Partner agreed to pay NIS 400,000 in an out-of-court compromise settlement.
The customer is an attorney who had converted the secure room – a reinforced room that doubles as a bomb shelter and is common in most new Israeli homes – into an office. He claimed that he conducted a great deal of phone calls and business from the room, where cellular reception was low. In places without good phone reception, such as elevators and secure rooms, the electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones is higher than usual.
Partner’s settlement is a rare act. The company says they opted to pay the customer as a humanitarian gesture, saying in a statement, “The Company is very meticulous about adhering to the guidelines of the World Health Organization, the Health Ministry, the Communications Ministry and all the relevant bodies. No scientific or medical basis was found to the claim and it was rejected by the court. Beyond the letter of the law, in light of [the man's] personal story, the company decided on an exceptional humanitarian gesture. We wish him good health.”
Regardless of their statement, the customer’s lawsuit included a medical opinion linking mobile phone use and his disease, which raises questions about Partner. Was it concerned the opinion would be legally validated if the case when to court? Was it worried about a precedent? Did it prefer to sign the compromise agreement to save face in the media?
Israel’s other cellular companies have less to fear from lawsuits because their rules are relatively strict when held up alongside international standards. Every device comes with a brochure detailing safety precautions, which include using an earpiece and refraining from taking in locations with poor reception.
Israelis are among the heaviest cell phone users in the world. According to a Partner report issued last week, its customers speak for 450 minutes a month on average. Customers with unlimited packages speak for about 700 minutes a month.
The debate about radiation damages has been around since the establishment of the cellular companies. Until now most of the battle has been over radiation from antennas. The present compromise is unusual because it focuses on radiation from the cellular device itself. Two months ago a survey found increasing evidence of the link between the use of cell phones and brain tumors.
This particular settlement by Partner is liable to have an effect on cell phone companies and open the floodgates to a barrage of individual and class-action lawsuits, providing plenty of work for lawyers specializing in the field. Following a ruling in the United States requiring tobacco companies to pay damages for cancer patients who had smoked, lawsuits poured in and the value of tobacco companies plummeted as a result.
CNN Explains: Cell phones and radiation
You love your cell phone, but is it emitting radiation that could be harmful? CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains.
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Excellent beginning to learning the truth – that cell phone RF radiation is not your best friend. The WHO just listed it as a 2B carcinogen, last year. In fact, it is killing some people (like Ted Kennedy and my friend’s 26 year old son)….The solution is to use cell phones ONLY for emergencies and keep them switched OFF at all other times. When in use, use an air tube headset, not a wired or wireless headset.
Carrying a phone on your body? Use anti-radiation shield, Meaningful Health Technology has these and can get one to you in the mail today!
WHO: RF radiation and cancer risk (April 24, 2013)
Most Significant Government Health Report on Mobile Phone Radiation Ever Published
Today, the World Health Organization's (WHO) new monograph on cancer risk from mobile phones and other sources of RF radiation is featured on the home page of the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
PRLog - April 24, 2013 - BERKELEY, Calif. -- The new W.H.O. monograph explains why the W.H.O. classified mobile phone and other sources of radiofrequency radiation as "possibly carcinogenic" for humans. (1) These forms of electromagnetic radiation have been categorized as a Group 2B carcinogen along with lead, automobile exhaust and other toxic substances. (2)
According to the monograph:
• "Positive associations have been observed between exposure to radiofrequency radiation from wireless phones and glioma and acoustic neuroma" (p.421).
• “Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).” (p. 421)
Children are particularly vulnerable as “the average exposure from use of the same mobile phone is higher by a factor of 2 in a child’s brain and higher by a factor of 10 in the bone marrow of the skull.” Also, the child’s brain is developing at a much greater rate than the adult's brain.
According to Dr. Joel Moskowitz, this monograph is likely the most significant governmental health report ever published about mobile phone radiation. All governments should study this report and follow the precautionary principle to take appropriate actions including educating the public about safe use, adopting stringent safety regulations, and funding research to develop safer technologies..
