Expert Forum: Wireless Radiation and Human Health Hebrew University Medical School, January 23-26 2017
Sponsored by The Israel Institute for Advanced Study and the Environmental Health Trust With Support from National Institutes of Health/ National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences and Dr. Lucy Waletzky
Overview of Health Effects and Benefits of Wireless and Electromagnetic Radiation & The Neurological, Developmental and Reproductive Impacts of Radiofrequency Radiation
Devra Davis, PhD, MPH, FACE, Founder and President of Environmental Health Trust, Visiting Professor of Medicine at The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School and Ondokuz Mayis University Medical School and Founding Director of the Center for Environmental Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Full Bio
Click here for Lecture Videos, PDF of Slides, and Background Materials
Dr. Davis gave two lectures at the expert forum. Please see below.
Overview of Health Effects and Benefits of Wireless and Electromagnetic Radiation
Devra Davis, PhD, MPH, FACE
Introducing the expert forum, Davis explained how the conference would cover multiple aspects of electromagnetic fields and health from the recent research evidence on carcinogenicity to medical applications to regulations and policy. Dr. Davis made the following points. The outdated adult head models used to evaluate cell phones today were developed in 1996 and do not adequately protect the millions of current users who are children. Recent studies from U.S. government and Italian researchers to be presented at the conference strengthen the body of evidence indicating that electromagnetic fields could cause and/or promote cancer. Peer reviewed research also indicates adverse effects to sperm and reproductive system development. Experimental research indicates adverse effects on neurological development.
Neurological, Developmental and Reproductive Impacts of RF
Devra Davis, PhD, MPH, FACE
Dr. Davis explained how the pulsed signals of cell phone and wireless exposures can have a unique biological impact. Peer reviewed research indicates adverse effects of wireless radiation on sperm quality, sperm DNA, and oxidative stress. Prenatal and postnatal exposures have been shown to alter and damage neurological development in experimental studies. Dr. Davis highlighted the health concern for children who absorb radiation more deeply into their brains, relative to an adult brain. She touched on the current research which indicates a synergistic effect between radio frequency radiation and chemical exposures. One such study on the association between mobile phone use and symptoms of ADHD found a modifying effect of lead exposure in which exposure to both lead and RF from mobile phone use was associated with increased ADHD symptom risk. She also shared the implications for wildlife and discussed research showing wireless radiation can negatively alter bee behavior.
Report from the U.S. National Toxicology Program: Increased Cancers and Genetic Damage Tied with Current Levels of Wireless Radiation from Cell Phones and Other Devices & Technical Update on NTP Positive Bioassay of RFR/MW, Plans for Release of Full Report, U.S. and Other National Policy Response
Linda Birnbaum, PhD, DABT, ATS, Director National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program (NTP), Full Bio; Presentation given by Ronald Melnick, PhD, Senior Science Advisor, Environmental Health Trust; Fellow Emeritus, Collegium Ramazzini; Former Toxicologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program; Recipient of the American Public Health Association’s 2007 David P. Rall Award
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Two lectures on the National Toxicology Program were presented at the expert forum. Please see below.
Report from the U.S. National Toxicology Program: Increased Cancers and Genetic Damage Tied with Current Levels of Wireless Radiation from Cell Phones and Other Devices
Linda Birnbaum, PhD, DABT, ATS; Ronald Melnick, PhD
*Note: Dr. Birnbaum came to Israel to present at the conference but unexpectedly had to return to the United States and her prepared presentation was delivered by Ronald Melnick PhD, retired NIH scientist who helped design the NIEHS study.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP), of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has evaluated hundreds of agents for their ability to cause cancer and other health problems. Dr. Birnbaum’s presentation summarized the findings from the NTP’s study on chronic low level radiofrequency radiation exposures to rats. The final review of brain and heart tissues found statistically increased tumors – gliomas of the brain and schwannomas of the heart in exposed male rats – in addition to genetic damage in the brains of both rats and mice. The comet assay test found statistically significant increased genetic damage in the frontal cortex of both rats and mice as well as in several other tissues. Furthermore, the NTP found that rats exposed in utero had lower birth weights than controls. These findings are the final analysis for the heart and brain tissues of the rats, but are a partial report because additional findings from other tissues and endpoints are still in process. The complete rat and mouse histopathology data are expected for release by Fall 2017. Dr. Birnbaum’s presentation included images of the schwannomas and gliomas that had not been seen before this presentation.
