Debriefing Webinar of the SA National Report

Join us on the 26th of June 2022 at 3pm (South African time) for a debriefing of the report. The webinar is free of charge and all are welcome. Residents (scientists and the general public) from other countries might find the report and discussion insightful. Interested parties can register for the webinar by contacting us at:
https://www.emfsa.co.za/contact/

Link to the report:

Questions – feel free to send these to us ahead of the webinar, at https://www.emfsa.co.za/contact/

Image credit: Nathan Farrish Unsplash.com

The post EMFSA Webinar 26th of June 2022: “The Answers Have Changed” appeared first on EMFSA.

Lech, James; Krüger, Tjaart; Boros, László; Venter, Derik; Obajuluwa, Adejoke; Abrahamse, Heidi; et al. (2022): World Health Organization – International EMF Project – International Advisory Committee (IAC) – 11th anniversary of the International Optical Radiation and 26th anniversary of EMF Project meeting, South Africa National Report 2022. figshare. Conference contribution. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.20012759.v1 

The report is available from:

https://figshare.com/articles/conference_contribution/World_Health_Organization_-International_EMF_Project-International_Advisory_Committee_IAC-_11th_anniversary_of_the_International_Optical_Radiation_and_26th_anniversary_of_EMF_Project_meeting_South_Africa_National_Report_2022/20012759

and

https://www.academia.edu/80905734/World_Health_Organization_International_EMF_Project_International_Advisory_Committee_IAC_11th_anniversary_of_the_International_Optical_Radiation_and_26th_anniversary_of_EMF_Project_meeting_South_Africa_National_Report_2022

EMFSA Debriefing Webinar

Join us on the 26th of June 2022 at 3pm (South African time) for a debriefing of the report. The webinar is free of charge and all are welcome. Residents from other countries might find the report and discussion insightful. Interested parties can register for the webinar by contacting us at:
https://www.emfsa.co.za/contact/

Questions – feel free to send these to us ahead of the webinar.

The post 2022 WHO Optical Radiation & EMF Project Report IAC – ZA appeared first on EMFSA.

9th September 2021

“We measured the radiation from a microwave and compared it to a 5G tower”

https://mybroadband.co.za/news/science/412846-we-measured-the-radiation-from-a-microwave-and-compared-it-to-a-5g-tower.html/amp – published 6 September 2021

Comments

I can appreciate the journalist Jan Vermeulen wishing to bring attention to this Public Interest area, however, there are some areas that are in need of course-correcting and updating as part of creating a transparent and accountable government. The purpose is to help concerned citizen scientists and researchers understand the subject topic better, with the hope of developing solutions.

Strongly stated in Chapter 1 of the textbook Chemical Principles by Dumdahl De Coste, we see the idea of changing theories in all realms of science. It is also important to keep in mind that scientists are human. They have prejudices; they misinterpret data; they become emotionally attached to their theories and thus lose objectivity; and they play politics. The progress of science is often affected more by the frailties of humans and their institutions than by the limitations of scientific measuring devices. The scientific methods are only as effective as the humans using them. They do not automatically lead to progress. One of the most convincing manners that lead to progress is through the visualization of the data, followed by the knowledge transfer of that data.

While the spirit of the article was to use visuals to help communicate some data, it displays doing so through the use of scientese and ambiguous use of citations. (1) Use of such tactics as displayed in the article poses clear issues and dangers, especially when the context is not understood by the reading audience. I recommend reading the simple and easy to follow cited article.

Areas of concern identified:

1. “MyBroadband sent a researcher to……”. It is odd the researcher was not listed, nor searchable. Especially for such an article. Even if the researcher is not a high profile academic, it does not discount their potential contribution. In many instances what is called an amateur scientist, could be a person of immense passion and as history informs us, amazing discoveries and contributions to society typically come from pursued passion. However, the demonstration of the mishandling of the meter by the investigator raises some potential areas of concern as detailed in the SA Govt. study. (2)

2. The article refers to 5G measurements however, a 5G spectrum analyzer was not used.

3. “The current scientific understanding is that electromagnetic waves up to the visible light spectrum are unlikely to be harmful to human health below certain power thresholds…….Non-ionising radiation does not cause DNA damage as ionising radiation does, but it may be harmful to human health at high enough power levels.” 

a. This is incorrect and dated. This is covered and explained in the WHO National Report 2021. (3)

b. What is stated is contrary to the array of Nobel Prize Awards for Medicine, Chemistry, and Physics. While a Nobel Prize is not a definitive truth, it is the demonstration to the general consensus of scientists at the time. 

