W.E.E.P. News
Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution News
11 June 2011
Presentation of Prof. Dominique Belpomme at 8th National Congress on Electrosmog, Berne, 2011
Prof. Belpomme is Professor of Clinical Oncology, University Paris-Descartes. He practices medical Oncology and Environmental Medicine at the Alleray-Labrouste Clinic (Paris). He is also president of ARTAC (Association for Research and Treatment against Cancer) and Chairman of ISDE-France (International Society of Doctors for Environment). http://www.artac.info/
Clinical and biological description of the electromagnetic field intolerance syndrome (EMFIS)
Between May 2008 and March 2010, 425 patients reporting hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) were examined in a clinical and biological setting. Ninety-five per cent of them clearly reported the repeated occurrence and disappearance of symptoms linked to the presence or absence of EMFs. Three clinical phases were distinguished: an initial stage during which EMF exposure can induce headaches, a sensation of heating in the ear and other parts of the body, especially the upper part of the body, tinnitus, ocular abnormalities, myalgia, and, in some cases, dermatitis and symptoms such as chest tightness, palpitations, tachycardia and nausea. A second phase is characterized by insomnia, chronic fatigue and depressive tendencies, attention deficit, troubles with concentration, immediate memory loss, behavioral problems, and anxiety, during which the initial symptoms may occur every time the patient is exposed to EMF sources.
In addition to the detection of brain vascular hypo-perfusion (decreased blood flow in certain areas of the brain), predominantly in the limbic area, blood tests revealed increased histamine levels in 36% of patients, an increase in heat shock proteins in 45%, a decreased level of melatonin in 33%, and vitamin D deficiency in 70% of patients.
Specific observations and tests were also included, proving that cerebral suffering was due to EMFs. There is a third phase, suggesting that an EMF intolerance syndrome may correspond to a pre-Alzheimer's disease state. In a recent interview (September 2010), Pr Belpomme stated that "there is an important link between electromagnetic fields and neuro-degenerative diseases, notably Alzheimer's. The risk of Alzheimer's, which can arise in young persons from age 45, is moreover much more important than the risk of cancer." The therapy for treating persons suffering from EMFIS includes prescription of omega 3's, anti-oxidants, vitamin D, and anti-histamines.
Excerpts from Metro-France interview with Prof. Dominique Belpomme, President, ARTAC, September 2010
There is a proven link between electromagnetic fields, cancer and leukemia. We (ARTAC and our Swedish colleagues) also studied an important link to neuro-degenerative diseases, notably Alzheimer's. The risk of Alzheimer's, which can appear in young persons from age 45, is much greater than the cancer risk.
Since last year, in my consultations in environmental medicine, I have been seeing between 10-20 sick persons every week. More and more parents are coming to see me for their children who have headaches, memory, concentration and language problems, and dyslexia.
This is a major public health risk. There is a neuro-generative pathology probably linked to the opening of the blood-brain barrier through EM waves and/or toxic substances. These troubles can be minor, such as headaches, or much more serious such as the beginning of Alzheimer's.
Based on the more than 400 persons who have consulted me, we have established a diagnostic test which rests essentially on a cerebral pulsed echodoppler technique and on blood tests. These permit us to see evidence of an increase in certain stress proteins which translate into the existence of brain pathology.
We have established treatment to make these symptoms regress, however this does not prevent a recurrence. Thus, there is the necessity of adding protective measures to this treatment: creation of "white zones", notably in public establishments and in public transport. We must do as for smoking: forbid Wi-Fi in certain zones, as in libraries. We must forbid installation of relay antennas near nurseries and schools. These are urgent protective measures to be taken, but are unfortunately not being applied.
My discourse goes against financial and economic interests, but one should not sacrifice the well-being of these sick persons for the interests of political and public authorities.
A major public health risk exists. Studies show that from 10 to 50% of the population could be affected by intolerance to EM fields in the next 25-50 years. We will have to pay the consequences if we do not take precautionary and preventive measures now.
