Health Effects of Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation, and the Specific Case of the Effects of Mobile Telephony

Abstract

The health effects of ionizing electromagnetic radiation are well known; neverthless there exist less recognition on the health effects of exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. The first part of the present report refers to health effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, independently of its origin, since there are not important differences among effectscaused by the different kind of non-ionizing radiations, therefore, they are valid for those emmited by the mobile telephony. A statistically significant association is described among various diseases and extremely low frequency electromagnetic radiation (ELF) from high tension electric conductors or transformers, intradomiciliary electric lines or electrodomestic appliances, occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields, mainly ELF, and radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation from television transmission. Already demonstrated effects of mobile telephony (cellular telephones and their antenas). The degrees of certainty from a study of the State of California (USA) is analyzed to relate various diseases caused by non-ionizing radiation. This study confirmed high or moderate probability of a cause-effect relationship for adult and child leukemia, brain cancer in adults and children, female and male breast cancer, spontaneous abortions, suicide, Alzheimer disease, amiotrophic lateral sclerosis and cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction. Various diseases are related to the different origin of the radiation, and the bioligical mechanisms involved in disease generation are analyzed. Research performed in the USSR and afterwards in Russia on health effects of mobile telephony are summarized, these investigations originated the regulation in this country and afterwards in West Europe, and influenced the decissions of WHO on its carcinogenicity. Some of the protection measures and regulations taken by the curtrent Russian Government are reported, as well as current regulations in some countries. Finally, some propositions are made for future legislation and regulation in Chile.