Subject: 100,000 very exposed French (Kingsbury).
Date: Wed, 06 Sep 2000 101055 -0500
From: Roy Beavers
To: guru
--------------------------------------------------
........From EMF-L........
Bill Kingsbury has forwarded the articles recently posted (by link)
on EMF-L ... that were in French...... There is much info there --
particularly providing an insight into what is beginning to happen
in Europe....... It is long, but worth reading if you can make the
time.......guru......
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 100,000 very exposed French
Date: Thu, 07 Sep 2000 06:19:07 -0400
From: Bill Kingsbury
To: roy@emfguru.com
Hi Roy,
I ran these pages through the Babel Fish translator:
( http://babelfish.altavista.com/translate.dyn ).
Good enough to understand most of the information.
Bill
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http://www.sciencesetavenir.com/techno/pg69.html
SCIENCES AND FUTURE
Techno Environment -- SEPTEMBER 2000 -- No 643
Antennas mobile relays of telephones and radiations magnetic
100,000 very exposed French
Officially, the radiations emitted by the station-relays of
telephony mobile are too weak to be harmful. We measured. With
the French regulation, all goes well. With the Swiss standards,
nothing goes any more.
[Image] Pierre Bourdis for Sciences and Future
The antennas emit in front of them, never behind, neither on the
sides nor below. The electric field is thus negligible behind the
reflectors plan, on the terraces of buildings for example, or below
the beam of the antenna, in the residences "General manager of the
branch networks and system" of SFR, Jean-Pierre Duthoit wanted to
be reassuring at the time of his intervention in front of the
deputies of the group of studies "Health, environment", March 15
2000. Even its of bell on the side of the two other operators,
Itinéris and Bouygues Telecom. In their assertions, all are based
on the undertaken studies, in particular, in the laboratories of
France Telecom R & D. They conclude that the electromagnetic
fields generated behind and under the station-relays are
non-existent. Or almost, since their intensity would not exceed
0,5 volt per meter (V/m).
However, the doubt remains as for this electromagnetic pollution,
and the rumour swells on the medical risks that these antennas
would make run. Associations of tenants are created in reaction to
their proliferation on the roofs of the great agglomerations. To
clarify the debate, Sciences and Future wished to carry out its own
series of measurements on the ground. Assisted of Jean-Claude
Deschamps, expert with the AINF SA -- the only organization whose
competence is recognized by all in France (to read opposite) -- we
visited fifteen apartments, in Paris and in immediate suburbs
(Boulogne-Billancourt, Nanterre and Saint-Maurice), located either
behind an antenna, or on the last floors of buildings whose roof
accomodates an antenna. On the whole, we carried out 31
measurements.
At the end of this countryside, two conclusions are essential:
initially, the intensities which we could record in the dwellings
that we visited exceed very largely the 0,5 V/m advanced by France
Telecom R & D; then, if the sites which we evaluated were subjected
to the Italian or Russian regulation, 19 out of 31 would be out the
law. The figure would pass to 25 if one took into account the
proposals for standards of the Council of the health of the town of
Toronto (Canada). Or to 30 in comparison with the decree of
application in force in the canton of Geneva (Swiss). But in
France, there is nothing to repeat: our measurements respect the
European recommendations.
Adopted since July 31, 1999, those precisely fixed limiting values
for the electromagnetic fields. For the frequencies around 900
megahertz (MHz) -- corresponding to network GSM of SFR and Itinéris
--, the intensity of the electromagnetic field should not exceed
the 41 V/m... against 6 V/m in Russia and Italy, or 4 V/m in
Geneva. For the frequencies around 1800 MHz -- those of the
network of Bouygues Telecom --, the threshold accounts for 58 V/m
(against 6 V/m in Russia, Italy and in Geneva).