There are many doctors who do not recognize this pathology and thus, deny the evidence. But a growing number understand that something is happening and refer sick persons to me. It is they whom we should rely on and that is why I am organizing in April 2011, the Third Colloquium of the Paris Appeal at UNESCO, which will be followed by an intensive course to train professionals in environmental pathologies.
(Note: 300 doctors, researchers and health professionals attended the Colloquium on "Children's Health and the Environment" and 43 doctors and health professionals followed the course in environmental medicine.)
Meris
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Mobile phones cause brain tumours - more evidence
The new study claims to be the first to use estimates of RF energy absorbed at the centre of brain tumours as a measure of radio-frequency (RF) dose. An increased risk of glioma was seen in the 20% of users with the highest exposure and also in people with the longest-term use.
Click here for the full news story
http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20110610-mobile-phone-tumours-evidence.asp
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Ironically, as many are asking what research should
be done after IARC's decision to designate RF radiation as a possible cancer agent, Australia's RF research center has closed down. We think we know why.
In other news, Anders Ahlbom has resigned from a key Swedish government advisory panel. And two new Interphone papers are now available.
Read all the details on our home page:
Best,
Louis Slesin, PhD
Editor, Microwave News
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Young cancer survivor determined to help others
Surgeons were able to remove at least half of the tumour. When she woke from surgery, Kelsey was on a breathing tube and unable to speak. She made hand signals to her mother, who quickly realize she was asking for her cell phone. ...
http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3163400
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Citing European studies, Marshall said he is concerned that radio frequency waves emitted from the tower may cause diseases such as cancer.
But according to Health Canada, radio frequency energy from cell phone towers is too low to cause adverse health ...
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3163658
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To: webmaster@emfandhealth.com
http://www.emfandhealth.com/index.html
Dear EMF & Health:
Dr. Ariel Fenster
Harvey Kofsky
Michel Plante
Dr. Joe Schwarcz
Lorne Trottier (webmaster: combating pseudo-science).
Congratulations collaborator's and contributors.
It has come to my attention many months ago that such a disinformation website is available, not as a real science source in which competent information can be disseminated, but quite the opposite in order to cause confusion to those who know no better. Since I have an open mind and take everything into consideration, and since the title of your website appears to be pertaining to health, I decided to look at your website.
Unfortunately what I found on your website was lower than that of Kindergarten status (no offense to the Kindergarten children intended). It is clear that some links on your website to back up scientific argument are by bloggers with very limited intelligence, if they know what the word "intelligence" actually means, remains a mystery.
Upon further reading of your website, I could not stop laughing at the content which defies logic, reason, and reality by distorting the well known scientific facts (or by explanations which do not relate with the facts). The site is very good for a laugh, but other than that, it is of no value at all, to persons seeking a balanced perspective of the science which has been available for years. Scientists which have proven/shown biological effects from wireless communications are discredited on the website (by some pseudo-scientific explanation, or by the title of being "alarmist") this is a very old tactic to convince the ignorant that all is well. The tactic is synonymous with a broken record which spins around and gets no-where.
Does that also mean that the cellphone industry scientific studies showing biological effects, military scientists showing biological effects, which are also shown as deleterious: Should the website also discredit all of these scientists which go back to the 1950's as well? If the persons on the website decide this, I suggest they work day and night to keep their disinformation campaign going, only ignorant troll bloggers devoid of rational thinking may believe the content of the website?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer [IARC] an arm of the [WHO] issued a press release on 31 May 2011 with regards to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields RF EMR as being a (class 2B carcinogen) just after Anders Ahlbom was found to have "conflicts of interest" hence he was eliminated from participation in the discussions. He also tried to point the finger at Lennart Hardell, however there are no "conflicts of interest" (no surprises there). This was a vain attempt by Anders Ahlbom to try to save his reputation and be part of the [IARC] discussions, the scandal was not anticipated, but opened the eyes of many around the world to the corruption within Industry and their ilk.
