Deputy Minister of Health: Electromagnetic Interference is Effective in Causing Cancer

Reza Malekzadeh, Deputy for Research and Technology at the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education, stated on December 23 that recent studies indicate that "waves and electromagnetic interference have side effects and are effective in causing cancer." According to the state news agency IRNA, Mr. Malekzadeh noted that "initially we did not have complete information on whether electromagnetic interference is carcinogenic or not, and we did not comment on it." He added that studies show that "in addition to the fact that waves and electromagnetic interference may lead to increased incidence and prevalence of cancer, they can also have other health effects." Previously, there had been many comments and speculations regarding the impact of electromagnetic interference on human health in Iran. Masoumeh Ebtekar, Deputy to Hassan Rouhani and Head of the Environmental Protection Organization, had mentioned on May 24 last year that the "existing ambiguities" in this area were one of the obstacles to monitoring and assessing waves. In an interview with ISNA, she stated that a special committee was formed to discuss electromagnetic interference and conducted assessments, but at that time it was announced that due to uncertainty and the unclear number of centers and locations, precise figures could not be announced. She emphasized the need for the Rouhani government to be transparent and accountable regarding the issue of monitoring electromagnetic interference or to declare that this issue is outside the government's oversight and that it has no authority over it. The transmission of electromagnetic interference on satellites aimed at preventing the reception of certain news and non-news networks began in 2001 and peaked in 2009 following widespread protests over the results of that year's presidential election and continues to this day. The Environmental Protection Organization has requested the committee addressing the status of electromagnetic interference to use other methods to combat what the organization calls "cultural invasion" considering the "carcinogenic nature of electromagnetic interference." In contrast to negative comments about electromagnetic interference, some believe that electromagnetic waves do not negatively affect human health. For instance, Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh, a member of the Health and Treatment Commission of the Parliament, stated on October 25 this year in an interview with Sina News Agency - Iran's Health News Agency - that "satellite electromagnetic interference does not affect people's health," adding, "In previous years, discussions were raised on this issue, and no new materials or research have been presented so far." These statements come at a time when the International Telecommunication Union, a UN agency, had previously issued a resolution warning governments about the transmission of electromagnetic interference and called for regional cooperation to exchange information and assist in measuring waves and their impact on citizens' health. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran also stated that this resolution is significant because the issue of transmitting electromagnetic interference on satellite networks and the role of these waves in endangering citizens' health and increasing the likelihood of cancer has gained attention from the media and even government officials in Iran. The discussion of electromagnetic interference has been raised by the Deputy Minister of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education at a time when Article 33 of the Citizen's Rights Charter published by Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, states: "It is the right of citizens to freely and without discrimination access and establish communication and acquire information and knowledge in cyberspace. This right includes respect for cultural, linguistic, traditional, and religious diversity and adherence to ethical standards in cyberspace. Any restrictions (such as filtering, electromagnetic interference, reducing speed, or network outages) without explicit legal documentation are prohibited." In this context, "the implementation of the Citizen's Charter requires a change in the system," "criticism of the silence of government officials regarding the production and transmission of electromagnetic interference," the Head of the Judiciary: "Persian media have created doubts among audiences," Ebtekar: "Ambiguities hinder monitoring the status of electromagnetic interference," the Environmental Protection Organization of Iran will be "equipped" with a monitoring system for electromagnetic interference.