The CCARS questions the efficacy of Savewave for shielding the radio frequencies emitted by mobile phones

30/11/2011

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In light of the numerous questions received by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Radio Frequencies and Health (CCARS), mainly via its web page, related to the forthcoming launch of a device known as Savewave, which is claimed to “neutralise the electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones when they communicate”, this body would like to make clear that the efficacy of this device for achieving its stated purpose has not been demonstrated scientifically. The device, which according to some reports could be marketed at a price of between 30 and 50 euros, has not been verifiably and scientifically evaluated by any professionally recognised institution, such as National and International Health Care Technology Assessment Agencies. Furthermore, the CCARS notes that even if a serious and rigorous study that supported the efficacy of this product were available, a single such study is never sufficient and that extensive long-term research that has been subjected to peer review by experts from institutions other than that which is promoting the idea or product is required in order to establish the causality of the disease and to approve the devices or treatments aimed at preventing or curing the disease or improving the patients health. The media frequently cause some degree of alarm when reporting on miracle treatments or promotional campaigns for products with supposed health-protecting properties, such as that under discussion here. In this sense, the lack of objective information and an incorrect perception of electromagnetic fields becomes a growth medium for the sale of a fake product that profits from people's fear and ignorance as regards radio frequencies, which are often considered to be a “strange, unknown and dangerous force”, and means that people affected by certain diseases feel tempted to try the efficacy of “alternative” methods that have nothing to do with science-based medicine. The CCARS would also like to stress the opportunism of marketing these devices, which leaves much to be desired in light of the social responsibility-based ethical practices that should always govern scientific activity, as they were launched only a few days after the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which forms part of the World Health Organisation (WHO), published a review document covering the current state of scientific knowledge regarding the possible carcinogenicity of radio frequencies. This document received significant media coverage despite not establishing or quantifying the degree of risk. The CCARS recently drafted and published a document questioning the efficacy of the numerous devices that supposedly shield electromagnetic fields, such as earrings, beds, mattresses, paints, detergent powders, bracelets, helmets, shields, neutralisers, etc. and concluded that all products which claim to be able to prevent, cure or relieve all sorts of pain or non-specific symptoms usually lack reliable scientific proof of their supposed efficacy.