WP8: Input to future risk management and communication processes and advice on non-technological means to reduce exposure
Led by Paolo Ravazzani (CNR)
Collaborating institutions: ISGlobal (former CREAL), SCMI, FT, UU, Swiss TPH, IT’IS, NIS
Background
Health risk communication on exposure to EMF is a complex and delicate task for a variety of reasons, both technical (uncertainties and complexities related to sources of EMF, variety of sources/exposures, frequencies/modulation, etc.) and non-technical (EMF are invisible, ubiquitous, exposure to them is commonly perceived to be outside of the control of the individual, etc.).
Objectives
The objectives of WP8 are to synthesize the findings of GERoNiMO and translate these into inputs to risk management, to explore non-technological means for reducing exposure taking into account current and foreseeable technological trends, and to provide input on risk communication to EC policy-makers.
Proposed work
WP8 activities are divided into three main tasks. Firstly, priorities for health risk management on EMF exposure will be identified. Priorities for health risk management related to EMF exposure identified by the EC project EFHRAN need to be updated periodically as new scientific information becomes available within and outside GERoNiMO. WP8 activities with a strong link with WP7, will develop and maintain a EU-level knowledge base for improved EMF-related health risk management processes. Secondly, non-technological means for reducing exposure will be explored. This task will be based on a review of the non-technological methods of reducing exposure currently suggested by the policy and health authorities, the scientific community, and by other stakeholders (industry and consumer associations). This considering, as EMF sources, the most prevalent current technologies using emitting EMF in the ELF, IF and RF ranges at the present time. The feasibility of the most plausible non-technological methods for exposure reduction will be also investigated in the ELF, IF and RF ranges. Thirdly, WP8 will prepare input to health risk communication. In order to bolster the European Commission’s capacity to respond to citizen requests regarding health risks related to EMF, this task will identify those issues of highest priority in terms of risk communication.