Technical Update on NTP Positive Bioassay of RFR/MW, Plans for Release of Full Report, U.S. and Other National Policy Response
Linda Birnbaum, PhD, FACT; Ronald Melnick, PhD
*Note: Dr. Birnbaum came to Israel to present at the conference but unexpectedly had to return to the United States and her prepared presentation was delivered by Ronald Melnick PhD, retired NIH scientist who helped design the NIEHS study.
Ron Melnick shared Dr. Birnbaum’s prepared presentation outlining the three-phase toxicology and carcinogenicity studies on radiofrequency radiation in rats and mice conducted by the NTP. Dr. Melnick emphasized that animal studies are important because every agent known to cause cancer in humans also causes cancer in animals when adequately tested. The NTP released a partial report in Summer of 2016 finding significantly decreased birth weight of pups exposed to RFR in utero, significantly increased incidence of schwannomas of the heart and gliomas in RFR-exposed male rats and increased numbers of hyperplastic lesions within the brains and hearts of RFR-exposed male rats. Genetic toxicology results included statistically significant increases in DNA damage in the frontal cortex of exposed rats and mice.
Recent Findings on Wireless Radiation and Health from the Ramazzini Institute & Update on the Ramazzini Institute Bioassays Regarding the Synergistic Effect of ELF and RFR EMFs
Fiorella Belpoggi, PhD, FIATP, Head of the Research Department at the Ramazzini Institute and Director of the Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Dr. Belpoggi gave two lectures at the expert forum. Please see below.
Recent Findings on Wireless Radiation and Health from the Ramazzini Institute
Fiorella Belpoggi, PhD, FIATP
The scientific research conducted at the Italian Ramazzini Institute laboratory is world renowned. Dr. Belpoggi reviewed Ramazzini Institute’s current large scale studies on low level daily radiofrequency radiation which exposed rats to radiation at levels 1000 times less than the NTP. She released new findings from the study, which showed significantly lower litter weights in RFR-exposed pups as compared to controls. These findings are consistent with the findings in the NTP study which also found lower birth weights in exposed rats. The evaluation of the Ramazzini data are ongoing and the final results of the study will be available by the end of 2017. Dr. Belpoggi recommended the public take precautionary steps to reduce exposure.
The Italian journal Corriere covered Belpoggi’s presentation in a news article after this presentation. Click here.
Update on the Ramazzini Institute Bioassays Regarding ELF and RFR EMFs: Studies on the Synergistic Effects
Fiorella Belpoggi, PhD, FIATP
Dr. Belpoggi introduced the work of the Ramazzini Institute, a nonprofit independent research cooperative which uses a human equivalent model for studying the toxicity of chemicals and electromagnetic exposures. Prior research at the Institute has included studies on vinyl chloride, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene. Aiming to clarify the actual hazards related to exposure to magnetic fields of different kinds, the Ramazzini Institute, in parallel with the National Toxicology Program, started a program of experimental in vivo studies on electromagnetic low frequencies (ELF) and radio frequency radiation (RFR). Dr. Belpoggi first detailed the findings from the Ramazzini Institutes recent studies on extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF- MFs) which found a synergistic effect when ELF- MFs were combined with a known physical or chemical carcinogen. The carcinogenic potential of two known carcinogens (formaldehyde and gamma radiation) were significantly enhanced when combined with exposure to ELF-MF, leading to increased cancers in comparison to a single exposure.
The studies of formaldehyde and ELF-MF found statistically significant increases of total malignant tumors, C-cell carcinomas and lymphomas/leukemias when compared to negative controls, and statistically significant increases of C-cell carcinomas and lymphomas/leukemias when compared to male rats exposed to MF alone (positive controls). Findings from the published Ramazzini study on gamma radiation paired with ELF-MF found; a significant dose-related increased incidence of mammary adenocarcinomas in male and female rats compared to negative controls; a dose-related increased incidence of malignant heart Schwannomas in male rats compared to negative control; a significant increased incidence of lymphomas/leukemias in male compared to negative control; and a significant increased incidence of mammary adenocarcinomas in female and lymphomas/leukemias in male compared to positive control (g-radiation).
The Ramazzini studies which observed rats exposed to ELF MF alone found no increased incidence of benign and/or malignant tumours. Therefore, the studies demonstrate that exposure to ELFMF S-50 Hz, from prenatal life until natural death, enhances the carcinogenic effects of g -radiation and formaldehyde in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Pathological analysis and evaluation of the results of the RFR study is still ongoing, although some clinical observation during the neonatal period of offspring show a decrease in body weight within litters treated during fetal life. Final results of the study will be available within the end of the year.
