WORLD HEALTH Urgently Needs lower EMF Standards

PRESS RELEASE of the International EMF Alliance, 3 Feb 2011

New International EMF Alliance Announces far-reaching Acientific Consensus Statement, Published Today:
WORLD HEALTH Urgently Needs lower EMF Standards

Oslo, Norway, February 3, 2011. The International EMF Alliance (IEMFA) today announces a new published report and scientific Consensus Statement concerning health hazards of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Led by Olle Johansson, PhD of the Karolinska Institute, the report published by a consortium of international scientists urges global governments to adopt significantly lower human exposure standards for electromagnetic fields. The recommendations are based on the latest body of evidence in biological sciences, and the public-health implications of the unprecedented global exposures to electromagnetic fields from telecommunications and electric power technologies. The scientists recommend specific exposure limits for different frequency fields, including microwaves, used in wireless communications, and ELF electric fields and magnetic fields.

According to the international scientists, called the Seletun Scientific Panel, it has become obvious that new, biologically-based public exposure standards are urgently needed to protect long-term public health worldwide. Current public-safety EMF-exposure guidelines used world wide, based on physics models and calculations, currently only protect for damage generated by a heating effect. With respect to prolonged, low-intensity exposures that nowadays frequently occur, but do not have a heating effect, the guidelines, say the scientists, are inadequate and obsolete.

An 18 minutes video of Olle Johansson, PhD of the Karolinska Institute, Chair of IEMFA’s Seletun Scientific Panel that issued the report is available here: http://vimeo.com/18018440

The report and consensus statement, published in the journal Reviews on Environmental Health http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21268443 include ten Key Points:

1. The global Populations are insufficiently protected, thus currently at Risk;

2. Sensitive Populations are extra vulnerable;

3. Government Actions are urgently warranted now, based on Evidence of serious Disruption to Biological Systems;

4. The Burden of Proof for the Safety of radiation-emitting Technologies should fall on Producers and Providers, not Consumers;

5. EMF Exposures should be reduced in advance of complete Understanding of Mechanisms of Action;

6. The current operative measure of Radiation Risk - the specific absorption rate (SAR) - is inadequate, and misguides on Safety and Health Risks;

7. An international Disease Registry is needed to track Time Trends of the incidence of Illnesses to correlate the Illnesses with Exposures;

8. Pre-market health Testing and Safety Demonstration is needed for all radiation-emitting Technologies;

9. Parity is needed for occupational Exposure Standards, compared to those for the General Public;

10. Persons with Electrohypersensitivity need the classification Functionally Impaired.

The International EMF Alliance has rapidly grown in 2010 into a global collaboration of over fifty health advocacy groups focused on electromagnetic fields (www.iemfa.org). Its principle aim is to disseminate coherent, health-oriented information and advice to the public worldwide on the ever-expanding body of knowledge on biological disruptions observed in living tissues after acute and long-term exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic fields. The Alliance benefits from the support of a large number of life scientists and medical experts from fifteen countries who collaborate worldwide to address emerging threats to public health.

For more information:

Alex Swinkels, Spokesperson and Board member IEMFA, info@iemfa.org (Netherlands)
Brian Stein, Board Member IEMFA, brian.stein@SamworthBrothers.co.uk (United Kingdom)
Camilla Rees, Board Member IEMFA, crgr@aol.com (United States)
Don Maisch, PhD, Board Member IEMFA, dmaisch@emfacts.com (Australia)
Daniel Oberhausen, Board Member IEMFA, danobe68@aol.fr (France)
Eileen O'Connor, Board Member IEMFA, eileen@radiationresearch.org (United Kingdom)
Sissel Halmoy, Chairwoman IEMFA, sissel@stralevern.no (Norway)

Links:

Read the summary on PubMed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21268443
To read the full recommendations of IEMFA's Scientific Seletun Panel, please go to: http://iemfa.org/index.php/publications/seletun-resolution

If WiFi harms trees, what about children?

November 24, 2010.

The debate about WiFi being used in schools continues to escalate as new research from the Netherlands shows that when ash trees are exposed to radiation emitted by WiFi base station antennas, the leaves discolor and gradually die.

The study reported that 70% of all trees in urban areas (but not those in dense forests) show the symptoms, compared to 10% five years ago. Although this is a preliminary study, which has not yet been published, it should be taken seriously.
Wageningen University was commissioned by the municipality of Alphen aan den Rijn to determine if electromagnetic radiation from cell phone towers or WiFi masts could play a role in the deteriorating health of the city’s ash trees.



For the experiment, six WiFi access points where erected at various distances from the trees that were continuously exposed for more than three months. The frequency was 2.4 GHz (WiFi) with a power output of 100 mW EIRP, which is the maximum power allowed for use by portable laptop computers. Leaves that were two feet from the WiFI access point developed a metallic luster appearance, a discoloration of the leaves that appeared to result in the disappearance of the outer cell layer of the leaves. The metallic luster was then followed by desiccation and death of a portion of the leaf.

If three months of exposure to WiFi microwaves adversely affects the leaves of trees what is it doing to the growing bodies of children who sit for hours each day in school two feet away from a WiFi enabled laptop computer or a ceiling mounted WiFi access point?

Recent studies show low level Radio Frequency (RF) harm Aspen trees

Aspen decline has been reported in North America over the past half century and rapid mortality of aspen clones has been observed in Colorado since 2004 and has become a major concern for environmentalists, scientists, and foresters.

In one experiment, published February 2010 in The International Journal of Forestry Research, scientists constructed mock-shielded cages and faraday-shielded cages in the forest just outside of Lyons, Colorado. The mock cage shielded aspen seedlings only from direct light – while the faraday cage shielded seedlings from all forms of radio frequency radiation originating from the town of Lyons in the frequency range of 1 MHz to 3 GHz. This includes radio broadcast signals as well as cell phone and WiFi signals.

The researchers discovered that the tree seedlings growing inside the radio frequency-shielded cages were much larger and healthier than those in both the mock-shielded cages and in the unshielded controls.

The authors report that the background levels of radio frequency radiation may be adversely affecting leaf and shoot growth and inhibiting fall production of anthocyanins (these are the pigments associated with leaf senescence in trembling aspen seedlings). These results suggest that exposure to the RF radiation generated by our wireless technology may be an underlying factor in the recent rapid decline of aspen populations.



In the figure above, mock-shielded seedlings on the left and RF-shielded seedlings on the right, the latter showing more total leaf area, stronger fall leaf coloration, and minimal leaf necrosis.



WiFi Smart Meters for “Do It Yourself” home studies

If the electrical utility has recently installed a new wireless Smart Meter on the side of your house, you might be able to do your own plant experiments using simple before and after photography.

Green euonymous plant that shows the progression of vegetative decay around a wireless smart meter. Before the smart meter was installed, vibrant green healthy foliage completely surrounded the meter and a robin nested above the meter. Now, the leaves closest to the meter are damaged and the robin is gone.



http://www.magdahavas.com/2010/11/23/if-wifi-harms-trees-what-about-children/

WiFi 辐射让树木受损,树叶枯死 恐也危害健康

WiFi无线网络越来越普遍，但荷兰研究发现，一些近WiFi网络生长的树木受损、树叶枯死，令WiFi辐射可能有损人体健康亮起警号。

荷兰莱茵河畔阿尔芬市政府，5年前发现当地很多树木树皮和树叶枯萎，于是委托荷兰瓦格宁根大学研究。

研究员疑树木坏死跟辐射有关，因此将20棵白蜡树暴露在距离6种不同来源辐射51公分的位置3个月，结果发现最近WiFi辐射的树，叶子上下两层表皮都枯死，且有70%在城市生长的树都如此。

Wi-Fi Makes Trees Sick, Study Says

Wi-Fi Makes Trees Sick, Study Says

City trees are becoming sick from wireless radiation from local area networks and mobile phones, according to a European study.

By René Schoemaker , IDG News Nov 20, 2010 5:09 am

Radiation from Wi-Fi networks is harmful to trees, causing significant variations in growth, as well as bleeding and fissures in the bark, according to a recent study in the Netherlands.Radiation from Wi-Fi networks is harmful to trees, causing significant variations in growth, as well as bleeding and fissures in the bark, according to a recent study in the Netherlands.

All deciduous trees in the Western world are affected, according to the study by Wageningen University. The city of Alphen aan den Rijn ordered the study five years ago after officials found unexplained abnormalities on trees that couldn't be ascribed to a virus or bacterial infection.