It appears that the website now attempts to cause confusion / discredit [IARC] and the [WHO] by stating "this is at odds with the conclusions of expert groups " which when I click on the link it directs me to http://www.emfandhealth.com/Science%20Sources.html which just happens to have the [WHO] listed in the Recent Updates. "It seems like someone wants to have their cake and eat it too"? Very interesting odd behaviour indeed.
It appears that when the [WHO] conforms with the thinking of the website contributors, it is convenient to "jump on the bandwagon and play a tune", but when the [WHO] classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as a (class 2B carcinogen) ... for the website contributors the [WHO] is no longer convenient and so-called conclusions of expert groups are mentioned to be used as a feeble defense mechanism to keep spinning the misinformation. All in all the website has nothing to do with health, it is a poorly devised public relations exercise which even a person with limited intelligence should be able to understand.
Off course this correspondence is in relation to what has been viewed on the so-called Health and EMR website, and also my opinion which I am entitled to.
I wonder if the contributors who write all the rubbish on the EMR and Health website have any "conflicts of interest" to disseminate such rubbish?
EMF & Health (dedicated to discrediting real science).
Yours Sincerely,
Enrico Grani
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On witness stand, Cummings reveals cell-tower role
UID>/INBOX>68069">Scranton Times-Tribune
Last year, as The Times-Tribune was investigating a county cell tower project federal prosecutors say resulted in a kickback to former Commissioner Robert C. Cordaro, Dunmore attorney Thomas P. Cummings refused to say he was an owner of the company ...
David
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Shoreline Cell Tower Restrictions Bill Gets Senate Approval
Ed Meyer (D-Guilford) and the entire Senate late today gave final approval to a bill which substantially changes the siting and approval process for cellular telephone towers–a particularly thorny issue for citizens in Branford and other shoreline ...
http://branford.patch.com/articles/shoreline-cell-tower-restrictions-bill-gets-senate-approval
David
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Report: Phones really could cause planes to crash
I would believe their results over what the airlines say ! by MEPace (182 comments ) June 9, 2011 3:30 PM PDT Not to mention that cell towers are almost constantly broadcasting their signals. by OniOokamiAlfador (2604 comments ) June 9, ...
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20070342-71/report-phones-really-could-cause-planes-to-crash
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Public Meeting regarding WiFi in Schools ?
Please share this email with parents, teachers, trustees, government officials, doctors, the media and others interested in the issue of WiFi in Schools.
The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is having a public meeting regarding WiFi in schools but only a few select individuals are allowed to present. The list is provided at the end of this email.
Individuals who oppose WiFi installations in favor of wired installations are not allowed to present.
I asked to be a presenter but was not given permission despite the fact that new information from various organizations has been recently made available and that I have scientific expertise regarding the health effects of radio frequency radiation. I was told this is not a debate.
The School Board approved having WiFi installed in all KPRD schools earlier this year, despite the fact that parents and others presented evidence that this form of radiation may not be safe and that it was better to be safe than sorry and to err on the side of caution. Medical Doctors, David Carpenter and Stephen Sinatra, wrote to the school board stating this radiation was not safe.
A recent (May 31, 2011) World Health Organization reclassification of radio frequency electromagnetic fields (which includes WiFi radiation) as a "possible human carcinogen" is being ignored.
The recent recommendations by the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe (Canada has observer status) that "for children in general, and particularly in schools and classrooms, give preference to wired Internet connections, and strictly regulate the use of mobile phones by schoolchildren on school premises;" is being ignored.
Studies at Queen's University and elsewhere, which show that this radiation (from cell phone and wireless computers) affects sperm quality and may adversely affect reproduction, is being ignored.
Parents are silenced. Trustees are not returning calls. Teachers have been disciplined for questioning school board policy. Teachers who are sensitive to this radiation fear that they will not be able to continue teaching once the WiFi radiation is activated.
We asked that wired internet access be made available (indeed this is already present at many schools). But this request has been ignored.
If WiFi is installed we asked that the system be designed so that the WiFi routers can be turned off when not in use; that WiFi-free areas be established in schools; and that students-whose parents do not want them exposed-be allowed to use wired computers for internet access. While this would not eliminate their exposure it would reduce it since the highest levels of radiation are near the computers. We have yet to hear if any of these recommendations are being seriously considered.
