1. RF Exposure Health Risk perception in EGYPT Dr. Hamdy Ellaithy 4-7 October 2004 Cairo, Egypt “ The role of ICT in protecting Man and Environment ”

2. EMF Is All Around Us

3. Health Risk Rapid Growth and extensive use of mobile phones has been accompanied by public debate about possible adverse effects on human health and the environment. Is there a Health Risk?

4. EMF Perception Survey The aim of the survey was to assess and understand the current levels of EMF concerns across Vodafone operating areas. MORI conducted over 17,000 face-to- face or telephone interviews in 14 countries, covering 4 continents, between Sept. & Dec. 2003. Countries covered by Project Viewpoint Australia New Zealand Japan Egypt* Spain Sweden Ireland Portugal UK Italy Greece Hungary* Germany Malta Australia New Zealand Japan Egypt* Spain Sweden Ireland Portugal UK Italy Greece Hungary* Malta Australia New Zealand Japan Egypt* Spain Sweden Ireland Portugal UK Italy Greece Hungary* Malta *Interviewing in main cities only Germany

5. EMF Perception Survey in Egypt In Egypt a total of 1,142 face-to-face interviews were conducted in main cities only. Interviews were conducted in main cities only. Mobile phone users accounted for 55% of the sample size. 56% of them were Vodafone users. The interviewed sample was almost gender balanced. 49% were aged between 16-34 years old and 42% between 35-54 years old.

6. Health Concerns In Egypt the issue of mobile phones/masts sit within the top 3 prompted health concerns, as illustrated below. 3rd 6th 7th 8th 7th 6th 8th Other concerns include Crop Spraying & Acid Rain

7. Health Concerns Despite the high perception of risk, 68% of users in Egypt feel that the benefits of using a mobile phone outweigh the claimed health effects. In Egypt mobile phones are perceived as the cause of a number of health effects such as headaches, brain cancer, ear-aches, fertility problems, kidney failure - among others. 60% 51% Specific health effects of mobile phones

8. Other Health Concerns Overall, Egypt had the highest mobile phone /mast health concern among the general public compared to other countries surveyed as shown in the graphs below. 1st 3rd

9. Information Sources Doctors, Scientists and the WHO are the top three most trusted sources of information regarding mobile phones and health. Doctors are particularly highly trusted in Egypt with 60%. The media is the most common source of information. 70% of those surveyed in Egypt obtain information on mobile phone health issues from the media. Information SourceTrust

10. Lack of Information & Trust Egypt In most countries, the survey highlighted: the limited availability of reliable information and a lack of trust in the government and operators on management of the mobile phones & masts health and safety issue.

11. What the Government does In Egypt, two protocols were developed by the National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA) and the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI) with the participation of three ministries; 1.Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MCIT). 2.Ministry of Environmental Affairs. 3.Ministry of Health. The macro protocol was issued in Aug 2000. The micro protocol was issued in Nov 2001. An audit program for all existing sites have been implemented by the NTRA and safety certificates are issued for compliant sites.

12. What Vodafone Egypt Does A real time remote RF field strength monitoring initiative from Vodafone. ICNIRP Guidelines Egyptian Code Typical readings Typical real time emission levels. EMF monitoring units will be deployed in all 27 Governorates across Egypt. The emission levels measured 24hrs will be published on the internet. Future management of the project will be transferred to a governmental authority.

13. Conclusion Overall, Egypt has one of the highest mobile phone & mast health concern among the general public compared to other countries. Limited availability of reliable information and lack of trust in the government and operators on management of safety issue. Future EMF communications would focus on doctors and scientists, while supporting the WHO position, to improve credibility of message. A great deal of effort is needed from different involved parties to gain trust, build confidence and win the cooperation of the public. For many people, Perception is Reality.

14. External Sources for Reference Mobile Phones and Health and Safety issues: -www.who.int/peh-emf -www.iegmp.org.uk -www.ieee.org -www.icnirp.de -www.rsc.ca -www.nrpb.org -www.nti.sci.eg -www.health.gov.au/arpansa/base_stns.htm -www.fda.gov/cellphones -www.vodafone.com Dr. Hamdy Ellaithy hamdy.ellaithy@vodafone.com THANK YOU

15. Questions…