Dr. Belpoggi then presented preliminary results from the current Ramazzini studies on radiofrequency radiation. In parallel with the NTP study, researchers found rats which had been exposed to RFR in utero had significantly lower birth weights than controls. The findings on the possible carcinogenic effects are not available yet as histopathology and genetic toxicity assays of study animals are currently under way. Dr. Belpoggi recommended precautionary action now due to the widespread exposure of electromagnetic fields to the public.
Tumor Treatment Fields for Glioblastoma: Clinical Trials and Potential Mechanism of Action
Frank S. Lieberman, MD, Chief of Adult Neuro-Oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center; Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Dr. Lieberman gave two lectures at the expert forum. Please see below.
Tumor Treatment Fields for Glioblastoma: Clinical Trials and Potential Mechanism of Action (shorter presentation)
Frank S. Lieberman, MD
Dr. Frank Lieberman explained the mode of action and clinical trial use for the innovative treatment of tumor treating fields using low level electromagnetic radiation against recurrent glioblastomas. He reported on the current clinical trial methods and results, noting the significantly higher survival rates of patients receiving tumor treating fields in addition to a chemotherapy drug in comparison to those receiving solely the chemotherapy drug.
Tumor Treating Fields: Preclinical Science and Clinical Trials (longer presentation)
Frank Lieberman MD
Dr. Lieberman provided an overview of the innovative use of tumor treating fields (TTF) for glioblastoma, indicating the known modes of action at the cellular level via signaling pathways and cell division – confirmed by experimental studies. Following positive results from in vitro studies showing a synergistic effect of TTF and commonly used chemotherapy drugs, TTF clinical trials for patients with recurrent and newly diagnosed glioblastomas were approved. Dr. Liberman discussed the details of these clinical trials, noting study design, TTF delivery system, endpoint definitions, and survival results. In the most recent clinical trial, patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma who received TTF in combination with TMZ chemotherapy showed significantly prolonged progression-free and overall survival in comparison to controls. Such clinical trials provide evidence for the use of TTF as a novel cancer treatment modality.
Precaution and Prevention: Multi-Media Public Health Tools to Promote Public and Health Professional Understanding of Wireless Radiation, The National Committee on Environment and Children’s Health of Cyprus
Stella Canna-Michaelidou, PhD, President of the National Committee on Environment and Children’s Health of Cyprus, Former Acting Permanent Secretary of the Cypriot Ministry of Health, and former Director of the State General Laboratory, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Dr. Canna-Michaelidou gave two lectures at the expert forum. Please see below.
Multi-Media Public Health Tools to Promote Public and Health Professional Understanding of Wireless Radiation
Stella Canna-Michaelidou, PhD
Dr. Stella Canna-Michaelidou, President of the Cyprus National Committee on Environment and Children’s Health, described the committee’s mandate to provide advice on precaution and prevention to the Minister of Health and other Ministries on children’s environmental health issues. Dr. Stella Canna-Michaelidou shared the committee’s multidisciplinary approach to raising public awareness on wireless radiation which includes brochures, videos and public lectures. She played an excellent and informative four minute video which the Committee produced on the risks of wireless technology advice to parents. Dr. Michaelidou concluded by stating that we know enough and thus must apply precaution to insure our children’s future by pushing for safer regulations adjusted to children specificities.
Precaution and Prevention: Public Health Tools to Reduce Children’s Exposure to Mobile Phone, and Wireless Radiation
Stella Canna-Michaelidou, PhD
Dr. Michaelidou shared the public health awareness campaign created by the Cyprus National Committee on Environment and Children’s Health to reduce children’s exposure to wireless radiation. The multi-media tools of the campaign promote awareness and education on practical steps parents can take to reduce wireless exposures in daily life. She compared the campaign to prior campaigns of the Committee on environmental health issues such as on tobacco smoke and the need for a multifaceted approach. Dr. Michaelidou concluded that precautionary regulations must be passed to strengthen protections for the public as the current regulations are inadequate to protect the public from biological effects. She recommended that the burden of proof of safety be on the industry. She concluded by sharing a new video from the Committee’s campaign directed towards pregnant women to educate them on why and how to reduce wireless exposures.
Update on National Legislative and Regulatory Framework for Reducing Wireless Radiation in Argentina (By Teleconference)
Sergio Bergman, MA, MEd, MTh, Minister of the Environment of Argentina, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Update on National Legislative and Regulatory Framework for Reducing Wireless Radiation in Argentina (By Teleconference)
Sergio Bergman, MA, MEd, MTh
Via video-conference, Minister Sergio Bergman discussed Argentina’s recent proposed legislation “electromagnetic pollution control and prevention.” As the Minister of the Environment, Mr. Bergman is promoting international communication and collaboration on this issue. He supports the need for public education on reducing exposure to wireless radiation.
