The IARC Monograph Working Group (IARC = International Agency for Research on Cancer) discussed the possibility that these exposures might induce long‐term health effects, in particular an increased risk for cancer. This has relevance for public health, particularly for users of mobile phones, as the number of users is large and growing, particularly among young adults and children. The IARC Monograph Working Group discussed and evaluated the available literature on the following exposure categories involving radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: occupational exposures to radar and to microwaves; environmental exposures associated with transmission of signals for radio, television and wireless telecommunication; and personal exposures associated with the use of wireless telephones.

International experts shared the complex task of tackling the exposure data, the studies of cancer in humans, the studies of cancer in experimental animals, and the mechanistic and other relevant data.

Dr Jonathan Samet (University of Southern California, USA), overall Chairman of the Working Group, indicated that ‘the evidence, while still accumulating, is strong enough to support a conclusion and the 2B classification. The conclusion means that there could be some risk, and therefore we need to keep a close watch for a link between cell phones and cancer risk.’

‘Given the potential consequences for public health of this classification and findings,’ said IARC Director Christopher Wild, ‘it is important that additional research be conducted into the long‐term, heavy use of mobile phones. Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as hands‐free devices or texting.’ Full report here. 

The image for this article comes from AbiltyNet’s Look No Hands campaign. The ‘Don’t try this!’ is our editorial addition in accordance with the dangers described above. 

Much more valuable information here about mobile phones, children and schools.

From GovKnow's website promoting the event: Currently, there are 11 million people in the UK that are disabled. This means that 1 in 5 adults have either serious physical problems, chronic pain or have trouble communicating with others unaided. As we move towards an ageing population, where people are living longer, it is estimated that by the end of our lives almost half of us will be disabled. With the issues above in mind, GovKnow are proud to present...a forum for discussion and debate on how best to support disabled people to live fulfilling lives, to reach their full potential. Read more here from GovKnow.  

Bob Williams-Findlay of DPAC  condemned the event as follows (extracts): The majority of disabled people, whether service users or not, are unlikely to know that this event is taking place. The fact it is 'about them' rather than an event seeking to involve them perhaps gives us the clearest message yet regarding the utter disregard the Coalition government has for the rights of disabled people. Sadly, with the shadow spokesperson on disability issues also participating in this patronising farce, it would seem we have a tri-partisan approach to displaying disabled people and service provision in the brave new 'market place'. Every aspect of this National Disabilities Conference stink(s) to high heaven – ideologically and politically – it adds insult to injury by stealing the language and concepts of the Disabled People's Movement and transforming them into tools that will assist in the dismantling of the Welfare State. 

How can there be a discussion on independent living against a backdrop of the closure of the Independent Living Fund? How can people listen to a presentation on Disability Hate Crime and not round upon the role played by the Department of Works and Pensions in feeding material to fuel the 'scroungers' agenda? 

This Conference employs patronage and an oppressive methodology. The United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Disabled People advocates self-determination – nothing about us without us – yet, the blurb for the NDC is clearly at odds with the methodology that underpins the Convention because it portrays disabled people as passive receivers of 'care'. 

It is vital to see this conference as yet another ideological and political attack on disabled people's rights and welfare. We cannot afford to how the NDC to go ahead unchallenged. Read the full piece here.  

Response to DPAC Coverage of the National Disabilities Conference (Sent to TAC Bulletin 17/5/13): GovKnow is a non-partisan private organisation that aims to provide platforms for balanced discussions and debates about key public policy issues. This conference has been put together to support disabled people and their families and to highlight their concerns. Through thoughtful and meaningful conversations we are hoping to promote and positively influence their rights and independence. We welcome the views of disabled people and service users, currently with input from organisations including Disability Rights UK, Scope, Breakthrough UK, the Council for Disabled Children and the RNIB. Concession subscription rates are available for charities, smaller organisations and individuals. We have also been working closely with sector groups to ensure the inclusion of all disabled people and campaigners in the conference with all efforts made to accommodate them on a complimentary (sic) basis. We have contacted and extended an invitation to the author as a stakeholder but it has been declined. 

Editorial comment: DPAC will surely note the phrase, 'We have also been working...to accommodate them on a complimentary basis.' in the statement above (my underlinings). There is plenty of time to find a meeting ground between GovKnow and the people they are discussing at the conference.  TAC Bulletin will give space for news of any significant changes.

From Children with a Disability: The statistics about the process and outcomes in school education for students with disability are alarming: 63% experience problems fitting in at school, only 30% completed year 12 or equivalent (approximately half the rate of other students) and only 12% completed a bachelor level tertiary qualification. More telling is that while states and territories fund integration to support 5% of all students, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimate that around 15% of all students need additional support. 

Many children with needs for assistance in school do not get funded supports due to the arbitrary eligibility criteria, resulting in schools not getting the resources needed to properly educate these students. This is a major inequity in the system that needs to be fixed through reform of the funding system and the raising of expectations that schools will educate all students. Therefore, reform of how education is funded is vital for students with disability. 

Gonski recommended an overhaul to our funding system so that much more money is invested, and for schools to be funded on the basis of need. (What is Gonski?)

More here.