If in Italy, in Canada or in Switzerland, of the governments or the
local authorities retained standards more restrictive than those of
the European Union, it is less by political calculation than by
scientific conviction. These communities take into account does it
-- scientifically established -- that biological modifications can
occur below the levels producing a measurable heating of tissues
"the heating is usually regarded as only and single effect of
electromagnetic radiations", specifies Gerald J Hyland, of the
department of physics of the university of Warwick (Great Britain).
More precisely, these values limit are established according to the
amount absorptive by biological tissues. This accumulation of
energy, called specific flow of absorption or DAS (English SAR), is
measured in Watts per kilogramme (W/kg).
Gerald J Hyland continues: "Of the reports/ratios on neurological
effects related to low levels of exposure state however that there
are influences more subtle which enter in play." It is besides,
neither nor less, which showed the study of David de Pomerai,
published more on May 25 in the Nature review. This biologist of
the molecular department of toxicology of the university of
Nottingham (Great Britain) concluded that "the DAS, on levels
lower than 0,02 W/kg [is a value four times below the European
recommendations], is insufficient to cause heating of tissues
inside the head. We suggest nevertheless who the production of
proteins of thermal shock -- what we showed in our study -- would
be related to nonthermal mechanisms." It is then an interference
direct on the folding up of proteins and thus indirect on their
correct operation. In light, an electromagnetic, weak environment
in comparison with the regulation, "disturbs chemical bonds".
Moreover, our measurements on the ground show that, in two thirds
of the cases, the values are ten times higher than those of the
experiments of France Telecom R & D in the anechoic rooms (without
echo). Worse still: two of them are twenty times higher.
How to explain such a variation enters the laboratory and the
ground? By more powerful antennas actually than those normally
authorized downtown? By a multiplication of these machines on a
same site, from where an addition of the powers? For the Pierre
biophysicist Ruz, expert in front of the courts and near the
European authorities, the cause is partly to seek in the "metal
structures which one finds in the environment of the
station-relays: frames, shutters of windows and parapets are likely
to play a role of 'passive relay transmitters' which can amplify
the waves ultra high frequencies emitted by the station-relays.
The zone under the horizontal one of the principal beam of waves,
which we call the secondary lobes, is much more intense in situ
than than one wants to make us well believe. For this reason the
International Telecommunication Union decided that it was necessary
to multiply the theoretical intensities of the electromagnetic
fields by a factor, said reflexion, equal to 2,56."
Vis-a-vis on such unknown factors and the doubt which remains as
for the medical risks, the principle of precaution is essential.
An opinion divided by the Group of independent experts on the
mobile telephones and its president Britannique William Stewart,
who submitted in April a report -- judged like most complete to the
world. This document stresses that "it is not possible for the
moment to say that the exposure to electromagnetic radiations, even
on levels under the European standards, is without potential
harmful effects; the lack of knowledge is thus sufficient to
justify an approach of precaution". It preaches consequently to
pay a very detailed attention to the installation of the antennas
close to the schools, the hospitals and other places sensitive.
The British experts in addition write that "a national data base
must be established by the government giving the details of all the
basic stations and their emissions". Their government decided to
follow this recommendation, just like that which founds an
expertise independent of the antennas. Carried out randomly and
regularly, it will make it possible "to make sure that the
directives of exposure are not exceeded". Similar attitude in
Germany: before its powering, an antenna must undergo the visit of
an inspector, elected by the Authority of regulation of the
communications and the post office, which checks the respect of the
governmental decree on the standards of exposure.
In France, nothing is decided. The government, the general
Management of health, just comes to constitute a commission, with
at its head Denis Zmirou, doctor epidemiologist at the university
of Grenoble-I. Its mission, with his/her colleagues of the
commission: to make proposals, after having taken into account last
scientific studies. It is time, because today the European
recommendations still do not have the force of law in France. No
register on the antennas exists. Even report for the official
inspections of the station-relays. As many points than
recapitulates the six deputies of the group of studies "Health,
environment" in their bill deposited in June. Summarizing their
position as for mobile telephony in general and with the
antenna-relays, appointed in particular of Drôme Michele Rivasi
declares: "We do not want to prohibit his use, we want just to
privilege a use moderate and careful." With her colleagues, it
wishes that appear on packing of the mobile telephones of the
mentions on "the probability of risk" and "the capacity of
radiation of the apparatuses".
