HEALTH RISKS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

(EMR)

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Is the scare around EMR justified?

• Mobile Phones, WiFi devices and Cell phone towers emit radiation in the non- ionizing end of the radiation spectrum

• There is no definitive study that links EMR with increasing health hazards in cities today.

• Current scientific/legislative understanding of EMR absolves EMR as non- critical

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WHO/ International agency for Research onCancer (IARC), classifies EMR as possiblyCarcinogenic to HumansMay 2011

Studies by Ministry of Environment and Forests,firmly established that cell phone tower EMF isthe key reason for decline in number of beesand sparrowsOctober 2011

The European Parliament recommended tightersafety standards for mobile phones and otherwireless technology with particular emphasis onvulnerable groups such as pregnant women,newborn babies and children.April 2009

There is an increasing awareness and caution towards the adverse effects of EMR to humans and local fauna

However, we are far from convinced on the ill-effects of EMR

What complicates the situation for Indian cities?

• Hyper connectivity• What are the number of EMR sources inside your home?

• High density of Population• Higher instances of EMR exposure per tower

• Supply Demand for mobility• More the demand – higher the infrastructure to support the demand

• Hyper Competitive Markets• 8/9 operators in India per unit area – as compared to 2/3 globally

• Lop sided Telecom regulation

• 2300 MHz spectrum has been allotted to LTE roll outs

• 2300 MHz is actually close to the 2.4GHz spectrum range on which your microwave ovens work

• WiFi – the bane of Smart cities• Works in the 2.3GHz spectrum range of spectrum – again the Microwave oven

analogy

• Neglect of safety norms• Indian Operators are transmitting a powers 16 times higher than “norm”

• Indian norm are already inadequate and are 10X higher than European norms

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EMR – The Delhi case studySilent killer; frightening proportions

• Delhi has a total of 5656 mobile towers, of which 2656 (47%) are illegal

• Area of Delhi is 1,484 sq.km

• ~ 4 towers per square km

• Estimated population of Delhi is 11,007,835 @ 11,297/sq.km

• On an average, a Delhite is 250 metresfrom a telephone tower

• With 8 operators operational in Delhi, Operators are constantly at war with each other for maximizing coverage

• Coverage can be increased by installing more towers or increasing the radiation levels

• Current radiation norms in India are 10X the recommended EMF exposure norms

• What is ironical is that telecom companies continue to install towers, which have a radiation power level of 7620 microwatt/m2 despite the specified level being just 450- 600 microwatt/m2.

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With launch of 2300 MHz LTE and Smart City WiFi program, the exposure to Electro Magnetic Radiation will increase by multiple factors.

Country Limits/Norms on Radiation Values

• Sensitive and responsible governmentsare exercising tighter safety norms formobile phones and wireless technology

• German govt. has issued warnings arounddigital telephony and WiFi to health careministry, all government offices and theGerman population

• Russian National Committee on NonIonizing Radiation protection cites that therisk to children from mobile phones is notmuch lower than the risk to children’shealth from tobacco or alcohol.

• Austrian Medical Association is lobbyingagainst the deployment of Wi-Fi inschools, while the Public HealthDepartment of Salzburg has warned thatWi-Fi should not be installed in schools ornurseries.

• France has imposed a moratorium on Wi-Fi networks in Paris have switched off Wi-Fi after staff reported ill effects.

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Current RadiationExposures

Comments

Switzerland 42 mw/sq.m

Russia 100 mw/sq.m

China 400 mw/sq.m

India – Proposed 450 mw/sq.m

India - Current 4500 mw/sq.m 10X higher than proposed standards

India - Cities 7620 mw/sq.m 17X higher than Proposed standards181X higher than Swiss numbers

List of ailments associated with EMR

EMR – Established effects on adults

• Autism

• Attention Deficit Disorder

• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

• Allergic Reactions

• Asthma

• Bronchial Spams

• Leukemia

• Lymphoma

EMR – Established effects on adults

• Disrupted sleep and Insomnia

• Headaches, dizziness and nausea

• Altered reflexes

• Depression, Fatigue, Joint pains

• Heart disorders

• Alzheimer’s

• Parkinson

• DNA damage

• Memory Loss, Hearing Loss,

• Giloma

• Skin Ailments, Inflammation and Rashes

• Loss of Immunity

• Allergy

• Drop in Sperm count

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Closing Notes

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