2022-11-21 15:23:00
More and more exposed
Electromagnetic waves and fields, used for example by radio and television as a transmission medium (radio frequencies) or by electrical lines for the distribution of electricity (low frequencies), have been present in our environment for a long time. However, the development of new technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, new generations of mobile telephony, connected objects and even electric vehicles, increases our exposure.
In the field of mobile communications, consumer behavior and uses are evolving rapidly, and the proliferation of technologies and networks are helping to increase the population’s exposure to electromagnetic waves, with great disparities depending on uses, locations, etc. This increased exposure is the result of interactions between an increased number of users, the diversification of uses (calls, text messages, downloads, online viewing, etc.), variable usage times, but also the increase in speeds and efficiency of networks and terminals.
The development of electrical infrastructure linked to developments in production (renewable energies) and consumption (electric vehicles, cities and “connected” infrastructure) could also increase our exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields.
The maximum intensity of exposures is, however, regulated by regulations.
For radio frequencies, it is monitored by l’ANFRthe National Frequency Agency. The checks carried out each year show that environmental exposure to waves is well below the limit values imposed by regulations.
For low frequencies, the laws on the Grenelle environment have created a public information system on electromagnetic fields emitted by high voltage lines. The regulations provide for exposure measurements to be carried out in urbanized areas of municipalities crossed by high voltage lines.
>> To learn more about electromagnetic waves, their effects on health or ways to reduce our exposure, consult our decryption article
Better understand the effects and assess the risks
Faced with the multiplication of sources of exposure to electromagnetic waves and fields, it is necessary to better understand their effects on health. It is the role of the Agency which produced more than 15 expertises since 2005 on this question, in particular on the health effects of 5G, high voltage lines, body scanners and even light-emitting diodes.
This expertise is the result of collective work coordinated by the Agency, which brings together specific working groups composed of multidisciplinary experts and the Committee of specialist experts on “physical agents and new technologies”.
Concerning radio frequencies, in 2011 the Agency installed a “radiofrequencies and health” dialogue committee whose ambition is to be a place for discussion, reflection and information on scientific questions relating to the potential health effects of radio frequencies and their evaluation. This body brings together representatives of associations, industrialists, unions and scientists and experts from the Agency. The questions raised by civil society can thus feed into the expert work, which is submitted to the committee. The committee’s participation in establishing specifications for carrying out specific studies is also an innovative provision of the dialogue engaged between scientific experts and stakeholders.
Since the theme of “radiofrequency and health” requires targeted research, the Agency has been mobilizing specific funding on this theme since 2011 as part of the national research program Environment-Health-Workl (PNR EST) that she pilots. The objective of the PNR EST is to bring together research and expertise and to expand the research community.
The main recommendations from ANSES
Pour waves emitted by mobile phones (radio frequencies) :
for adult intensive mobile phone users: use the hands-free kit and more generally, for all users, favor the acquisition of telephones displaying the lowest SAR (specific absorption rate);
display the maximum exposure level generated by all devices currents emitting electromagnetic fields intended for use near the body (DECT telephones, touchscreen tablets, baby monitors, etc.), as is already the case for mobile telephones;
reduce children’s exposure by encouraging moderate use of mobile phones; before being deployed, it is desirable that the development of new technologies be supported by the carrying out studies or a documented collection of the literature of the links between exposure and health impacts.
Pour low frequency magnetic electromagnetic fields (high voltage lines) :
For those responsible for land use planning, no longer increase the number of sensitive people exposed around high voltage lines avoiding:
to install or develop new establishments welcoming sensitive people (hospitals, schools, etc.) in the immediate vicinity of very high voltage lines; to install new lines above such establishments.
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**Interview with Dr. Claire Dupont, Electromagnetic Field Health Expert**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Dupont! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the increasing exposure to electromagnetic fields due to new technologies.
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
**Host:** To start, can you explain how our exposure to electromagnetic fields has changed in recent years?
**Dr. Dupont:** Certainly! Over the past decade, we’ve seen a significant rise in the use of technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile communications. These advancements, along with the proliferation of connected devices and electric vehicles, have considerably increased our exposure to both radio frequencies and low-frequency magnetic fields.
**Host:** That sounds concerning. What are the potential health effects of this increased exposure?
**Dr. Dupont:** The acute effects of exposure to ionizing radiation can include symptoms like nausea and skin burns, and while the long-term effects may involve genetic mutations, the risks associated with non-ionizing electromagnetic fields—like those generated by mobile phones and Wi-Fi—are still being researched. Most regulatory bodies, including our own, have determined that current exposure levels are well below safety limits, but it remains crucial to monitor and understand these potential effects.
**Host:** What kind of regulations are in place to manage our exposure to these fields?
**Dr. Dupont:** Regulations vary by frequency and application. For instance, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) monitors radio frequency exposure, ensuring levels remain below regulatory limits. For low-frequency exposures, especially around high-voltage lines, public information systems were established to effectively measure and manage exposure in urban areas.
**Host:** That’s good to hear. How is the scientific community addressing public concern about the health impacts of electromagnetic fields?
**Dr. Dupont:** The scientific community is proactive in this regard. We’ve established dialogue committees that include representatives from academia, industry, and civil society. These committees aim to facilitate open discussions about potential health effects and gather public concerns, which inform our research initiatives. We’ve conducted over 15 expert evaluations on this topic since 2005, focusing on emerging technologies like 5G.
**Host:** With so much technology now in our lives, what practical steps can individuals take to reduce their exposure to electromagnetic fields?
**Dr. Dupont:** Individuals can take simple steps such as limiting prolonged use of mobile phones, especially in areas with weak signals, using wired connections when available, and maintaining a distance from devices when they’re not in use. Moreover, staying informed through credible sources can help mitigate anxiety and promote understanding of the science behind electromagnetic fields.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that while technology continues to evolve, so does our understanding of its effects on health.
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for having me; it’s critical that we continue to study and discuss these issues as technology progresses.
