- Daniela Gutierrez-Torres
Intermediate
Event Organizer(s)
Description
The effect of radio transmissions on health has been studied extensively, leading to international standards for network antennas and exposure limits for workers and the public. Despite the ever-growing body of scientific knowledge, many people continue to be concerned about electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and their impact on health. This course looks at the state of the science, standards for mobile technologies, regulatory compliance and public awareness and education. This course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and their potential impact on public health.
The training is addressed to regulators and policy makers of the telecommunications field.
None. Participants do not need prior knowledge to take this course.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Discuss public concerns and the accumulated knowledge about the health effects of EMFs.
- Understand internationally accepted safety requirements for radio transmissions.
- Learn how to respond to public safety concerns and increase awareness of the science.
The course will include instructor-led presentations, case studies’ discussion, exercises, tutor/participants discussion and submission of an essay on the second day of the course.
The training will be assessed with the participants’ attendance to the sessions a final test consisting of the submission of an essay (500-700 words) with a pass grade of 80%. The essay could describe the radiofrequency (RF) EMF situation in your country, including information on the relevant EMF limits for workers and/or the public, where these exist; what are the major EMF topics of concern and any initiatives to address public concern. You could also discuss how you plan to use the information from the course in your country or expand on a particular topic in the course content. Please include relevant references to regulations (if applicable), scientific papers or websites in support of your essay.
The criteria to assess your final project are as follows:
- Originality of thought: Does your final project reflect originality of thought? Does it include original ideas on a specific aspect of telecoms policy or regulation?
- Quality of analysis: Have you analysed your chosen topic in-depth? Does your final project demonstrate independent analysis?
- Thoroughness and clarity: Have you conveyed your arguments in a clear and compelling manner? Have you fully and successfully developed your original idea?
- Data relevance and credibility: Does your final project contain gaps in the evidence presented? Does it contain references to credible sources for its facts and images?
Attendance is included in the total score, and distributed as below:
- Day 1 attendance and active participation 15%
- Day 2 attendance and active participation 15%
- Final project 70%
A total score of 80% or higher is required to obtain the ITU certificate.
Day 1 | 9:00–12:00 pm (BST)
- Session 1: Radio Signals: Sources | 9:00–10:00 am (BST)
- Learn about electromagnetic fields
- Learn some basic formulas needed for assessing exposure
- Learn how radio frequency signals interact with the body
- Learn about the established and controversial health hazards
- Identify reliable sources of information on the subject of health concerns
- Group Discussion:
- What evidence would you use to counter or balance an argument that radio signals are health hazards? Why would you use that evidence?
- How would you present an explanation to an individual concerned about the effects of radio signals on their health using what we have learned in Session 1?
- Session 2: Radio Signals: Health Research | 10:00–11:00 am (BST)
- Learn about electromagnetic fields
- Learn some basic formulas that describe electromagnetic fields
- Learn how radio frequency signals interact with the body
- Learn about the established and controversial health hazards
- Identify reliable sources of information on the subject of health concerns
- Group Discussion:
- Can you explain the IARC classification to a layperson?
- What sources would you draw on to present the case for no need for concern about radio signals?
- What factors would you use to make the decision about which information to include?
- What additional research is needed to bring more clarity to the IARC classification?
- Session 3: Human Exposure Limits| 11:00 am–12:00 pm (BST)
- Learn about the international exposure limits for workers and the public
- Learn about methods for assessing compliance
- Learn about important considerations when choosing measurement equipment
- Group Discussion:
- Discuss the international exposure limits for workers and the public as presented in this course
- How would you assess compliance?
Day 2 | 9:00–12:00 pm (BST)
- Session 4: Compliance| 9:00–10:00 am (BST)
- Learn about the international exposure limits for workers and the public
- Learn about methods for assessing compliance
- Learn about important considerations when choosing measurement equipment
- Learn about how to present measurement results
- Learn about management of site compliance
- Group Discussion:
- How would you go about developing a site compliance management structure for your own organisation?
- Session 5: Risk Communication| 10:00 am–11:00 am (BST)
- Learn about the drivers of risk perception
- Learn about the issue lifecycle
- Learn 10 risk communication principles
- Session 6: Developing Policy | 11:00 am–12:00 pm (BST)
- Learn about the value of harmonisation of policy with international recommendations
- Learn about good practice policy for mobile devices
- Learn about good practice policy for antenna sites
- Group Discussion:
- Discuss the role of harmonisation of policy with international recommendations
- Can you envision a scenario where a lack of harmonisation would prove damaging?
- What core elements are needed for good practice policy with mobile devices and antenna sites?
- How many of these have you seen or applied in your own professional practice?
Tutors
Registration information
Unless specified otherwise, all ITU Academy training courses are open to all interested professionals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, economic status and other diverse backgrounds. We strongly encourage registrations from female participants, and participants from developing countries. This includes least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.