It is thing made since August 1... in the United States. The
industrialists of on the other side of the Atlantic thus decided to
indicate the DAS, i.e. the level of received electromagnetic waves.
They feared that one reproaches them one day for having hidden
information. The example of the manufacturers of cigarettes,
condemned to pay 140 billion dollars, will have surely marked them.
Vincent Gaullier
-------
The expert of "Sciences and Future" and its measuring apparatus
To measure the electromagnetic fields is delicate and complex. To
choose the qualified engineer is as much. We found it in Rennes in
the person of Jean-Claude Deschamps, the local antenna of AINF SA
This company, like Veritas or Socotec, is specialized in the
"consulting", "the expertise". Among the fields of competences of
AINF-Rennes in general appears the calculation of electromagnetic
fields, and electromagnetic compatibility in particular.
It is besides with these titles that one of its engineers -- our
expert in fact -- seat within a commission of the technical Union
of electricity: the UTE / CEF10. A commission charged to propose
new safety requirements. Lastly, if we chose this expert, it is
also that it enjoys the recognition of the engineers of France
Telecom R&D.
-------
Carriers of threatened Pacemakers
If the polemic persists on the dangers of the waves generated by
the antennas for health, it is not the case for the risks of
electromagnetic incompatibility with the pacemakers, pumps with
insulin, stimulative of nerves and other active implants. They are
indeed proven.
From where restrictions formulated by WHO, and taken again by the
European Union: it is requested from the people installed not to
expose itself to levels higher than the tenth of the traditional
recommendations. Thus, according to our measurements taken on the
ground, a part, even totality, of the 15 apartments visited by our
expert would be disadvised to these people. As much to say
prohibited.
-------
No standard for a long and regular exposure
What says the official texts on the long and permanent exposure to
an electromagnetic environment related to the antenna-relays? The
European recommendations relate primarily to acute effects of short
duration: a few tens of minutes, a few hours. One speaks then
about limiting value of exposure (VLE). For a quasi permanent
presence in an electromagnetic environment, as that arrives for the
inhabitants of the apartments that we visited, it would be
necessary to take into account the average value of exposure (VME).
But it does not exist any medical safety requirement for such a
passive exposure.
Actually, the official document of the European recommendations
specifies that, taking into account the lack of scientific data,
the standards "cover the possible effects implicitly in the long
run". What question, in France, the national Institute of search
and security. Only epidemiologic studies could fix a VME. But the
first inquires truly ambitious has just started on the ground.
Started the last year by Elisabeth Cardis and her team of the
gateway research Office on cancer (Lyon), it relates to 14 country,
nearly 20,000 individuals, and relates to a range of ten cancers,
primarily of the head. The first results are not envisaged before
2004.
However, there are epidemiologic studies. Modest certainly,
undoubtedly disputed, "but whose results bring serious information
which is to be taken into account to advance the scientific
debate", comments on Joachim Schüz, of the medical Statistical
institute of the university of Mainz (Germany). This work,
undertaken to the United States by George Carlo, arrives thus at a
multiplication by 1,5 of cancers of the acoustic nerve, and by 3 of
the deaths by tumour of the brain.
-------
Parades for tomorrow
Against the electromagnetic pollution of the antennas, the
short-term solutions seem non-existent. With the statement of the
specialists, only a kind of électrozingué netting, papering the
roof of the building in order to limit the diffusion of the waves
towards the lower apartments, could make the deal. But we did not
find a device of this type in France. Difficult thus to assess the
qualities of them.
In five years however, the parade miracle could come from the sky:
in phase of test today, airships, balloons and other planes,
navigate at high altitude surmounted by antennas, will take one day
the role of "relay" of the electromagnetic waves.
