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Electromagnetic Radiation Health Complaints Register

Electromagnetic Radiation Health Complaints Register

Description of the Register's Purpose and Operation

ARPANSA maintains an Australian Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) Health Complaints Register. The Health Complaints Register collects reports of health concerns related to possible EMR field exposures in the range of 0‑300 GHz. The register is not limited to telecommunications equipment like mobile phones and broadcasting transmitters but also includes reports related to sources such as powerlines, induction heaters, microwave ovens, smart meters and other personal, industrial and scientific EMR producing equipment.

Members of the public who believe they have suffered ill-effects as a result of exposure to EMR can lodge a written complaint to the register. The agency cannot investigate or attempt to resolve individual complaints. ARPANSA will protect the privacy of complainants.

Relevant data gathered will be used to produce statistical summaries for the public and the Commonwealth Government on the nature and level of complaints received. Information could be used by ARPANSA to help identify future areas of research into the effects of electromagnetic fields on people and the environment. Register information may also be disclosed to the National Health and Medical Research Council for its consideration.

The Health Complaints Register honours an undertaking made by the Commonwealth Government in response to recommendations of the Senate Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References Committee inquiry into EMR in late 2000. The Committee report was tabled in May 2001. Government Senators considered (p.180):

"...that the development of a database of reports of adverse health effects from mobile phones and other sources of radiofrequency radiation would assist researchers in formulating research hypotheses, and contribute to public confidence in measures being adopted to minimise health risks associated with EMR."

The standard reporting form can be downloaded using the link above, or requested from ARPANSA via 03 9433 2211 or (toll-free) on 1800 022 333 during normal business hours.

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Analysis of EMR Health Complaints Register Data
Reports from previous years

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