Also, see the coverage by Microwave News: http://microwavenews.com/short-takes-archive/iarc-publishes-rf-cancer-review.
The monograph appears today on the WHO/IARC home page (http://www.iarc.fr) today and is listed under IARC News:
• "24/04/2013 Volume 102: Non-Ionizing Radiation, Part 2: Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields."
The 400+ page monograph is available online at:
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol102/index.php
Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D.
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley
References:
(1) Non-ionizing radiation, Part II: Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields / IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans (2011: Lyon, France). Vol. 102 (2013). URL:
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol102/index.php.
(2) List of IARC Group 2b carcinogens. Wikipedia. URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_IARC_Group_2B_carcinogens
Mobile Phone Tower Cancer Clusters
1. In 2002 Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith called for an urgent government probe into the link between mobile phone masts and cancer after it emerged that people living in five of the seven homes surrounding Forest House in Carnarvon Road, South Woodford, which has 16 masts on its roof, have contracted cancer.
The… incidence of leukaemia near the South Woodford mast is far higher than would be expected normally, according to the statistics. There was a significant decline in the incidence of all cancers the further residents lived away from the mast.
2. In April 2007 The Sunday Times reported that seven clusters of cancer and other serious illnesses have been discovered around mobile phone towers in the UK, raising concerns over the technology’s potential impact on health there.
3. In 2003 Telecom giant Orange has suspended operations at a school phone mast site in Paris after eight cases of cancer were confirmed among children in the district.
4. Near Cardiff in Wales at least eight residents in the parish of St Georges and St Brides have died of cancer in the past five years. In every one of the 10 houses on a residential street close to the Sandy Heath transmitter in Bedfordshire, there has been a cancer death."20
In 2006 17 people around a mobile phone tower in Norfolk County in the US reported symptoms of microwave sickness – including headaches, fatigue, nausea and dizziness since the installation of the tower. The tower is to be removed.
An industry funded study found in 1997 that of the exposed mice, 43% developed cancer, compared to 22% in the control group.22 This was regarded by biomedical scientists around the world as highly significant. “…it may indicate that in individuals genetically predisposed to certain forms of cancer, the long-term intermittent exposure to RF such as those used by mobile phones may be an important stimulus in the induction of malignancy.” Peter French, Principal Scientific Officer, Centre for Immunology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney."23
In the UK in 1999, analysis conducted for The Sunday Times by Professor Gordon Stewart, one of Britain's leading epidemiologists, shows there may be a significant increase in the risk of cancers, including leukaemia, associated with mobile phone masts.
The study revealed an increased incidence of cancer within up to 7km of masts. Subsequent inquiries have unearthed possible clusters in London, Bedfordshire, south Wales and the Midlands.
People in one area near the mast were found to be 33 per cent more likely to suffer from cancer.
"Public health surveys of people living in the vicinity of cell site (mobile phone) base stations should be being carried out now, and continue progressively over the next two decades. This is because effects such as …cardiac disruption, sleep disturbance, reduced immune system competence, cancers and leukaemia are probable." Dr Neil Cherry”24
"When you turn on the body's defence mechanism against disease, which the non-ionising radiation does, and you keep turning it on every day, you down-regulate it and it no longer turns on."
Prof Ted Litovitz, 199925
What Parents Need To Know About Safer Technology Use
Do your children use cell phones?
Do your children use iPads or other wireless tablet or laptop computers?
Do you have WiFi at home?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you can make simple changes to safeguard your child’s health. Cell Phones and WiFi are no longer considered “safe” for children. Research studies are raising serious concerns about the long term effects of wireless on our children’s healthy development. Scientists and doctors are warning that children should not be using wireless tech. Internationally, cancer registries are now showing a rise in brain cancer. Perhaps more concerning, current research shows that even very low levels of this microwave radiofrequency radiation can impact brain development and neurological functioning.
What Does the Science Say about Wireless and Children?
