assessments

IARC ELF completedWHO ELF 2002IARC RF 2005?WHO RF 2006?

WHO andIARC Monographs

IARC static/ELF completed

ResearchCo-ordination

Home Page/Fact Sheetsin Multiple LanguagesSee www.who.int/emf

Review EMF Impactson Environment

Develop Framework for Standards

First draft frameworkRegional meetings

Review ofWorld StandardsOn web site end

National EMF Protection Programmes

WHO EMF Project

Global EMFStandard Framework

Training Programmes- InternetELF on web siteRF in 2003

WHOTask Groups

Documents forEnvironmental Impacts:of Major Development

ProjectsConf. Proceedings

Scientific paper

IAC

Health Status ReportsResearch Gaps

All scientific reviews completed

SCIENTIFIC REVIEWSSCIENTIFIC REVIEWS

Reviews of the scientific literature are conducted to:Reviews of the scientific literature are conducted to:��Provide status report on possible health effectsProvide status report on possible health effects��Identify gaps in knowledge that need further research leading to better healthIdentify gaps in knowledge that need further research leading to better health risk assessmentsrisk assessments

Scientific reviews:Scientific reviews:��RF range (10 MHz-300 GHz), Munich, Germany (1996)RF range (10 MHz-300 GHz), Munich, Germany (1996)��Static and low frequencies (0-300 Hz) Bologna, Italy (1997)Static and low frequencies (0-300 Hz) Bologna, Italy (1997)��Psychosocial impacts of EMF exposure inPsychosocial impacts of EMF exposure in Graz Graz, Austria (1998), Austria (1998)��Intermediate frequencies (300 Hz-10 MHz) Maastricht, The Netherlands (1999)Intermediate frequencies (300 Hz-10 MHz) Maastricht, The Netherlands (1999)��Environmental impacts of EMF,Environmental impacts of EMF, Ismaning Ismaning, Germany (1999), Germany (1999)��RF pulse-modulated fields in Erice, Sicily, Italy (1999)RF pulse-modulated fields in Erice, Sicily, Italy (1999)��Adverse Temperature Levels in the Human Body, Geneva, March 2002Adverse Temperature Levels in the Human Body, Geneva, March 2002��Effects of EMF on children (being organized)Effects of EMF on children (being organized)��Precautionary principle (being organized)Precautionary principle (being organized)��Mechanisms (To be organized)Mechanisms (To be organized)Science updates given at regional meetings with Standards Harmonisation activityScience updates given at regional meetings with Standards Harmonisation activity

Scientific Journal PublicationsScientific Journal Publications

��Repacholi MH, Cardis E (1997): Criteria for EMF Health Risk Assessment.Repacholi MH, Cardis E (1997): Criteria for EMF Health Risk Assessment. Radiat Prot Dosim Radiat Prot Dosim72: 305-31272: 305-312��MH Repacholi (MH Repacholi (eded) (1998) Low-Level Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields:) (1998) Low-Level Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields:Health Effects and Research Needs. Bioelectromagnetics 19: 1-19 (1998)Health Effects and Research Needs. Bioelectromagnetics 19: 1-19 (1998)��MH Repacholi and B Greenebaum (MH Repacholi and B Greenebaum (edseds) (1999) Interaction of Static and Extremely Low) (1999) Interaction of Static and Extremely LowFrequency Electric and Magnetic Fields with Living Systems: Health Effects and Research Needs.Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields with Living Systems: Health Effects and Research Needs.Bioelectromagnetics 20: 133-160Bioelectromagnetics 20: 133-160��AFAF McKinlay McKinlay and MH Repacholi ( and MH Repacholi (edseds) (1999) Exposure metrics and dosimetry for EMF) (1999) Exposure metrics and dosimetry for EMFepidemiology. Radiation Protection Dosimetry 83(1-2), 194.epidemiology. Radiation Protection Dosimetry 83(1-2), 194.��KH Foster, P Vecchia, MH Repacholi (2000) Science and the Precautionary Policy. Science 288:KH Foster, P Vecchia, MH Repacholi (2000) Science and the Precautionary Policy. Science 288:979-981.979-981.��EE Litvak Litvak, KR Foster and MH Repacholi (2002) Health and safety implications of exposure to, KR Foster and MH Repacholi (2002) Health and safety implications of exposure toelectromagnetic fields in the frequency range 300 Hz to 10 MHz., Bioelectromagnetics 23(1) 68-82.electromagnetic fields in the frequency range 300 Hz to 10 MHz., Bioelectromagnetics 23(1) 68-82.��LSLS Goldstein Goldstein, MW, MW Dewhirst Dewhirst, MH Repacholi, and L Kheifets (2002) Summary, conclusions and, MH Repacholi, and L Kheifets (2002) Summary, conclusions andrecommendations: adverse temperature levels in the human body, International J.recommendations: adverse temperature levels in the human body, International J. Hyperthermia Hyperthermia,,In PressIn Press��MWMW Dewhirst Dewhirst, ML, ML Michiels Michiels, BL, BL Viglianti Viglianti, and MH Repacholi (2002) Carcinogenic effects of, and MH Repacholi (2002) Carcinogenic effects ofhyperthermiahyperthermia, International J., International J. Hyperthermia Hyperthermia, In Press, In Press��L. Kheifets, MH Repacholi, and RL. Kheifets, MH Repacholi, and R Saunders (2002) Thermal stress and radiation protectionSaunders (2002) Thermal stress and radiation protectionprinciples, International J.principles, International J. Hyperthermia Hyperthermia, In Press, In Press��KR Foster, JMKR Foster, JM Osepchuk Osepchuk, and MH Repacholi, Environmental impacts of electromagnetic fields, and MH Repacholi, Environmental impacts of electromagnetic fieldsfrom major electrical technologies, Submitted to Environmental Health Perspectives 2002from major electrical technologies, Submitted to Environmental Health Perspectives 2002

