INTERNATIONAL HEALTH CONFERENCE

Prof. (Mrs.) A. N. Mahajan along with two M.Tech students from ECE department attended the conference on Health & Safety Aspects Of Mobile Telecommunications at The Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi organized by ASSOCHAM On 17th Nov 14.

Objective :

This second International Conference was organized by ASSOCHEM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India). ASSOCHAM is India’s Apex Chamber for Commerce and Industry, also known as the “Knowledge Chamber” which has adopted “Public Health and Safety in the Mobile Industry“ as one of its important Missions. It was, in fact, the first Chamber in India to organize an International Health Conference in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Environment and Forests in February 2012 in an effort to create awareness and debate the issue of Electro Magnetic field (EMF). Over the past few years DoT has taken a number of initiatives to address concerns related to EMF – including a 10 times reduction in the EMF exposure limits, issue of uniform guidelines for the installation of towers, issue of precautionary guidelines for Mobile Users and a Handbook on Mobile Communication - Radio Waves & Safety. It has also launched a web based portal to receive and address public grievances on EMF, initiating actions to conduct India specific research on EMF and endorsing & supporting industry efforts to set up a National EMF portal.

Session I

The Inaugural session was started by lightning of lamp by the Chief Guest Shri Ravishankar Prasad, Hon’ble Union Minister, Ministery of Communications & IT, Govt of India. The session was started with welcome address by Shri T. V. Ramachandran, Chairman, ASSOCHAM, National Telecom Council and Member, International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES). It was followed by special address by Prof Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Professor IIT Madras. He explained various impacts of EMF and RF waves in general and also in concern with healthcare factors. The EMF radiation emitted by the mobile towers has been a cause for concern. Many studies and researches have taken place on this issue. He further told that in the next few year, the adoption of technologies like 4G, Cloud Computing, Convergence and Next Generation Network will open up several new avenues both from the perspective of industry as well as consumers. Keeping these in mind, the Government has to play a crucial role, not only to create conducive environment with right mixes of policy interventions, but also look into health and safety aspects of mobile telecommunications as well. He elaborated various DoT policies regarding setting up standard EMF limits to avoid adverse effects on healthcare.

Session II

Following speakers shared their thoughts on the topics mentioned against each .

1. Shri S. S Sirohi, Senior DDG, TERM & Security, Department of Telecom Government of India( Initiatives on RF Protection)

2. Dr. Anirudh Kohli, Head of Radiology, Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai (Radiation effects on Healthcare) .

3. Dr. Jack Rowley, Director for Research and Sustainability, GSMA (Benefits of Global Harmonization of RF Standards – An industry Perspective).

The essence of the talk was the electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation emitted by the mobile towers is increasing day by day.Many studies and researches have taken place on this issue. But most of the research is either negative or biased which is harmful for the society. Sharing of mobile towers must be properly done and fair policies should be formulated accordingly. Dr Kohli being Radiologist shared a case in Mumbai. He advised certain precautions, public can take to control the adverse effects of the radiations.

Session III

The post lunch seesion started with the panel discussion on the topic EMF Research & Key Effective Management of Risk Perception. The following experts shared their views :

1. Dr. R. M. Chaturvedi, DDG (CS), Department of Telecom, Government of India

2. Dr Vijayalaxmi, US/Indian researcher and on IARC RF committee (Laboratory studies: How IARC addressed these to classify RF as 2B).

3. Dr. K. S Parthasarathy, EMF and Public Communication, Former Secretary, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). [Public communication of RF & Health Risks in India].

4. Dr. Vasant Natarajan, Professor, Deptt. of Physics, IISc Banglore.

These panelists discussed various EMF/RF radiations effects on public health for people who are always in the vicinity of mobile tower. They shared that, there is no convincing evidence to conclude that RF waves from Mobile phone and basestation and also wireless network cause bad health effects and serious diseases.

Session IV

The valedictory session started with the panelist for this were :

1. Shri R. K. Arnold, Member, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

2. Dr. T K Joshi, Director, Occupational and Environmental Programme, NAMC Delhi.

3. Dr. T K Joshi, Director, Occupational and Environmental Programme, NAMC Delhi.

4. Shri T. V. Ramachandran, Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Telecom Council and Member, International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES).

The speakers discussed few Govt policies regarding EMF standard which has been now 10 % and also considered as safe limit for public health safety. Mr. T. V Ramchandran shared the role of ASSOCHAM on Electromagnetic safety. It is also told that new policies are still in process which will enhance the safety factors for public health in relation with mobie radiation. They said precautionary measures, increased concern for safety and proper frame work for the issue will definitely reduce the adverse effects.