Bonn/Berlin: At the hearing of associations held in Bonn in November 2012 on the draft ordinance amending the regulations on electromagnetic fields (Ordinance on Electromagnetic Fields – 26th BImSchV), BUND pointed out in good time that there are major deficits in protection against non-ionizing radiation, such as that which can be emitted by mobile phone base stations and high-voltage power lines.
“The latest findings on the risks and dangers of electromagnetic fields must finally be taken into account. Long-term effects such as cancer or other illnesses cannot be ruled out. Effective protective and precautionary regulations must therefore be enacted. Politicians must help to promote innovations for high-quality, environmentally and health-friendly products that are of decisive and forward-looking importance for Germany as a business location,” said Wilfried Kühling, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of BUND and mobile communications expert.
The opportunity for precautionary action, particularly with regard to vulnerable groups such as children, must not be missed again. It is unacceptable that there is no precautionary measure for high-frequency radiation. “How do politicians intend to take these requirements into account if they continue to regard it as normal that exposure to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields has been increasing for years due to the use of modern technologies? In addition, unnecessary irradiation would continue to take place, but also the planned exposure to microwaves in homes would continue to be practiced against the will of the residents without a sufficient legal basis and with limit values that are far too high. It is time to set requirements that counteract the unchecked expansion and the inevitable further increase in exposure,” said Kühling.
It is also unacceptable that those affected by the expansion of power lines should be divided into two classes in future: Those who live under an existing line and are likely to be exposed to higher levels of stress and those who are spared overvoltage from power lines during line construction. Kühling: “There must be no double standards. Higher loads must not be permitted for existing routes. The precautionary regulations must also be adapted to the level of protection for new routes.”
Source: BUND press release from 20.11.2012