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Electromagnetic Fields: A WHO Perspective Dr E. van Deventer

Electromagnetic Fields: A WHO Perspective Dr E. van Deventer. OUTLINE. Introduction The WHO International EMF Project Risk assessment of EMF research Risk management programs Risk communication tools Conclusions. The Present Global Context. Ever more sophisticated RF systems

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Electromagnetic Fields: A WHO Perspective Dr E. van Deventer

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  1. Electromagnetic Fields:A WHO PerspectiveDr E. van Deventer

  2. OUTLINE • Introduction • The WHO International EMF Project • Risk assessment of EMF research • Risk management programs • Risk communication tools • Conclusions

  3. The Present Global Context • Ever more sophisticated RF systems • Increasing number of devices and users • Increasing exposure to EMF • Increasing concern from the public

  4. The Present Scientific Knowledge • Large and increasingly sophisticated database • Known mechanisms • Health effects not established below international guidelines • Scientific uncertainty … precaution?

  5. Interaction Mechanisms 10 GHz 100 kHz 300 MHz Frequency Induced currents Induced currents and heating Surface heating

  6. OUTLINE • Introduction • The WHO International EMF Project • Risk assessment of EMF research • Risk management programs • Risk communication tools • Conclusions

  7. To assess health and environmental effects of exposure to non-ionizing radiation (0-300 GHz) • To provide technical assistance in strengthening national capacities for the sound management of EMF • Established in 1996 • Coordinated by WHO HQ (SDE/PHE/RAD) • A multinational, multidisciplinary effort to create and disseminate information appropriate to human health risk assessment for EMF

  8. Structure EMF Project Secretariat International Advisory Committee Research Coordinating Committee Standards Harmonization Committee Collaborating Institutions International Organizations National Authorities

  9. EMF: An environmental risk? Science Risk Assessment Policies Risk Management Public Concern Risk Perception

  10. WHO EMF Project and Research • WHO does NOT perform research • WHO does NOT fund research • WHO coordinates research • WHO assesses research • Scientific workshops • Health risk assessments

  11. WHO and EMF Research http://www.who.int/emf What has been done? What is being done? What needs to been done? time WHO Research Agenda WHO Research Database • WHO Research reviews • Health Risk Assessments

  12. ELF Research Agenda Funding Agencies

  13. Scientific Process Define hypothesis Design study Seek funding Science Conduct study Publish study in peer-reviewed journal Policies Incorporate study in health risk assessment

  14. RESEARCH Balance of studies needed http://www.niehs.nih.gov/emfrapid/booklet/emf2002.pdf

  15. WHO Health Risk Assessment Risk assessment ofall health outcomes (Environmental Health Criteria) Hazard identification and classification of possible carcinogens (Monographs)

  16. Health Risk AssessmentSchedule Static (0 Hz) IARC 2001-2002 EHC 2003-2005 ELF (>0 Hz – 100 kHz) IARC 2001-2002 EHC 2003-2007 RF (>100 kHz – 300 GHz) IARC 2008 ? EHC 2008 ? INTERPHONE multinationalepidemiologicstudy IARC evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans from RF WHO assessment of all health risks to humans from RF

  17. Key Issues

  18. No 304

  19. OUTLINE • Scientific Reviews • Health Risk Assessment Science • Introduction Policies Communication • Information • Risk Perception • Dialogue • Standards • Legislation

  20. Norms, Standards and Guidelines Emission standards have specifications that limit the EMF emissions from devices Exposure standards have specifications that limit EMF exposure to people

  21. Norms, Standards and Guidelines Emission standards have specifications that limit the EMF emissions from devices Exposure standards have specifications that limit EMF exposure to people

  22. New policy documents ….

  23. Model Legislation • To assist countries without appropriate legislation to protect their population from EMF • Uses international standards for exposure and emission limits • Model Act and • Model Regulation • Explanatory Memorandum http://www.who.int/peh-emf/standards/emf_model/en/index.html

  24. Framework for Developing EMF StandardsMotivation • Many countries currently considering new EMF standards • Concerns about public safety and anxiety about increasing EMF exposures from new technologies • Large differences between national standards http://www.who.int/peh-emf/standards/framework/en/index.html

  25. OUTLINE • Scientific Reviews • Health Risk Assessment Science • Introduction Policies Communication • Information • Risk Perception • Dialogue • Standards • Legislation

  26. www.who.int/emf

  27. OUTLINE • Introduction • The WHO International EMF Project • Risk assessment of EMF research • Risk management programs • Risk communication tools • Conclusions

  28. Challenges • Technologies on the market before health evaluation • Lack of harmonization in standards • Restrict technological advances and loss of benefits • Public concern • Need for scientists and decision-makers to communicate with all stakeholders

  29. The International EMF Project Radiation and Environmental Health Protection of the Human Environment World Health Organization 21 Avenue Appia CH-1211 Geneva 27 Switzerland email: emfproject@who.int website: www.who.int/emf

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