4. “The difference is that microwave ovens emit these waves at a much higher power level, measured in Watt (W), compared to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.”

(a) This too is incorrect.

5. Referencing ICNIRP guidelines and safety levels refers to thermal effects and not biological effects. The mathematics used in ICNIRP does not allow for calculations into biological effects, hence the use of Quantum Mechanics calculations. This is referenced in the WHO National Report 2021, and multiple WHO reports.

6. “Our researcher said it wasn’t possible to get a proper reading from the tower due to the inverse-square law….”

(a) Again, this statement is misleading. Explained and confirmed by both SA and international research on the subject matter. This is also explained in detail in the SA Govt. study. 

(b) The Inverse-square law referred to in the article is with the application of “free-space propagation”, meaning open and free space. In urban environments this is incorrect due to the occurrence of localized hot spots where: 

(i) The ICNIRP reference levels can be exceeded. 

(ii) The measured levels far exceed the free-space propagation calculation for the inverse square law.

(iii) The levels at the base of a tower can be elevated.

(iv) When measuring dosimetry, it is not only the measuring of a single ​​source but with multiple devices connecting to the transmitter, and other devices, the power levels can greatly increase, versus the transmitter alone by itself.

7. “We obtained our maximum measurement of 0.8 W/m2 from the router when our field strength meter was right on top of it.”

The meter is set up for far-field measurements and not near-field. What was performed is poor user error. These concepts are detailed in the SA Govt. Study.

8. “It also indicated that devices such as microwaves that have been around for more than 50 years should be of greater concern than some new technologies such as 5G mobile networks.”

a. Another incorrect term. This is explained well in the field of Mitochondrial Medicine. We have two DNAs, Genomic and Mitochondrial. 50 years ago only wealthy persons in general had access to such microwaves and the exposure to said fields. mtDNA has what is called a heteroplasmy rate. (The rate of epigenetic mutation and damage passed over generations.) See Doug Wallace who received the Franklin Award, also our very own famous South African Prof. Himla Soodyall and her wonderful contributions to this field.

It is unfortunate that such an investigative article was put together in the manner that it was. However, it is not the only subject to being led astray through the use of ​​scientese and ambiguous use of citations. For this reason in-part, is why multiple Organs of State banded together to try and address such communications. As listed in the WHO National Report two courses have been put together as a starting point, offering university course points from one of the top universities in the world. 

Two courses on offer:

1. Introduction to Sub-Molecular Medical Sciences
2. Introduction to Sub-Molecular Agricultural Sciences

The courses take a single concept in quantum mechanics and demonstrate it with practical applications in translational medicine. The course shall apply the same teaching methodology employed by the NASA HRP (human research program). The course will examine the interactive and synergistic relationship of Light, Water, and Magnetism.

This course provides a framework for gaining and organizing medical knowledge and not simply a set of facts but also a plan of action.* Observed behaviour in the world of science is referred to as Natural Law* A number of Laws can tell us what happens, but not WHY* In this course, we will try to explain the WHYs and make observations from first-hand experiences.

Benefits

1. ECTS – European Course Transfer credits from one of the top universities in the world. Credits are transferable to SA and the USA.
2. 5 Day intense Winter School course.
3. Open to Bachelor’s, Masters, PhDs, and Professionals. Professionals would be able to use them toward their CPDs.
   1. In select cases, even High School students who demonstrate the aptitude would be able to enroll and then use the credits in their university degree once enrolled.

It is encouraged and welcomed for the anonymous MyBroadband researcher to enroll into these courses.

Kind regards

James Lech

Doctoral Candidate

World Health Organization – International EMF Project & Optical Radiation – ZA, Chair

Diplomatic Science Officer – ZA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslech/

References:

(1) Haard J, Slater MD, Long M. Scientese and ambiguous citations in the selling of unproven medical treatments. Health Commun. 2004;16(4):411-26. doi: 10.1207/s15327027hc1604_2. PMID: 15465688.

