Electromagnetic Radiation/Electric Fields Standard Being Drafted

It's always a problem when there is conflicting evidence to whether something presents a risk or not. Electromagnetic Radiation and Radiofrequency Radiation are two of these that are currently growing expotentially in exposure levels as society becomes ever dependant on electrical appliances, mobile phones, pda's and the like.

Especially given that exposure levels are growing for nearly every person, in their workplaces or homes then as a safety industry we should be focussing on the worst case scenario and reducing exposure in the likelihood that time will show there is a luekemaia risk for our kids.


Standard for electric fields being drafted

December 07, 2006 04:36pm
Article from: AAP

THE Federal Government has devised a draft standard on exposure to electric and magnetic fields amid concerns they can cause childhood cancer.

The standard, released today by Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), specifies that limits for public and occupation exposure at extremely low frequencies (ELF) are between 0Hz to 3kHz.

The standard applies to ELF fields from powerlines, electrical wiring and electrical appliances in the home, and electrical machinery in the workplace.

Dr Colin Roy, director of the non-ionising radiation branch of ARPANSA, said the study was designed to protect against health problems caused by ELF magnetic and electric fields after some studies linked them to childhood leukaemia.

"There is insufficient evidence to prove there is a link, but we've seen there was a need to develop a standard which involves a requirement for a precautionary approach," Dr Roy said.

Now it's going to take a lot of guts for those developing this new standard as it could effect the revenues for places like Children's hospitals and women's hospitals where babies could be for long periods of time.

There is not only the high electricity loads for objects such as MRI's and the like but also the revenue being raised from Mobile Phone Towers and Radio Transmittors place on their roofs for payment of monies.

As I said this standard could upset a lot of area's but our children's health and safety should be the priority not money.

Regards
Daniel