W.E.E.P. News
Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution News
16 September 2010
WiFi at LU
http://www2.chroniclejournal.com/editorial/letters/2010-09-14/wifi-lu
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Re Lakehead Consultations Into Wi-fi Go to Online Vote, C-J, Sept. 9:
While I can appreciate that a new administration may wish to change Lakehead University's policy on WiFi, the rationale for so doing should not be rejecting the scientific basis on which it was continued for so many years. There are not, as Mr. Pawlowski, the vice-president administration and finance, apparently implied as reported in this article "numerous studies discredit(ing) other findings that WiFi signals are harmful to human health." The growing body of scientific evidence in fact supports precaution as both in vitro and in vivo studies show non-thermal biological effects of exposure to microwave signals at levels well below the Health Canada standard which unfortunately is based on thermal effects.
Rather than impugn these scientific data one would expect senior administrators to acknowledge the peer-reviewed scientific studies showing blood, cell membrane and behavioural changes, among others, and if they indeed have valid counter-scientific information use and cite it rather than allude vacuously to "numerous studies."
There are, however, no studies that conclusively refute the potential for harmful effects. This is an issue that, like tobacco use and exposure, will ultimately end up in the courts as the connection between health and long-term exposure becomes even more evident.
Whether Lakehead University joins the growing popular use of this technology or not is beside the point. What is relevant is that the existing policy was not based on the capricious whim of the former president but rather on concern that continuous exposure of faculty, staff and particularly students, who because of their biological activity are most vulnerable to the effects of this radiation, could result in acute and chronic health effects in some individuals.
Fred Gilbert
Thunder Bay
Editor's note: Fred Gilbert is the former LU president who instituted the wi-fi ban.
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Another human experiment.
Google Reveals Secret Hospital Experiment to Test Whitespace Wireless
BY Kit EatonTue Sep 14, 2010
http://www.fastcompany.com/1688950/google-already-testing-whitespace-broadband-gear-in-ohio
The rumors about whitespace radio reforms--which would give empty swathes of the electromagnetic spectrum to new wireless Internet technology--are building on both sides of the Atlantic. But Google has already leaped into action and is testing a wide-area broadband solution in an Ohio hospital. It's a solution that uses gaps in the TV transmission bands.
The experiment can be found Hocking Valley Community Hospital in Logan, Ohio. Google's blog notes it's the first of its kind for a hospital. The system uses technology from Google partner Spectrum Bridge to establish a wireless broadband network in the gaps between local terrestrial transmissions. Google monitors the TV whitespace to make sure there's no interference.
The hope is that the improvement in broadband coverage across the hospital site will "spark new applications in healthcare." The hospital's video surveillance system is already using the wireless connection to transmit its data. Emergency vehicles are covered too, which means we could see patient data sent from an ambulance to the relevant admitting sector of the hospital before the patient arrives--saving vital minutes, and perhaps some lives. We can only guess at the potential for other kinds of digital triage and patient record management.
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Google is announcing the experiment now to influence the FCC's decision on whitespace allocations--due for a vote on September 23rd. Does using a noble hospital experiment to push a wider agenda in Washington fall under the heading of "being evil"? There's a question to tax the minds of ethicists.
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Toronto Star
Allow cellphones in classrooms, McGuinty says
September 15, 2010 THE CANADIAN PRESS
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty says school boards should be open to the idea of allowing students to use cellphones in the classroom.
McGuinty, who won't even let his ministers have cellphones during cabinet meetings, says he understands they can be a major distraction.
But the premier says there is a "right way" to use them in class. Teachers can use cellphones to show students how to access information online, for example.
The Toronto District School Board is rethinking its ban on cellphones, saying it's trying to find ways to make cell phones acceptable in the classroom.
But McGuinty's comments raised a few eyebrows since his government has already banned drivers from using cellphones and other hand-held devices.
This is disturbing news.
If students start using their cell phones (or ipads) in the classroom to access information on line they will be exposing themselves to even higher levels of radiation than if they use their WiFi computers because they will be holding the microwave emitting device!!!!!!!!
All I can say is that we are experiencing "microwave madness". Can we PLEASE bring some sanity back into this situation!
Who is pressuring McGuinty to make such an ill informed statement????
Those of you who receive this and are concerned about the health of children, please use your position of authority, your expertise, your connections, your voice to stop this madness. Even if you still doubt that microwaves can harm children, there is NO HARM in minimizing a child's exposure to microwave radiation in the classroom and in the home.
