New WHO monograph

The World Health Organisation recently released a draft review of scientific research on radiofrequency radiation and health published before 2013. Entitled ‘Radio Frequency fields: Environmental Health Criteria Monograph, the incomplete document was opened for consultation by RF experts until mid November. When completed, the document is likely to influence policy of radiation authorities worldwide.

The draft perpetuates the view that health effects are due to thermal exposures and that nonthermal effects are unlikely to cause health problems. The available chapters contain summaries of relevant studies but no conclusions as to the significance of their findings.

Oddly, the document was released for comment with three nuts-and-bolts chapters still unwritten. They are the chapters on ’Health risk assessment’, ‘Protective measures’ and the ‘Summary and recommendations for further study’.

The draft document is available from the WHO at: http://www.who.int/peh-emf/ research/rf_ehc_page/en/