Recent Evaluations of Wireless Exposure , Sim4Life & Functionalized Anatomical Models: MRI Safety, Thermal Therapies, and Neurostimulation
Esra Neufeld, PhD, Head of Computational Life Sciences Group at IT’IS Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society; Chief Scientific Officer, Zurich MedTech AG, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Dr. Neufeld gave two lectures at the expert forum. Please see below.
Recent Evaluations of Wireless Exposure for the EU
Esra Neufeld, PhD
Dr. Neufeld reviewed the current state of communication technology exposure assessment (dosimetry, measurements, and modelling), including an overview of ongoing European research activities. The following principal gaps and research needs were highlighted: dosimetry and regulation for novel, e.g., 5G, communication technologies (under realistic network conditions) and wireless power transfer technologies, identification of (non-thermal) mechanisms of action with associated effect-relevant quantities of interest (and compliance testing), determination of induced effects under well-controlled exposure conditions, as well as low frequency exposure safety assessment.
Dr. Neufeld presented an update on the innovative technology from The Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society (IT’IS). He described their use of functionalized anatomical models – computational representations of individual or population anatomies enriched with dynamic tissue and physiological behaviour. These models simulate the different penetration of electromagnetic fields into different tissues of the body and enables an understanding of how people of various sizes and ages will vary in their exposures. Anatomical models are used for basic research, the development and personalization of novel therapies and devices, as well as safety and efficacy assessment. These advances in imaging and simulation technology permit the generation of functionalized (personalized) patient models which opens powerful possibilities in device & therapy innovation, personalized medicine, treatment planning and clinical trials.
Potential Risks to Human Health Originating from Future Sub-MM Communication Systems
Paul Ben-Ishai, PhD, Lecturer in the Department of Physics, Ariel University, Israel, Full Bio & Yuri Feldman, PhD, Head of the Dielectric Spectroscopy Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Potential Risks to Human Health Originating from Future Sub-MM Communication Systems
Yuri Feldman, PhD & Paul Ben-Ishai, PhD
Paul Ben-Ishai, PhD presented research on thepossible health impacts of 5G technology within the sub-THz band. Dr. Yuri Feldman’s state of the art laboratory has published research finding a significant biological response from these higher frequencies. When exposed to sub-THz wavelengths, sweat ducts within the upper skin layer act similarly to a helical antenna, which may lead to preferential layer absorption and possible adverse health effects. The full ramifications of these findings on the the human condition remain under investigation, however it is obvious that the absorption of electromagnetic energy is governed by the topology for the skin and its organelles, especially the sweat duct. Experimental evidence indicates it is also correlated to physiological stress as manifested by the pulse rate and the systolic blood pressure. Dr. Ben-Ishai concluded that before rolling out 5G technologies utilizing these higher frequencies, these biological responses should be adequately studied and should result in standards that protect the public from the possible adverse human health risks they present.
MAPK/ERK Activation as a Readout for Cellular Response to Non-ionizing Radiation
Rony Seger, MD, PhD, Head of the Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
MAPK/ERK Activation as a Readout for Cellular Response to Non-ionizing Radiation
Rony Seger, MD, PhD
Dr. Seger described how in his lab, very low doses of both microwave (mobile phone) and extremely low frequency (electric wires) microwave radiation have been shown to induce activation of ERK – an important signaling cascade involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) are central signaling components that regulate essentially all stimulated cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and stress response. The phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 is extremely sensitive to extracellular cues, and Dr. Seger’s lab has developed tools that detect even a minute amount of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Dr. Seger described how both microwave and ELF-MF were able to induce activation of ERK1/2 in a time-dependent manner. The effect was detected in very low doses, already at 0.005 mW/cm2 for microwave radiation, and 0.5 μT, in ELF-MF. In both cases the fields are sensed by NADH oxidase, and transmitted to ERK via production of free radicals. Thus, his results further indicate that cells are responsive to MF at non-thermal field strengths much lower than previously suspected, and that the effects may be mediated by NADP oxidase.
Environmental Impact on Semen Quality – What is the Role of Non-ionizing Radiation?
Hagai Levine, MD, Head of the Environmental Health Track, Senior Lecturer and Senior Physician, Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Environmental Impact on Semen Quality – What is the Role of Non-ionizing Radiation?