Additional testing found the disease to occur throughout the Western world. In the Netherlands, about 70 percent of all trees in urban areas show the same symptoms, compared with only 10 percent five years ago. Trees in densely forested areas are hardly affected.

Besides the electromagnetic fields created by mobile-phone networks and wireless LANs, ultrafine particles emitted by cars and trucks may also be to blame. These particles are so small they are able to enter the organisms.

The study exposed 20 ash trees to various radiation sources for a period of three months. Trees placed closest to the Wi-Fi radio demonstrated a "lead-like shine" on their leaves that was caused by the dying of the upper and lower epidermis of the leaves. This would eventually result in the death of parts of the leaves. The study also found that Wi-Fi radiation could inhibit the growth of corn cobs.

The researchers urged that further studies were needed to confirm the current results and determine long-term effects of wireless radiation on trees.

And Now … Tinnitus

June 30

Users of cell phones have another reason to be cautious. An Austrian team has found that the risk of developing tinnitus, a ringing in the ears, doubled after four years. This is one of the first epidemiological studies to investigate the long-term effects of mobile phones on hearing.

Hans-Peter Hutter of the Institute of Environmental Health at the Medical University of Vienna, and coworkers report that the observed association is "unlikely" to be spurious and could have important implications for public health. Their new epidemiological study, based on 100 cases and 100 controls, will appear in an upcoming issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

The "possible association of mobile phone use and tinnitus is plausible," according to Hutter, "because the cochlea [the inner ear] and the auditory pathway are located in an anatomical region where a considerable amount of the power emitted by mobile phones is absorbed." The risk of tinnitus was greatest on the side of the head the phone was used. The doubling of the incidence after long-term use is of borderline statistical significance. Hutter also raises the possibility that other factors may be responsible: For instance, blood flow near the ear could be affected when the user is in a constrained posture while on the phone.

Two large European research projects, GUARD and EMFnEAR, have investigated the possible impact of cell phones on human hearing. But both have focused on short-term exposures —mostly for just 10 or 20 minutes— and have generally found no effects (see, for example, a recent paper in Radiation Research.) These two projects cost a total of $3-4 million.

Michael Kundi, the head of the Vienna institute and a coauthor of the new study, told Microwave News that more studies of long-term exposures and hearing are needed. "It is complete nonsense to look for short-term effects," he said. Kundi explained that the lack of studies on prolonged use of cell phones is not surprising, given the official view that microwaves can only cause heating. "If the position is that thermal effects are all that count, there cannot be long-term effects," he said.

A 2007 study of students in the U.K. found no increase in tinnitus or adverse effects on hearing and balance. Tinnitus is more common among older people.

WiFi concerns at Mountain View School in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada

WiFi concerns at Mountain View School in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada" was written on the June 13, 2010 at 5:40 pm on "EMFacts Consultancy".

From Magda Havas:

For distribution:

Hello Everyone,

As some of you already know, there are several students in Mountain
View School in Collingwood, Ontario (Canada) who are complaining about
ill health after the school installed WiFi. Rodney, a concerned
father, invited me to give a talk in the Community this past week and
the room was packed with parents, health care professionals, people
from the community, and the media so I hope it will generate more
interest once the articles begin to appear.

See video clip of interviews with some of the students at the school.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-TJXRc5fzo feature=player_embedded

See video documenting tachycardia in adults during provocation with a
cordless (DECT) phone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EI9fZX4iww

What is disturbing is that several students have complained about ill
health, two students are now on heart medication and one young girl is
scheduled for heart surgery on Monday June 14th. A student in a
Toronto school (also with WiFi) fainted while standing in the hallway
near a WiFi antenna. The students with heart conditions have been
diagnosed with one of the following: vaso vagal syndrome,
supraventicular tachycardia (SVT), or Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW)
Syndrome (abnormal connections or accessory pathways in the heart) a
form of atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT).

Symptoms for SVT include: dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain,
a pounding sensation in the throat or neck, weakness, fatigue,
lightheadedness, fainting (especially in the case of underlying heart
disease) and resemble EHS symptoms.

Prevelance rate for tachycardia is about 1.6% to 2% for adults.
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/t/tachycardia/stats.htm
Prevelance for WPW is 0.15% in children. See:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2363719/ Epidemiology of
Arrhythmias in Children, by R Prem Sekar. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol
J. 2008 Apr–Jun; 8(Suppl. 1): S8–S13.

I recently heard that all the schools in my district (Kawartha Pine
Ridge) are going to have WiFi installed soon. Where are these schools
getting information that this technology is safe? I find this
situation most disturbing. If these heart conditions are related to
WiFi then I think the schools and those who make the statement that
this radiation is safe (Health Canada and local Health Boards) are
culpable.

Have received emails from several of the people who attended the
presentation this past week and learned that some parents are also
having heart palpitations and rapid heart rate because of WiFi in the
home. They didn't know this was contributing to their heart problems
and have, since the talk, disconnected their wireless devices.

Why are doctors not better informed? Anyone who suddenly experiences
a heart irregularity should be asked some specific questions about
whether or not they have wireless routers, cordless phones, energy
efficient CFL bulbs, nearby cell towers, etc. as routine questioning.

The heart problem (arrhythmia or tachycardia), which can be easily
measured, may be a very important test for those who are EHS. Please
spread the word and ask your friends if they experience symptoms of an
irregular or racing heart and if they do ask them when it started,
what changed at that time, if it is occassional-when they experience
it and what they are doing about it. The more information we can
gather the more impact it is going to have on school boards. Getting
rid of WiFi is more difficult than preventing it from being allowed
into a school in the first place.

Please distribute this email to your friends and let's get a better
understanding as to how widespread this heart problem is and the
degree to which it relates to wireless technology and electrosmog
exposure.

Thanks for your help,
-magda

p.s. If you or someone you know is experiencing heart problems, which
may be related to electrosmog, please contact me with your symptoms
and your experience and send a copy to: info@safeschool.ca


http://www.emfacts.com/weblog/?p=1315

槟城医生涂仲仪的忠告！Advice of a Penang Medical Doctor!

1. medical and scientific evidences of electromagnetic radiation are plenty out there,

2. for those who are very critical and sceptical about the potential adverse health effects from electromagnetic radiation, i humbly recommend them to look into the website of International Commission of Electromagnetic Safety(www.icems.eu)

3. for those who claim until today, the modern medical world is still has not concluded the risk of electromagnetic radiation, perhaps it is crucial to get to know at least Prof Dr Henry Lai of USA, Dr Carlos Sosa, 雷久南博士 pertaining to the studies thy published,

4. for those who look into the above mentioned 3 points, then only it is not difficult to understand why WHO keeps on delaying the results of Interphone Study.

5. for those who understand the history of medical profession getting the world to accept and acknowledge the risk of cigarette smoking and the history of occurrence of Manimata Disease in Japan, it is not so difficult to realize why Electromagnetic Radiation is still considered safe by certain segments of professionals and industrial players.... See More

6. again, i would like to humbly share with you that as far as i know, there isn`t a group which is anti Wifi, but instead there is a group called Electromagneic radiation awareness alliance with the main concern of bringing awareness to the public pertaining to this issue as well as the practical ways to minimize the risk and exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

7. i am keen to interact with those who concern about this issue and keen to learn more for my own knowledge.

tq.
Sun at 3:47pm

Parents threaten to remove children from Formby school over Wi-Fi installation

Article in http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk
Oct 21 2009 by Lyndsay Young, Liverpool Daily Post

PARENTS have vowed to take their children out of a Merseyside school if Wi-Fi laptops are installed.

They fear their children will be exposed to “emissions” from the 50 new wireless computers at Woodlands primary school, in Formby.

A petition signed by 32 parents was gathered against the equipment, which is set to be installed in the next week.

Phil Hughes, 58, a homeopath, said he selected Woodlands primary for his daughter Serena, nine, because there are no mobile phone masts nearby.

He said he will take his daughter out of the school if Wi-Fi is installed.

Mr Hughes is calling on staff to meet with parents before the equipment is put in place.

He said: “We have evidence in our possession showing there are levels of danger with Wi-Fi.

“We wanted a meeting to put our case to other parents. You cannot make a decision if you have not got all of the information.Parents should at least be informed.”

Andrea O’Shaughnessy, 39, and her husband William, 35, also vowed to take their two children out of the school and want laptops to be hardwired instead.

She said: “We decided we will take them out if Wi-Fi does go in.

“We believe it emits radiation and my fear is they would be around that for six hours a day, whether it is low level or not.