(2) Lech, James; de le Rey, Edward; Krauss, K. (2017). Thesis JC Lech – Constructing an EMF radiation HYGEIA framework and model to demonstrate a public interest override, 326.

(3)

https://www.academia.edu/49209568/World_Health_Organization_International_EMF_Project_International_Advisory_Committee_IAC_25th_anniversary_of_the_International_EMF_Project_and_the_10th_Optical_Radiation_meeting_South_Africa_National_Report_2021?sm=b

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Reference number: 210716.000.NRF-WHO-IAC-ZA
Date: 16 July 2021

Dear Parties

We have concluded our investigation, findings and endorsement on actions to be taken further. They are
summarized below.

1. The permittance and operation of the Cellular Mast Tower on Erf 1603 BKH are in contravention of
   National Policies, Bi-lateral agreements and International Treaties under ‘substances released into
   the environment’ within the definition of ‘public safety or environmental risk’.
2. The permit for the Cellular Mast Tower is endorsed to be revoked within two (2) days.
3. The deconstruction of the Cellular Mast Tower is endorsed within fourteen (14) days.
4. The merits for an Equality High Court application have been met.

PDF – Findings into Investigation Audit into Erf 1603 BKH https://www.emfsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/210716.000.NRF-WHO-IAC-ZA.Erf-1603-BKH.pdf

BACKGROUND

The international electromagnetic field (EMF) project of the World Health Organization (WHO) is a collaborative effort of the WHO teams for Environment, Climate Change and Health (ECCH) and Radiation and Health (ionizing and non-ionizing). The purpose of the effort is twofold. Firstly it seeks to create and house a database of legislation pertaining to EMF exposure. Secondly, it seeks to promote dialogue on the risks related to EMF exposure. The establishment of the EMF Project is motivated by the fact that EMF of a very broad range of frequencies represents one of the most common and fastest growing environmental influences on human health. EMF may have notable positive or negative effects on health, depending on the exposure context. EMF has been around since the birth of the universe, with light being its most familiar form. Electric and magnetic fields are part of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, which extends from static electric and magnetic fields, through radiofrequency, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation, to X-rays. Various Organs of State have reviewed the research endeavors of the NRF in this emerging field and found that the research is innovative and strongly aligned with South Africa’s national interests. The EMF project is a multidisciplinary research endeavor integrating efforts from multiple sectors. Of particular import to South Africa is research into EMF exposure risks, EMF shielding modifications, and bio-adaptation mitigation options related to climate change. The EMF Project is endorsed by the Surgeon General, and the Nation’s doctor is provided with the best available scientific information on how to improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of illness and injury. The mission of the EMF Project is to protect, promote, and advance the health of our Nation.

PDF https://www.emfsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/World_Health_Organization_International.pdf

available from:

https://www.academia.edu/49209568/World_Health_Organization_International_EMF_Project_International_Advisory_Committee_IAC_25th_anniversary_of_the_International_EMF_Project_and_the_10th_Optical_Radiation_meeting_South_Africa_National_Report_2021

AND

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352350669_World_Health_Organization_-International_EMF_Project-International_Advisory_Committee_IAC-_25th_anniversary_of_the_International_EMF_Project_and_the_10th_Optical_Radiation_meeting_South_Africa_Nat

The post New WHO IAC ZA Committee taking steps to bring regulatory practice into South Africa appeared first on EMFSA.

PDF https://www.emfsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/World_Health_Organization_International.pdf

available from:

https://www.academia.edu/49209568/World_Health_Organization_International_EMF_Project_International_Advisory_Committee_IAC_25th_anniversary_of_the_International_EMF_Project_and_the_10th_Optical_Radiation_meeting_South_Africa_National_Report_2021

AND

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352350669_World_Health_Organization_-International_EMF_Project-International_Advisory_Committee_IAC-_25th_anniversary_of_the_International_EMF_Project_and_the_10th_Optical_Radiation_meeting_South_Africa_Nat

The post World Health Organization – International EMF Project – International Advisory Committee (IAC) – 25th anniversary of the International EMF Project and the 10th Optical Radiation meeting, South Africa National Report 2021 appeared first on EMFSA.

