Thursday, December 30, 2010

PG&E Smart Meter Protest Shuts SFD in W. Marin: Two Moms Arrested / We need to get to the bottom / AN EXAMINATION OF THE POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF EMR

W.E.E.P. News

Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution News 

31 December 2010

 
 
PG&E Smart Meter Protest Shuts SFD in W. Marin: Two Moms Arrested
 
by J Hart
Wednesday Dec 29th, 2010 1:35 PM
Point Reyes Station, CA- Two mothers from West Marin County were arrested this morning after PG&E ordered Sheriffs deputies to clear the two out of the way as a group of concerned residents gathered on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Inverness Park to deny access to PG&E's 'smart' meter contractors Wellington Energy.

According to Elizabeth Whitney, a local who was present at the scene, "there was a group of about two dozen residents blocking about ten Wellington Energy trucks on Sir Francis Drake Blvd this morning. After some indecision and confusion amid stopped traffic, sheriffs deputies arrived on the scene. Under the direction of the sheriffs, eight of the trucks cooperated in making U-turns and turning back while the group stepped aside. The remaining two trucks lingered at the location (in front of a local delicatessen) in conversation with the locals but then turned toward Inverness unexpectedly and caused the protest group to resume their blockade. Two local mothers were arrested and taken into custody for failure to disperse. Sir Francis Drake Blvd. is the only access to Inverness and the incident took place in Inverness Park, two miles south of the town."

Residents are reacting in part to numerous reports of people getting sick from the high intensity microwave radiation pulses from the new meters. Wireless impulses from the new meters radiate 24 hours a day and are approximately 2-3 times the intensity of a cell phone according to independent experts. Cell phones are increasingly being linked to brain tumors, and other health problems. Despite widespread calls for a moratorium until assurances can be made about the meters' safety, PG&E- with the help of the industry backed CA Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)- continues to force the meters onto homes and businesses, even while a state-ordered investigation into 'smart' meter health impacts is under way. The utility has been refusing to remove meters that are making people sick, despite more than 2000 health complaints to the CPUC.

PG&E and its subcontractors Wellington Energy have been using more aggressive installation tactics, and according to locals, appear to be almost waging war on its customers. "Why are they in such a hurry? If this technology is safe and their goal is to reach out to the customer and listen to their concerns, then why are they trying to install smart meters as fast as possible in West Marin? Why aggressively roll out a technology on an unwilling customer base, it just doesn't make sense in terms of their PR." Said Scott McMorrow of Inverness.

According to Katharina Sandizell of Point Reyes Station, a mother of two, and one of the women who was arrested this morning, "PG&E is using shock and awe tactics on it's customers. Smart meters are being installed without public consent, without even knocking on doors to check if it's safe to turn off the electricity. They are rolling over civil liberties and getting these things installed as quickly as possible so that people don't have time to consider the implications or ask questions. If they have nothing to hide, then what's the rush?"

"We will continue to risk arrest to protect our children, our community, and our civil liberties...the only way that I know to stop installation of smart meters is to put a body between the installer and the meter, and I will continue to do this until I don't have to anymore. But I would rather be at home with my daughter" said Miss June of Inverness, a working mother who was also arrested today.

More background information:
http://stopsmartmeters.org
Several photographs of this incident can be viewed here -  http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/12/29/18667766.php
 
 
Note -
 
These are very brave moms who are willing to risk their freedom, in order to try and keep their community safe. 
 
They deserve our respect and our support.
 
Martin
 
 
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Another concerned politician (UK, MP)

We need to get to the bottom of what mobile phones do to our health

As we await more research, phone companies shouldn't shirk from their responsibility to broadcast precautionary messages

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/dec/20/mobile-phones-health-companies-precaution-research

 

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The HESA Committee Hearings

Note the links near to the bottom of the page to witness presentations. 

There is a lot of good evidence that was presented during the hearings which may be helpful in the future.  

Evidence presented by the wireless industry and by Health Canada should be closely examined for accuracy. 

