Electromagnetic Radiation Alliance of Australia
Phone (02) 9523 4750 Fax (02) 9521 1477
PO Box 589, Sutherland NSW 1499
[email protected]
EMRAA provides information and advice about electromagnetic radiation from
Powerlines
Household Appliances
Computers
Mobile Phones and Towers
Introducing EMRAA
EMRAA was established in 1996 by Sutherland Shire Environment Centre – an independent community organisation which receives no government or industry funding – to provide much-needed information to the public. In March of that year, the fledgling Association launched its first 6-page newsletter to around 40 interested members. This was the formalisation of a long process of providing information by our inaugural Convenor, Betty Venables. Since then the newsletter, the organisation and the demands for action and assistance have developed. New Convenor, John Lincoln is an electrical engineer with many years experience investigating electromagnetic exposures and their effects. Together with Secretary, Lyn McLean, he has established EMRAA as a reliable source of information and an advocate for public health protection. Now twice its initial size, EMRAA News is the only independent Australian newsletter about electromagnetic radiation. It reaches a greatly expanded audience, including many influential organisations.
During its brief history, EMRAA has been active on a number of significant fronts. It has:
– attended 1996 WHO Conference on “Biological Effects of Non-Thermal Pulsed and Amplitude Modulated RF-Electromagnetic Fields and Related Health Risks” in Germany;
– established links with campaigners and researchers world-wide;
– provided constant phone advice and written material for people requiring information about EMR;
– produced a regular quarterly newsletter
– measured electromagnetic fields in private homes and businesses (providing an opportunity to witness improvements in health occurring after fields were reduced);
– produced the booklet “Help! …another phone tower” which provides information about what to do in the event a phone tower is proposed for your community;
– produced the booklet “Electromagnetic fields in the Environment”, which summarises health studies across the spectrum and provides sensible precautions that can be taken to minimize exposure;
– addressed the 1997 Senate Inquiry on the Telecommunications Bills;
– addressed the 1997 LGSA meeting on “Electromagnetic Radiation in the Environment”;
– provided speakers to numerous tower protest meetings;
– provided numerous written submissions on a variety of issues, including the Standards, Telecommunications Bills and Determination on Low Impact Facilities;
provided two members – representing EMRAA and the Australian Consumers Federation – on the Standards Committee for AS2772.1;
had two members nominated – as Australia’s only community representatives – on the EME Reference Group, which provides the Federal Government with input on EME public health issues;
lobbied state and federal governments to recognise EMR as a public health issue and to institute measures to protect the community.