EMF Project EMF Project WHO Fact Sheets WHO Fact Sheets

✦✦ The International EMF Project. Fact Sheet #181, Oct 1997The International EMF Project. Fact Sheet #181, Oct 1997✦✦ Physical properties and effects on biological systems. Fact Sheet #182, Oct 1997Physical properties and effects on biological systems. Fact Sheet #182, Oct 1997✦✦ Health effects of radiofrequency fields. Fact Sheet #183, Oct 1997Health effects of radiofrequency fields. Fact Sheet #183, Oct 1997✦✦ Public perception of EMF risks. Fact Sheet #184, Oct 1997Public perception of EMF risks. Fact Sheet #184, Oct 1997✦✦ Mobile telephones and their base stations. Fact Sheet #193, updated June 2000Mobile telephones and their base stations. Fact Sheet #193, updated June 2000✦✦ Video display Units (VDUs) and human health. Fact Sheet #201, July 1998Video display Units (VDUs) and human health. Fact Sheet #201, July 1998✦✦ Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields. Fact Sheet #205, Nov 1998Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields. Fact Sheet #205, Nov 1998✦✦ Radars and Human Health. Fact Sheet #226, June 1999Radars and Human Health. Fact Sheet #226, June 1999✦✦ Cautionary Policies (WHO Backgrounder), March 2000Cautionary Policies (WHO Backgrounder), March 2000✦✦ ELF fields and cancer Fact Sheet #263, October 2001ELF fields and cancer Fact Sheet #263, October 2001✦✦ Others for review during this meeting (Others for review during this meeting (Environmental impacts of EMF,

Hypersensitivity, Intermediate frequencies, Microwave ovens, RFoverexposure, Results of Thermal workshop (to be drafted), Protection of thepublic (to await policy options meeting)�.any others?

On home page: http://www.who.On home page: http://www.who.intint/emf/ in multiple languages/emf/ in multiple languages

RESEARCH CO-ORDINATIONRESEARCH CO-ORDINATION

A research co-ordination committee meeting in Cape TownA research co-ordination committee meeting in Cape Townindicated that areas requiring further research:indicated that areas requiring further research:

➨➨ Possible effects of EMF exposure (particularly RF) on childrenPossible effects of EMF exposure (particularly RF) on children

➨➨ Implication of the IARC classification of ELF magnetic fieldsImplication of the IARC classification of ELF magnetic fields as a 2B carcinogen as a 2B carcinogen

WHO EMF research agenda being revised for web siteWHO EMF research agenda being revised for web site

Schedule of health risk assessmentsSchedule of health risk assessments

20012001 IARC carcinogen identification and evaluation of static IARC carcinogen identification and evaluation of static and ELF fieldsand ELF fields

20032003 WHO/ICNIRP health risk assessment of static and ELFWHO/ICNIRP health risk assessment of static and ELFfieldsfields

20052005 IARC carcinogen identification and evaluation of RF fieldsIARC carcinogen identification and evaluation of RF fields2006-7 WHO/ICNIRP health risk assessment of RF fields2006-7 WHO/ICNIRP health risk assessment of RF fields

WHO will incorporate IARC conclusions into WHO task groupWHO will incorporate IARC conclusions into WHO task groupreviews of cancer and non-cancer risks and publishes them asreviews of cancer and non-cancer risks and publishes them asWHO monographs. Anticipated all reports published by 2007WHO monographs. Anticipated all reports published by 2007

WHO/IARC publicationsWHO/IARC publications

Non-ionizing radiation, Part 1: StaticNon-ionizing radiation, Part 1: Staticand extremely low-frequency (ELF)and extremely low-frequency (ELF)electric and magnetic fields, IARCelectric and magnetic fields, IARCMonographs 80, IARC Press: Lyon,Monographs 80, IARC Press: Lyon,(2002), pp 429.(2002), pp 429.

