Science ministry to host 14th electromagnetic safety forum on Oct. 29

South Korea's science ministry said Monday it will hold the 14th Electromagnetic Safety Forum on Oct. 29 at the Korea Press Center under the theme "30 Years of Electromagnetic Safety, a Future Connected by Trust."

The National Radio Research Agency, an arm of the Ministry of Science and ICT, organizes the annual event to address public questions and anxiety about electromagnetic exposure in daily life. This year's forum coincides with the 30th anniversary of the World Health Organization's research into the effects of electromagnetic fields on human health, and the sessions will review what three decades of domestic and international studies have found. The agency said the event is intended to ease unease that has grown as artificial intelligence and digital devices spread through everyday life.

The forum has been held once a year since 2015.

The program opens with presentations by experts on major findings from Korean and overseas research into the human health effects of electromagnetic fields, policy trends, epidemiological studies on mobile phone use and the government's role in protecting public health. A panel discussion follows, bringing together academics, civic groups and members of the public for questions and answers.

"Public trust in electromagnetic safety is built through objective research, accurate information and continued communication," said Chung Chang-rim, head of the National Radio Research Agency. "We will keep listening to public concerns and work to provide reliable safety information on electromagnetic fields."

Those wishing to attend can register on site or in advance through an online Naver form. A preliminary survey collecting questions about electromagnetic fields will run online through Oct. 27, and attendees will receive a small commemorative gift.