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The Path Forward for Digital Health and Electromagnetic Field Policy
An Important Review by the World Health Organization
In a proactive move, the World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated the formation of a dedicated task group aimed at conducting a comprehensive assessment of the potential health risks associated with radiofrequency fields electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure. The expected timeline for completing the task group’s work is set to culminate by the close of 2023. A critical aspect of this undertaking will involve a technical report that presents an extensive scoping review of the existing scientific literature on RF-EMF. This report, anticipated to be published in the early months of 2023, will be complemented by ten meticulously crafted systematic reviews, each focusing on priority health outcomes. These reviews are slated for publication in the reputable journal Environment International.
A Globally Representative Task Force
Comprising 21 esteemed members hailing from diverse geographical regions, the task group is charged with multifaceted responsibilities. These range from crafting a comprehensive risk assessment for various health outcomes linked to RF-EMF exposure to assembling a compendium of national policies that exemplify best practices. Additionally, the task group will diligently pinpoint research gaps in this complex field of study.
The Significance of this Endeavour
The WHO’s previous comprehensive review of such nature dates back to 1993, a time when primary sources of radio signals included broadcast transmitters and microwave ovens. Notably absent from the 1993 report was the consideration of mobile communication technologies. Given the proliferation of RF-EMF sources in today’s technological landscape, including the constant evolution of mobile technology, the forthcoming WHO task group assessment is poised to establish an authoritative stance grounded in scientific evidence.
Charting a Path into the Future
At present, specific health concerns associated with mobile technology remain elusive. This creates a unique opportunity for the WHO task group to project forward by issuing statements regarding upcoming technologies such as 6G and other novel applications of radio waves in communication.
Policy Imperatives on the Horizon
As a globally recognized authority on health matters, the WHO wields considerable influence among policymakers and the public alike. Thus, the forthcoming authoritative statement by the WHO concerning RF-EMF exposure and health assumes pivotal importance in addressing the concerns of the general populace. It is crucial for national RF-EMF policies to harmonize seamlessly with the exposure guidelines devised by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), an entity that maintains a close collaborative relationship with the WHO. Presently, the consensus within expert reviews leans toward the absence of established health risks linked to mobile devices and base stations that adhere to ICNIRP’s stipulated limits.
Urging for Global Adherence
The WHO earnestly encourages countries to embrace and adopt the international RF-EMF exposure guidelines. The organization also underscores the potential confusion for regulators, policymakers, and the public at large that can arise from significant disparities between national limits and the globally endorsed guidelines. This misalignment can inadvertently stoke public anxiety.
Variations in Approach and Their Ramifications
Some nations have already implemented EMF policies that are more stringent than the international benchmarks. Empirical data indicates that countries adhering to ICNIRP limits generally experience superior mobile reception quality, a lower density of base stations, and fewer coverage gaps compared to jurisdictions with more restrictive limits. Stricter regulations can, however, impede the swift deployment of innovative technologies like 5G.
Leveraging the WHO Review for Progress
The upcoming WHO review provides a crucial opening for policymakers to unify RF-EMF limits and evaluation methodologies with the latest scientific insights and global best practices. Notably, the evaluation of base station compliance with ICNIRP limits should adhere to methodologies stipulated in international technical standards outlined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). This encompasses the imperative to modernize procedures to accommodate active antennas that are increasingly integral to modern mobile networks.
Envisioning the Year Ahead
On the European front, a scientific committee commissioned by the European Commission is on the brink of delivering a final assessment on updating the permissible EMF limit values for both the public and workers. The prevailing European Union limits are rooted in the ICNIRP’s 1998 guidelines; the scientific committee’s anticipated recommendation of aligning with the ICNIRP’s 2020 guidelines underscores a growing international trend. Countries including Australia, Ireland, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the UK have already made this transition, and others, such as Brazil, are poised to follow suit.
Simultaneously, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) revised the methodologies for assessing EMF exposure from base stations in 2022. These new methodologies offer enhanced accuracy, particularly concerning 5G antennas, and they are calibrated to the latest ICNIRP guidelines. This recalibration comes at an opportune juncture as 5G deployments gather momentum and prompts nations to update their EMF compliance regulations.
Advancing Research and Informing Policy
Substantial strides are underway in the realm of research, notably supported by four European-led research consortiums funded by €29 million from the EU. These consortia are committed to comprehensively examining exposures stemming from 5G networks. They will also delve into studies exploring the potential health and environmental impacts linked to RF-EMF exposure. Furthermore, these research initiatives aim to furnish policymakers with insights on addressing concerns and misinformation surrounding EMF. Notably, the COSMOS study, encompassing 290,000 individuals, delving into the potential long-term health effects of mobile phone usage, is slated to unveil its findings in 2023.
A Promising Outlook
With the close of 2023 in sight, the WHO task group is projected to conclude its comprehensive review on RF-EMF exposure and health risks. This conclusion will include the identification of national exemplars in EMF policy implementation and the elucidation of critical research gaps. Notably, a consequential decision is also on the horizon; the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a specialized arm of the WHO, might signal the timing for a working group to reassess the classification of RF-EMF as a potential human carcinogen. While recent epidemiological investigations largely disavow a definitive link between mobile phone usage and brain cancer, certain ongoing animal studies exhibit a less conclusive picture, prompting concerted efforts in Japan and South Korea to replicate and validate these findings.