The editorial opinion of Bill Kaune, PhD (Leader, July 31) stated that based on scientific standards set up by the U.S. government and assessments by scientists, electromagnetic radiation (EMR) poses no medical hazard to the public.

While this is the general consensus it is largely impossible to assess long-term biological effects of EMR. Essentially all scientific studies depend on relatively short-term examination of adverse effects of EMR. Unfortunately, unlike toxins that exert damage acutely such as venom after a snake bite, EMR exerts its effects chronically, in most cases 24/7 year after year. What would be the long-term effect of EMR after 50-plus years of exposure? We can only speculate. However, the incidence of autoimmune illness and cancer continue to dramatically rise annually. Mental illness from anxiety and depressive disorders to psychotic conditions is also on the rise. Might EMR play any role at all in contributing to these illnesses?

The plan to begin providing 5G internet services will increase our exposure to EMR as will the installation of “smart” meters. Future modernization of homes with a panoply of smart devices will similarly increase our exposure. Hypersensitive individuals experiencing difficulty with EMR have made efforts to lessen the burden by shutting down devices in their bedrooms while sleeping. Some have moved “off the grid” to eliminate it entirely.

Long-term controlled studies of EMR continuing for years if not decades would be required to ascertain the absence of harmful biological effects. Until that is done the question of EMR “toxicity” cannot be refuted.

Jonathan Collin, MD
Editor-in-Chief
Townsend Letter