Martin

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AN EXAMINATION OF THE POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF RADIOFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

Introduction

In recent years, public concerns have been raised regarding the potential negative health impacts of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitting devices, such as microwaves and wireless phones.[1] On March 30, 2010, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health (hereafter the Committee) agreed to conduct a study examining this issue. During the course of its study, the Committee held three hearings where it heard from a variety of witnesses, including: government officials, interested stakeholder groups and scientific experts. This report summarizes testimony from these hearings, as well as written submissions received by the Committee. Finally, it also identifies ways in which the federal government could take further action in this area.

Background Information

A. Electromagnetic Radiation[2]

Electromagnetic radiation is defined as waves of electric and magnetic energy that are transmitted through space and travelling at the speed of light. The area where these waves are found is called an electromagnetic field (EMF), which is made up of both an electric and a magnetic fields. Electric fields are created from static electrically charged particles. If these electrically charged particles are put into motion through a conductor, magnetic fields are then also created from the resulting electric current. For example, plugging in an electric appliance will create an electric field; however, it is only when the appliance is turned on and electricity flows that a magnetic field is then also created.

Electromagnetic radiation is measured in units of wavelength and frequency. The wavelength is the distance that a wave travels in one cycle and is measured in meters. The frequency is measured by the number of cycles per second and the unit of measurement is the Hertz (Hz). One cycle per second equals one hertz. The frequency of the wave is inversely related to its length: the higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength.

B. Sources of Electromagnetic Radiation[3]

Electromagnetic fields are present everywhere in our environment and are produced by both man-made and natural sources. For example, the main source of electromagnetic radiation is the sun, while other man-made items—such as hairdryers, electrical ovens, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens, stereos, wireless phones and computers—all produce electromagnetic fields of varying intensities.

C. The Impact of Electromagnetic Radiation on the Human Body

The electromagnetic spectrum arranges electromagnetic radiation according to its frequencies and impact on the human body. The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into two main categories: ionizing and non-ionizing frequencies. Electromagnetic radiation with low frequencies ranging up to 300 gigahertz (GHz) are called non-ionizing, meaning they do not breakdown chemical bonds in biological tissue, including DNA, which is the building block of genetic material in the body[4]. However, non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation with low frequencies do produce electrical currents within the human body that could result in increases in body temperature.[5] Increases in body temperature resulting from electromagnetic radiation are referred to by scientists as "thermal effects".[6] For example, radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation that usually ranges from 30 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 GHz are able to induce electrical currents within the human body, which can produce a range of effects such as heating and electrical shock, depending on their amplitude and frequency range.[7] RF fields are mainly used in telecommunications, such as mobile phones and other home appliances, such as microwaves. Microwave electromagnetic radiation is considered by scientists to be a subset of radio frequency fields.[8]

It is important to note that some scientists have found that long-term exposure to low level RF electromagnetic radiation could potentially provoke biological and chemical changes within cells that could negatively influence people's well being.[9] These biological responses occur at the cellular level and do not involve heating. Scientists refer to them as "non- thermal effects" of RF and microwave electromagnetic radiation.[10] However, these biological and chemical changes may not necessarily translate into adverse health effects.[11]

Meanwhile, extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic radiation, which has a frequency of less than 100 kHz, is also able to induce electric currents within the human body, but these induced currents are lower than the electric currents found to be naturally occurring in the human body and therefore do not result in thermal effects.[12] However, strong ELF electromagnetic radiation can produce nerve and muscle stimulation.[13] ELF electromagnetic radiation can originate from electrical wiring in buildings, electrical appliances and power lines.

