MISC GROUPING OF PAGES – CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, REFERENCES, GRAPHS, ETC – PART 1

Substantial international interest and concern is associated with the considerable proliferation of sources of microwave/RF energies over much of the world. These radiations are largely man made and represent a relatively new physical factor in the environment. Sources of microwave/RF include installations used for military applications and equipment used for communications, broadcasting antennas of AM, FM VHF, and UHF. The latter are generally located in areas of substantial population density. Sources are used in industrial and medical applications, and by consumers in the home. Bonosieiet Applications are being contemplated which could benefit inhabitants of one country, but potentially elevate levels of environmental exposure for inhabitants of other countries. These considerations lead to the following recommendations: 1. The development of new and additional sources of microwave/RF exposure should be carefully followed and monitored. Consistent with conservative public health practice, efforts should be made to minimize the impact of these sources on the environment. New developments should be given to efforts to minimize the impact of existing sources on the environment. Voluntary actions in this direction may avoid the necessity of permanent regulation. 3. Continued attention should be given to the development of instrumentation and standardization of measurement techniques for the evaluation and monitoring of microwave and RF fields. 4. Greater attention should be given to the investigation of fundamental interactions of microwave/RF energy with biological systems. Our understanding of the biological effects and health implications of microwave radiation is inadequate. While knowledge has expanded substantially in recent years, we are still limited by fragmentary information over a limited range of frequencies; by inadequate knowledge of the effects of repetitive and chronic exposure and, sadly, of dose and frequency dependence of effects in biological systems. 4. With respect to RF radiation, as defined in this report, our knowledge of biological effects and health implications is very limited. Expansion of world efforts to increase knowledge in these areas is urgently needed. 2. Public concern has steadily mounted over exposure to microwave/RF energy, throughout the world. However, conflicting approaches to the regulation of environmental microwave/RF and sources of exposure in the environment have been taken by national public health authorities. Only a few countries have promulgated exposure standards, for occupational and general population exposure, or emission standards for sources of exposure. Where such standards exist, they vary quite widely. The scientific basis and rationale for the development of standards should be prepared and made available. 8. International scientific exchange, collaboration and interaction are essential. Authoritative, prompt and complete translations of scientific literature should be made available. 9. International collaboration on the development of standards should be encouraged, at all levels - occupational, for the workplace, and for the general population.