“It could show in 10 years’ time, when they get a brain tumour or some kind of cancer.

“They put asbestos in schools years ago and said it was safe, and it is only just coming out now it is not.”

Wi-fi - Why I Don`t Think It`s as Safe as We are Led to Believe

Article in http://bluejeansblog.com

August 30th, 2009 . Posted in blue jean

I spend several hours each day on my computer and I must admit I often feel very "weird".

When I explained my symptoms other than family members, which I dismissed as neurotic and mood when I get my bio Guard hanging on the neck to protect from electromagnetic fields.

If I use my cell phone to the left side of my face burning, my tongue and lips Tingle, I feel a tightness in the chest, as if I can not breathe well and gives me a strange pain in my left temple. I also feel sick and disoriented.

I get the same effect if I use my computer for any length of time, especially if I'm in the room where we installed Wi-Fi frame. For those unfamiliar with Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity and is a means by which people with laptops can move and still be able to access the Internet.

We used to use a cable broadband, but because there are three people who sometimes want to be on a team at the same time, we have found wireless.

But last night on TV there was a Wi-Fi program. that made me sit up and take notice, because we have some others who have experienced the same problems.

It seems likely that I suffer from electro sensitivity. Of course, I suspected for a long time, so I wear protective bio, but I've never done a wireless link established earlier. I always thought it was the computer.

In Sweden, the problem is recognized as an official disability and affects approximately 3% of the population. If a similar figure exists in the UK, I have about 2 million other women. It is therefore strange that the government now insists there are none.

I think not.

Of course, my skepticism might be because I have been personally affected by two procedures that the government also insists that they are "safe". I've written books on these two issues so I can say no - at least not now.

Both mercury from dental amalgams and maternal mortality are controversial issues and, despite the fact that affect millions of people around the world, the government insists that all evidence is "anecdotal".

Who am I to argue?

However, the government based on international guidelines in preparing their statements and the World Health Organization (WHO), which are a major public health organizations around the world have said that, provided that such Wi-FI and the radiation emitted by mobile phone masts, there is "no adverse health effects from exposure to low level long term."

Not me.

After all, how do they know? I'm certainly no expert, but WiFi and mobile phones is relatively new, so do not think anyone has lived, from the cradle to the grave to be exposed to substances that pose the question - What is the duration of the long exposure long term?

Again the experiments in Sweden have been conducted using the lower levels of radiation emitted by wi-fi and the result was the chromosomal damage, a decrease in short-term memory, electro hypersensitivity and increased cancer.

I met in the program that government guidelines are somewhat influenced by the industry and are based on the effect of "heat" instead of "biological effects" of these radio waves.

This means that in fact their bodies are heated before they can be considered dangerous enough to require restrictions on its use.

In most cities you can find Wi-Fi, where you can use your computer. Most people have no idea when they walk along they are exposed to radiation.

Even when I turn on my home computer, I said I'm in the range of different wireless connections than mine so clearly that I am not sure on the inside either. Infact when I was still connected to broadband internet through my neighbor came round with his laptop and was able to connect via Wi-Fi next door!

At the time I thought it was fantastic. None!

In schools also, it is increasingly common to install wireless networks, and currently about 70% of secondary and 50% of primary schools.

Now, parents express concern about the potential long-term health of their children. After all their skulls are thinner and still forming and until there is conclusive evidence of the contrary, "there are no known health effects" is not very reassuring statement.

Protests are held regularly in the establishment of mobile phone masts near schools, but most people do not WI-FI is equally dangerous. Apparently, the United Kingdom, where this program was produced (2007) had 3,000 points Wi-Fi and 50,000 mobile towers for mobile telephony.

On the agenda of a radiation monitor is placed near a laptop in a classroom in almost exact position on the head of a student. The result was that the student was exposed to 3 to 4 times more radiation than not stood in the main beam of a mobile phone mast.

Afraid, huh?

People have the option of using a mobile phone, but wireless networks in classrooms to delete this personal decision. The programmers did not say what level of exposure would not be any time but especially during downloads. However, as most people use computers for Internet access, which could very likely that a considerable amount of time.

Despite all this evidence "anecdotal," the government still insist on WI-FI is safe. Until the adverse health effects have been created in a laboratory and science can not prove that there is a risk that is likely to remain in place.

I think not. Do you?

I’m allergic to wi-fi waves

Torture ... wi-fi makes Steve Miller ill

Aricle on http://www.thesun.co.uk

By DAVE MASTERS
Published: 24 Jul 2009

FOR Steve Miller a trip to his local High Street is a living hell that makes him sick, dizzy and confused.

Pubs make him feel the same and he can't use trains, airports or hotels without experiencing head-banging agony.

But Steve doesn't suffer from some strange phobia. He is allergic to wi-fi.

And sadly for him - and the other two per cent of the population with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity - the number of people pumping out the wireless internet signal is on the rise.

Steve said: "I feel like an exile on my own planet. It's almost impossible to find somewhere without wi-fi nowadays.

"If I fancy a pint I have to travel three miles to the only pub in my area that doesn't have it. I can't just go to the shops because huge parts of the High Street affect me.

"If I go somewhere, I can instantly sense the wi-fi and have to leg it."

Being extra-sensitive to this "electrosmog" has made moving house a nightmare for Steve, as stray signals from neighbouring buildings could make him ill.

It has also cost the top DJ thousands of pounds in lost income.

Steve, who had a residency at huge Ibiza club Pacha before his allergy, said: "I've missed out on loads of European DJ gigs as I can't find accommodation without wi-fi. Most hotels have it, as have all the airports. I can't even catch a train because they have it."

Steve is safe in his current home, a detached house in a village near Falmouth, Cornwall, as it is isolated and has 18in-thick granite walls.

But since he and girlfriend Linda decided to move, it has been hard to find anywhere remote enough to avoid signals.

Steve said: "I can't live within 50 yards of anyone. I wouldn't be able to stand it feeling ill in my own house.

"There's no medication you can take."

Steve - better known to clubbing fans as Afterlife - now carries a wi-fi detector with him wherever he goes so he can avoid problem areas.

Steve only realised he suffered from the condition two years ago after turning up at a mate's studio that had recently installed wi-fi.

He and his pal were both feeling ill with headaches and dizziness and struggling to concentrate so they turned off the machine to see if they felt better... and they did.

Steve said: "Some of my friends, or members of their family, are equally affected by wi-fi but are only just starting to notice as its use spreads.

Headaches

"Even now there's very little education about it."

There is no hard evidence that wi-fi is dangerous to your health.

But just three months ago teachers called for it to be banned in schools over health fears, and for a Government investigation into the biological and thermal effects.

A couple of years ago the German government even urged people to avoid wi-fi in favour of "conventional wired connections". Steve believes the issue needs looking into and that many people are suffering from his condition without realising.
He added: "I certainly believe most of the headaches people get at work are caused by it.

"I've spoken to friends who work in offices who have ended up living on painkillers because of their daily headaches. They tried turning off their transmitters and found their headaches stopped.

"There's a lot of anecdotal evidence that the radiation has made people feel ratty and tired, caused disrupted sleep, rows and even the break-up of relationships.
"I'd advise people to turn off their wi-fi at home and see if it changes the way they feel. They just might get a surprise."

School Wi-Fi Campaign:Hérouville-Saint-Clair freed from wi-fi microwave radiation at 2450 MHz

A Council technician takes away the first wi-fi antenna




The first wi-fi antenna removed is handed over symbolically to the mayor Rodolphe Thomas


29 04 2009:
The mayor of the second largest city in Calvados
is removing the wi-fi network from local schools.

School Wi-Fi Campaign:Removal of all the wi-fi antennas
Replacement with Exthernet wired connections

Hérouville-Saint-Clair freed from wi-fi microwave radiation at 2450 MHz

Furthers link http://www.next-up.org/France/Calvados.php#1

Holland: Doctors issue an appeal against radiation risks

Article in next-up.org

Holland:
Doctors issue an appeal against radiation risks:
"Reduce exposure to ElectroMagnetic Fields"

On 8 April 2009, 50 doctors presented an appeal to Dutch political
leaders and government health authorities at The Hague.

On the basis of their experience and observations, they call for
measures to be taken to minimise exposure to artificial radiation from
electromagnetic fields.

The signatories note a general increase in serious medical conditions
of unidentified origin. This increase in health problems and illness
parallels the explosive increase in exposure to radiation from
electromagnetic fields in the environment.

This appeal is a request to reduce exposure to these artificial fields
and a plea for a more careful use of electrical and wireless
technologies. In addition it calls for a policy based on independent
research and expert opinions published in international scientific
journals.

