France: French Health and Radiofrequencies Foundation Programme

The French Health and Radiofrequencies Foundation was created to encourage research efforts to study the effects of RF electromagnetic waves on humans, as well as provide information on this subject to the public, governments, doctors, professionals, among others. The Foundation pools available funding needed to finance these actions and to implement an independent assessment system for projects submitted to it.

Scope

Aligned with COST281 and WHO research priorities.

• Impact of radiofrequencies on children, teenagers, and future generations;
• Greater knowledge about exposure, particularly in relation to new RF uses and emerging technologies;
• Impact of cumulated exposure from different sources;
• Impact of chronic low exposure;
• Mechanisms for public discussions on the topic of radiofrequencies and health.

Status

After three calls for proposals the Foundation had funded 21 projects, including two international programs. The fields of study include:

• Humanities and social sciences;
• Epidemiology;
• Animal experiments;
• In vitro studies;
• Metrology, dosimetry, and exposure measurements.

The Foundation is also part supporting "Radio Wave in a Wireless World – Questions and Answers" a travelling exhibition intended to introduce visitors to electromagnetic RF waves, the systems that use them, what we know about their health effects, and current precautionary measures.