Electromagnetic fields and health. Your guide in the electromagnetic landscape
Complete 40-page guide from the Belgian Government on electromagnetic waves and their possible effects on public health: nature of electromagnetic waves and fields, energy levels and alert thresholds, biological effects, regulations, questions / answers ...
Read more and debate: electromagnetic waves and health, Belgian federal official report
Foreword
Every day we are in contact with electromagnetic fields. In addition to natural electromagnetic radiation, such as sunlight and heat, we are exposed to rays and fields of artificial origin, coming from electrical installations, electric transport, television, radio, telephony. mobile… whose use continues to increase.
This growth in "electromagnetic pollution" worries more and more people and information about the possible consequences on health is much sought after. Providing information on this can sometimes be confusing. Therefore, it is not easy to communicate on this issue.
The first obstacle is the complexity. The technologies, the human body and the interaction of the two elements are so complex that it is particularly difficult to provide information that covers all the necessary aspects.
The second obstacle is uncertainty. The public demands concrete answers to his questions, that neither science nor the authorities are sometimes able to give. He also wants certainty and absolute safety in daily life that we can not always give it. Evidenced for example risks related to traffic, medical procedures, environment, food.
The authorities are taking measures to protect the population risk. However, the precautionary principle is too often interpreted simplistically as a guarantee absolute protection.
The third obstacle is the lack of unanimity. Indeed, public perceptions and interpretations of contradictory opinions. Often it is not possible to verify the reliability and expertise of one or another expert. also often preferred simplistic assertions, linear and therefore better understandable, but not always correct. Yet caution is needed when it comes to interpreting such messages: the results of scientific research must be placed in context.
This brochure provides a picture of this complex issue in the most objective and consistent as possible. Many scientists and employees of federal, regional and community governments have brought their stone to the building.
I would like to thank them here.
The Minister of Public Health