Report suggests radiation from Vatican Radio increases cancer risk, denied by Vatican Radio

(July 15, 2010) The head of Vatican Radio expressed astonishment at findings that suggest there is a link between exposure to electromagnetic radiation from the radio's broadcasting towers and an increased risk of developing cancer. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, general director of Vatican Radio and head of the Vatican press office, said international scientific studies have never shown that such a connection exists. "Vatican Radio will present its own comments and counter-deductions from its own technical consultants as soon as possible," Father Lombardi said in a statement aired on Vatican Radio July 13. It was important to remember, he said, that Vatican Radio has always adhered to international norms concerning electromagnetic emissions limits. In 2001, the radio entered into an agreement with Italy to adhere to even stricter limits so as to "carefully respond, as is due, to the potential concerns of nearby residents," he said. Inhabitants around the radio's transmission centre in Santa Maria di Galeria, outside of Rome, have alleged that the radiation levels had increased the risk of cancer, especially in children. An international panel, commissioned by Italy's health ministry, concluded in 2001 that there was no connection between the broadcaster's antennae radiation and child leukaemia rates, adding that leukaemia rates in the area were no higher than in the nation's capital. However, a recent report commission by an Italian judge said data suggested there is "an important, consistent, and significant association between residents' exposure to Vatican Radio facilities and an increased risk of the illnesses leukaemia and lymphoma in children." In 2005, Cardinal Roberto Tucci, former president of Vatican Radio's management committee, and Jesuit Father Pasquale Borgomeo, formerly the general director, were found guilty of the criminal charge of "dangerously showering objects" on residents near the Santa Maria di Galeria transmission centre. In 2007, an Italian appeals court overturned the convictions.