616 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications 5.3 Sources of information Sources of EMF information include: Table 2 – Selected sources for information on EMF topics Information Source EMF and health WHO EMF Project ‐ http://www.who.int/peh‐emf/en/ ICNIRP EMF documents ‐ http://www.icnirp.org/PubEMF.htm ITU‐T EMF information ITU‐T EMF ‐ http://www.itu.int/en/ITU‐T/emf/Pages/default.aspx ICT industry information EMF Explained ‐ www.emfexplained.info SAR Tick ‐ www.sar‐tick.com 6 Community information, consultation and engagement While many stakeholders recognize the personal benefits of using ICT tools and mobile services, local officials and the public may have concerns about possible risks emerging from the radio signals used by antenna sites and ICT devices. These concerns may lead to delays in acquiring new antenna sites, to negative media stories and to heightened pressure on policymakers to adopt further restrictions, amongst others. Research conducted for the European Commission suggests the existence of low levels of public awareness in regard to the need for antenna sites, the operation of wireless devices and mobile phones, as well as the regulation and control of radio signals (Eurobarometer, 2010). The following aspects should be considered in order to increase that awareness, and to foster better‐informed discussions and citizen engagement in this field. 6.1 Guidance on public participation and consultation Recognizing the importance of effective communication, in 2002 the EMF Project of WHO produced a booklet on risk communication that contains the following definition (WHO, 2002): ‘RISK COMMUNICATION: An interactive process of exchange of information and opinion among individuals, groups and institutions. It involves multiple messages about the nature of risk and other messages, not strictly about risks, that express concerns, opinions, or reactions to risk messages, or to legal and institutional arrangements for risk management.’ This definition suggests that risk communication is not only about presentation of scientific information about a given risk, but it also provides a forum for discussion on broader issues of ethical and social concern. 6.2 Why is consultation important? Consultation and dialogue with communities is crucial in order to ensure that people who may have an interest or be affected by the deployment of new ICT technologies and systems are well informed. When a new development or technology appears in a town or local neighbourhood unexpectedly, local stakeholders can oppose it because they may feel offended or threatened by its appearance, or simply excluded from the process that led to its implementation. If people feel that their personal well‐being or that of their family is being negatively affected in some way, their opposition to the new development can turn to anger or frustration with those responsible.