IARC classification
2011-05-31 – International – IARC classifies RF in Group 2B - Possibly carcinogenic to humans
At a press conference at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) headquarters in Lyon, the head of the Agency, Dr Christopher Wild, announced the classification of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in Group 2B - Possibly carcinogenic to humans
More information will follow.
access to the IARC press releaseBackground information on IARC’s RF classification
From May 24 till May 31, 2011, a working group of 31 scientists from 14 countries met in Lyon at the headquarters of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), to assess the carcinogenic hazards to humans from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. The working group reviewed and evaluated the publicly available literature on typical modes of exposure to radiofrequency radiation, including occupational exposures to radar and microwaves, environmental exposures to radio, television and wireless communications, and personal exposures associated with the use of mobile phones.
The objective was to determine the carcinogenicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and classify them as:
‘carcinogenic to humans’ (Group 1)
For many years now, without waiting IARC results, the Group has been forthright in encouraging proper mobile phone use, by publishing information on how to reduce individual exposure (such as: using an earpiece, only making calls when the network coverage is good, ...), via appropriate communications media, and systematically proposing an earpiece with every mobile phone purchased, either directly in the box or available in the store.
2011-06-01 – UK – IARC’s classification does not change HPA’s advice on cell phone use
UK’s Health Protection agency (HPA) notes IARC’s classification of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in Group 2B "possibly carcinogenic". In a press release, the Agency says IARC’s classification “is consistent with previous reviews of the science and advice from HPA regarding the use of mobile phones.” The HPA therefore sees no reason to change its advice.
The HPA also sees no reason to restrict the use of wireless LANs. “Exposures from Wi-Fi equipment are much less than from mobile phones, and are well within international guidelines, so there is no reason why schools and others should not continue to use the technology.”
© France Telecom - Orange 2012
