In May 2015, 190 scientists submitted the International EMF Scientist Appeal addressed to the top leaders at the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the UN Environment Program. The Appeal urgently calls for greater health protection in the midst of what has become an historic, global phenomenon -- the rapid expansion and proliferation of wireless communications and electrical technologies. The possible impact of deployment of these technologies on human health has not yet been thoroughly studied. As of September 1, 2018, 244 scientists have signed the Appeal.
These scientists have published over 2,000 research papers on electromagnetic fields (EMF) on biology or health. Their concern is based on the vast number of studies that reported biological and adverse health effects of non- ionizing EMF far below the current exposure guidelines set by the FCC and other international EMF-exposure guideline setting organizations. Their concerns mainly include radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitting devices, such as cellular and cordless phones, cell towers, Wi-Fi, radio and TV broadcast antennas, smart meters, and baby monitors, as well as extremely-low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF) emitted by electric devices and infrastructures used in the delivery of electricity.
The scientific basis for their collective concern is “numerous recent scientific publications have shown that EMF affects living organisms at levels well below most international and national guidelines. Effects include increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damages, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general well-being in humans.”
These scientists make the following recommendations: protection of children and pregnant women; strengthened guidelines and regulatory standards; development of safer technology; utilities maintain adequate power quality and ensure proper electrical wiring; public health information and harm reduction strategies; medical education and training, establishment of independent, sustained government research programs; media disclosure of EMF expert’s financial ties to industry; and designation of white zones (radiation-free areas).
The Advisors to the Appeal recommend that 5th Generation Wireless (i.e. 5G) should be investigated before it is deployed.
Ronald Melnick, Ph.D., Senior Toxicologist (retired) and former leader of the NTP's health effects studies of cell phone radio frequency radiation, National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, USA), and an advisor to the Appeal, states:
”(I) find it appalling that mobile phone emission standards do not adjust for children when it is well established that the absorption of radiofrequency radiation by the brain is greater in children than in adults, the developing brain is highly susceptible to tissue damaging agents, and the use of wireless devices is being actively marketed to children. At a minimum, regulatory agencies need to make strong recommendations for consumers to take precautionary measures and avoid close contact with their mobile phones.”