Electromagnetic fields as a whole can be divided into two main categories: low frequency fields emitted in our environment by the circulation of electric current (lamps, household appliances, etc.) and radio frequencies used to transmit information, wirelessly, through the electromagnetic waves (broadcasting of television, radio, mobile telephony, wifi, satellites, etc.).
“These radiofrequency waves have been used for a long time. What has changed over the past 20 years is that we are more exposed to them, and that these waves are closer to us with mobile telephony: the emission of waves from mobile phones takes place close to the body, and at the level of our heads, informs Olivier Merckel, Head of the New Technologies Risk Assessment Unit at ANSES. This strong presence of electromagnetic waves in our daily lives justified research to find out if these waves could have an impact on our health”, he indicates. We now have many studies on the effects of these radio frequencies.
No identified risk of electromagnetic waves
“Some epidemiological studies, which sought to relate the use of mobile phones to the appearance of pathologies, have suggested that there could be a link between intense and prolonged use of mobile phones and brain tumors“, informs Olivier Merckel. However, studies carried out in the laboratory (biomedical) have been carried out to try to identify possible biological mechanisms and what impacts these waves could have on our organism.
“The analysis and synthesis of thousands of studies have no evidence of a direct relationship between exposure to these waves and health“, reports our expert. I’Mobi-kids study* published in December 2021 and conducted in adolescents in several countries, also did not show a link between the use of the telephone and the increased risk of tumours. “However, we must remain cautious on this subject”, believes Olivier Merckel who indicates that “uncertainties still remain in the scientific assessment” and that’s why “it seems reasonable to adopt a certain caution in the use of these new technologies”.
ANSES recommends above all rational use of cell phones And the use of a hands-free kit for children, whose body is in full development, who are exposed to screens very early and who will be for a very long time. For adults who wish to limit their exposure to these electromagnetic waves, it is advisable to:
- Putting your laptop to sleep and ideally even turning off your laptop at night.
- To use a hands-free kit (either with headsets) that keeps the phone away from your head.
- Do not leave your phone next to your bed at night.
What about hypersensitivity to waves?
Some people claim to be sensitive to electromagnetic waves (electrohypersensitive), with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, etc. “Many studies have been conducted on this subject and their analysis does not establish that the symptoms described by these people can be caused directly by their exposure to electromagnetic waves”, reports the head of the new technology risk assessment unit at ANSES.
This does not mean that a link is impossible but today these symptoms remain unexplained. “It is important to improve the care of these people who attribute their symptoms to the waves, and who often have to adapt their daily lives to deal with them”, believes Olivier Merckel. There are still no medical recommendations for the care of electrohypersensitive people.
Sources:
- Research papers, Radiofrequencies and health Understanding where research stands, November 2022, ANSES
- * Mobi-Kids is an international epidemiological survey involving 900 brain tumor patients and 1,900 controls from 14 countries. Brigitte Lacour, Thomas Remen, Martine Hours, Elisabeth Cardis.