Hagai Levine, MD
Dr. Levine presented two recently published reviews on the research performed on cell phone radiofrequency radiation and semen quality. The Adams et al, 2014 meta analysis found exposure to mobile phones was associated with reduced sperm motility and viability and concluded that pooled results from in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that mobile phone exposure negatively affects sperm quality. The Houston et al, 2016 review of 27 studies found negative consequences of exposure were reported in 21 of the 27 studies. Within these 21 studies, 11 of the 15 which investigated sperm motility reported significant declines; 7 of 7 that measured the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) documented elevated levels; and 4 of 5 studies that probed for DNA damage highlighted increased damage due to RF-EMR exposure. Dr. Levine presented current trends in Israel including decreased sperm counts, increased male infertility and increased testicular cancer. He posed the question, ‘could cell phones be a factor?’ Levine considered future experimental studies utilizing sperm as a model, and discussed the implications of these experimental results on the widespread use of wireless technologies in our society, particularly in schools.
Update from the Israeli National Information Center for Non-Ionizing Radiation Center
Siegal Sadetzki, MD, MPH, Director of Cancer and Radiation Epidemiology Unit and Senior Lecturer, The Gertner Institute, Israel, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Update from the Israeli National Information Center for Non-Ionizing Radiation Center
Siegal Sadetzki, MD, MPH
Dr. Sadetzki briefed the conference on the current work done at the Israeli National Information Center for Non-Ionizing Radiation Center (TNUDA), highlighting the center’s online website and role in providing public health recommendations to government ministries and the public. TNUDA recommends precaution in the use of cell phones and wireless devices.
Epidemiology of Cell Phones and Other Wireless Transmitting Devices – An Update
Anthony Miller, MB, MRCP, MD, FRCP, FRCP (C), FFPH, FACE, Professor Emeritus, Dalla Lana School of Public Health; Senior Medical Advisor, Environmental Health Trust, USA; Previous Director of Epidemiology, National Cancer Institute of Canada, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Epidemiology of Cell Phones and Other Wireless Transmitting Devices – An Update
Anthony Miller, MB, MRCP, MD, FRCP, FRCP (C), FFPH, FACE
Dr. Miller provided a summary and analysis of recent epidemiological case-control studies on cell phone radiation, including the Interphone study, studies performed by Hardell and the CERENAT study. Dr. Miller explained that negative studies such as the Million Women study and the Danish cohort study are not proof of no effect due to their many methodological issues. Pros and cons of these studies were identified, and the results were compared to recent trends in cancer incidence. Dr. Miller concluded that the body of evidence has increased since the WHO IARC classified radiofrequency fields (RFR) in 2011. The current research evidence in 2017 indicates that RFR should be considered a probable human carcinogen and the public should take cautionary steps to reduce exposures. Dr. Miller stated, “Even if the risk per individual is low, it is widely distributed and could become a major public health problem. The Precautionary Principle mustbe applied now.”
Safety Code Six: Canada’s Guidelines for Human Exposure to Wireless Radiation
Meg Sears PhD, Chair and Science Advisor, Prevent Cancer Now; Senior Science Advisor, Environmental Health Trust, Previous Adjunct Investigator, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Senior Clinical Research Associate, Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Safety Code Six: Canada’s Guidelines for Human Exposure to Wireless Radiation
Meg Sears, PhD
Dr. Sears reviewed Safety Code Six – Canada’s guidelines for human exposure to wireless devices. The most recent review was criticized for lack of transparency and resulted in several scientists who stepped down due to conflicts of interest. Sears explained how a systematic review process did not take place and Canadian volunteers identified 140 studies showing an adverse “biological” effect at non-thermal levels were in the literature but missing from the Canadian review. Dr. Sears noted that following the 2011 IARC classification and Canadian election, the government has failed to provide a systematic update on wireless radiation exposure, stating only that individuals should use precaution “if they are concerned”. She concluded by offering next steps moving forward within Canada, including briefing members of parliament and educating the public, as well as improving scientific approaches in literature review and meta-analysis.
Methodological Challenges of Case Series and Updates of Occupational Exposures to Wireless Radiation
Elihu Richter, MD, MPH, Associate Professor Emeritus of Occupational Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Methodological challenges of Case Series and Updates of Occupational Exposures to Wireless Radiation
Elihu Richter, MD, MPH
Dr. Richter presented a series of case studies which analyzed cancer patients exposed to whole body, prolonged radio frequency radiation in the military and occupational setting, mainly from communications equipment and RADAR. Cases included reports of young patients with brain cancer that appeared within ten years of initial exposures. Dr. Richter found that the proportion of individuals in the reviewed groups with hematolympahtic cancers was quite high, as well as reporting a very high risk of HL cancers compared to the general population. Dr. Richter noted that the consistent association of RFR and highly elevated HL cancer risk in the four occupational groups of cancer patients spread over three countries, operating different RFR equipments and analyzed by different research methods suggest that the occupational exposures were the most likely cause. He concludes that these case studies indicate there is a case for a cause and effect relationship between EMF exposures and tumor formation. He recommends we move “from precaution to prevention/protection.”