The respect of this expiry depends in fact on the good unfolding on
a significant program on search baptized Helinet. Launched at the
beginning of 2000, it has in load the development of three
applications: observation of the road traffic, environmental
monitoring and -- what interests us here -- telecommunications.
Ten organizations of search and development -- of which no French
-- received 5 billion francs to conclude this mission.
Rather than the balloons, it is the plane which was privileged.
Machine without pilot, functioning with solar energy, Heliplat, it
is its name, will fly the whole months without stopping, at an
altitude located between 17 and 20 km. Ballasted of antennas
relay, it will offer a crowd of advantages. First of all, it will
limit considerably the recourse to the infrastructures on the
ground -- good point not only economic but such a medical "Heliplat
can cover a zone 1000 km in diameter, details David Grace,
researcher at the university of York (Great Britain) and one of the
developers of the European program. With 425,000 possible
communications into simultaneous, the conversations of a large area
like the south-east of England can be satisfied."
In addition, the antennas of Heliplat can be directed differently
according to the traffic of the communications: in direction of the
urban zones in week, towards the campaigns and the littoral the
weekend.
Even the problem of the future frequencies, those to 2 GHz of the
mobiles of third generation, was taken into account. The consumer
will have only to buy the adapted portables. But it is well the
only additional expenditure which it will have to provide, ensures
David Grace: "the cost of the communications should be less
expensive than that of the mobiles of aujourd' today" the economic
future thus seems radiant. Not astonishing to find projects
competitor with Helinet, Japan in particular with Halation or
Skynet.
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http://www.sciencesetavenir.com/techno/pg71.html
Discussion with George Carlo
"We cannot guarantee the safety of the users of mobiles"
George Carlo directed Wireless Technology Research (WTR), which is
described as the "Rolls-Royce of the studies on the safety of the
mobile". Its results have been just published. Interview of a
worried convinced one.
Sciences and Avenir: Do there exist epidemiologic studies on the
risks related to the proximity of the antennas relay?
George Carlo: To my knowledge, nothing was published and nothing
is in hand. What is included/understood. It is very difficult to
set up these kinds of studies so the cases of figure are numerous.
We can only extrapolate conclusions starting from the work
completed on the users of portables. The problems are the same
one besides: in both cases, we are in the presence of
electromagnetic waves and work on the athermic effects of these
waves.
What do your studies show today?
The first of our work concerns some 300,000 users of portables,
between the Eighties and Nineties. The risk, for them, to die of
a cerebral cancer is three times more significant, compared to a
reference group of 2 million people. The second, a case study on
500 people, shows a probability of developing an neuro-epithelial
tumour twice more significant. The third, on a hundred subjects,
raises a rate of cancers of the acoustic nerve 1,5 times superior,
when the use of the mobile lasted more than six years.
These three studies have been just published on the Internet, in
Medscape General Medicine, a scientific newspaper to reading
committee (*). Our conclusions are, certainly, to be confirmed.
Perhaps they show the totality of the pathological cases. As they
are perhaps only the visible part of the iceberg. It is because of
this doubt that I do not cease repeating that we cannot guarantee
the safety of the users of mobiles.
Your results cause a polemic. Why?
Reproaches that one made me relate less to the bottom -- the
results -- which on the form -- where I published them, in order to
make them public there are one year and half. I did not want to
wait to see them appearing in reviews with committee of second
reading, considering the significant increase in the number of
users of mobiles and the result of our work.
The experimental protocols, the statistical data, the conclusions,
all our work was re-examined all the same by independent teams, of
Harvard School of Public Health, inter alia. I adopted the same
attitude to draw the attention to the problems of compatibility
between pacemakers and telephones mobile that we had highlighted.
What led WHO besides to re-examine its standards.
How did your backer react, the Association of industries of mobile
telecommunication?
Badly. The manufacturers communicated everywhere on the topic:
these conclusions are reassuring. In a certain direction, they
were right because a many my results show that there is no problem.
