Switzerland: Revision of the Ordinance on Protection against Non-Ionizing Radiation - Without Public Knowledge?

Press Release

Physicians for Environmental Protection (AefU), December 16, 2021 - translation*

Mobile radiation / Ordinance on Protection against Non-Ionizing Radiation (ORNI)

Revision without the public?

A revision of the Ordinance on Protection against Non-Ionizing Radiation (ORNI) is taking place without the general public being aware of it, as the Doctors for Environmental Protection (AefU) have found out. They are calling for the involvement of all interested parties in the sensitive issue of mobile communications and 5G. In addition, a new ORNI must consistently implement the precautionary principle, e.g. reduce the exposure of residents living near antennas, integrate small cells and be extended to animals and plants.

Without the knowledge of the general public, a partial revision of the Ordinance on Protection against Non-ionizing Radiation (ORNI) is apparently taking place. This is clear from a letter from the Conference of Cantonal Building, Planning and Environmental Directors (BPUK) dated November 3, 2021, which is available to the AefU. This is not the way to go. The AefU demands a stop to the current revision now and an open and transparent procedure, as envisaged by the BPUK for a further, larger revision of ORNI. It writes to the Federal Office for the Environment: "In our opinion, in view of the rapid technical developments in the field of mobile communications, a second, major revision of ORNI is necessary. It is important that this revision takes place in a proper, broad-based procedure". This view is shared by the AefU.

High time for a revision in the interests of precaution

In recent years, there has also been growing evidence that mobile communications below the values of international guidelines is harmful to health. The exposure of the population is increasing. The technological possibilities in mobile communications are literally exploding. It is therefore high time for a major revision in the interests of precaution. Especially in the case of mobile communications, the situation is completely different today from what it was 22 years ago when ORNI came into force.

The AefU demands a public hearing for the ORNI revision as well as:

- a strengthening of the protection level
- the inclusion of small transmitting stations
- the extension of the area of application to animals and plants
- regular, independent inspections and re-measurements of the installations
- a reporting infrastructure for those affected
- the introduction of new mobile technologies only after health assessments have been carried out

Nevertheless, it is possible to introduce the new 5G mobile communications technology. It just has to be implemented with the necessary technology. This requires a combination of fiber optic cables and distributed network structures with low transmission power. This increases and strengthens the level of protection.

Strengthening trust

Accompanying measures are also needed to improve trust between operators, authorities and residents. This can be achieved by regular measurements in densely built-up agglomerations and a reporting system for those affected with a team of mobile experts. The team of experts would have to record and evaluate the medical and technical issues on site, and, if necessary, initiate measures.

Contact: Dr. Martin Forter, Director AefU  061 691 55 83 

Dr. med. Bernhard Aufdereggen, President AefU  079 639 00 40

Original Press Release in German:
http://www.aefu.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/aefu-data/b_documents/Aktuell/20211216_AefU_MM_NISV_Revision_ohne_oeffentlichkeit-.pdf

Press Release in French:

http://www.aefu.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/aefu-data/b_documents/Aktuell/20211216_Communique_MfE_Revision_ORNI_sans_public-.pdf

* Translation by the Editor of "Towards Better Health"