A research program on the human impact of wireless telecommunications and other electromagnetic-field-emitting systems

Abstract

The Italian government - specifically, the Ministry for the Instruction, University, and Research - is to be applauded for its decision to provide the financial support for a comprehensive research program. A three-day conference was convened at the official conclusion of the coordinated research program, which was devoted to the assessment of the biological and environmental impact of wireless telecommunication systems and other systems that emit electromagnetic energy, and the development of new knowledge and techniques for the control and mitigation of already existing electromagnetic-field-emitting sources. It is interesting to note that within the past few years - in contrast to the United States - several counties in Europe have initiated nationwide research programs to investigate the biological effects and health implications of electromagnetic fields from wireless telecommunication systems. Comprehensive interdisciplinary research programs, which take into account field emissions both from base stations and personal handsets, are found in Finland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Indeed, at this moment in time, there are a far greater number of research projects taking place in Japan and several countries in Europe than in the US.