Government Activities
The National Research Foundation (NRF) has taken over the role of WHO IAC country reporting and advisory body. The NRF is an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). Its mandate is to promote and support research through funding, human resource development, and the provision of National Research Facilities in the fields of natural, medical, social sciences, humanities, and technology. The NRF serves as the National body responsible for adhering to a number of international bodies regulations, including the International Science Council’s (ISC) requirements. Further details regarding the NRF can be accessed via the following link: https://www.nrf.ac.za/about-us/

Since 2015 the NRF has increased research efforts that have focused on developing science-based solutions to the effects of increased exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. This includes non-native electromagnetic (EM) fields (EMF), infrared, optical, and ultraviolet photons. The NRF has distinguished itself in emerging research, and has vast interdisciplinary experience having coordinated input from multiple fields. The NRF is committed to strengthening the civic role and social responsibility of the higher education sector and promoting the fundamental role of science and research in development. Further, it seeks to support policy formation through developing and nurturing expertise across disciplines. The benefit of more rigorous and fact-based standards will assist in achieving transparent, effective, and accountable government in South Africa.

7 page Report pdf https://www.emfsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Final_2021-WHO-EMF-Project-Report-ZA.pdf

National contact:
Report chaired and presented by:
Mr. James C. Lech
National Research Foundation
who.internationalemfproject.za@gmail.com

This report was commissioned by the WHO International EMF Project IAC-ZA and ISC. committee.

The post WHO South African EMF Project and Optical Radiation National Report 2021 appeared first on EMFSA.

Time: 3pm South African Time

Webinar Topic: The new WHO (World Health Organization) EMF Project South African Committee and Chair have been appointed. Implications will be discussed during the webinar.

Cost: Completely free and open to all.

Presenter: Mr. J. Lech

Contact us at https://www.emfsa.co.za/contact/ for the link to attend.

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In this webinar, Rodney Croft, Chairman of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) will talk about “ICNIRP, 5G, Guidelines and Health”. His presentation will provide a background to ICNIRP and its radiofrequency EMF guidelines, with a particular focus on issues pertinent to 5G. It will cover this topic both from the perspective of the intention and adequacy of the guidelines to provide protection, as well as through consideration of how the guidelines deal with issues that are commonly raised by anti-5G activists.

Afterwards, Emilie Van Deventere, head of the World Health Organisation’s EMF project, will detail the WHO’s approach to electromagnetic waves and what member countries are doing.

Finally, Joe Wiart, head of the Modeling, Characterization and Control of Electromagnetic Wave Exposure 5C2M) Chair held by Télécom Paris, will talk about issues related to the quantification of exposure to electromagnetic waves and will outline the challenges related to 5G.

The link to register for the webinar is available from https://www.telecom-paris.fr/agenda/5g-state-of-knowledge-and-emf-exposure-level

The post Industry/ICNIRP/WHO Webinar 5G: State of knowledge and EMF exposure level appeared first on EMFSA.

9th October 2019:

Sources:

WHO Call for Expressions of Interest for Systematic Reviews of RF and Health (2019)

and

http://www.emf-net.ru/index.php?id=1570607869

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Radiation Programme has an ongoing project to assess potential health effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields in the general and working population. To prioritize potential adverse health outcomes, WHO conducted a broad international survey in 2018. Ten major topics were identified for which WHO will now commission systematic reviews to analyze and synthesize the available evidence.

Teams intending to respond to this Call for Expression of Interest are invited to visit http://www.who.int/peh-emf/research/rf_ehc_page/en/index.html

The closing date for this Call of Expression of Interest is 4 November 2019.

The post WHO Call for Expression of Interest for systematic reviews on RF and specific health outcomes appeared first on EMFSA.

