- The document released by Central Public Works Department (CPWD) which listed possible hazards from prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiations and guidelines for safety against their possible effects seems to lack any scientific basis.
- It goes on to term them as electromagnetic pollutants which are hazardous, fatal and capable of causing irreversible damages to the human body and prescribes safe distances to be maintained against instruments such as laptops, computers, transformers and light sources.
- WHO and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) after conducting years of research that assessed potential risks of EM radiations have listed radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation as a possible group 2b carcinogen (possible carcinogens with weaker evidence).
- The document lists loss of memory, fatigue, dizziness, ringing in the ears, long reaction time heart palpitation, and cancer etc as health risks from electromagnetic radiation, the data for which have reportedly come from on site experience and from measurement with an instrument called Lecher Antenna. The WHO does not support such claims regarding their harmful effects.
- It also claims that ‘Geopathic Stress Radiations (GSR)’ that emanating from the magnetic core of the earth causes health problems such as resistance to treatment, feeling run down and exhausted, depression etc and cancer in some cases and want this to be surveyed and checked for by trained engineers using a “Lecher Antenna” before buildings can be constructed. This is based on the unfounded observation of Baron Gustav von Pohl of Germany who during 1930s claimed that 95 per cent of all cancer cases have connections to Geopathic Stress Radiations.
- Enviro chip, a product developed by Syenergy Environics Ltd, the MD of which involved in the document, claims to be effective in guarding people and devices (mobile phone, Wi-Fi systems, computers and laptops etc) against harmful electronic radiation.
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Exams Perspective:
- What are EM Radiations?
- What is lecher antenna?
- What is an enviro chip and carcinogen?
- What is geopathic stress?