Press Release

    IET comment on electromagnetic fields and Alzheimer's benefits

    12 January 2010

    The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) notes today's report on the possible beneficial effects that mobile phone electromagnetic fields may have on Alzheimer's disease. Researchers in Florida believe that their studies with mice may indicate that repeated, long-term, low-level exposure to these fields could help counteract some of the memory losses associated with this disease.

    However, the IET further notes that in the past Swedish researchers have reported that low-level mobile phone signals might actually initiate Alzheimer's disease. The IET advises that all isolated reports of health effects associated with low-level exposure to electromagnetic fields, regardless of whether they are beneficial or detrimental, should be treated with some caution.

    The IET has, for the past 18 years, been advised on the possible harmful effects of low-level electric and magnetic fields, and electromagnetic radiation, by a volunteer group (BEPAG - Biological Effects Policy Advisory Group) consisting of a number of the UK's leading scientists and engineers who spend their professional lives studying such matters. BEPAG assesses the global output of peer reviewed scientific literature on the subject, and provides guidance for the IET on any implications for human health.

    BEPAG's chairman, Professor Tony Barker, said, "Our work over nearly two decades has led us to the strong view that isolated findings should be treated with caution. Until such time as the outcomes of studies which show unexpected positive or negative health effects from low-level exposure to electromagnetic fields have been replicated by independent groups, they should only be regarded as part of the on-going process of developing scientific knowledge, and should not be regarded as proven. Scientists are increasingly encouraged to publish the outcomes of their work as soon as possible and this can, at times, lead to reports which are not able to be subsequently confirmed."

    Media enquiries to:

    Robert Beahan
    Communications Manager
    T: +44 (0)1438 767336
    M: +44 (0)7595 400912
    E: rbeahan@theiet.org