Making the Leap from a Clinical Case Series to Evidence-Based Medicine to Reduce Health Impacts of RF
Iris G. Udasin, MD, FACPM, Professor & Medical Director of Employee Health, Rutgers University Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute; Principal Investigator for the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program, USA, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Making the Leap from a Clinical Case Series to Evidence-Based Medicine to Reduce Health Impacts of RF
Iris G. Udasin, MD, FACPM
Dr. Udasin is Medical Director of Employee Health at Rutgers University Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute and the Principal Investigator for the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program. She presented a clinical case example of a policeman who arrived at the World Trade Center (WTC) site shortly after the planes hit the towers and coordinated interagency response for two years thereafter. Workers directly in the WTC plume were exposed to various fire-related air contaminants e.g.., formaldehyde, benzene, acrylonitrile, acrolein, acetonitrile, phosgene, styrene, toluene, xylene, PAHs, acetaldehyde, 2-butanone, carbofurans, PCBs, ethyl-benzene, Freon R-22, hexane, isocyanates, perchloroethylene, 1-3 butadiene, trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, glutaraldehyde, and xylene. Following his exposure, he was diagnosed with cancer that likely is due to both the air contaminants from the WTC as well as wireless exposure from cellular communications inside his police vehicle. Dr. Udasin reviewed the research that has found an association between WTC exposure and elevated cancer risks. Implications of this research includes workers compensation for highly exposed workers who developed cancers related to their occupational exposures, technical preventive measures to decrease exposure as the science is being performed and health preventive measures whereby risk reduction can be incorporated into well child and well adult examinations.
Simulations of Peak Spatial Exposures to Children and Adults from Multiple Devices by Claudio Fernandez, MSc, Federal University of Rio Grande De Sul, Brazil
Claudio Fernandez, MSc, Federal University of Rio Grande De Sul, Brazil
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Simulations of Peak Spatial Exposures to Children and Adults from Multiple Devices
Claudio Fernandez, MSc
Claudio Fernandez, a professor of electrical engineering, presented his research simulating wireless exposures in children and adults from devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, and even a wireless mouse. The limitations of current cell phone regulations which rely on SAM simulations were detailed, as they do not consider the unique physiology of children or pregnant women. In addition, they do not consider the peak exposures into specific tissues which this computer modeling can simulate. The dosimetric simulations indicate that the psSAR (specific absorption rate) is higher in the brain of a child in comparison to an adult, and therefore current standards and models used for cell phone and wireless device testing are not adequately protective. Fernandez shared several animations which simulate the penetration of the electrical field into the body, including Wi-Fi exposure from a tablet into the brain of a six year old, Wi-fi from a laptop into the body of a sitting adult male and cell phone radiation into an adult and child brain. He also noted that it is essential for researchers to set up experiments and simulation systems knowing what to measure. The current compliance tests and recommendations consider only thermal effects (at RF) and SAR and power density (or electric field intensity) as dosimetric parameters to assess exposure and to recommend limits, and thus policies must propose new updated recommendations and limits of these and other parameters. Since there is a growing evidence of other (non thermal) effects and since SAR (which is a mass or volume related parameter) will be almost outdated for 5G signals (upon 10 GHz, which are absorbed at the surface), Claudio noted that it is necessary to construct a table correlating the biological effects with its quantities of interest.
“What Can be Done” Reducing Exposure to Children in Schools and at City Level: Haifa Schools IT Chief Describes Haifa’s Low EMF Classrooms
Reuven Kurman, BSc, MBA, Chief Information Officer, Education Department of Haifa, Israel
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
“What Can be Done” – Reducing Exposure to Children in Schools and at City Level
Reuven Kurman, BSc, MBA
Kurman presented the risks and benefits of integrating technology within the classroom. As head of IT for Haifa schools he developed a cost effective program to hardwire the network and install passive access points so that the RFR exposures were as low as possible and non-radiating when not in use. Kurman discussed the complexity of measuring wireless radiation power density on classrooms especially in light of the fact that the regulations are non protective of non thermal effects. Kurman stated that as the decision maker he is responsible for any harm caused to the students and that lack of scientific evidence doesn’t justify taking risks. Kurman noted that a major part of reducing WiFi in schools is communicating clear and simple information to the parents and teachers, and in doing so he is committed to reducing Wi-Fi exposure to children at school to as low a level as possible. He presented various scenarios so that a wired system can be installed that meets educational needs. He concluded that more attention needs to be given to how we can effectively communicate current science and potential risks of wireless radiation to the public.