â— The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer classified
Wireless radiofrequency radiation as a Class 2 B, Possible Human Carcinogen. Cell and cordless phones have been found to significantly increase the risk for brain tumors. Risks are highest for those who first used a phone under the age of 20. Cancer registries in the United States and several other countries are now showing increased brain cancer.
â— Children absorb more microwave radiation than adults. Research shows that children's brains, eyes and bone marrow absorb from three to ten times the amount of radiation absorbed by adults.
â— The fetus and children are at the highest risk. Research shows that the fetus and children are the most vulnerable to the effects of microwave radiation because they have rapidly developing systems and even small environmental insults can have large effects.
â— Wireless radiation during pregnancy has been linked to neurological and developmental
abnormalities in the offspring of animals. Research shows hyperactivity, damaged reproductive systems, altered brain development and damaged nervous systems after exposure to wireless radiation during pregnancy.
â— Wireless radiation at very low levels has been shown to change brain activity. Research shows increased brain glucose metabolism, changed cognition, and decreases in attention span after exposure to wireless radiation.
â— Wireless radiation has been linked to breast cancer in young women. Cases are now being reported of young women with no genetic markers being diagnosed with breast cancer directly under the location they placed their phone in their bras. Breast surgeons are now calling for precautions.
What Can I Do ?
Parents can take simple steps to protect their family’s health. Parents can choose safe alternatives to wireless and Practice Safe Tech at home. This means choosing nonwireless connections for your internet, communication and other systems and decreasing your child’s exposure whenever possible. For example, before you give a child a cell phone, tablet or laptop to play with, simply set its Airplane mode to ON and WiFi to OFF.
Take one step at a time. It is simpler than it seems.
Countries Around the World are Taking Precautionary Action to Protect Children
The United States Congress has proposed national legislation to increase funding for research and inform citizens about this issue. Several cities have taken local actions to increase awareness of this issue. Belgium, France, Australia, Russia, the United Kingdom, India, Finland, Canada and the European Union have all taken measures to reduce children’s exposure to wireless radiation by stricter regulations and/or issuing informative fact sheets for their citizens about how to reduce exposures to children.
Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions Written in Fine Print in Wireless Device Manuals
Samsung 3G: “Usage precautions during 3G connection: Keep safe distance from pregnant women’s stomach or from lower stomach of teenagers. Body worn operation: Important safety information regarding radiofrequency radiation (RF) exposure. To ensure compliance with RF exposure guidelines the Notebook PC must be used with a minimum of 20.8 cm antenna separation from the body.”
Instructions for reducing cell phone radiation exposure are simple - if you're able to find them. See them here, straight from the user manuals.
"To reduce exposure to RF energy, use a hands free option, such as the built-in speakerphone, the supplied headphones, or other similar accessories. Carry iPhone at least
15mm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the as tested levels. Cases with metal parts may change the RF performance of the device, including its compliance with RF exposure guidelines, in a manner that has not been tested or certified."
http://www.apple.com/legal/rfexposure/iphone2,1/en/
"To reduce exposure to RF energy, use a handsfree option, such as the builtin speakerphone, the supplied headphones, or other similar accessories. Carry iPhone at least
10mm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the astested levels. Cases with metal parts may change the RF performance of the device, including its compliance with RF exposure guidelines, in a manner that has not been tested or certified."
http://www.apple.com/legal/rfexposure/iphone3,1/en/
"To reduce exposure to RF energy, use a hands free option, such as the built-in speakerphone, the supplied headphones, or other similar accessories. Carry iPhone at least
10mm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the as tested levels. Cases with metal parts may change the RF performance of the device, including its compliance with RF exposure guidelines, in a manner that has not been tested or certified."
http://www.apple.com/legal/rfexposure/iphone4,1/en/
"To reduce exposure to RF energy, use a handsfree option, such as the builtin speakerphone, the supplied headphones, or other similar accessories. Carry iPhone at least
10mm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the astested levels. Cases with metal parts may change the RF performance of the device, including its compliance with RF exposure guidelines, in a manner that has not been tested or certified."