Please recognize that it takes decades for science to be translated into good health policy, ESPECIALLY when a lot of money is at stake (as it is with the wireless industry). The asbestos industry tried to cover up that their product causes asbestosis and mesothelioma. The tobacco industry tried to cover up that their products contributed to heart and lung disease. The lead industry, the petrochemical industry, the pesticide industry have done the same. What makes anyone think that the wireless industry is any different?
Please for the next generation and for those people who are already suffering, please take a stand and help us stop and reverse this wireless madness!
-magda
Note: CBC radio show 'Ontario Today' will have a phone in on this subject tomorrow (16 Sept) at 12:00pm.
Call in and give your comments. Tell them how idiotic this idea is.
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TELECOM MAST AND YOUR HEALTH | Onigbongbo LCDA
By Camil Rufai
When you apply an alternating electrical current across cell membranes they vibrate and can literally be broken up by a strong field such as that emitted from mobile phones. This can release enzymes normally locked up within each cell ...
Onigbongbo LCDA - http://www.onigbongbogov.org/
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The Looming Danger of WiFi
By: Dave Chapelle
September 14, 2010
http://infoexecutive.itincanada.ca/index.php?id=13165&cid=308
A university professor has raised an alarm about the dangers of Radio Frequency (RF) and microwave radiation emitted by wireless communications equipment.
"There have been press reports in the last two weeks with false and misleading statements from government officials that there is no public health risk," said Dr. David Fancy. He is chair of the Department of Dramatic Arts at Brock University and formerly sat on the Brock U Joint Health and Safety Committee.
His motivations are entirely generous – warning his colleagues and staff members at the institution about the possible dangers of WiFi radiation.
He disagrees with government and industry spokespeople who claim that not only is the wireless technology industry "fully compliant" with Health Canada regulations, but also the science that supports the industry is independent.
"We know there is scientific, peer-reviewed studies done around the world and they all come to the same conclusion," said former New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord, now head of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. "The standards that are set ensure the devices are safe. There's no credible study that has come to the conclusion that there is a risk to human health."
Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Arlene King, has said, "... the conclusion, at this point in time, is that the wireless communications systems do not pose a public health risk. There are always reports or studies that differ from the majority of the literature on any given item, but relying on recognized authorities like the World Health Organization and Health Canada is the safest route for the public."
And yet Health Canada's own studies of a decade ago showed significant biological effects of exposure to these types of radiation, including increased permeability of the blood brain barrier, the release of heat shock proteins, and the promotion of enzymes related to cancer growth.
Fancy's interest began with Brock U Joint Health and Safety committee. "It's mandated to advise the administration about steps to take to operationalize and maximize efficiency of the health and safety. There we saw staff who got headaches when sitting near wireless nodes. These are very productive, energetic, engaged people who felt better when moved."
He notified committee members, and a subcommittee was formed in 2008 to examine radiation studies.
"At the very, very least there is enough to see the scientific debate is inconclusive," he said. "The subcommittee brought this to the overall committee, and all workers, staff, and management signed on to a preliminary warning that the subcommittee had looked into it. The question is very much up in the air... the research is inconclusive. The safety standards aren't necessarily safe."
He points to the history of industry intervention with tobacco. "The first epidemiological link to cancer was published in 1939."
It's difficult for the health effects of a product to see the light of day. While most people in the industry have no idea about the science involved, Fancy is quick to say there is no large group of people conspiring to undermine the health of the population.
"I think it's part of human history – people don't like changing their habits. I think we'll have to see a lot of health issues... possibly a body count... before we do something about it."
The insurance industry stopped insuring wireless companies for health effects in 2002. That suggests the owner of the emitter can be held responsible. "There is an EMF rider disclaimer in policies," said Fancy. "I suspect there will be significant class actions in the future."
In 2007, the Alaska Supreme Court upheld the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board decision awarding an AT&T equipment installer 100-percent disability due to his exposure to RF radiation at an antenna worksite.
"There hasn't been wireless allowed at Lakehead University," Fancy pointed out. "(And) the German government stopped encouraging people to have wireless, and to use wired connections instead. Same for the French national Library ... various schools in Britain ... in Canada we're a little behind in the game."
In addition to headaches that are common to those affected by wireless radiation, other issues include suppression of the parasympathetic nervous system, addictions to the technology and elevated dopamine levels.