Harmonization of EMF StandardsHarmonization of EMF StandardsDifferences in the EMF limit values in standards in someDifferences in the EMF limit values in standards in somecountries are, in some cases, over 100 timescountries are, in some cases, over 100 times

This raises concerns about their safety and has led to publicThis raises concerns about their safety and has led to publicanxiety about increasing EMF exposures from the introductionanxiety about increasing EMF exposures from the introductionof new technologiesof new technologies

The purpose of this activity is to work towards internationalThe purpose of this activity is to work towards internationalagreement on a framework for developing guidelines onagreement on a framework for developing guidelines onprotection of the public and workers from exposure to EMFprotection of the public and workers from exposure to EMF

Standards Harmonization MeetingsStandards Harmonization Meetings�� Xi'anXi'an, China 23-26 October 2000., China 23-26 October 2000.�� San Antonio, Texas 13-14 November 2000San Antonio, Texas 13-14 November 2000�� Lima, Peru 7-9 March 2001Lima, Peru 7-9 March 2001�� Bulgaria 30 April - 4 May 2001Bulgaria 30 April - 4 May 2001�� South Korea, 22-24 October 2001South Korea, 22-24 October 2001�� Cape Town, South Africa, 4-7 December 2001Cape Town, South Africa, 4-7 December 2001�� Moscow/St Petersburg, Russia, 17-25 Sept. 2002Moscow/St Petersburg, Russia, 17-25 Sept. 2002�� GuilinGuilin, , GuangxiGuangxi, China 18-22 April 2003, China 18-22 April 2003�� International consensus meeting, Geneva, late 2003International consensus meeting, Geneva, late 2003

EMF risk perception, communication and managementEMF risk perception, communication and management

Information gathered from international reviews in Vienna inInformation gathered from international reviews in Vienna in1997 and Ottawa in 1998. A summary report of the Ottawa1997 and Ottawa in 1998. A summary report of the Ottawameeting, entitled �EMF Risk Perception and Communication� bymeeting, entitled �EMF Risk Perception and Communication� byLMLM Brodsky Brodsky, W Leiss, D, W Leiss, D Krewski Krewski and MH Repacholi has been and MH Repacholi has beencompleted and has been submitted for publication.completed and has been submitted for publication.

A user-friendly handbook (Establishing a dialogue on risks fromA user-friendly handbook (Establishing a dialogue on risks fromelectromagnetic fields) has been completed and is being publishedelectromagnetic fields) has been completed and is being published

Question:Question: Do we need a monograph with greater detail on this Do we need a monograph with greater detail on thistopic?topic?

Press ReleasesPress Releases��WHO Launches New International Project to Assess Health Effects ofWHO Launches New International Project to Assess Health Effects ofElectric and Magnetic Fields. Press release WHO/42, 4 June 1996.Electric and Magnetic Fields. Press release WHO/42, 4 June 1996.��Electromagnetic fields: Experts Met in Vienna to Assess Public Perceptions ofElectromagnetic fields: Experts Met in Vienna to Assess Public Perceptions ofRisks. Press release WHO/75, 23 October, 1997.Risks. Press release WHO/75, 23 October, 1997.��Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields: WHO Recommends ResearchHealth Effects of Electromagnetic Fields: WHO Recommends ResearchPriorities. Press release WHO/95, 19 December 1997.Priorities. Press release WHO/95, 19 December 1997.��Scientists Meet in Moscow to Discuss Adverse Effects of ElectromagneticScientists Meet in Moscow to Discuss Adverse Effects of ElectromagneticFields. Press release WHO/38, 20 May, 1998.Fields. Press release WHO/38, 20 May, 1998.��WHO Launches an Initiative to Harmonize Electromagnetic Field StandardsWHO Launches an Initiative to Harmonize Electromagnetic Field StandardsWorldwide. Press release WHO/88, 17 November 1998Worldwide. Press release WHO/88, 17 November 1998��More information necessary to establish health effects of mobile phones. PressMore information necessary to establish health effects of mobile phones. Pressrelease WHO/45, 28 June 2000.release WHO/45, 28 June 2000.��WHO clarifies its position on health effects of mobile phone use. Note for theWHO clarifies its position on health effects of mobile phone use. Note for thepress No 14 10 October 2001press No 14 10 October 2001��Clarification of mooted relationship between mobile telephone base stationsClarification of mooted relationship between mobile telephone base stationsand cancer. Statement WHO/1 23 January 2002.and cancer. Statement WHO/1 23 January 2002.

Questions for meetingQuestions for meeting

��Do you want to proceed with the development of the detailedDo you want to proceed with the development of the detailedMonograph on risk perception, communication and managementMonograph on risk perception, communication and management�.. or is the current Handbook sufficient?�.. or is the current Handbook sufficient?��Given the public concern, should WHO prepare a statement onGiven the public concern, should WHO prepare a statement onthe feasibility of conducting valid scientific studies on mobilethe feasibility of conducting valid scientific studies on mobiletelephone base stations?telephone base stations?��The Thermal Workshop was closed to specialists: Should futureThe Thermal Workshop was closed to specialists: Should futureworkshops, such as one on Sensitivity of Children to EMF beworkshops, such as one on Sensitivity of Children to EMF beopen?open?��Are there any other projects or information needed by IACAre there any other projects or information needed by IACmembers that is not currently being provided?members that is not currently being provided?��Is the web site adequate and informative?Is the web site adequate and informative?��Should EMF management activity develop model legislation?Should EMF management activity develop model legislation?��Other topics that need to be addressed?Other topics that need to be addressed?