http://www.apple.com/legal/rfexposure/iphone5,1/en/
"To reduce exposure to RF energy, use a handsfree option, such as the builtin speakerphone, the supplied headphones, or other similar accessories. Carry iPhone at least
5mm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the astested levels. Cases with metal parts may change the RF performance of the device, including its
compliance with RF exposure guidelines, in a manner that has not been tested or certified."
http://www.apple.com/legal/rfexposure/iphone6,2/en/
"keep the BlackBerry device at least 0.59 in. (15 mm) from your body when the BlackBerry device is transmitting. When using any data feature of the BlackBerry device, with or without a USB cable, hold the BlackBerry device at least 0.59 in. (15 mm) from your body. If you use a body-worn accessory not supplied by RIM when you carry the BlackBerry device, verify that the accessory does not contain metal and keep the BlackBerry device at least 0.59 in. (15 mm) from your body when the BlackBerry device is transmitting.
To reduce radio frequency exposure consider these safety guidelines:
Use the BlackBerry device in areas where there is a strong wireless signal. The indicator that provides information about the strength of the wireless signal is located in the upper-right corner of the home screen and displays five ascending bars. Three or more bars indicate a strong signal. A reduced signal display, which might occur in areas such as an underground parking structure or if you are traveling by train or car, might indicate increased power output from your BlackBerry device as it attempts to connect to a weak signal. • Use hands-free operation if it is available and keep the BlackBerry device at least 0.59 in. (15 mm) from your body (including the abdomen of pregnant women and the lower abdomen of teenagers) when the BlackBerry device is turned on and connected to the wireless network. For more information about carrying your BlackBerry device, see the holster information in the "Accessories" section of this document. • Reduce the amount of time spent on calls."
When you wear the BlackBerry device close to your body, use a RIM approved holster with an integrated belt clip or maintain a distance of 0.98 in. (25 mm) between your BlackBerry device and your body while the BlackBerry device is transmitting. Use of body-worn accessories, other than RIM approved holsters with an integrated belt clip, might cause your BlackBerry device to exceed radio frequency (RF) exposure standards if the accessories are worn on your body while the BlackBerry device is transmitting. The long term effects of exceeding RF 3exposure standards might present a risk of serious harm. For more information about the compliance of this BlackBerry device with the
FCC RF emission guidelines,
visit www.fcc.gov/ oet/ea/fccid and search for the FCC ID for your BlackBerry device as listed below:
• BlackBerry® Torch™ 9800 smartphone (model number RCY71UW): FCC ID L6ARCY70UW
• BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone (model number RDG71UW): FCC ID L6ARDG70UW
To reduce radio frequency (RF) exposure consider these safety guidelines: 22• Use the BlackBerry device in areas where there is a strong wireless signal. The indicator that provides information about the strength of the wireless signal is located in the upper-right corner of the Home screen and displays five ascending bars. Three or more bars indicate a strong signal. A reduced signal display, which might occur in areas such as an underground parking structure or if you are traveling by train or car, might indicate increased power output from your BlackBerry device as it attempts to connect to a weak signal. • Use hands-free operation if it is available and keep the BlackBerry device at least 0.98 in. (25 mm) from your body (including the abdomen of pregnant women and the lower abdomen of teenagers) when the BlackBerry device is turned on and connected to the wireless network. For more information about carrying your BlackBerry device, see the holster information in the "Additional safety guidelines" section of this document. • Reduce the amount of time spent on calls.
"This device meets RF exposure guidelines when used either in the normal use position against the ear or when positioned at least 1.5 cm away from the body. When a carry case, belt clip or holder is used for bodyworn operation, it should not contain metal and should position the product at least 1.5 cm away from your body."
http://www.scribd.com/doc/186597866/GoogleNexus5UserManualGuide
"To ensure that RF exposure levels remain at or below the tested levels, use a beltclip,holster, or similar accessory that maintains a minimum separation distance of 1.0cm between your body and the device,with either the front or back of the device facing towards your body. Such accessories should not contain any metallic components. Bodyworn accessories that do not meet these specifications may not ensure compliance with applicable SAR limits and their use should be avoided."