The signatories are all doctors, general practitioners, medical
scientists and specialists.

Among them is the general practitioner Dr Liesbeth Adriaansens, who
recounts some of the cases from her practice. More evidence comes
from a patient who describes the symptoms they have suffered as a
result of exposure to electromagnetic fields.

The symptoms that patients and scientists ascribe to low and high
frequency electromagnetic fields include palpitations, problems with
concentration and memory, headaches, fatigue, stress, sleep
disturbances and so on. These sometimes improve with simple
measures such as replacing a cordless DECT telephone by one with
a wired connection. Some scientists link electromagnetic exposure to
a risk of Alzheimer's disease and cancer. The commonest sources of
electromagnetic fields are relay antennas, wi-fi, cordless phones,
electric wires, etc.

Given that there is still no adequate information on the health hazards
of EMFs available to the public, in spite of the mounting accumulation
of scientific proof, the Dutch organisations the National Platform on
Radiation Risks, the Foundation for the Electro-hypersensitive and
the Report on Environmental Health and Telephones for Children
have decided to publish in the near future an information booklet on
'Using a mobile phone safely'.

For more information:
Alex Swinkels – Dutch National Platform Radiation Risks
T. : +31-181-785587, .
info@stralingsrisicos.nl, www.stralingsrisicos.nl

Dr. J-P. Mossink and Dr. Liesbeth
Adriaansens during the presentation of
the Appeal to the media.

The mayor of the second largest city in Calvados is going to remove the wi-fi network from local schools.

Article in
www.next-up.org

27 April 2009

The mayor of the second largest city in Calvados is
going to remove the wi-fi network from local schools.


HEROUVILLE-SAINT-CLAIR (AFP) — The town council of Hérouville-Saint-Clair (Calvados-Normandy) is going to remove the wi-fi network (wireless Internet) in its schools before the end of the year, it announced on Monday, four days after the launch of the "Radiation Round Table" in Paris.


"We are going to apply the precautionary principle. Our
job is to protect people's health," declared the mayor
Rodolphe Thomas during a press conference.

In this new town of 24,000 inhabitants situated on the
outskirts of Caen, the wi-fi network has provided local
schools with a wireless connection to the Internet, via the
town hall. The dozen sites concerned will now have
independent Internet access.

In addition the Council are going to finance ten or more
measurements of electromagnetic fields in the town, at a
total cost of 4-5000 euros, added Laurent Mata, chief
deputy mayor in charge of sustainable development.

The intention is to change or relocate certain antennas if
the radiation is too intense. "We'll take them to court" if the
phone companies refuse to do this, affirmed M. Mata.

The mayor of Hérouville-Saint-Clair, Rodolphe Thomas

In September Hérouville Saint-Clair is going to launch a
campaign about the precautions to take to protect oneself
from radiation, aimed at the general public, the telecom
operators and the landlords "who receive 1500-2500
euros per month for the rent of the roof where the relay
antenna is installed", according to M. Mata. He estimates
that overall these plans will cost the town 15,000 euros.

Criirem (Centre for research and independent information
on electromagnetic radiation), which claims to be the only
independent organisation taking measurements of
electromagnetic fields, has indicated that about 20 town
and city councils in France have asked them to carry out
assessments of this kind.

A relay antenna installed on the roof of an apartment
building in Hérouville-Saint-Clair (Calvados) 27 04 2009


click

Untested technology

Article in http://www.wiredchild.org

Untested technology

Cordless phones, Wi-fi, digital baby monitors and other wireless products have become ubiquitous. While their health effects are largely untested, there have been numerous studies of the effects of the electro-magnetic radiation emitted from these devices. All scientists agree that this radiation is dangerous at high levels but it is hoped that the low levels emitted from these household devices are safe. We are not convinced.

Radiation 24/7

The levels of radiation emitted from mobile and cordless phones on standby, and of wi-fi routers, digital baby monitors and bluetooth are a fraction of those of a mobile or cordless phone in use on a call. But this does not mean they are safer.

The radiation exposure from wireless products is a "chronic" exposure, constantly at a low level rather than short bursts of high power. There is evidence that this type of exposure might be more damaging in the long-term. It is thought that when the body first experiences a new source of radiation, it reacts by strengthening its immune defences, but then the immune system begins to weaken progressively as the radiation exposure continues. Read more at http://www.wiredchild.org/sciencealias/43-what-the-science-tells-us/69-health-effects-.html

There is evidence that long-term chronic exposure to electro-magnetic radiation has a range of health effects. We also know that children are more vulnerable than adults.

The German and French governments have advised against the use of wireless products like wi-fi and cordless (DECT) phones at home. Read more at http://www.wiredchild.org/government-alias.html#Germany

A phone mast in your home?

The clearest evidence that this day-in-day-out low-level exposure might be dangerous is from the studies of the health effects of mobile phone masts. Two studies have shown significantly increased levels of cancers amongst those living within a few hundred meters of a mobile phone mast. Other studies have demonstrated a host of other symptoms linked with exposure to mobile phone mast radiation.  One study has shown directly that wi-fi can affect children's cognitive skills like memory, attention and reaction time.

The radiation exposure from a wi-fi router at 5 meters' distance, a cordless DECT phone base unit at 3 meters' distance, or digital baby monitor at less than 1 meter are all experienced at roughly the same level as a mobile phone mast only 150 meters away. If any of these are closer, for example if you sleep with a cordless phone next to the bed, it is equivalent in radiation terms to being only about 50 meters away from a mast. Read more at http://www.wiredchild.org/parents/58-which-products-are-most-dangerous.html

There is now much annecdotal evidence of people experiencing symptoms in the short term, like headaches, nausea, dizziness and loss of concentration. Read more... For this reason, some government and public bodies have stopped the introduction of wi-fi in some public places and schools.

Read more about the health effects of cordless (DECT) phones at http://www.emfacts.com/papers/dect.pdf...

Wifi may be more damaging to some people than mobile phones...

Cumulative exposure

Even if the power level of one wireless router or computer is small, a child's environment may include many of these devices at once. Radiation exposure from a wi-fi system comes from the router and each of the computers. A cordless DECT phone emits radiation from the base stations and the handsets. A mobile phone on standby, or worse on a call, also adds to the radiation "load". 

At school, a set of wirelessly connected computers in a classroom is known to result in exposures much higher than one computer being used alone. The radiiation level has been found to be equivalent to being in the main beam of a mobile phone mast (which official guidelines state should not fall on school grounds without the consent of parents and the school). In 2007 a BBC Panorama programme found that the readings next to a classroom laptop showed radiation at double the level experienced only 100 metres from a mobile phone mast. This exposure from wi-fi is additional to mobile phones, cordless DECT phones and bluetooth used around the children in schools.

So at any one time a child may be exposed to cumulative levels of radiation much higher than each product emits alone. They may be exposed constantly at school and at home, even when asleep.

Formative exposure

This exposure generally starts young and continues throughout children's lives. Children are now being exposed to wireless products from a very early age and often throughout their developing childhood and teenage years. This is experimental - no-one has any idea of the cumulative effect of such long-term exposure starting at such a formative age.

We know from the scientific studies relating to mobile phones that children are more vulnerable to this type of radiation, absorbing more radiation than adults through their thinner skulls. Given the many studies that show this radiation could be very dangerous, do we not have a duty to protect children from the possibly serious future health effects of this exposure?

Read about the dangers of mobile phones at http://www.wiredchild.org/sciencealias/43-what-the-science-tells-us/66--what-the-science-tells-us-mobile-phones.html

Read more about children's greater vulnerability at http://www.wiredchild.org/sciencealias/43-what-the-science-tells-us/66--what-the-science-tells-us-mobile-phones.html#children

Read more about this global experiment at http://www.wiredchild.org/sciencealias/43-what-the-science-tells-us/59-children-as-guinea-pigs.html

Re: Free wireless Internet plan remains in limbo

Letter by Carl Katz to the Editor in Vancouver Courier on Wi-Fi Projects

To the Editor:
Re: Free wireless Internet plan remains in limbo, April 10

I am astounded that our city councilors are still trying to find a way
to roll out Wi-Fi in pubic buildings without considering the emerging
body of science that is saying that Wi-Fi represents a considerable
health risk.

