By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, FEB 24, 2013: BIO-INITIATIVE 2012 report has summarized about 1800 new studies under 24 technical chapters. Overall, these new studies reported abnormal gene transcription; genotoxicity and single and double strand DNA damage; stress proteins because of the fractal RF-antenna like nature of DNA; chromatin condensation and loss of DNA repair capacity in human stem cells; reduction in free radical scavengers – particularly melatonin; neurotoxicity in humans and animals; carcinogenicity in humans; serious impacts on human and animal sperm morphology and function; effects on the fetus, neonate and offspring; effects on brain and cranial bone development in the offspring of animals that are exposed to cell phone radiation during pregnancy; and findings in autism spectrum disorders consistent with Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) / Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) exposure.

However, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), on critical examination of the Bio-initiative 2012 Report, has observed that the report is not based on multi disciplinary weight – of evidence method leads to a scientifically sound judgment & objective and there is no balanced reflection of the current state of scientific knowledge. However, the evidence given in the report cannot be ignored and hence, need further investigation in this area.

In respect of Base Transmitting Station (BTS), norms for exposure limit for the Radio Frequency Field (Base Station Emissions) has been reduced to 1/10 th of the limits prescribed by International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) with effect from 01.09.2012.

Strict monitoring and enforcement of revised radiation norms has been initiated by DoT. In 83 cases, where the Base Station Emissions were found to be more than the prescribed norms, corrective actions have been taken immediately.

In respect of Mobile Handsets, the following directions have been issued by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regarding Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values:

(i) SAR level for mobile handsets is limited to 1.6 Watt/Kg, average over a mass of 1 gram of human tissue.

(ii) All the new design of mobile handsets shall comply with the SAR value of 1.6 Watt/Kg averaged over a mass of 1 gram tissue with effect from 1 st September, 2012. However, the mobile handsets with existing designs, which are compliant with 2.0 Watt/Kg averaged over a mass of 10 gram tissue, may continue to co-exist upto 31 st August 2013.

(iii) From 1 st September 2013, only the mobile handsets with revised SAR value of 1.6 Watt/Kg are permitted to be manufactured or imported in India for domestic market.

With the above measures, India now has one of the most stringent EMF exposure norms in the world.

Further, Department of Science & Technology (DST) has constituted a committee on 01.10.2012, under the Chairmanship of Dr. N.K. Ganguly, Former Director General (ICMR), having representative from IIT Chennai, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Environment & Forest, ICMR and DST to examine the harmful effects from Cell towers on the population living in the vicinity and for developing the frame of reference for calling out request for proposals for scientific assessment of health hazards and adverse impact on ecology.

Apart from above, a Complaint Handling System for Electro Magnetic Field (EMF) Radiation from Mobile Towers has been launched by DoT on 4 th October 2012 in Mumbai. Initially, this facility has been started for the residents of Mumbai. The online complaint facility is available on DoT website www.dot.gov.in through a link “Public Grievance – EMF Radiation”.

This information was given by Mr Milind Deora, Minister of State for C&IT a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on Friday.