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/resources/phones/prepaid/manual/htcdesire...
HTC One M8
To ensure that RF exposure levels remain at or below the tested levels, use a belt clip, holster, or similar accessory that maintains a minimum separation distance of 1.0 cm between your body and the device, with either the front or back of the device facing towards your body. Such accessories should not contain any metallic components. Body worn accessories that do not meet these specifications may not ensure compliance with applicable SAR limits and their use should be avoided.
http://dl4.htc.com/web_materials/Manual/HTC_One_M8/HTC_One_M8_US_User_Gu...
"Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) refers to the rate at which the body absorbs RF energy. The SAR limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram in countries that set the limit averaged over 1 gram of tissue and 2.0 watts per kilogram in countries that set the limit averaged over 10 grams of tissue. During testing, iPod radios are set to their highest transmission levels and placed in positions that simulate use near the body, with 5mm separation.
To reduce exposure to RF energy, use the supplied headphones or other similar accessories. Carry iPod at least 5mm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the as-tested levels. Cases with metal parts may change the RF performance of the device, including its compliance with RF exposure guidelines, in a manner that has not been tested or certified."
"Exposure to Radio Frequency Signal Your wireless handheld portable telephone is a lowpower radio transmitter and receiver. When it is ON, it receives and also sends out radio frequency (RF) signals. In August, 1996, the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for handheld wireless phones. Those guidelines are consistent with the safety standards previously set by both U.S. and international standards bodies: ANSI C95.1 (1992) * NCRP Report 86 (1986) ICNIRP (1996) Those standards were based on comprehensive and periodic evaluations of the relevant scientific literature.
Phone Operation NORMAL POSITION: Hold the phone as you would any other telephone with the antenna pointed up and over your shoulder. Safety Guidelines Safety Guidelines 119 Tips on Efficient Operation For your phone to operate most efficiently: ] Do not touch the antenna unnecessarily when the phone is in use. Contact with the antenna affects call quality and may cause the phone to operate at a higher power level than otherwise needed. Driving Check the laws and regulations on the
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency energy from my wireless phone? If there is a risk from these products - and at this point we do not know that there is - it is probably very small. But if you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure. If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day, you could place more distance between your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a remote antenna. Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones are harmful. But if you are concerned about the RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like those described above to reduce your RF exposure from wireless phone use."
This device was tested for typical body worn
operations with the back of the phone kept
1 cm (0.39 inches) between the user’s body and the back of the phone. To comply with
FCC RF exposure requirements, a minimum separation distance of 1 cm (0.39 inches)
must be maintained between the user's body and the back of the phone.
http://support.bell.ca/_web/Guides/UserGuides/Mobile/LG/LGEN/LGG2usergui...
When a carry case, belt clip or holder is used for bodyworn operation, it shouldn't contain metal and should position the product at least 1.5 cm away from your body. In order to transmit data files or messages, this device requires a quality connection to the network. In some cases, transmission of data files or messages may be delayed until such a connection is available. Ensure the above separation distance instructions are followed until the transmission is completed.
http://www.lg.com/us/support/softwaremanuals#
Nokia Lumia Icon
This device meets RF exposure guidelines when used either in the normal use position against the ear or when positioned at least 5/8 inch (1.5 centimeters) away from the body. The specific maximum SAR values can be found in the Certification Information (SAR) section of this user guide. For more info, go to www.sartick.com. When a carry case, belt clip or other form of device holder is used for bodyworn operation, it should not contain metal and should provide at least the above stated separation distance from the body. Note that mobile devices may be transmitting even if you are not making a voice call.