We are told that the level of radiation from WiFi in classrooms is so low it can't possibly have any health effects. Yet, levels of radiation at a school in Collingwood exceeded the Safety Code 6 Guidelines in one classroom nearest the computer! Clearly those making such statements about how low levels are and that they can't possibly have biological effects are unfamiliar with the research.
As I scientist, who knows how harmful this radiation is, it is impossible for me to remain silent. If it weren't for the children, I would walk away from this, allow the school board to install WiFi and then document the changes over time. Some children will remain unaffected but some will become ill immediately and others will become ill over a period of time. How many will develop cancer and have reproductive problems only time will tell. The same will happen to teachers. The question is no longer "if this will happen" but rather "how many will be affected and how quickly".
No University Ethic Board in North America would grant permission for this type of research (i.e. to expose children, grades K to 12, to low level microwave radiation for hours each day for 13 years and to study the biological effects). And while schools and libraries in other parts of the world are removing WiFi, the KPRD School Board is going ahead with this experiment despite International Authorities recommending otherwise!
We exposed children to lead, to asbestos, to DDT, to second hand smoke before we realized this exposure was harmful. Now toys from China with lead paint are returned and make headline news! Yet we are willing to expose children to microwave radiation in the classroom AFTER we are told this radiation is unsafe at levels below existing federal and international guidelines. This is willful ignorance and has legal implications.
Please come to this meeting. Please challenge the decision to expose students in the KPRDSB to microwave radiation for 1200 hours each and every year. Please, if we don't speak out on their behalf . . . who will?
-magda
_____________________________
Dr. Magda Havas, B.Sc. Ph.D.
Environmental & Resource Studies,
Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, K9J 7B8
phone: 705 748-1011 x 7882 fax: 705 748-1569
www.magdahavas.com (general)
www.magdahavas.org (academic)
_____________________________
June 10, 2011
Ms. Lloyd,
Thank you for sending me this list of presenters at the School Board meeting on June 27th at 7pm at the School Board meeting at Queen Mary Public School in Peterborough.
I will remind you that you have heard from Dr. Wortis before at your Board meetings, so it is odd that you would allow her to speak and not me.
I would also like to inform you that neither Dr. Wortis nor Dr. Shiell are experts on the biological effects of this radiation and I sincerely hope that their contribution will relate to their own area of expertise and not on the biological or health effects.
I will share this list with others. It would be useful if you informed the Peterborough Examiner and others who are interested in attending regarding this list of presenters.
-magda havas
p.s. It is easy to prevent a debate if everyone invited to speak has the same opinion. However, that does not ensure that the opinions expressed are correct or representative. Attempts at silencing those with opposing views seldom works in the end. It simply identifies those among us who fear challenge and shun the truth.
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On Jun 10, 2011, at 9:25 AM, Diane Lloyd wrote:
Dr. Havas, here is the list of presenters that you asked for.
External
Dr. Rosana Pellizzari, Medical Officer of Health, Peterborough County-City Health Unit
Dr. Rachel Wortis, Associate Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy at Trent University
Dr. Ralph Shiell, Associate Professor , Department of Physics and Astronomy at Trent University
Internal
Ron Plaizier, Chief Information Officer, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
James Rielly, Principal, Crestwood Secondary School, Peterborough
John Goheen, Principal, Percy Centennial Public School, Warkworth
Diane
Chairperson - Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
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Ahlbom resigns
Please, see today's news from Mona Nilsson, the Swedish digging journalist who unfolded the first scandal about Ahlbom:
Ahlbom resigns as chairman from Swedish Radiation Protection Authority
There is of course also an urgent need to review and reconsider the reports to the EU commission under the chairmanship of Ahlbom and the other experts relation to ICNIRP and the mobile phone industry. Two other members, Mattsson and Hillert, are at the same time members of Telia Sonera's scientific counsel, and the brother of Ahlbom worked for Telia Sonera for 13 years.