"There are definite issues -- heat shock to proteins... problems with DNA replication... enzymes related to cancer... and behaviour and mood issues resulting from exposure," said Fancy. "Right now people are less willing to say these could lead to health effects. When the industry has to fess up and acknowledge these, it's going to cause an expensive problem."
It's a fact that people need and use wireless technology. The economy and economic expansion are predicated on it.
"We view this as an opportunity for R&D," Fancy said. "We understand there is a possibility to develop bio-compatible technologies."
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Let's talk about electromagnetic fields
BY LARRY BURK
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/09/15/681333/lets-talk-about-electromagnetic.html
DURHAM -- Practically everyone has a cell phone these days, and alarms have been raised by prominent scientists about studies showing that long-term cell phone use doubles the risk of brain tumors. Dr. Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, warned in 2008 that children should limit their use of cell phones to avoid potential health risks.
Those who have seen the movie "Thank You for Smoking" may remember the Big Tobacco lobbyist who has lunch each week with firearms and alcohol lobbyists, as self-described members of the "Merchants of Death." At the movie's end he quits the tobacco business and is seen negotiating with Scandinavian cell phone executives to provide similar services for their company by spinning the science regarding potential health hazards to their advantage.
It is ironic that one of the first reports of negative health effects attributable to cell phones in the 1980s came from an Ericsson telecommunications engineer named Per Segerbäck. His story is told in a February 2010 Popular Science article headlined "The Man Who Was Allergic to Radio Waves." Segerbäck's initial symptoms of dizziness, nausea, headaches, burning sensations and red blotches on his skin were part of what is now known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS).
In the engineering group he led for 20 years designing prototype telecommunication systems, all but two of the 20 members developed similar symptoms, although his were the worst.
With a telecom antenna located right outside his window, his symptoms progressed to the point where Ericsson paid to have electromagnetic field (EMF) shielding installed in his Volvo, office and home, and provided him with a special EMF- shielded suit.
Ericsson produced a report on "Hypersensitivity in the Workplace" in 1993, and Segerbäck was eventually dismissed when he could no longer function effectively in the EMF environment. He now experiences rapid loss of consciousness if exposed to a cell phone nearby and lives in a remote cabin relatively isolated from EMF.
Sweden now recognizes EHS as a functional impairment affecting an estimated 230,000 people. However, the majority of double-blind placebo-controlled studies funded by governments and the telecom industry have not shown that EHS sufferers can reliably tell when they are exposed to a real EMF rather than a sham field.
Given the funding bias in the studies, people with EHS may still be the "canaries in the coal mine" with their acute symptoms serving to warn us of the long-term dangers of EMF exposure, which are supported by more robust scientific evidence. Many countries now have stricter guidelines than the United States to protect their citizens from these potential hazards. In the U.S., some cities are following suit, including San Francisco, which did a 2007 analysis of the potential environmental effects of a proposed Earthlink Wi-Fi Network.
This alarm is occurring at a time when wireless networks, including high-powered Wi-Max, are rapidly proliferating. So it behooves us to have local discussions about the benefits and risks.
Last month Gov. Beverly Perdue announced "$115 Million in Federal Recovery Funds to Expand Broadband Access in North Carolina." This includes, among many other projects, construction of 24 new wireless towers to complement six existing towers for a public safety broadband network in the Charlotte area.
There is also funding for the Yadkin Valley Telephone Membership Corp. to offer a diverse Fiber-To-The-Home network to six western Piedmont counties. Given a choice between wireless and fiber optic, the latter appears to be the safer choice, with significantly less mass exposure of the general public. This option is also a greener choice, requiring much less expenditure of energy once the cables have been installed.
Now is the time to have public conversations in city councils and in the legislature, before the EMF genie is let completely out of the bottle in an uncontrolled way that is modulated only by financial interests. Unless we act now we will not have learned anything from our state's tobacco legacy. What kind of EMF-polluted world will our children inherit if we do not use appropriate precautionary principles?
Larry Burk, M.D., is president of Healing Imager, Inc., in Durham. Information on a local support group for electromagnetic hypersensitivity is at raleighes.info
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Palm Springs School 'Cancer Cluster'
http://www.kesq.com/news/24901828/detail.html
Watch the video, was the testing incompetent? Are the children and staff still at great risk?
Is this further evidence that US safety levels are not safe?
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