A survey of activities concerning various kinds of non-ionizing radiation in different countries
World Health Organization · 1974
WHO was surveying international EMF health research activities in 1974, decades before today's wireless concerns.
Plain English Summary
The World Health Organization conducted a comprehensive international survey in 1974 examining how different countries were addressing non-ionizing radiation research and regulation, including microwave radiation biological effects. This early WHO assessment mapped global activities and concerns about health hazards from various EMF sources across multiple nations. The survey represents one of the first coordinated international efforts to understand the scope of non-ionizing radiation research worldwide.
Why This Matters
This 1974 WHO survey marks a pivotal moment in EMF health research history. The fact that the World Health Organization was conducting international assessments of non-ionizing radiation activities five decades ago demonstrates that concerns about microwave and other EMF health effects are not new or fringe issues. This was serious science being taken seriously by the world's premier health organization.
What makes this survey particularly significant is its timing. In 1974, we were still decades away from widespread cell phone use, WiFi networks, and the current saturation of wireless devices. Yet health authorities were already investigating biological effects and potential health hazards from non-ionizing radiation sources. The reality is that scientific concern about EMF health effects has deep institutional roots, predating today's wireless revolution by generations.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To identify those working in the field of non-ionizing radiation and collect information on types of research, products and sources emitting non-ionizing radiation, criteria and standards for exposure control, instrumentation and calibration facilities, and national public health programmes.
A survey was conducted by contacting 48 institutions in 14 countries, including four international o...
The survey revealed that 10 out of 14 countries indicated interest in microwaves, 8 in lasers, and 3...
The evaluation of the survey indicates that non-ionizing radiation may involve health implications including pathological changes and genetic effects. The population at risk is largely occupational workers. There is insufficient knowledge of biological and health effects that needs to be improved to keep up with rapid technical development. International coordination is needed to avoid duplication and achieve better effectiveness. The need for research on combined effects of different types of radiation and environmental factors was emphasized. WHO should assume the initiative in standardization, information exchange, methodology, and international research coordination.
Show BibTeX
@article{a_survey_of_activities_concerning_various_kinds_of_non_ionizing_radiation_in_dif_g4957,
author = {World Health Organization},
title = {A survey of activities concerning various kinds of non-ionizing radiation in different countries},
year = {1974},
doi = {doi:10.1234/WHO.RHL/74.1},
}