Former coordinator of the World Health Organization Electromagnetic Fields project Michael Repacholi dismissed on Tuesday claims that radiation from mobile towers is harmful and urged governments to consider scientific facts before imposing a ban. The theory of adverse health impact from mobile towers has been dismissed both internationally and by the Delhi Medical Association. Not one study has indicated any scientific link between mobile use and diseases such as brain cancer. However,rumours and hoax visual representations of mobile radiation both online and in the media continue to create unnecessary public scare, he said on the sidelines of release of Mobile Phones and Public Health Myths and Reality,a book by Ravi V S Prasad. Repacholi said a recent move by civic authorities to uproot mobile towers at schools and other institutions was unwarranted. The sun emits radiation of over 250 Watts per square metre whereas Indian laws have capped the emission from mobile towers at 0.45 Watts per square metre against 4.5 Watts prescribed by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection. Its surprising that the government,instead of creating awareness among people,undertook such an irrational drive solely based on speculative views, he said. Repacholi,widely known and criticised for being an industry man,said mobile communication saved thousands of lives every day in dangerous situations or medical emergencies. Restricting access to technological advancements would only increase inconveniences and put people at risks,he said. The Karnataka government is looking to regulate the setting up of mobile towers after the issue of harm due to radiation was recently raised in the state legislature by the Opposition parties.
