Radio Days - are levels of electromagnetic radiation safe?
Thrown into the spotlight by proposals to build homes near power lines at Plough Lane and Merton Priory - and with rising concern at levels of radiation emitted from phone masts - what are the health implications of living amidst so much electromagnetic hum?

Dr John W Stather, Deputy Director of the National Radiological Protection Board summarised known science and state of research. From 1994 to 2004 the use of mobile phones in the UK has risen from negligible to 50 million plus, and from 20-40,000 base stations. Mobile phone frequencies are ionising radiation, like x-rays, so we know that the radiation has a material effect. At high levels these cause adverse health effects, at lower levels these have a biological effect, which is not necessarily adverse. There have been changes to planning guidance on the siting of masts, and the planning authority is required to take into account the concerns of the residents in deciding on application. Scientific information is being collected by a cross disciplinary research body: Mobile Telecommunication and Health Research. further information is at www.mthr.org.uk.

Don Maisch, researcher into the health effects of electromagnetic radiation at Wollongong University NZ, spoke about the lower frequency non ionising radiation given out by power installations. Electromagnetic sensitive symptoms may include listlessness, lack of concentration, ‘thinking through fog’, (although similar symptoms may equally be caused by chemical poisoning or other factors). Research is still accumulating. Sensitive people when removed from high levels of exposure will recover, although recovery is slower and less complete the longer the exposure is maintained. Often simple things can be done to reduce exposure, such as, in homes, moving the bed away from the mains intake, or in offices, locating workspaces away from concentrations of radiation. It is easy to measure hot spots.

The advice from our experts was:
- Children should not use phone handsets for prolonged periods. Do not chat on a mobile phone, texting is safer.
- If you are sensitive to electromagnetic vibration and experiencing health effects, either move, or minimise the risk.
- Keep on voicing concerns about electromagnetic radiation, the local authority should take into account these concerns.

From the Civic Forum held on Tuesday 14 September 2004 at St Mark's Hall.