Madam, - I write on behalf of an organisation (IERVN) whose members experience adverse health effects daily as a result of exposure to microwave radiation from mobile phone masts. We believe that Bob Hanna (July 13th) is defending the indefensible while Don MacAuley spells out a more realistic view of the situation (July 15th).
Those of us who suffer from the effects of the radiation would not accept Mr Hanna's reassurances regarding the safety of radiation from masts. The experiences of the Ryan family as highlighted in your edition of July 9th are similar to those of many of our members who have endured much misery for more than five years.
Prior to the Salzburg meeting referred to by Dr MacAuley, there was a meeting of 16 scientists in Vienna (October 1998) who agreed that "biological effects from low-intensity (mwr) exposures are scientifically established.
"However, the current state of scientific consensus is inadequate to derive reliable exposure standards."
It would appear that the certainty of Mr Hanna's views are somewhat further undermined by the Chief Medical Officer who recently stated: "The research evidence that has been gathered over the last number of years indicates that uncertainties still exist about the potential impact of electromagnetic fields on human health. In such a situation, the precautionary principle should apply and the proposition that electromagnetic fields may have some possible effect on human health cannot be discounted into the future".
IERVN is of the view that precautionary measures must be adopted to protect those who are particularly susceptible to microwave radiation effects. Burying heads in the sand will do nothing but undermine the credibility of politicians and Government officials. - Yours, etc.,
CON COLBERT, Honorary Secretary, IERVN, Foxfield Road, Dublin 5.