By Kristina Vilimate

Electromagnetic fields are an intrinsic part of the universe. However, the last 100 years brought electrification and diverse technologies that fostered a rapid increase in human-made electromagnetic fields. “We are now surrounded by unnatural pulsing electromagnetic signals millions of times stronger than were present only 50 years ago,” writes Clements-Croome.

Various types of cancer, neurodegenerative ailments such as Alzheimers Disease and miscarriages have been linked to low-frequency electronic and magnetic fields (EMF), according to several contributors to the book. On the other hand, the text notes that “there is no established scientific evidence that mobile phones or base station emissions cause adverse health effects in humans.”

The book is based on materials presented at the international conference Electromagnetic Environments and Health in Buildings, which took place in London in May 2002. The book also covers emissions and standards, and covers sources such as high-voltage power lines and mobile phones. It discusses product liability and safety, the precautionary principle, the interaction of electromagnetic fields with the human body, and electromagnetic hypersensitivity among certain individuals.

Good Stuff? A Behind-the-Scenes Guide to the Things We Buy

Worldwatch Institute, 2004. 30 pages
At www.worldwatch.org/pubs/goodstuff

The choices we make as consumers provide us with daily opportunities to support alternatives that are better for our health and for the environment. Unfortunately, most consumers do not know what to be concerned about or what alternatives to look for.

Good Stuff is an action-oriented companion to Worldwatch’s annual State of the World report, which was devoted to the consumer society. Good Stuff traces what goes into the production, use, and disposal of 25 common consumer items, including furniture, cell phones, babycare goods and chocolate. The guide includes practical suggestions for living a “greener,” healthier life.

There are simple things we can do, the guide says. For example: “Instead of using a standard drain cleaner, which likely contains lye, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid, try pouring a quarter cup of baking soda down the clogged drain, followed by a half cup of vinegar. Close the drain tightly until fizzing stops, then flush with boiling water.”

Cautious consumption presumably should change the way things are made and used by others. Additionally, there are more straightforward ways in which we can each help change in the system.

European Union Activities on Environmental Matters: Round-up and Forecast 2004

By Marie-Martine Buckens. Europe Information Service, 2004. 144 pages.

This publication includes an analytical overview of the major achievements in EU environmental legislation in 2003 in the fields of chemicals, industrial policy and environmental assessment, climate and air quality, waste, nature, water, and genetic engineering. A comprehensive list of pending and existing European environment legislation, arranged by sector, and a directory of contact people in European Community institutions dealing with environment are other useful chapters in this yearly update.

The author states that the four key dossiers in 2003 will remain at centre stage in 2004: climate change, GMOs, a new environmental climate regime and the future EU chemicals strategy.