There is no cause of alarm with regard to possible ill-effects on human health by electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from cellphone towers and cellphones because the limits adopted in India account for all biological effects of radiation. In fact, the limits set by India are much lower than the internationally adopted recommendations of the International Commission on Non Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which account for thermal and non-thermal effects, said a report team of experts led by officials from the Telecom Enforcement, Resource & Monitoring Cell (TERM), Department of Telecommunications (Ministry of Communications, Govt. of India). The joint inspection team which included noted telecom experts and doctors conducted tests to measure electromagnetic frequency (EMF) emissions from mobile towers in Guwahati. This event is a part of the many initiatives that Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has been undertaking to reach out to people and increase awareness on EMF emissions. This transparent flow of information would enable people to take informed decisions and alleviate any misplaced notions on telecom towers. The average radiation from towers monitored in three locations was 3.60% of the limits set by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), well within the prescribed limits. The level of emission near Ashok Path, Beltola was 22.95 milliwatts per sq. mtr. (mwpsm). The next location tested was a tower in High School, Hatigaon, which also had a reading of 13.13milliwatts psqm and the last site tested was Hatigaon Road with reading of 12.64 mwpsm.
Shri J.S. Deepak, Secretary, Telecom Commission, DoT, during his address said, “We are absolutely committed to protect the health of our citizens, the standards for Electromagnetic Radiation limit that DoT has prescribed for emission from mobile towers are ten times stricter than the international standards prescribed by ICNIRP and recommended by WHO. Indian Government has taken adequate steps to ensure that Telecommunications Service Providers (TSPs) strictly adhere to these norms. The Government recognizes the challenges for the sector and; the people at large and is striving to empower the citizens with facts that help them make informed decisions. We want to continue working together to create a fully connected and empowered India and for that we require more towers. Propagation of such myths is detrimental to the progress of nation.”Dr. R.M. Chaturvedi, DDG-CS, DoT, pointed out that based on around 30 years of research and 25,000 studies conducted around the world, the WHO arrived at the conclusion: “Despite the feeling of some people that more research needs to be done, scientific knowledge in this area is now more extensive than for most chemicals. Current evidence does not confirm any correlation between health ailments and exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields.” He also mentioned that the WHO-led EMF Project, involving over 50 national authorities and 8 international organizations. ]]>