The Adverse Effect of Exposure to Media in Children: Sleep, Learning, and Aggression
Eitan Kerem, MD, FAAP, Head of the Division of Pediatrics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Adverse Effect of Exposure to Media in Children
Eitan Kerem, MD, FAAP
Dr. Kerem, Head of Pediatrics at Hadassah Medical Center, presented the large body of research on the health effects of screen time and media use on children and adolescents. Health consequences associated with early media exposure include impaired neurological development, cognitive development, language development and school performance, decreased sleep quality, increased ADHD symptoms, increased obesity, increased aggression and violence and increased social and emotional difficulties. Dr. Kerem considers early childhood a critical intervention period for creating healthy screen/media habits. He strongly recommended increasing awareness on these health effects and educating parents and clinicians on reducing screen time for children.
Environmental Indicators and Opportunities for Evaluating Current Patterns of Use: Gaps in Assessment & Gaps in Protection
Yael Stein, MD, Resident Anesthesiologist, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Environmental Indicators and Opportunities for Evaluating Current Patterns of Use: Gaps in Assessment & Gaps in Protection
Yael Stein, MD
Dr. Stein addressed the current gaps in exposure assessment of cumulative wireless radiation exposures from multiple sources. Dr. Stein explained the unique nature of radiation signals from Wi-Fi access points and the research which has found adverse effects at very low levels of exposure. She reviewed the Israeli policy whereby the Health Ministry recommends reducing cell phone radiation and reducing wireless exposure to children in schools. However, she noted that wireless systems are still being installed in schools. She mentioned that exposures are being assessed separately per exposure – not calculated cumulatively per person exposed. She stated that a person may be cumulatively exposed to RF and ELF from multiple sources, together or separately and concluded that a more protective policy and coordination between Ministries is needed to provide a clear message of protection.
Physiological and Psychological Impacts of Digital Media on Children
Gadi Lissak, PsyD, Clinical and Behavioral Medicine Psychologist, Meuhedet Health Services, Israel
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Physiological and Psychological Impacts of Digital Media
Gadi Lissak, PsyD
Dr. Lissak discussed the physiological and psychological effects of excessive exposure to digital media on infants, children and adolescents. Excessive exposure to digital media creates a complex clinical picture with a broad variety of symptoms within children; i.e. physiological, neurological, learning related, cognitive-behavioral, social and emotional.Major symptoms include addictive behavior, obesity, high blood pressure, sympathetic arousal and sleep disorder. The latter causes ADHD symptoms and decreased levels of melatonin, thus compromising the immune system. Furthermore, compromised physical health can lead to decreased interpersonal skills and stress coping skills resulting in overall compromised psycho-psychological resilience. Dr. Lissak concluded that excessive screen time and wireless radiation can act synergistically and produce adverse physiological and psychological effects during an a critical time in children’s development.
US and International Policy Developments /Medical Recommendations on Children
Theodora Scarato, MSW, Clinical Psychotherapist; Director of Public Affairs and Educational Resources, Environmental Health Trust, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
US and International Policy Developments /Medical Recommendations on Children
Theodora Scarato, MSW
Dozens of governments recommend that people’s exposure to wireless radiation be minimized – especially for children. Scarato reviewed public policy worldwide including the French government’s legislation which bans the sale of cell for children, advertising cell phones for children under 14 and limits wireless exposures in schools. In the United States, the Maryland Children’s Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council issued a report on Wi-Fi in Schools recommending wired internet connections in schools to minimize children’s wireless exposures. Scarato also highlighted how federal agencies are inadequatly addressing this issue and how 21st century learning initiatives present new challenges to policy makers. Children are using wireless devices on their laps and parents and teachers are unaware of the health issues posed by the new technology. The manufacturing and recycling of digital devices and supply chain issues have resulted in increased pollution and health risks to populations around the world. Protective policies are needed to ensure that new technologies are safe at every stage of the device life cycle.
Radiofrequency Radiation: A Possible Human Carcinogen?
Ronald Melnick, PhD, Senior Science Advisor, Environmental Health Trust; Fellow Emeritus, Collegium Ramazzini; Former Toxicologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program; Recipient of the American Public Health Association’s 2007 David P. Rall Award, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Radiofrequency Radiation: A Possible Human Carcinogen?
Ronald Melnick, PhD
Dr. Melnick briefly outlined the 2011 IARC classification of RF-EMFs as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B), as well as noting the animal carcinogenicity studies reviewed by the IARC in their classification. Melnick used multiple published review papers to note the large number of both animal carcinogenicity studies and mechanistic studies conducted following the IARC classification, highlighting the NTP cancer study and the importance of their results. Due to the large number of well-conducted studies published after 2011, Dr. Melnick concluded that the IARC should reconsider their classification of RF-EMFs.