But they systematically obscured the results which disturbed them.
The reaction, in France, of Bouygues Telecom for example is the
same one. In their small booklet on health and electromagnetic
waves, they affirm that the risk is controlled, that the studies
are not conclusive, etc.
Which are today your links with the WTR?
The Association of industries of mobile telecommunication did not
renew me the appropriations. The WTR thus closed. But I do not
hope to remain about it there: I assembled Wireless Radiation
Safety Laboratory. And works more than ever on this problem of the
waves.
Remarks collected by V G.
(*) http://www.medscape.com/journal/Med_GenMed
-------
Electromagnetic Harmfulness
Why are the electromagnetic waves harmful? One knows since more
than one century that the electromagnetic waves are absorbed by
living tissue, and degrade themselves there in heat. But it is
only since one about fifteen years that the link appears between
the quantity of energy and various factors like the frequency of
the fields, their power, the geometry and the structure of
tissues, etc.
Generally, when we are exposed to an electromagnetic radiation, of
900 MHz to take the example of the GSM, we find ourselves subjected
to the action of an induced field, magnetic and electric. It
results from it, on a microscopic scale, two processes inside our
tissues: the oscillation and the displacement of the free loads on
the one hand, the rotation of the polar molecules on the other
hand. A rotation proceeds at the frequency of 900 MHz, to take
again the example of the GSM. These are these results that one
names athermic effects. And which causes often polemic between
scientists.
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http://www.sciencesetavenir.com/techno/pg73.html
Our method of measurements
In comparison with the Swiss lgislation, 30 measurements out of the
31 that we have carry out with our expert, in 15 apartments of
Paris or of its immediate suburbs, would be except standard.
Our series of measurements corresponds to a specific photograph of
the electromagnetic environment. We do not claim moreover with any
statistical legitimacy, more especially as France counts between 10
and 20,000 antennas relay -- only the operators know the exact
number of it. In other words, they are at least 100,000 French who
are exposed in a long and regular way to their electromagnetic
radiations.
Measurements were taken in the course of the day, at one moment
when the traffic of the communications is weak. While following
the recommendations of France Telecom and the experts, we
multiplied the values of the intensity of the electromagnetic field
measured by a factor 2 to 3 in order to obtain the fork of the
maximum intensities of end of day (between 19 and 21 hours), taking
into account a maximum traffic of communications. From where the
two figures on black bottom which appear here for each place of
measurement.
Small jewels of extremely expensive electronics (80,000 F
approximately), the probes which we used were four: an
electromagnetic analyzer of field (EFA-2, from Wandel and
Goltermann), which functions for frequencies going of 5 Hz to 10
kHz; a monitor of electromagnetic radiations (Wandel-Goltermann
EMR-20), which measures the frequencies of 10 kHz with 3 GHz; a
gaussmetre-teslameter (Beautiful) "to readjust" the apparatuses
according to possible variations of the terrestrial electromagnetic
field; and an analyzer of spectrum in order to check that what one
measurement corresponds well to the frequencies employed by mobile
telephony.
The pressure of the air, humidity, the impedance and altitude were
also taken into account. These protocols of measurements result
from the industrial world. AINF-Rennes measures since years the
electromagnetic waves emitted by the giant microwawe ovens, the
grips to be welded quite as imposing and other machines... An
experiment which makes say to our expert: "My measurements are
reproducible."
How to read the card?
A each apartment where we carried out mesurement corresponds a
cartridge, with, at the head, its address.
The silhouette represents the situation of the apartment: the floor
of the building (on a green point), its distance compared to the
antenna-relay (with an arrow). Are then identified each part of
the apartment having given place to a measurement. Deduced from
our results, the two figures correspond to the fork of maximum,
measurable intensities at the end of the day between 19 and 21
hours.
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Sciences & Future No 643
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Archive provided courtesy of WaveGuide, http://www.wave-guide.org
Reprinted with permission of Roy Beavers, http://www.emfguru.com