We live in times of widespread uncertainty about information. The worst thing is that even renowned experts are not safe from false interpretations and false reports.  This can have fatal consequences.

The following story will serve as a recent example of intentionally distributed false and misleading information.

“Cell phone radiation against Alzheimer’s” was the sensational sounding news report that circulated throughout the world in January 2010. Up to today, weeks later, there has been no detailed explanation, e.g. from the source of the information, the Alzheimer Disease Research Center in Florida, USA.  The good news had merely been broadcast that a study undertaken by the leading Alzheimer’s Research Center under the direction of the medical doctor, Professor Gary W. Arendash, revealed that electromagnetic fields that had the same frequency as those emitted by cell phones had led to improvement in the brain function of mice and that this held out a new prospect of hope for Alzheimer’s patients. So far so bad.

We attempted to persuade Dr. George Carlo, the world’s leading expert in the area of mobile telephone radiation, to enquire of Dr. Gary Arendash what precisely had given rise to an important scientific dialogue.  The most important message to date:
The Alzheimer’s study does not allow one to conclude that mobile telephone radiation can prevent Alzheimer’s Disease!

It later came to light that apparently it was not only the sober and reserved researchers who had helped spread this report, but it was also presented as a sensational report by professionals who were on the payroll of the mobile telephone industry. It was simply a publicity stunt.  Well, congratulations to all involved.

Moreover, Dr. Carlo had to reinforce the time worn principle of “Cobbler, stick to your trade”, i.e. that Alzheimer’s researchers had stepped outside of their special area and as a result there were naturally gaps in their knowledge of current EMF research.  That is negligent to the same extent as if e.g. even if a positive effect for Alzheimer’s through EMF were attained, the increased risk of e.g. brain tumors  caused by mobile phone exposure were to be ignored.

The truly perverse side of this hoax lies in the fact that fearful consumers may have been irresponsibly driven to make purchases that, unknown to them, actually put their health in greater jeopardy. It is precisely for this reason that we have allowed ourselves to make this inquiry...

your memon®  News Editorial Team