| Wednesday, October 1, 2003 |  |
| 3G Mobile Signals Can Cause Nausea, Headache | 0 comments |
| 1 Oct 2003 @ 23:30 3G Mobile Signals Can Cause Nausea, Headache Tue Sep 30, 4:03 PM ET AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Radio signals for the next generation of mobile phone services can cause headaches and nausea, according to a study conducted by three Dutch ministries. The study, the first of its kind, compared the impact of radiation from base stations used for the current mobile telephone network with that of base stations for new third generation (3G) networks for fast data transfer, which will enable services such as video conferencing on a mobile device. A base station, which usually covers a "cell" area of several square kilometers (miles), transmits signals to mobile phones with an electromagnetic field. "If the test group was exposed to third generation base station signals there was a significant impact ... They felt tingling sensations, got headaches and felt nauseous," a spokeswoman for the Dutch Economics Ministry said. There was no negative impact from signals for current mobile networks. However, cognitive functions such as memory and response times were boosted by both 3G signals and the current signals, the study found. It said people became more alert when they were exposed to both. Government ministers responsible for Economic Affairs, Health and Telecommunications said follow-up research was needed to confirm the findings as well as to look at any longer-term health effects and biological causes. They will also discuss the study with the European Commission (news - web sites), the spokeswoman said. The double-blind laboratory tests -- meaning no one in the survey knew if a 3G-like base station was actually transmitting signals -- exposed test subjects to expected levels of average radiation for 3G networks when they become commercial. The GSM Association, a global organization of mobile telecommunications operators, said it was studying the report and could not comment. The study, conducted by the Dutch technological research institute TNO, was the first to look for an impact of mobile telephones on well-being. It was also the first study to find a statistically significant negative impact from 3G base stations. Previous research on a negative health impact of mobile phones, mostly second-generation, has been inconclusive. Existing research gives no scientific evidence that second-generation phones cause brain tumors, while a long-term study by the International Agency on Research on Cancer is not expected to yield results before 2004. Previous research did find an impact on cognitive functions, which was also found in the Dutch survey. But TNO noted that earlier studies always measured the impact of cellphones held close to the head, causing high fields of radiation close to the ear and warming of the brain. TNO's study used lower a dose of radiation to mimic base station signals rather than handsets. Handsets emit stronger radiation when they are used, while base stations transmit more constant levels of radio signals, exposing everyone within range. |
| Earthjustice Releases CD to Promote Clean Air and Water | 1 comment |
| 1 Oct 2003 @ 13:27 Earthjustice Releases CD to Promote Clean Air and Water Many of the world's most celebrated musicians have contributed tracks for a new benefit CD entitled "Where We Live -- Stand For What You Stand On." The project, released September 30th, will be distributed globally through EMI, a company with a proven commitment to the environment and sustainable development, and on EMI's Higher Octave label in North America. Proceeds from the CD will support Earthjustice's Where We Live campaign to promote the universal right to clean air and clean water... The benefit CD is a soulful collection of hard-to-find tracks that remind us about the importance of standing up for your rights, staying strong, and celebrating when ordinary citizens achieve victories in protecting the planet we live on. Artists include Mose Allison, Captain Beefheart, Ruben Blades, Bob Dylan, Michael Franti & Spearhead, John Hammond & Tom Waits, Norah Jones, Los Lobos, Maria Muldaur & Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, The Neville Brothers, Karen Savoca, Pops Staples & Ry Cooder, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Tina Turner & Robert Cray, Dan Zanes (with Lou Reed & the Rubi Theater Company). "We are honored by the participation of these great musicians in support of the environment and public health," says Buck Parker, Executive Director of Earthjustice. "When people buy this CD they are helping Earthjustice clean up the air and water and provide a voice for people living with toxic pollution in their backyards." "Everyone should be able to drink clean water and breathe clean air. Our health is directly linked to the health of the planet," Matt Marshall, Higher Octave founder said. "That's why so many artists have contributed such amazing music. We are extremely proud to be a part of such a worthwhile benefit project." In the United States alone, more than 70,000 people die each year because of air pollution, and 40 percent of the nation's waterways don't meet basic water quality standards. Despite the urgent need for full enforcement, critical environmental protections are being reversed. Through its Where We Live campaign, Earthjustice has brought more than 50 cases to protect clean air and water in the United States. Earthjustice also works with international organizations to establish the universal recognition of the right to a clean and healthy environment. Earthjustice is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth and to defending the right of all people to a healthy environment. Earthjustice donates its services to hundreds of organizations and communities, bringing about far-reaching change by enforcing and strengthening environmental laws. Earthjustice is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. More > |