Bodyworn SAR testing has been carried out at a separation distance of 1.0 cm. To meet RF exposure guidelines during bodyworn operation, the device should be positioned at least this distance away from the body. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration have suggested that if people are concerned and want to reduce their exposure, they could use a handsfree accessory to keep the wireless device away from the head and body during use, or reduce the amount of time spent using the device.
http://www.samsung.com/sar/sarMain?site_cd=&prd_mdl_name=N9002&selNatCd=...uageCode=EN
Body- worn SAR testing has been carried out at a separation distance of 1.0 cm. To meet RF exposure guidelines during body worn operation, the device should be positioned at least this distance away from the body.
Bodyworn SAR testing has been carried out at a separation distance of 1 cm. To meet RF exposure guidelines during bodyworn operation, the device should be positioned at least this distance away from the body. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration have suggested that if people are concerned and want to reduce their exposure, they could use a handsfree accessory to keep the wireless device away from the head and body during use, or reduce the amount of time spent using the device.
http://www.samsung.com/sar/sarMain?site_cd=&prd_mdl_name=SMG870&selNatCd=US&languageCode=EN
“Usage precautions during 3G connection : Keep safe distance from
pregnant women’s stomach or from lower stomach of teenagers. Body worn operation: Important safety information regarding radio frequency radiation (RF) exposure.To ensure compliance with RF exposure guidelines the Notebook PC must be used with a minimum of 20.8 cm antenna separation from the body.”
For bodyworn operation, the phone has been tested when positioned a minimum of 15 mm from the body without any metal parts in the vicinity of the phone or when properly used with an appropriate accessory and worn on the body. For devices which include “WiFi hotspot” functionality, SAR measurements for the device operating in WiFi hotspot mode were taken using a separation distance of 10 mm.
http://www.supportdownloads.sonymobile.com/d6503/sar_D6502_D6503_D6543_L50w_1.pdf
iPad: “To be sure that human exposure to RF energy does not exceed the FCC, IC, and European Union guidelines, always follow these instructions and precautions: Orient the device in portrait mode with the Home button at the bottom of the display, or in landscape mode with the cellular antenna (located under the black edge at the top of the device) away from your body or other objects...” Wireless radiation has been shown to impact sleep, learning, memory, behavior, and increase headaches. By taking simple actions now, parents can safeguard their children’s health.
Does this mean I need to give up technology?
No! It simply means you can choose safer ways to connect to the internet. We have choices. Children can use wired landline phones and wired internet connections to get needed network access. The only difference is that you will have some more wires in your home. Parents can arrange their rooms to make this convenient. When it comes to our children’s health, we think this is sensible.
But wireless is everywhere, will wires really help?
You can make a huge difference! Simple changes such as hardwiring computers and setting Airplane Mode to ON will significantly reduce a child’s daily exposure. Since exposure is cumulative and children will have a lifetime to be exposed, these changes could greatly reduce your child’s risk of cancer and other disease conditions.
Why is it legal if it dangerous?
Wireless was not sufficiently premarket tested for safety before being deployed for general use by consumers of all ages. Because wireless radiation is not a food, drug or chemical, it was not regulated with protective health risk assessments by the EPA or FDA. However, scientists and doctors around the world are now calling for regulations that are more protective.
Is our government doing anything?
The FCC is reviewing our outdated exposure standards. These standards do not protect us from the biological effects of long term low level exposures. Since the FCC is not a science agency, scientists are asking that the EPA do a comprehensive safety review and that the US fund large scale research. The American Academy of Pediatrics has officially stated that children are more vulnerable to this radiation and has called on the US government for standards that “protect” human health. However, regulatory laws can take years to pass.
Parents can act now so their children stay safe.
“Current FCC standards do not account for the unique vulnerability and use patterns specific to pregnant women and children.”
-The American Academy of Pediatrics, 2013
Since there’s no way to easily avoid electromagnetic radiation in today’s world, the only sane solution is getting EMF protection.MHT offers a product that have been tested and proven effective. Click on PRODUCT to learn more.
If you must be on your cell phone on a regular basis, cell phone protectors are a must - though I want to emphasize, the above information is critical to protect yourself from wireless radiation. For cell phones and brain cancer protection, quality and effectiveness should not be compromised.