With my very best regards
Yours sincerely
Olle
(Olle Johansson, assoc. prof.
The Experimental Dermatology Unit
Department of Neuroscience
Karolinska Institute
171 77 Stockholm
Sweden
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Cell Phones Aren't Good for Protozoa
In our everyday life we spend a good deal of time being under influence of weak electromagnetic radiation – it can come from mobile phones or microwave ovens, for instance. Active debates about possible danger of this type of radiation take place all ...
The protozoa are one-celled animals and the smallest of all animals. Most of them can only be seen under a microscope. They do breathe, move, and reproduce ...
http://www.russia-ic.com/education_science/science/breakthrough/1376/
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When one considers the independent research of numerous experts on the health effects of electromagnetic radiation, the recent WHO warning seems extremely weak. It's clear that Health Canada needs to take a much stronger role in making Canadians aware ...
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/Listen+health+experts/4923462/story.html
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EHS and MCS
Another step forward. Articulating the issues.
Andrew Michrowski
From Sylvie
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2011 9:55 PM
Subject: MEETING AT THE WHO MAY 13th 2011
http://www.infoamica.it/engart.asp?a=10&sa=0&art=418
SUMMARY OF THE MEETING AT THE WHO HEADQUARTERS GENEVA, MAY 13th 2011
04.06.2011
Attendees:
Dr. María Neira. Director of Public Health and Environment Department.
Dr. Annette Prüss-Ustün. Team Leader of Public Health and Environment Department.
Dr. Ivan D. Ivanov. Occupational Health, Public Health and Environment Department.
Dr. T. Bedirhan Üstün. Coordinator: Classifications, Terminology and Standards, Department of Health Statistics and Information.
Ms. Nada Osseiran. Communications Officer, Public Health and Environment Department.
Dr. Anunciación Lafuente. Professor of toxicology at the University of Vigo and Vice-President of the Spanish Association of Toxicology (AETOX).
Dr. Julián Márquez. Clinical neurologist and neurophysiologist specializing in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity patients and Electrohipersensitivity patients.
Mrs. Isabel Daniel. Nurse specializing in neurophysiology.
Mr. Jaume Cortés. Member of the Ronda Lawyers Group. A lawyer specializing in labor law and environmental illnesses (MCS and EHS) and member of the (Spain's) National Committee for the Recognition of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome.
Ms. Sonia Ortiga. Lawyer specialized in environment.
Ms. Francesca R. Orlando. Vice-President of the Italian association AMICA.
Mrs. Francisca Gutiérrez. President of the Spanish association ASQUIFYDE and member of the (Spain's) National Committee for the Recognition of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome.
Jaume Cortés opens the intervention by raising some basic questions to address the issue of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and Electrohipersensibility (EHS).
a) MCS and EHS are real health problems.
b) There is evidence to confirm this statement:
- Medical diagnostics.
- Reports of work inspections establishing causality between exposure and disease.
- There are scientific studies that confirm its existence.
- There is a recognition by the European Parliament of these diseases, evidence that is provided in the dossier presented today.
- There are 200 judgments in favor in Spain that support this evidence.
- We are getting in Spain (economic) 'compensation' for patients.
c) We need to include these illnesses in the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD), because what makes it more difficult for legal recognition is precisely the lack of code for these diseases in the ICD.
Then, Dr. Julián Márquez intervened, expressing how one of the problems faced by patients is the lack of understanding of the medical staff because these pathologies are little known or are unknown.
Regarding MCS, the cause of the outbreak, in a very high percentage of cases, are organophosphate insecticides. In most patients there is no poisoning, since they do not have the conditions that correspond to a poisoning. Clinical manifestations begin with a exposure and disappear or improve when patients avoid the toxic origin.
MCS is a multisystem disease and in about 90% of cases it affects the nervous system. There is an important neurocognitive disorder with symptoms such as headaches, numbness, muscle weakness, dizziness; all accompanied by multisystem disorders, respiratory, cardiovascular, hormonal, etc. In women, there are common disorders of the menstrual cycle and in an important percentage, a large decrease in libido.