Brief Report from the 5G session at the EMERG meeting in Australia

Meeting of the EMERG, Electromagnetic Energy Reference Group

@ ARPANSA in Yallambie/Melbourne, Australia on May 8, 2018

The 5G Technology session

Slides are available for download from Between a Rock and A Hard Place

Excerpts:

Mike Wood of AMTA – Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association:

• 4G LTE is reaching its maximum capacity
• Commercial launch of 5G in Australia is expected in 2020 and mass adoption of 5G will be in 2025
• Launch of 5G networks will come first (MIMO, massive input massive output, – antennas will be similar in size to 4G antennas but of squared shape)
• At first the 5G will work together with 4G: 4G macro connectivity (cell towers) 5G micro-connectivity (small cells)
• Later on 5G will also stand alone, without 4G (?): 5G will provide macro-connectivity (MIMO towers) and micro-connectivity (small cells; millimeter-waves 30-100GHz)
• Launch of 5G handsets will come later – first handsets with 3G, 4G and 5G connectivity expected in 2020 –2021
• Small cells will be deployed throughout neighborhoods as hot spots to which households will connect
• 5G will be complementary to the fixed internet systems = 5G is not intended to replace the wired internet
• Advantages of 5G: enhanced broadband connectivity – more data and faster
  • Latency of data transfer in 5G will be down to 1 millisecond – nearly instantaneous what is necessary for successful robotics; e.g. surgeon operating on patient located far away using robot will be possible with the 1 millisecond latency
  • In 4G the latency was 40-50 millisecond
• Environmental EMF levels may increase slightly (near to sites) with the addition of 5G networks

(DL: what is slight increase in EMF levels for AMTA is still unclear; AMTA confirms that 5G devices must comply with safety standards; safety standards are still not defined by neither ICNIRP nor WHO EMF Project; there are plans to allow higher exposures than current safety limits permit. 

Few notes from Dariusz Leszczynski’s presentation

• The problem with 5G deployment and health safety
  • Deployment of technology is based on an assumed lack of health hazard
  • The assumed lack of health hazard might be false; in past it happened with cell phones – deployment with the assumption of no health risk but subsequent research has shown radiation to be a possible human carcinogen
  • Very limited biomedical research on 5G-emitted novel radiation (millimeter-waves) shows potentially hazardous outcomes on humans and environment
• Serious limitations of biomedical research on millimeter-waves
  • Very limited number of studies; EMF Portal (www.emf-portal.org) lists only <200 studies; few more on PubMed database
  • Lack of studies examining responses of human physiology to exposure (human volunteer studies)
  • Lack of studies on chronic exposures
  • Published studies came from a very limited number of research groups
  • Lack of replication studies confirming correctness of the observations
• False assumption that because the radiation will be absorbed by skin only thus, there will be no major health problem – it is just skin – false assumption from the EMF engineers – skin is the largest organ in human body and plays vital role in regulation of immune responses and is host to a multitude of microorganisms that regulate normal human physiology, it is not just a “coat” covering the body! (e.g. Sanford JA, Gallo RL. Semin Immunol 25, 2013: 370–377)

Few notes from Andrew Wood’s presentation

• As a scientist, Andrew Wood agrees that more research needs to be done
• Andrew Wood considers that the current basic restrictions for the millimeter-waves exposures to humans, based on thermal mechanisms, are adequate to protect from any unwanted health effects
• Reviewed some of the research studies (see slides for details)
  • Interesting studies from Marvin Ziskin who has shown that application of millimeter-waves in some area of skin induces a biological response in other, distant from the exposure area, place
  • Ziskin work suggested that the millimeter-waves can induce non-thermal effects
  • However, Andrew Wood suspects that thermal mechanisms played role in Ziskin’s therapy applications of millimeter-waves
  • Ziskin was awarded in 2011, for his research in EMF, the highest honor of the Bioelectromagnetics Society (BEMS) – the d’Arsonval Award

Presentation #4 by Rodney Croft, Wollongong University, ACEBR and ICNIRP

Rodney Croft refused to share his slides claiming that these might be misunderstood out of the context of the EMERG meeting.

• Rodney Croft, when asked about the EHC for RF-EMF being prepared by the WHO EMF Project, said that he knows nothing about any personnel changes to the core group of the scientists who will be preparing draft document for the working group that will finalize the EHC for RF-EMF. Croft also commented that he does not know that any systematic reviews will be prepared to replace the earlier version documents prepared under the guidance of ICNIRP. These were quite surprising responses – either Croft was under-informed or the WHO EMF Project is just “playing games”…

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