Research in Iran Says Satellite Jamming Causes Cancer

According to a Persian language report by Khabar Online, a study carried out in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences proves that severe electro-magnetic waves increase the risk of infertility, immune deficiency and cancer.

Experts had earlier talked about the health risks caused by radio and satellite jamming; however, no proof was provided for it, IFP News reported.

Marziyeh Vahid-Dastjerdi, a former health minister, faced widespread criticism when she claimed that radio jamming carried no risk.

“Studies conducted on electro-magnetic waves much more powerful than the so-called satellite jamming show that these waves can lower the sperm count in men, weaken short-term memory and cause headache and dizziness in laboratory animals,” said Alireza Mahdizadeh, a professor in Physics at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.

“We all know that radio jamming is harmful to children and pregnant women; that infertility rate has increased and people have depression symptoms and headaches,” noted Bahram Parsaei, a lawmaker.

“The Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the Department of Environment, NGOs and other related organizations should form a workgroup to monitor the situation,” he added.

Mohammad Haqnegar, a Shiraz city councilor, believes that the use of satellite jamming must stop if its harmful effects on health are proved.

Iran has been criticized for resorting to radio jamming as a method to block people’s access to satellite TV.

The system has not been entirely successful as channels which are intended to be blocked often change their frequency on a monthly basis to evade the censorship.

Media outlets say 50-70%  of Iranian households own dish antennas that is officially banned. Authorities have often called for changes to the ban and reforming the law, but no action has been taken so far.

Mahmoud Vaezi, the minister of communications, recently admitted that satellite jamming has "serious effects" and called for identification of jamming stations so that the controversial practice could be discontinued.