Dr. Márquez recalls that Environmental Intolerance is recognized by the WHO itself by saying that a small dose of a substance is not just annoying, but that it can cause a clinical problem: irritation, burning, headaches, etc.
The adverse reactions to chemicals or electromagnetic radiation vary in duration according to each patient, and the manifestations differ too. When the patient is again exposed, symptoms usually worsen or result in the appearance of new symptoms.
The diagnosis, both in MCS and in the EHS is clinical. In the case of MCS it can be used a test that helps the clinician, which is the QEESI. Through this test there an attempt to objectify the patient's symptoms.
However, these diagnoses require a protocol which takes a trial run, a complete neurological examination, both central and peripheral, a neurophysiological examination (EEG, Visual Evoked Potentials, Acoustic Evoked Potentials of the brainstem, Somesthetic Potentials and Cognitive Potential P.300), neuroimaging studies (especially cranial and pituitary MRI and SPECT), specific analytical studies, hormone studies, etc. It is also of great interest to do a Neuropsychological study conducted by expert personnel in search of a frontal dysfunction, fronto-temporal, etc. as well as evaluating the degree of neuropsicological injury. The more serious the neuropsicological problem is, the higher the level of disturbance and therefore the data provided by the neurophysiological and neuropsychological examinations and, to a lesser degree, of Neuroimaging. It is necessary that such studies are conducted by experts in neurophysiology.
The process of these diseases (MCS and EHS) is chronic and the patient's situation is exacerbated if he/she lives in a toxic environment, such as near Tarragona petrochemical industry or subjected to electromagnetic radiation: emissions in the neighborhood, mobile phone antennas , etc. The patient has to avoid re-exposure.
It is essential that the patient has a clinical reference center where he/she can be diagnosed, to solve doubts and to provide counseling and social and labor help, and wher he/she can obtain medical reports timely.
By the time constraints, Dr. Neira gave the floor to Dr. Üstün, coordinator of the ICD of the Statistics Department at WHO.
Since 1948, WHO is responsible for the international classification of diseases and every 10 years a review of this classification takes place. Currently the WHO is working on the next review that should be completed by the year 2015.
WHO is aware of the relationship that exists between certain diseases and environmental problems. At present, there is a strong debate on the inclusion/non inclusion of certain diseases, and WHO recognizes the controversy that is being generated.
The 2010 revisions are being made by a group of experts. Between 2001 and 2009 annual reviews are made by expert groups in the presence of the health ministries of the Member States. This model has been widely criticized since it was said that only national delegations could participate and the proposals did not correspond to real needs. We reviewed the methodology of work, while respecting the needs and allowing participation to the public through a virtual platform.
The ICD is an instrument of scientific evidence, following a methodology very specific about the scientific studies presented. Should be given several requirements: causality, etiology, diagnostic test, etc.
Dr. Neira intervenes to explain that the documentation provided by the Committee of Representatives (thus, our delegation) should follow this methodology.
Dr. Lafuente, from his experience in basic science, indicates that there are scientific literature that supports the appropriateness of both diseases to be recognized and included in the ICD.
Dr. Üstün explained that the revisions are being made by groups of scientific advisors. First, one must know which are the environmental illnesses and if they are occupational diseases and, second, to quantify the level of morbidity.
Francisca Gutiérrez asked Dr. Üstun how can it be that some countries like Germany, Japan, Austria and Luxembourg have recognized MCS, in their ICD, but the rest of the countries don't. This creates a situation of inequality between patients in different countries.
Dr. Üstün explained that the ICD is a global level, but nevertheless all countries, in exercise of its sovereignty, may exercise any necessary changes.
In the words of Dr. Üstün, on May 16th 2011, a very generic first draft of this review would take place, and in May 2012 they may have a much more detailed draft prepared. In 2015, during the World Health Assembly, they will announce the results.
