In May 2011, the World Health Organisation announced that cellphones might cause cancer. A review of the latest scientific studies prompted them to revise their previous stance that cellphone radiation posed no health risks.
While an influential European parliamentary committee is warning European countries to reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation, especially for children, and a growing number of government health ministries around the world recommend drastically reducing children's exposure to cellphone radiation, New Zealand's authorities continue to assure us there is no health risk ...
But are we as safe as they say we are? Or are we facing a massive public health crisis, worse than tobacco or asbestos, because everyone is exposed?
The hard-hitting documentary Is Your Cell Phone Killing You? investigates whether the electromagnetic radiation emitted by cellphones, cell and broadcast towers, Wi-fi and powerlines could be hazardous to our health.
Compelling scientific research is linking electromagnetic radiation to a host of serious health problems ranging from depression and miscarriage to Alzheimer's disease and cancer.
Many scientists and health professionals are now warning that long-term exposure at levels well below the existing safety standards could result in a global public health crisis.
Is Your Cell Phone Killing You? features interviews with international and New Zealand scientists and experts, health professionals, concerned citizens and people who claim that everyday exposure to electromagnetic radiation is making them sick.
The documentary asks why new technologies are not subjected to the same strict pre-market testing as medicines and drugs; and why New Zealand's safety guidelines and regulations are more lax than those in some European countries.
It poses questions: Are our children at more risk? Does industry influence the research? Why can't scientists agree on their findings? And what, if any, precautions should we be taking?Industry and radiation authorities also argue why they believe New Zealanders are fully protected against any potential health effects.
New technology is making our lives easier - but is it also making them shorter?
• Inside New Zealand - Is Your Cell Phone Killing You? screens on Wednesday, June 22, at 8.30pm on TV3.
