DoT prescribed radiation standard 10 times stricter: Secy

The telecom department-prescribed standards for electromagnetic radiation limit for emission from mobile towers are "10 times stricter" than international standards, a top official said today.
"We are absolutely committed to protecting the health of our citizens. The standards for electromagnetic radiation limit that DoT has prescribed for emission from mobile towers are 10 times stricter than the international standards prescribed by ICNIRP and recommended by WHO," DoT Secretary J S Deepak said at an awareness programme.
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) provides scientific advice and guidance on the health and environmental effects of non-ionizing radiation (from articles like household electrical appliances, mobile phones, Wi-Fi) to protect people and the environment from detrimental NIR exposure.

The programme was organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to dispel myths about Electromagnetic Field (EMF) emissions and mobile towers as well as quell unfounded fears of citizens through scientific evidence.
"Indian Government has taken adequate steps to ensure that Telecommunications Service Providers (TSPs) strictly adhere to the norms," Deepak said.
"We want to continue working together to create a fully connected and empowered India and for that we require more towers. Propagation of myths is detrimental to the progress of nation," he said.
During the programme, a part of the nationwide public outreach campaign, an expert panel comprising of senior members of the DoT, medical experts and a professor from IIT Bombay supported the idea of such an initiative to educate the masses on EMF myths and clear the air of misconceptions.