In the course of the work, there will be a scientific debate about where to place these kind of diseases. This is a complex issue, because often there are no agreements regarding the medical specialty as to where to classify a concrete pathology, especially in the case of MCS and EHS, because they are multisystemic diseases.
The draft classification will be open and transparent, and information will be available on the WHO website.
Dr. Neira believes that it would be interesting for groups with these diseases (MCS and EHS) to get in contact with other working groups, such as those being developed in relation to REACH (REACH is the Regulation on "Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals". It entered into force on 1st June 2007. It streamlines and improves the former legislative framework on chemicals of the European Union).
Both Francisca Gutiérrez and Francesca R. Orlando intervene to make it clear to Dr. Neira their full agreement that from the scientific evidence the organic and acquired origin of these patologies are being shown, and that only through this evidence appropriate solutions could be found, and that is also useful to work on prevention, since these are preventable diseases.
Francisca Gutiérrez transmits to Dr. Neira the concern of patient associations by the growing number of young people affected, including children; some also with school problems. Mrs. Gutiérrez explains that this issue is connected with the prevalence of gender in these diseases, the female reproductive function and the transmission of the toxic load that the mother has acquired throughout her life, and especially exposure during the pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Francesca R. Orlando asked the WHO officials if there is any WHO position paper on MCS and Dr. Neira and Dr. Üstün replayed that, as far as they know, there isn't any document from their respective departments.
This looks quite important for those countries where the recognition of MCS was stopped by the quotation of a "presumed" IPCS-WHO position on the adoption of the definition of "Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance" or "IEI", which came out of the Berlin workshop in 1996.
Dr. Neira proposed that the associations concerned do establish contact with the various working groups of WHO all over the world that are working in the ICD 11.
Dr. Lafuente confirms the representatives of WHO that patients with MCS and EHS are hypersensitive individuals, as they respond to very low doses of xenobiotics to which most of the population do not react. That is to say, in the graphical representation of the relationship dose-response these patients are in the leftmost tail of the Gauss (bell) curve.
Francisca Gutiérrez explains to Dr. Neira, that what was explained by Dr. Lafuente does not mean a low number of affected people, but quite the opposite. We are facing very high numbers of people already diagnosed, and also between 12% and 15% of the population has some kind of disturbance in the presence of a chemical substance. In the EHS, figures of affected people are between 3 and 6% of the population, but these numbers are growing continuously.
Dr. María Neira, who always showed great kindness, and spent more time than expected, still acompanied us (the delegation) to the exterior of the building as she had to attend the next meeting. She told us that she remains at our disposal.
The Representatives Committee is thankful to Dr. Neira and her team for their kindness and attention, given the importance of the subject matter.
SOME FINDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1 .- The rules to update the ICD changed. Before, only national health delegates could participate. Nowadays, there is more openness re: the participation to develop the new code through the virtual platform, which can be positive. From the "WHO Campaign 2011", working groups worldwide can be arranged to participate, in a coordinated way and with agreed criteria, for both diseases.
2 .- We believe that there are enough scientific studies that show the existence of MCS and EHS, so to have an access code (ICD) like other countries that already have it, should not be too problematic. We have to systematize the information in accordance with WHO methodology to be evaluated positively.
3 .- Perhaps the most delicate aspect is the fact that MCS and EHS are multisystemic diseases and could be placed in different fields of classification (medical specialities), although we must not forget the great importance of the neurological symptoms. We need to establish a new medical paradigm that answers some questions referring to these emerging diseases, including their classification in the ICD.
4 .- The WHO knows that these conditions exist.
5 .- Within WHO the emergence of these diseases has generated a controversy, but the explanation of changes in the methodology of work for the development of the ICD for calendar 2015 and possible participation in working groups opens new possibilities for recognition.
6 .- Each country can recognize these diseases and include them in their ICE, independently of WHO, since according to the WHO countries have sovereignty on this issue.
Source: http://www.asquifyde.es/noticia-detalle.aspx?noticia=1330
Andrew
Web site www.weepinitiative.org e-mail contactweep@weepinitiative.org
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W.E.E.P. – The Canadian initiative to stop Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution
