On 8th & 9th
September, the Radiation Research Trust brought together leading experts in the
fields of science, politics and regulation from across the globe to debate the health
effects of electromagnetic fields. This was the first time that such a
conference was organised to include experts from both sides of the health
debate (those that believe electromagnetic fields have negative effects on
health and those that believe the opposite is true).
Entitled ‘Electromagnetic
fields and health – a global issue’, the conference took place at
the Royal Society, and was attended by a number of highly prominent speakers.
These included speakers from world establishments such as ICNIRP, WHO, RNCNIRP
and national bodies such as the UK Health Protection Agency and the MTHR. They
were joined by scientists, politicians, lawyers and concerned citizens, each
offering differing viewpoints in order to encourage discussion around risk
assessment, precautionary measures, social policy and areas where further
research is required.
The conference produced a number of
informative presentations on a wide variety of issues related to
electromagnetic radiation. Topics covered included the effects of mobile phone
base stations, brain tumour studies, studies on electro-sensitivity and
electromagnetic fields effects on animals and humans.
The conference was organised by the
Radiation Research Trust with the aim of developing appropriate precautionary guidance
so that policy-makers can make the best decisions about regulation and give
clear and appropriate advice to the public, in particular parents, young people
and those with environmental sensitivities.
Eileen
O’Connor, Trustee at the Radiation Research Trust, said:
“The
conference was extremely successful in gathering some of the World’s
leading speakers and organisations with expertise in electromagnetic radiation,
sparking debate on public policy and the precautionary approach. Now we need to
collectively agree on the way forward, filling in the gaps in scientific
research and whilst doing this, looking at ways to keep the public informed of
potential risks with appropriate precautionary advice.”
www.radiationresearch.org
The RRT is producing conference proceedings
which will follow later on this year.
Also see further news and reports about the
RRT Conference
Powerwatch UK
Please visit Powerwatch UK for an overview of the
conference.
http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20080917_rrt_conference.asp
Dr Ian Gibson, Labour MP and trustee for the Radiation
Research Trust extended a warm welcome, inviting guests to join him for dinner
at Westminster. Photograph taken at Westminster
Monday 8th September, 2008
Media / Press 