I have heard those in favour of pubic Wi-Fi cite the World Health
Organization (WHO) and Health Canada (who bases their radiation safety
guidelines on the WHO’s guidelines) and as two public bodies that say
Wi-Fi is safe and falls within their safety guidelines. In reality, Wi-
Fi does fall within these guidelines, however there are the following
important points to consider:

Health Canada’s Safety Code Six is based on thermal guidelines. It
allows human tissue to increase in temperature by one degree Celsius
over a six minute period when exposed to microwave radiation. All the
deleterious health effects from microwave radiation that are
documented in current peer reviewed research occur at levels thousands
of times lower than Safety Code Six. Some of these health effects
include headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, sleep
disturbances and unexplained anxiety. At a biological level, leakage
in the blood-brain barrier, DNA breakage, and disruption in
intracellular communication have all been documented.
If you watch the BBC Panorama episode “Wi-Fi: A Warning Signal” at
mastsanity.org, you will hear Sir William Stewart, U.K.'s top
scientist and former science adviser to Margaret Thatcher and Tony
Blair saying the WHO is wrong about safe levels of non-ionizing
radiation and that the whole basis of their safety limits are
inadequate to protect the population, especially our children.

Ditto for the German government, who in 2007 warned all citizens not
to use Wi-Fi. Then there are Doctors Gerd Oberfeld and Henry Lai, who
are world renowned for their research into electromagnetic radiation
and biological effects - they both said they would pull their children
out of any school that had Wi-Fi. Professor Olle Johansson of the
world renowned Karolinska institute in Sweden, has found biological
effects at radiation levels lower than those associated with Wi-Fi.
In 2002, following research on wireless radiation in the ‘90’s, the
global insurance industry pulled liability coverage for the health
effects from wireless technology. Given that insurance companies
quantify risks and then associate a dollar value on that risk, this
represents a huge liability issue for cities, school boards and anyone
who rolls out wireless technologies – they are virtually uninsured.

Last December, in an effort to improve traffic flow for buses by
wirelessly controlling traffic signals, Translink rolled out a Wi-Fi
network along Main Street from 57th Avenue all the way downtown, with
no public consultation or transparency. This Wi-Fi network subjects
all residents and businesses along Main street to radiation without
their awareness or consent. Now there is serious talk of putting Wi-Fi
into all community centres in Vancouver, which will expose our
children, the employees and the general public - all the while schools
all over Europe are pulling out Wi-Fi based on the aforementioned
warnings. Lakehead university in Thunder Bay has held off on
implementing campus-wide Wi-Fi for the same reasons.

City council and the city of Vancouver must take a step back and look
at independent the body of research that is clearly saying we may have
a huge public health problem in the future. For the sake of our
children and all our citizens, the City of Vancouver must apply the
Precautionary Principle, and hold off on implementing this technology.
Anything less would be irresponsible.


Carl Katz
Vancouver

Wi-fi and Wi-max - Why You Shouldn’t Use Them

The hot new craze in Internet access is Wi-Fi and its soon-to-be big brother Wi-Max. Wi-Fi is a wireless connection that allows users to access the Internet without the computer being connected to a cable. And yes, it’s very convenient. Imagine walking from the sofa to the bedroom with your laptop and never loosing your connection. Imagine the freedom and flexibility afforded schools and office workers. No more ugly bothersome cables to tie you down. You’re free to roam the Internet with your fingers while roaming your home, school or office with your feet. Freedom to move and freedom to surf. Perfect for the individual who is on the go and up to date with the latest technology. You can even have free Internet access at your local coffee shop. Same for airports. What a great idea. Or is it?

What exactly is Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is a common term that stands for ‘wireless fidelity.’ It simply means that a computer can access the Internet without wires or cables. In other words, it allows one to have a wireless connection to the Internet. It’s like taking a cell phone base station and placing it in your home, schoolroom or office area. Wi-Fi is basically the same type of connection as used to operate a cell phone. It’s a product of convenience as it allows one to access the Internet with a desktop or laptop computer without the need for connecting cables. Moving from room to room with a laptop computer and no cables is a nice convenience although it certainly isn’t a necessity.

How does Wi-Fi work? Wi-Fi is really very similar to your cell phone. Radio signals are transmitted from the computer or Bluetooth device to a wireless router, sometimes called a wireless access point (WAP) or wireless local area network (WLAN). The router then sends the signal to the Internet through a cable modem. So this router or wireless access point is really the device responsible for transmitting the harmful radio waves. Any number of computers or devices can be configured to connect to one wireless router to make Internet connections. The workable distance is about a range of 300 feet or more from the wireless access point while most distances for good connections are maintained at about 100 feet. And, of course there are many variables that can affect this connection. Laptop computers and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are the most common devices utilizing Wi-Fi technology.

Wi-Fi Emits Radio Frequencies Wireless connections emit radio frequency signals, or radiation, just like cell phones, cell phone towers and other wireless devices. Wi-Fi usually transmits its signal at frequencies in the range of 2.4GHz to 5 GHz. Cordless phones often transmit in the 2.4GHz to 5 GHz range, too, and this often causes the cordless phone to interfere with a wireless internet connection to a nearby computer. The Wi-Fi frequency is considerably higher than the frequencies used for cell phones which operate in the 850 MHz to1900 MHz range. This higher frequency allows more data to be carried. However, as we’ll see later, it is not the frequency of the signal that does the damage to our health. So the higher Wi-Fi frequency isn’t really the issue at all when it comes to health considerations.

Wi-Fi Hotspots Now In Schools Wi-Fi has become popular in the home, office, the airport and coffee shops. Many cities are now installing “hot spots” where one can take a laptop computer and freely access the Internet over the provided network. This is what is known as a “hot spot.” It’s a place to make a wireless connection to the Internet. And they are springing up everywhere. Entire cities are becoming wireless allowing one to connect to the Internet from anywhere in the city. And due to the ease of convenience Wi-Fi connections in schools are now becoming quite popular, too. No longer are computers hard-wired to a connection in a classroom. Connections are now virtual and allow the user, student or teacher, the freedom to connect anywhere in the school without the burden of being restricted by cable connections.

Why Wireless Connections Are Harmful There are two potentially harmful mechanisms in which Wi-Fi users, including school children, may be harmed. The first mechanism involves the exposure to radiation from the distance or proximity of the user to the computer monitor. This form of exposure originates from the electromagnetic field being given off by the monitor itself and has nothing to do with the wireless connection. Electromagnetic radiation is given off by the computer screen regardless of whether the connection is wired or wireless. Any and all computer screens produce electromagnetic radiation. These electromagnetic fields can be substantial in strength and can reach levels much higher than the 1 milligauss (1 mG) threshold level of exposure recommended by experts as being safe. Such a field can easily be measured with an inexpensive instrument called a gauss meter.

The second mechanism of harm comes from the radiation or radio wave itself. The wireless signal, oscillating at 2.4 to 5 GHz, moves much too fast for the body to recognize. So this wave isn’t doing the damage. However, anytime any data or information is transmitted, say through our voice, through text messages or through the sending of information, the data is packaged and “piggy-backed” onto the first wave. This creates a second carrier wave and this wave is called the information-carrying radio wave, or ICRW. It is the information-carrying radio wave that is producing the harm. Here’s how this happens. This second carrier wave, or ICRW, oscillates in a much lower Hertz (Hz) range that is easily recognized by the body. When the ICRW comes in contact with the body the body recognizes this wave and responds to it as if this carrier wave were some type of foreign invader. When this happens certain physiologic changes occur which are very significant. First, at the cellular level, the cell membrane becomes hard and inflexible. This occurs because the active transport channels shut down as the cell goes into a protection mode. This hardening effect of the cell membrane also causes the cell to lose its permeability, meaning needed nutrients can’t get inside the cell where they are needed. In other words, the cell doesn’t get nourished.

Conversely, since the cell membrane is hardened and less permeable, the toxins and free radicals that build up inside the cell, as a natural part of our daily metabolism, can’t get out. The buildup of toxins and free radicals inside the cell causes other problems. These toxic products damage the mitochondria in the cell. If you’ll remember from biology class the mitochondria are where energy for the body is produced. When this energy-producing process is damaged the cell begins to lose its ability to function.

In addition, cells lose their ability to communicate with one another. When one cell can’t communicate with another cell and messages don’t get sent or received the body can’t respond properly to any type of stress, injury, or invasion. Furthermore, the DNA inside the cell becomes damaged. Fragments of DNA break off and form something called micronuclei. Micronuclei are precursors to cancer formation. And when enough energy is lost and when enough malnourishment occurs the cell eventually becomes dysfunctional and dies. When enough cells die the tissues are affected. When enough tissue is affected organs become damaged and don’t work properly. And the cascade of damaging events begin that can lead to a multitude of symptoms and failure of the body’s defense mechanisms to act appropriately.

