adminRPAZ senior inspector Mr Justice Chipuru on Tuesday said they were lobbying for a revised version of the Radiation Protection Act that only recognises ionising radiation.
Ionising radiation is from cosmic and gamma rays, nuclear fission and fusion, nuclear radiation from reactors and weapons, radioactive material and X-rays.
Mr Chipuru said that the proposed Bill would be in relation to protecting the public and workers from dangers resulting from prolonged non-ionising radiation exposure.
“Although non-ionising radiation is of extremely low frequency, concern has been raised lately that it may have long-term effects on the public,” said Mr Chipuru.
He said of major concern to Zimbabwe would be the use of cellphones, microwave ovens, cordless phones, radio transmission and cellphone booster stations.
Also of note would be long-distance telecommunication, radar and wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) that have the side-effect of heating body tissue and raising the temperature.
Although the gadgets have been certified fit for use, different biological effects are observed for different types of non-ionising radiation.
In a bid to protect the public from non-ionising radiation, only two countries, the US and Israel, have developed software to measure cellphone handset radiation.
This is aimed at helping users reduce exposure to emissions without giving up their phones.
It is now mandatory in many countries that handset manufacturers disclose the maximum level of radiation emitted. The application monitors the phone user and, if radiation levels reach a threshold called the “red zone”, an alert is emitted along with suggestions to minimise exposure.
Online Reporter