2016-05-31-世界卫生组织-EMF_Project_-_International_Advisory_Committee_2016_10页_479kb

Summary of International EMF Project Meeting Report

Overview

• The meeting, held from June 2 to June 3, 2016, in Brussels, Belgium, focused on electromagnetic fields (EMF) and non-ionizing radiation (NIR). Known as the 21st International Advisory Committee meeting, it involved representatives from various governments, international organizations, and agencies. The primary aims were to discuss EMF project activities, review research updates, and address risk management strategies.
• Hosted by the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science & the Arts, the meeting emphasized the need for EMF policies to be re-evaluated based on new scientific evidence. Martin Gledhill served as the rapporteur.

Key Discussions

International Standards for Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR)

• Participants debated the feasibility of harmonizing global standards for NIR protection. While similarities with ionizing radiation (IR) standards were noted, NIR phenomena are more complex due to diverse interactions with the human body, making universal principles challenging.
• Draft Fundamental Safety Principles for Protection against NIR were discussed, drawing from IR guidelines but not fully applicable. Concerns were raised about their clarity, limited relevance to natural sources, and potential bureaucratic burden. Opinions varied on including real-life examples and consulting existing resources like ICNIRP guidelines and WHO Model Legislation.
• A consensus emerged that ongoing EMF Project resources should prioritize existing activities like the RF EHC, updated EMF Standards database, and the Handbook for Local Authorities planned for pilot testing.

EMF Project Activities and Achievements

• The 20-year history of the EMF Project was celebrated for its scientific reviews, environmental assessments, and risk communication efforts. Future considerations included integrating with IR standards, covering new topics like medical devices, and reforming the project into a sustained WHO initiative.
• Emilie van Deventer reported updates on the EMF database, research collaborations, and outreach activities. National authorities numbering over 60 were involved, with financial support from limited countries, though extra-budgetary funding is needed for sustainability.

Research Updates

Laboratory Studies

• Reviews of EMF research showed inconclusive results due to high variability in studies, poor quality, and lack of coordination. Recent NTP data was deemed insufficient for policy changes.

Epidemiology Studies

• Existing research on ELF fields and childhood leukemia suggested no change in conclusions, showing only a weak possible link. For RF fields, long-term studies like COSMOS were ongoing to assess risks like brain tumors.

Risk Management and Regulatory Activities

• National and international reports highlighted challenges in transposing EU Directives into law, including complex legislation and industry consultations. Successful approaches for siting wireless base stations emphasized science-based limits and community engagement.
• National examples, such as in France and Malaysia, covered rf exposure limits, smart meter deployments, and public health measures. Recommendations stressed using accurate data and minimizing unnecessary delays.

Future Directions

• Ongoing activities include refining EMF Standards, transposing EC Directive 2013/35/UE, and educating on EMF risks. Initiatives like academic integration and global awareness campaigns were proposed to address emerging issues.
• The meeting concluded with calls for contribution to the EMF Project's database accuracy and feedback for future agenda-setting.