The Wi-Fi Problem Think of Wi-Fi this way. It’s really nothing more than a small version of a cell phone tower placed in the classroom or office. Or, it could be similar to having a cordless phone in your home with multiple handsets throughout the house. The base station is the access point and all the peripheral phones connect with it wirelessly. The radio frequency radiation being emitted is the same. The information-carrying radio wave is being transmitted continuously 24 hours a day. The connections from the computers and other wireless devices throughout the school, office or home to the wireless access points cause any user around them, (children, teacher, staff, etc.) to be continuously exposed. Everyone in the building is caught in the crossfire of the continual access to the wireless access points. Even non-users are exposed because of the blanketing effect of these wireless access points throughout the building. So no one escapes the exposure.

In understanding the danger of Wi-Fi we must remember that it is not the type of device, in this case a wireless access point or router that is important. Rather it is the type of radio frequency radio waves that are being produced by the device that are significant. Whether from a wireless router, a cell phone, a cell phone tower, or personal digital assistant (PDA), electromagnetic frequencies are produced by all these devices. We must look at the technology being used by these devices and not the device itself as the problem. This should be the primary concern as we evaluate their safety, particularly in the classroom.

Another important aspect of Wi-Fi exposure is that of modulation. Modulation refers to whether or not the signal frequency is constant or pulsed. The new digital cell phones operate on a pulsed frequency, as does all wireless technology. Studies have shown that these pulsed signals are a greater risk than analog, non-pulsed signals. 1

Certainly, by the addition of any type of wireless we are adding to the burden of electropollution we are all currently exposed to. Special consideration should be given to the additional exposure that Wi-Fi technology would bring to those in a classroom, including the instructors, teachers, staff and certainly students.

Children Are More Vulnerable Concern about the increased vulnerability to electropollution by children has valid reasoning. Since the skull bones of the head don’t fully harden until about age 22 the skull bones of a child’s head are softer than that of an adult. A softer head bone translates to easier penetration through the skull and into the head by radio frequency radiation. Furthermore, the head of a child contains more water since the brain is not fully developed. It would make sense then that water will act as a conductor to electromagnetic radiation increasing the possibility of even further damage. And since a child’s brain and nervous system is still developing it only stands to reason that the potential damage would be greater since cells that are in a growing phase are more easily damaged.

And finally, exposing children in the elementary schoolroom will add to both the amount of electromagnetic radiation exposure and the accumulated length of exposure over their lifetime that they will be exposed. No one can argue that the children of today’s generation will be exposed to far greater amounts of electromagnetic radiation and will be exposed to it for a much longer period of time than any generation before. We simply don’t know the consequences of this increased and cumulative exposure. And it’s an experiment that we shouldn’t place our children in. Why set up these networks without understanding any of the long-term consequences? Did we not learn a lesson from the tobacco and asbestos industries?

Effects of WirelessRadio Frequency Radiation Although no studies have been done on Wi-Fi per se there is a generous amount of research that has been carried out on cell phones, cell phone towers and masts. Since the Wi-Fi signal is the same type of radiation (only the frequency is different) one can assume with reasonable assurance that the effects of exposure to Wi-Fi will follow the same pattern of exposure to cell phones and cell phone towers.

Here’s an example of what can happen. Let’s say one works in a schoolroom or office where wireless access, or Wi-Fi, is used. In other words, we are continually exposed to a constant bombardment of electromagnetic radiation waves. Over time, sitting or working in this classroom or office, the cells of the body gradually loose their energy and consequently their ability to communicate. What if the function of a particular group of cells was to maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier? The blood-brain barrier is an intricate membrane that keeps harmful substances and toxins from contacting sensitive brain tissue. But what if the cells of the blood-brain barrier can’t communicate or don’t work any longer? The barrier would break down and this would allow harmful substances to enter. Those substances would then come in contact with sensitive brain cells. The result would be injured and damaged brain cells. This is just one example of how a particular group of cells can be adversely affected by electromagnetic radiation. In fact, studies have shown that placing a call on cell phone for just two minutes can disable the blood-brain barrier. 2 The same case could be made for the immune system and any other major “system” of the body since different cellular groups perform different functions to keep us healthy.

There are more than a dozen studies linking an increased risk for brain cancer and acoustic neuroma (tumor of the auditory nerve) to radio frequency radiation from cell phones and cordless phones. 3

Even the World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about the effects of radiofrequency radiation on children’s health. In a recent WHO publication they wrote:

“The possible adverse health effects in children associated with radiofrequency fields have not been fully investigated.”

“Because there are suggestions that RF(radio frequency) exposure may be more hazardous for the fetus and child due to their greater susceptibility, prudent avoidance is one approach to keeping children’s exposure as low as possible.”

“Further research is needed to clarify the potential risks of ELF-EMF and radiofrequency fields for children’s health.”

Neurobehavioral effects of inhabitants living near a cell phone tower base station have also been studied. The following neuropsychiatric complaints were reported: headache (23.5%), memory changes (28.2%), dizziness (18.8%), tremors (9.4%), depressive symptoms (21.7%), and sleep disturbances (23.5%). 4 In addition, tests of attention and short-term auditory memory were significantly lower in the exposed participants than in control groups.

Obviously, people living close to cell phone towers have an increased risk for developing neurobehavioral problems.

Will We Medicate Our Children Unnecessarily? If indeed neurobehavioral symptoms are produced by radio frequency radiation and these frequencies are continually emitted throughout our schools what might this suggest about the abnormal behavior of students in the classroom? Might parents be inclined and persuaded to medicate their children so that these undesirable symptoms can be controlled? If so, how many of these children would be medicated unnecessarily? Studies now show that the frequencies such as that emitted by cell phones cause abnormal brain hyperactivity. Such artificially induced hyperactivity would cause an unnecessary risk and expense to students who would be placed on some form of pharmaceutical intervention to aid in controlling these symptoms. Many of the drugs used in controlling hyperactivity, such as Ritalin, Concerta, and methylphenidate are in the amphetamine-like class of pharmaceuticals. What a tragedy it would be to find out years later that this form of medication was unnecessary and could have been avoided if we would have chosen precaution over convenience.

Learning Issues As discussed earlier, the mechanism of harm caused by electromagnetic frequencies occurs at the cellular level. The eventual outcome of this harm is disruption of cell-to-cell communication. When the disruption of cell communication occurs cells can’t “talk” to each other. When cells can’t communicate cognition is affected, the ability to learn is affected, the ability to retain information is affected, and behavioral problems can occur.

Makes Kids Susceptible To Other Stressors Radiofrequency radiation is also a stressor to the body. The mere fact that the cells of the body react to these frequencies as discussed earlier indicates that they are harmful. When the stress response occurs from exposure to electromagnetic frequencies the body responds by releasing stress proteins, also known as heat shock proteins, to minimize the ensuing damage. The release of heat shock proteins is just one stress response mechanism that has been identified. Other mechanisms include the triggering of adrenal hormones like adrenaline. Continual stress is not healthy as it can eventually fatigue the adrenal gland, suppress the immune system, and lead to fatigue causing difficulty in concentration. Sleep disturbances may also occur.

Immune System Affected Evidence also exists that radio frequencies produced by such devices as cell phones, Wi-Fi, computers, televisions, etc. can trigger skin reactions.5 Microwave frequencies can trigger the release of chemicals from mast cells. Mast cells in the skin will break open and release chemicals that cause the symptoms of allergic skin reactions. 6 One of the chemicals released by mast cells is histamine. Histamine is often responsible for the symptoms of allergies such as runny nose, watery eyes, inflammation and difficulty breathing. Histamine also constricts the airway leading to or worsening the symptoms of asthma. It is of interest to note that the rate of asthma in children has doubled since 1980 and asthma now affects one in 10 children. The cell phone was introduced in1983 and has seen explosive growth in use in the last decade. Could there be a correlation between the rising rates of asthma, an immune system problem, and the escalating use of cell phones and wireless technology? Certainly, one could anticipate that chronic exposure to these radio waves over time can lead to chronic inflammatory responses.

