2005-07-03-世界卫生组织-International_EMF_Project_-_Progress_reports_-_June_2004-2005_24页_445kb

Summary of the International EMF Project 10th Anniversary Progress Report (June 2004 - June 2005)

1. Overview

The International EMF Project was launched in May 1996 by the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to growing public concern about the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). The project aims to assess the health and environmental impacts of EMF exposure in the frequency range of 0 to 300 GHz and to develop scientifically sound recommendations for risk assessment and management.

Key Objectives

• Review scientific literature on biological effects of EMF exposure
• Identify knowledge gaps requiring further research
• Encourage focused, high-quality EMF research
• Conduct formal health risk assessments after research is completed
• Promote internationally harmonized standards and policies
• Provide information on risk perception, communication, and management
• Advise national and non-governmental institutions on EMF-related policies

Membership

• Open to all WHO Member States and relevant national institutions
• Over 60 national authorities are currently involved
• 11 new countries joined in the past year: Bahrain, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine National Authority, Portugal, and Sudan
• The Eastern Mediterranean region (WHO EMRO) showed particular interest due to concerns about mobile telephony and health

Collaboration

• The project collaborates with international agencies and independent scientific institutions
• Key collaborators include:
  • ICNIRP (co-sponsor of workshops, review of RF EHC)
  • IARC (conducted the Interphone study on mobile phone use and cancer)
  • EC (co-sponsor of workshops, supported meetings and publications)
  • IEC (developed standards for SAR measurements and base station emissions)
  • IEEE (provided support for reviews and documentation)
  • NATO (co-sponsored a meeting in Armenia)
  • WHO collaborating centers such as:
    • Brooks Air Force Base (USA)
    • ARPANSA (Australia)
    • BfS (Germany)
    • FDA (USA)
    • Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
    • NIES (Japan)
    • NIEHS (USA)
    • NIOSH (USA)
    • NRPB/HPA (UK)

Secretariat

• WHO serves as the secretariat for the project
• Key personnel:
  • Dr. Michael Repacholi: Coordinator of the RAD Unit, has been instrumental in the project's setup and ongoing management
  • Professor Emilie van Deventer: Oversees scientific activities and policy frameworks, also a professor at the University of Toronto
  • Professor Chiyoji Ohkubo: Joined in April 2005, provides public information and updates on EMF
  • Dr. Richard Saunders and Dr. Colin Roy: Contributed to the development of EHC monographs
  • Dr. Eric van Rongen and Professor Leeka Kheifets: Supported scientific reviews and monograph development
  • Ms. Sarah Bullock: Provided administrative support, will leave in August 2005

2. Risk Assessment and Scientific Activities

Health Risk Assessments

• Published as Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) monographs
• Conducted through independent scientific group meetings with critical reviews of evidence
• WHO staff are not members of working groups but facilitate consensus

Static Fields

• A monograph was developed and reviewed in 2004
• Finalized and published in Summer 2005
• Summary and recommendations translated into French, Spanish, and Russian

Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Fields

• Final working group meeting held in 2005
• A preliminary draft of the EHC monograph was prepared with assistance from Drs. Leeka Kheifets and Richard Saunders
• Task Group meeting scheduled for October 2005

Radio Frequency (RF) Fields

• A draft monograph is in progress
• Preliminary reviews conducted by ICNIRP
• Final WHO review expected in late 2006 or 2007, contingent on INTERPHONE study and IARC classification process

3. Risk Management Activities

• Standards Harmonization: Encourages international standards for EMF exposure
• Model Legislation: Provides a framework for EMF regulation
• "Precautionary" Framework: Supports risk management strategies
• Standards Database: Maintained to track and provide access to EMF standards
• Occupational EMF Management: Brochures and guidelines developed for workplace exposure
• Country Focus: Emphasis on South America and other regions for local expertise and engagement

4. Risk Communication Activities and Resources

Enquiries

• WHO receives numerous requests for scientific presentations and reports
• These are prioritized for national authorities

Website

• Hosts national contacts, scientific resources, and public information
• Provides access to fact sheets, information sheets, and peer-reviewed publications

WHO Publications

• Risk Handbook: Summarizes EMF-related risks and management
• EMF Pamphlet: Provides general information on EMF and health
• Fact and Information Sheets: Available on EMF topics, including mobile phone base stations
• Refereed Publications: Include peer-reviewed papers from workshops

Meetings

• A variety of scientific and policy meetings were held, including:
  • Children's Sensitivity to EMF (Istanbul, 2004)
  • EMF Hypersensitivity (Prague, 2004)
  • Mobile Communication and Health (Moscow, 2004)
  • From Bioeffects to Legislation (Ljubljana, 2004)
  • Mechanisms for Biological Effects from EMF (Armenia, 2005)

5. Future Activities

• Public Health Management: Continue to develop and implement health risk assessments
• International Recommendations: Promote global standards and policies
• Distance Learning Programs: To enhance knowledge dissemination and education
• Upcoming Meetings: Includes the WHO RF Task Group meeting and further workshops

Funding

• The project is funded by extra-budgetary contributions from participating countries and agencies
• In-kind contributions from experts and institutions are common
• Funding Summary (2004-2005):
  • Income: $1,220,850.00
  • Expenditure: $880,644.75
• A new scientist post was advertised but had to be cancelled due to funding shortages
• A concerted funding drive is necessary to complete ongoing activities

Conclusion

The International EMF Project has made significant progress over its 10-year history, producing key scientific assessments and fostering global collaboration. Despite challenges in funding and maintaining balance between national and non-governmental contributions, the project remains committed to improving understanding of EMF health risks and promoting consistent, evidence-based policies.