The precautionary principle: radiofrequency exposures from mobile telephones and base stations.

摘要

Dolan and Rowley (2009) reported that the precautionary principle "is not appropriate to policy on the use of mobile telephones and the siting of base stations" because there is no established health hazard from the exposure to low-dose radiation. The guidelines [International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998] provide guidance on protection only from thermal effects (when an increase in body temperature causes injury to the tissue for a short period of time). These guidelines do not cover effects on humans or die environment from nonthermal effects [i.e., effects from electromagnetic fields (EMF) or chronic exposure that do not increase body temperature]. These nonthermal effects of EMF have been well documented by Belyaev (2005) and Sage et. al. (2007). Therefore, the precautionary principle is needed to protect the environment from these effects. Several reports have recommended use of the precautionary principle for these exposures [Herberman 2008; International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety (ICEMS) 2006, 2008; Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection 2008; Sage et al. 2007]. I do not agree with Dolan and Rowley (2009) that there is no plausible hazard to humans from the exposure to low-dose radiation. Clinical diseases caused by environmental exposures develop after a long period of biochemical changes; during this time, the exposed individual may or may not have symptoms. For example, in stomach cancer, biochemical changes may occur 10-20 years before the appearance of the cancer.