Jean-Christophe Ribot's documentary explores the subject of potential health dangers posed by electromagnetic waves in the environment—a controversial topic that encompasses the long-debated issue of a possible connection between cell phone use and cancer. Avoiding the pitfalls of sensationalism, Ribot skillfully maintains a sober, ostensibly objective tone as he interviews researchers who have conducted experiments to detect any effect that waves might have on plants, animals, or humans. As one might expect, the results are inconclusive, with some scientists—like Andrew Marino of the Louisiana State University's Health Services Center—sounding warnings, and others claiming that the findings of such alleged alarmists cannot be replicated in their laboratories. But as the film notes, those who are most resistant to the idea that artificial radiation represents even a modest threat tend to be affiliated with institutes funded by industries with a vested financial interest in the outcome. On the other hand, some European researchers—including one whose organization was the first to identify the carcinogenic nature of Agent Orange—have reached definite conclusions about the reality of the danger, and in Sweden a small but growing segment of the population is diagnosed with electro-hypersensitivity, which is now recognized as a serious medical condition. While Surrounded by Waves obviously doesn't offer incontrovertible evidence about the health risks inherent in modern technology it does raise worthwhile questions in a thoughtful, measured way. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Surrounded by Waves
(2009) 52 min. DVD: $390. Icarus Films. PPR. Closed captioned. Volume 26, Issue 2
Surrounded by Waves
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