Proteomics and Stress Response Signaling and Impacts of RF-EMF on the Blood Brain Barrier
Dariusz Leszczynski, MSc, DSc, PhD, Chief Editor of ‘Radiation and Health’ specialty of the ‘Frontiers in Public Health’, Switzerland; Adjunct Professor, University of Helsinki, Finland, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Proteomics and Stress Response Signalling and Impacts of RF-EMF on the Blood Brain Barrier
Autism and Cell Signaling—Proposed Investigations of Stem Cells
Benjamin Klein, MD, Researcher at the Institute for Medical Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Autism and Cell Signaling—Proposed Investigations of Stem Cells
Benjamin Klein, MD
Dr. Klein discussed possible effects of EMF on brain development and neural stem cells, citing multiple experimental studies. Parallels between hyper-connectivity seen induced by EMF and observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder raise a serious question about a possible link between the two. Dr. Klein stated that the findings from NTP and Ramazzini Institute studies justify extending the observation to neuronal tissue to determine whether or not RF has induced signs of hyper-connectivity of neuronal dendrites and overgrowth of their spines in vivo. In addition brain tissue should be examined in culture for upregulation of translation in response to RF.
Radio Frequency Radiation Related Cancer – Assessing Causation in the Occupational/Military Setting
Michael Peleg, MSc, Engineer, Rafael ltd.; Visiting Researcher in the Field of Engineering, The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Radio Frequency Radiation Related Cancer – Assessing Causation in the Occupational/Military Setting
by Michael Peleg, MSc
Michael Peleg discussed the differences between individuals exposed to RF within an occupational and/or military setting in comparison to an average individual, and case studies of the prior were presented. It was concluded that strong evidence indicates causation between RF exposure and multiple types of cancer, paralleled by independent epidemiological study results.
Electrohypersensitivity: Clinical Observations, Data Gaps
Yael Stein, MD, Resident Anesthesiologist, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Full Bio
Click Here for Lecture Video, PDF of Presentation Slides, and Background Materials
Electrohypersensitivity: Clinical Observations, Data Gaps
Yael Stein, MD
Dr. Stein provided a medical overview of electrohypersensitivity, indicating the diagnosis and treatment options available for individuals, as well as possible mechanisms of action. She concluded that increased education and awareness is necessary, along with innovative intervention techniques for EHS individuals.
My EHS Story: Daily limitations and Urgent Needs of EHS People Amir Borenstein
Amir’s presentation described his background and history as an EHS (Electromagnetic Hyper Sensitive) individuals and as an EMF and EHS awareness activist. Amir laid out the process and steps he went through in order to handle his EHS condition, the difficulties of an EHS person on a daily basis, and the urgent needs of the EHS community. PDF of January 2017 IIAS Presentation
Working Group Presentation
Conference participants met together several hours a day in working groups. At the end of the conference they presented their conclusions in regards to basic science, policy, exposure and epidemiology.
Epidemiology and Case Reports Working Group
The working group reviewed epidemiologic studies published since the IARC Working Group on RFR met in May 2011. They concluded:
The case control studies reported since the 2011 IARC Working Group meeting are adequate to consider RFR as a probable human carcinogen but could best be supplanted with more animal data as performed at Ramazzini and NTP and mechanistic studies. We are hopeful that these together with the epidemiology would be sufficient to be able to go from IARC 2B to 1. It would be useful to know more about the association of additional tumor types such as parotid gland, testicular, breast, and hematopoietic malignancies with RFR. Case studies should continue to be published to increase awareness and understanding of the relationship between exposure to RFR and disease causation.
Basic Science
The basic science working group addressed the biological effects and mechanisms of wireless radiation. Recent findings from in vitro and animal studies were reviewed, highlighting areas of research which need additional attention. The specificities of mechanistic studies were discussed as well as potential biomarkers of radiofrequency exposure. Any research reviewing the biological basis of medical uses of RFR were addressed, as well as research focussing on newer technologies such as 5G and their possibly biological effects. In conclusion, major data gaps, research needs, and priorities within basic science were discussed. Video of Presentation.
This working group focussed on exposure assessment of multiple sources of wireless devices in real life environments (including schools). Video of Presentation.
Introduction and Welcome
Paul Ben-Ishai, PhD, Lecturer in the Department of Physics, Ariel University, Israel, Full Bio & Yuri Feldman, PhD, Head of the Dielectric Spectroscopy Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Full Bio