Electromagnetic Radiation Connected To Autism A recent study has now suggested a direct link between autism and electromagnetic radiation. It appears that EMR may accelerate autistic spectrum disorders. 7 It is noteworthy that the increasing rates of autism parallel the growth of the cell phone and wireless industry. This appears to occur as a result of the trapping of heavy metals within the cell and the inability of the body to excrete the toxic metals present that are often introduced into the body through vaccinations. Heavy metals are neurotoxic. When this excretory process is prohibited these heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, beryllium, and aluminum, damage nerve structures and interfere in inter-cellular communication. This leads to neurological problems and conditions like those found in autism spectrum disorders. This particular study has shown that when electromagnetic radiation is largely eliminated the efficiency of heavy metal detoxification and removal was dramatically increased. In other words, the body was able to excrete and eliminate heavy metals when it had not been able to do so previously. This leads to the suggestion that (1) we need to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic radiation from any child’s environment and (2) measures need to be taken to repair the damage that has already been done by electromagnetic radiation. Although this study looked specifically at autism the same case could be made for attention-deficit disorders and related conditions.

Occupational Hazard For Teachers And School Staff Children will attend school in a particular building for a finite number of years and then move on. For a child the length of time spent in a particular building or location is predetermined. Therefore their exposure levels to this form of radiation will probably change. But what about the teachers and staff members who continue to work in the same building for many, many years? For these workers and teachers the exposure in their building from Wi-Fi networks and radio frequency radiation is continual. What are the effects of this exposure after years and years of time? Will teaching in a Wi-Fi enabled school become an occupational hazard like that of an electrician? These are questions that must and should be answered before, rather than after, any installation of radiation-generating equipment is placed in service.

Wi-Fi In European Schools The European Environment Agency is calling for immediate steps to be taken to reduce exposure to Wi-Fi, cell phones and cell phone towers and masts. Recent international scientific reviews have concluded that electromagnetic radiation safety limits are “thousands of times too lenient” and one official British report came to the conclusion that the development of cancer from cell phone use could not be ruled out.

Sir William Stewart, chairman of the Health Protection Agency in the UK, is calling for a formal investigation into the hazards of using wireless networks in schools. He’s asking that students be monitored for health problems from the networks. Joining him in health concerns over Wi-Fi installations in schools, the Professional Association of Teachers are calling for the Secretary of State for Education in the UK to begin an official inquiry into the issue.

Recently, parents of children at an English school have won a major battle in getting a mast tower removed from their school. Parents indicated that both students and staff complained of symptoms such as insomnia, headaches and numbness. It seems 56 percent of children had trouble sleeping, 54 percent developed headaches and migraines, and 46 percent reported dizziness and numbness. 86 percent of staff members had problems sleeping, 59 percent reported headaches, and 95 percent of staff reported fatigue and numbness. Nosebleeds, nausea, and dizziness were also reported. 8

Dr. Gerd Oberfield, head of environmental health and medicine in the province of Salzburg, Austria, calls the installation of Wi-Fi “dangerous.” In fact, the government in Salzburg has been advising schools not to install Wi-Fi for well over a year now and is considering a complete ban on Wi-Fi networks.

Stowe School in Great Britian recently removed its Wi-Fi equipment from its building. One of its schoolmasters who had taught there for 28 years developed headaches and nausea immediately after Wi-Fi was installed.

International Association of Fire Fighters In 2004, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) voiced its opinion on cell phone towers and antennas by opposing the installation of cell phone antennas on or near fire stations until a credible study can be done to establish their safety. In studying the available science the IAFF found over 49 references that led them to conclude that they should oppose the placement of cell phone antennas on fire stations. Some of the effects that have been documented by fire fighters include slowed reaction times, sleep deprivation, severe headaches, lack of focus, tremors, and vertigo. 9

What About Wi-Max The latest development in the world of digital communication is something called Wi-Max. Wi-Max is intended for use as a network for large metropolitan areas. Where Wi-Fi is limited to a range of about 100-300 feet, Wi-Max can provide broadband wireless access up to 30 miles from fixed base stations and 3-10 miles from mobile base stations. It’s been described as Wi-Fi on steroids. It’s used in much the same way as Wi-Fi and will soon become the standard for Internet access. Imagine the implications. Whole metropolitan cities blanketed with Wi-Max wireless coverage. How convenient and “connected” do we really need to be?

Conclusion We currently have no studies that are specific to Wi-Fi. However, when assessing the safety issue we can and should look at technologies that are similar and relevant to Wi-Fi to draw our conclusions. This would seem appropriate since Wi-Fi operates in the same manner as other more heavily studies similar technology and the basic mechanism of harm from all wireless technology is the same.

There are countless reports and studies raising caution signals about the effects on human health from exposure to cell phone radiation, cell phone towers, Wi-Fi, and wireless technology in general. The fact remains that wireless technology is a potential carcinogen. So was tobacco. So was asbestos. So were X-Rays. Like these other hazards, which were all at one time only “potential carcinogens,” wireless technology needs further study before we decide to randomly subject ourselves and our children to the potential harmful effects it seems to cause. How long will we wait for these studies? Another 20 years or more? How many lives will be adversely affected or lost while we take the wait-and-see approach?

What can you do? Don’t let your children use a cell phone. Don’t live near a cell phone tower. Don’t use wireless Internet connections or cordless phones in your home. Provide good nutrition to your children in the form of lots of fruits and vegetables. Everyone needs lots of antioxidants to protect themselves from the free radicals being produced by these high levels of radiation. Good quality water is a must, too.

Get involved in your child’s school. Get on the school board. Ask questions regarding the use of Wi-Fi in the school. Object to the installation of such equipment if and when the possibility is discussed.

School districts today are under ever-increasing financial pressures. Healthy lease money is being provided by the wireless industry to install cell phone antennas on school buildings. Once again, this is an unneeded and unnecessary exposure risk for our young people. Does the extra income provided by the wireless industry outweigh the potential risk to our children? The studies say no and we as parents and responsible citizens need to convey that message to our school boards and legislators.

Two-time Nobel Prize nominee, Dr. Gerald Hyland, a physicist, had this to say about cell phone towers. “Existing safety guidelines for cell phone towers are completely inadequate. Quite justifiably, the public remains skeptical of attempts by government and industry to reassure them that all is well, particularly given the unethical way in which they often operate symbiotically so as to promote their own vested interests.”

For more information on the health hazards of wireless technology, cell phones, Wi-Fi, etc. visit http://www.CellphoneRadiationAlert.com For an ongoing discussion of the latest information on the health hazards of wireless technology visit http://www.CellphoneRadiationUSA.blogspot.com

References

1. Lai, Henry. Biological Effects of Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Encyclopedia of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering. G.L. Gowlin and G. Wnek: Taylor and Francis Books, 2005.

2. Persson, Salford, Brun. Blood-brain barrier permeability in rats expose to electromagnetic fields used in wireless communication; Wireless Networks, Vol. 3, Issue 6, Dec. 1997; pg 455-461

3. BioInitiative Report, Aug. 31, 2007

4. Abdel-Rassoul, El-Fateh, Salem, Micheal, Farahat, El-Batanouny, Salem. Neurobehavioral effects among inhabitants around mobile phone base stations, Neurotoxicology, 2006, Aug. 1.

5. BioInitiative Report, Aug. 31, 2007.

6. BioInitiative Report, Aug. 31, 2007.

7. Mariea, Tamara and Carlo, George. Wireless Radiation in the Etiology and Treatment of Autism: Clinical Observations and Mechanisms; Journal of the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, August 2007.

8. Independent.co.uk. Apr 22, 2007

9. International Association of Fire Fighters, Division of Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine. 2005

Lynn Quiring is a Registered Pharmacist, Baord Certified Clinical Nutritionist, and holds a degree in naturopathic medicine. He also holds diplomas in homeopathy and hormone regulation therapy. He is an expert in cell phone radiation and EMFs and their health effects on the body. He has practiced in natural medicine for over 10 years. He currently owns and operates Logical Health LLC. He can be contacted by emailing to lynnquiring@msn.com

Medical Director of Paracelsus Clinic in Lustmühle, convinced‘electromagnetic loads’ lead to cancer

Article in www.next-up.org

http://electromagnetichealth.org/electromagnetic-health-blog/medical-director-of-switzerland/

February 10th, 2009.

Dr. Thomas Rau, Medical Director of the world renowned Paracelsus Clinic in Lustmühle, Switzerland says he is convinced ‘electromagnetic loads’ lead to cancer, concentration problems, ADD, tinnitus, migraines, insomnia, arrhythmia, Parkinson’s and even back pain. At Paracelsus (www.paracelsus.ch), cancer patients are now routinely educated in electromagnetic field remediation strategies and inspectors from the Geopathological Institute of Switzerland are sent to patients’ homes to assess electromagnetic field exposures.

