A recommendation has been made to DoT that radiation levels for cell towers should be brought down from the current 9.2 watts per metre square to less than 1 watt per metre square. Prof Girish Kumar believes it should be even lower

Professor Girish Kumar, of IIT Bombay, has been researching the harmful effects of electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) for some time now. He has also developed an instrument (a radiation shield) which absorbs radiation from cell phone towers, Wi-Fi, etc. Taking the industry's criticism of his research head-on, he says, "I have been consistently campaigning for lowering of phone radiation levels. Would I do that if I wanted to promote my business interests? I would rather not sell a single shield; but the citizens, especially our children, should be protected from radiation hazards." In an interview to Moneylife, Prof Kumar highlighted some health hazards from radiation emanating from cell towers and mobile phones. Excerpts from the interview.  
Moneylife (ML): There has been a debate on whether or not there is a direct link between cancer and radiation from cell towers. What does your research indicate?

Girish Kumar (GK): International studies have shown a direct link between cancer caused due to radiation emitting from cell towers and mobile phones; there are other health hazards as well. Many reports, including the Interphone study which spanned over 10 years, speak of 'possible health hazards', like tumour due to radiation, but say that there is 'no conclusive evidence' that there is a direct link. Many of these studies often state that "further study is required".

ML:  Why are further studies required?

GK: Much of the research depends on external funding-whether it is industry, pharma companies or the government. If they provide 'conclusive evidence', who will fund them next time?

ML: Is investment a major impediment for the government/ mobile operators to bring down radiation levels, given that mobile users are increasing day-by-day and more such towers are likely to be installed?

GK: Investment is the biggest hurdle for them. To reduce radiation hazards, the wattage per tower needs to be drastically reduced. Which means more towers will need to be erected to ensure quality of service, which means more investment. It is not that industry does not know the solutions. But it is in denial mode because it does not want to spend on the required infrastructure.

ML:  What could be the immediate corrective steps to address this sensitive subject?

GK: Bringing down radiation levels is the most important factor that can help address this issue. It should be as immediate as right now. An inter-ministerial committee has recommended to DoT that the norms for radiation level should be brought down by 1/10th-from the current 9.2 watts per metre square to less than 1 watt per metre square. In my view, the ideal level of radiation should be 0.0001 watt per metre square, which the industry finds too stringent immediately. But taking some steps is better than doing nothing.

ML: You have developed an instrument which absorbs radiation from cell towers, 3G, Wi-Fi, etc. Without using the instrument, is there anything citizens can do at their level, like placing plants on the window (directly facing the cell tower-in the path of the radiation), as suggested by a few experts? Is it of any help?

GK: Placing plants definitely would help in absorbing radiation, though it would be on a very small scale. Recently, some farmers in Gurgaon mentioned to me that production of lime from the lemon trees near Gurgaon highway constantly exposed to the radiation had fallen drastically-from 200 limes to two per tree even though the trees had survived. This means that trees have the capacity of absorbing radiation. Placing plants on the window will help in absorbing radiation, though it means that they could die.