On 20 Aug, 10:36, "ChrisM" wrote:
In message ,
BGN Proclaimed from the tallest tower:

On Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:25:05 -0700 (PDT), Swills
wrote:

My research is interested in the issue of public engagement in
science and technology decision-making, and in particular with
reference to new technologies and their associated possible risks to
health (in this case mobile phones and EMFs).

Does your research really think that mobile phones are "new
technologies" still?

Do you live in a bunker with only a candle to light the empty space?

Depends on how you define 'new'.
It's still new technology compared to the internal combustion engine, TV or
even computers...

--
Regards,
Chris.
(Remove Elvis's shoes to email me)


Thanks Chris and BGN -

Yes the term new was used rather vaguely here, but Chris is right in
that it is a RELATIVELY new technology, and one whose usage has grown
exponentially in the last decade or so - so I would say it is a
relatively new technology.

However, BGN in terms of my research, it is defined as new or rather
emerging, precisely because knowledge, or scientific consensus, on the
possible long term effects of mobile phone use (or EMF exposure
generally) is still far from being settled. This is where the ethical
consideration comes in, of whether and why we should rapidly roll out
a technology when the long term effects on health are unknown and
unpredictable. In turn, this is why it is a good subject for members
of the public to have their say.

So anyone interested in having their say - I would love to hear from
them to discuss their participation.

Also - BGN: Far from being a technophobic Luddite, I actually own two
mobile phones of my own, and would also find it pretty difficult to
post messages on this group, and indeed conduct online research, if i
did not own a computer. Thanks for the fair question though.

Regards,
S