Of note, Dr. Rau says a strategy to consider for those experiencing ‘electrical
sensitivity’ symptoms is to remove the electromagnetic ‘hot spot’ in the
head created by the presence of metal fillings. Concern is thus not only for
the ‘neurotoxic’ aspect of mercury in fillings, an increasingly understood
hazard, but because fillings themselves act as antennas in the presence of
electromagnetic fields from cell phones and cell towers, wi-fi networks,
portable phones, and other sources of radiofrequency radiation.

Rau says the removal of dental fillings can be an important early step in
reducing electrical sensitivity, allowing some people to live in homes they
otherwise could not tolerate.

Cultures have shown beneficial bacteria grows more slowly in the presence
of electromagnetic fields, says Rau, allowing pathological organisms to
dominate. Thus, a strategy with electrically sensitive patients, or with those
Thomas M. Rau, MD, Medical Director of the Paracelsus Clinic facing chronic conditions, is the aggressive supplementation with probiotics and other Biological Medicine approaches to balance intestinal flora. Many people with chronic infections likely linked to EMF exposures, such as Lyme Disease, are symptom- free after an aggressive microorganism rebalancing program.

Electrical sensitivity—originally known as radio wave sickness—is a sometimes debilitating experience created by these and other disregulating effects of electromagnetic fields. Linked to many acute and chronic illness conditions, electrical sensitivity is a serious emerging public health issue globally and a subject in which most doctors have no training.

A Petition to Congress, created by www.ElectromagneticHealth.org is now circulating on the internet, requesting Congress 1) mandate the FCC lower exposure guidelines to reflect the large body of science showing biological effects at exposures much lower than current standards, 2) repeal Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which rescinded state and local governments right to resist towers on health
or environmental grounds, 3) stop the roll out of the Wi-Max network until Congress better understands the potential health consequences, and 4) accommodate citizens unable to function adequately in high EMF environments, including forbidding cell towers on school properties.

Exposing children in schools to radiation, known to impair brain function and learning, Rau describes as “criminal”. He says, “It is unethical to expose children to electromagnetic load in this way. We know that power stations for electromagnetic waves like mobile phones are hurting the brains of children, so to put such stations into schools is really…very, very, very bad. Rau says, the question is, “Does the school, or does the society, really want to have intelligent, well-educated children, or not?” He says, “If you install mobile phone towers,
which radiate to the children, their intelligence, their brain capacity, decreases. You will have more ADD children, you will have less function of the brain, which in the long term reflects on the intelligence of the children, of the possibility to really teach children, and in the long term, the more this overcomes society, the
more we will have dumb children.”

The reality of the health consequences of electromagnetic radiation eventually will have to be faced, and this will only happen with active pressure on Congress. It is estimated that 3-8% of populations in developed countries experience serious electrohypersensitivity symptoms today, and 35% experience mild symptoms.
With increasing electromagnetic field exposures, these numbers, along with the suffering involved for people who are impacted, and the health care costs involved, are bound to go up.

Progressive Librarians Guild Statement on WiFi in Libraries and the Precautionary Principle

Progressive Librarians Guild
Rider University Library
2083 Lawrenceville Rd.
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

June 16, 2008

Often unaware of the potential risks to both library staff and the public, libraries have adopted wireless technology as a means to bridge the Digital Divide and in order to fulfill their mission under the Library Bill of Rights.

Research on the health effects of wireless technologies (2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands and electromagnetic (microwave) radiation indicates wireless technology, among other effects, may cause immune dysfunction, increased risk of brain tumors and acoustic neuromas, childhood cancers, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease (European Environment Agency, Bioinitiative Working Group, 2007), and genotoxicity. Research also indicates that public health standards are inadequate in offering guidance on the use of wireless technologies in community spaces.

The Precautionary Principle can act as a policy guide in which to critically debate the risks and benefits of wireless technology. The European Environmental Agency, Bioinitiative Working Group and the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety through the Benevento Resolution have called for the application of the Precautionary Principle in the use of wireless technology. In the United States, the Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle (1998) states

When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically...

Therefore, exposure to wireless technologies in the above bandwidths is a public health issue that library workers should address philosophically as a profession and directly in terms of daily library operations, programs, and services. European library workers have taken steps calling for such an examination based on the current research on health effects of wireless. The Bibliothèque Nationale de France has forgone installation of a public wireless system and the staff of the Sainte Geneviève Library (Paris V) has called for a discussion on wireless technology safety in university and public libraries based in part on the conclusions reached by the European Environmental Agency BioInitiative Working Group (2007,4, 26):

Although this RF target level does not preclude further rollout of WI-FI technologies, we also recommend that wired alternatives to WIFI be implemented, particularly in schools and libraries so that children are not subjected to elevated RF levels until more is understood about possible health impacts. This recommendation should be seen as an interim precautionary limit that is intended to guide preventative actions; and more conservative limits may be needed in the future.

Based on this information, Progressive Librarians Guild recommends that via their professional organizations, information workers address the risks of wireless technology in public spaces, take steps in learning about the risks of wireless in terms of exposure and impact on library services, monitor wireless technology in their facilities critically evaluate and adopt alternatives to wireless technology especially in children’s sections of libraries, create warning signage on risks of wifi throughout their libraries, and act as a community resource in the public education on wireless technologies.


Notes

1. Wireless-B, or “IEEE 802.11b” standard operates on the 2.4 GHz band.Wireless-G, or IEEE 802.11g, using the same frequency band, but capable of higher speeds. Wireless-A (IEEE 802.11a) uses the 5.0 GHz band, a higher data transfer. Wireless-N, using both 2.4 and 5.0 GHz bands, with proposed data transfer capability exceeding wired networks. See “Wireless Standards,” http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wireless80211/a/aa80211standard.htm.

2. Genotoxic or genotoxicity: capable of causing damage to DNA. See Lai, below, a review of the literature on wireless and genotoxicity.

3. Benevento uses 0 to 300 GHz as a baseline for recommendations.

4. 2400 MHz mentioned in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France press release is synonymous with 2.4 GHz.

5. Inexpensive AC gauss meters which measure 1-5 GHz can be found on the Web at stores such as EMF Safety Superstore.

6. For example, one alternative is the Panasonic HD-PLC power line network adapter uses electrical wiring (power outlet) as a link between a PC and modem. The adaptor is available through amazon.com.

7. Thanks to Carolyn Raffensperger and Ted Schettler at the Science and Environmental Health Network, Rebekah Azen, SJSU SLIS students Abe Ignacio, and Milton John Kleim, Jr. for their comments.

References

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Collaborative on Health and the Environment. Consensus Statement on Electromagnetic Radiation Draft, October 10, 2006 (accessed May 22, 2008).

Environmental Research Foundation. Precaution Reporter #67, December 6, 2006 (accessed May 22, 2008).

European Environmental Agency. “Radiation Risk from Everyday Devices Assessed.” September, 2007 (accessed June 1, 2008)


European Environmental Agency, BioInitiative Working Group. Bioinitiative: A Rationale for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Fields (ELF and RF) August 31, 2007 (accessed May 22, 2008).

The French National Library Renounces WiFi,” Press Release, April 4, 2008. English | Francaise: “La Bibliothèque Nationale renonce au Wi-Fi,”4 Avril 2008, (accessed May 27, 2008).

Harremoës, Poul, eds., et al. Late Lessons from Early Warnings: the Precautionary Principle 1896-2000. Environmental Issue Report No. 22, European Environment Agency, January 10, 2002 (accessed June 1, 2008).

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Labor Institute, NYC. Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs): A Training Workbook for Working People. New York: New York (State). Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education Program, 199?.

Lai, Henry.“Evidence for Genotoxic Effects – RFR and ELF DNA Damage.”European Environmental Agency, BioInitiative Working Group. Bioinitiative: A Rationale for a Biologically-Based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Fields. August 31, 2007. Section 6, 1-43 (accessed May 22, 2008).

Lakehead University. “WiFi Policy.” January 1, 2004 (accessed May 22, 2008).

Lee, S. et al. "2.45 GHz Radiofrequency Fields Alter Gene Expression in Cultured Human Cells. "FEBS Letters (Federation of European Biochemical Societies) 579 no. 21 (2005):4829-36.

Science and Environmental Health Network. The Precautionary Principle (accessed May 22, 2008).

Thatcher, Diana. "Librarians: Keep Public Library Wi-Fi Free. Sante Fe New Mexican June 8, 2008 (accessed June 8, 2008).

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Wingspread Consensus Statement on the Precautionary Principle, January 26, 1998 (accessed May 22, 2008).