Finally, electromagnetic radiation with very high frequencies and short wavelengths is able to produce enough energy to cause ionization, that is, it is able to breakdown chemical bonds in biological tissue, including DNA.[14] The boundary between ionizing and non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation is the frequency of visible light, which ranges between 430 and 750 terahertz (THz).[15] Once electromagnetic radiation reaches a frequency higher than 750THz, it is then capable of breaking chemical bonds in biological tissue. Ionizing radiation can range in frequencies from 756 THz to 4.61 exahertz (EHz). Sources of ionizing electromagnetic radiation include ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays. Excessive exposure to these sources can cause serious adverse health effects in the human body, such as cancer. Consequently, exposures to these levels of electromagnetic radiation are restricted both in Canada and internationally.

Table 1—Select Radiation Emitting Devices on the Electromagnetic Spectrum[16]

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Radiation Emitting Device

Frequency in Hz[17]

Extremely Low Frequency

Power Lines

50/60 Hz

Radiofrequency

Microwave Ovens

0.010 GHz to 300 GHz

Radiofrequency

Mobile Phones

800 MHz to 2 GHz

Radiofrequency

Mobile phone base stations

1.8 GHz

Extremely High Radiofrequency

X-ray Machines

1EHz

D. The Regulation of Electromagnetic Radiation Emitting Devices in Canada

Guidelines determining acceptable amounts electromagnetic radiation for safe human exposure are designed to prevent negative health consequences due to thermal effects. The impact of electromagnetic radiation on the human body is measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which measures the amount of heat produced in the human body as a result of exposure to radiofrequency fields.[18] It is defined as the rate of energy absorption per unit mass and is expressed in units of watts per kilogram (W/kg). The internal SAR cannot be measured directly in the body, but is estimated by theoretical calculations.

The Government of Canada is responsible for setting the limits for safe human exposure to electromagnetic radiation from radiofrequency emitting devices in order to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act, Health Canada is responsible for regulating radiation emitting devices.[19] The safety limits that Health Canada has set for safe human exposure to RF electromagnetic radiation is in the frequency range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz.[20] This limit is referred to as Safety Code 6 and results in an average SAR of 0.08 W/kg, which is deemed safe for all members of the population including the elderly, individuals with health concerns, children and pregnant women.[21]

Industry Canada is responsible for regulating radio-communication in Canada, including authorizing the installation of radio-communication towers and sites and the approval of RF equipment such as cell phones and assessing their compliance with their standards.[22] Industry Canada derives this authority from the Department of Industry Act, as well as the Radiocommunications Act, which specifically provides the authority to approve antenna supporting structures.[23] Industry Canada has chosen the RF exposure standard developed by Health Canada in Safety Code 6 as its basis for the regulation of mobile phones, base stations, Wi-Fi technologies and other radio-communication transmitters.[24]

What the Committee Heard

A. The Development and Implementation of Safety Code 6

The Committee heard from Health Canada officials that Canadians are protected from harmful exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation through Safety Code 6, which establishes the safe limit for human exposure to electromagnetic radiation from various devices.[25] The Committee heard that Safety Code 6 is developed through a thorough review process that includes an evaluation of scientific evidence and literature on the effects of radio frequency radiation on biological systems.[26] According to officials, this review process is consistent with guidelines provided by the World Health Organization for the development of health-based electromagnetic frequency standards.

During the course of its review, Health Canada examines scientific evidence from animal, cell culture and epidemiological studies carried out worldwide.[27] Officials further clarified that it examines studies that focus on both the thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation, as well as those that examine non-thermal effects occurring at the cellular level.[28] In addition, the Committee heard that Health Canada has conducted its own studies on this topic, which have been published in peer-reviewed journals. In its evaluation of the existing data, Health Canada considers the quality of the individual studies, as well as the consistency of observed effects across laboratories. The Committee heard that while this review process was last conducted in 2009, Health Canada continues to review the scientific literature on an ongoing basis.

Based upon this scientific review process, Health Canada has determined that human exposure to RF electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz is safe.[29] Officials articulated that this limit is well below the threshold for any potential harm and it was designed to provide protection to all age groups, including children, if exposed on a continual basis. They further noted that in the development of Safety Code 6, models of children's bodies and brains were used to examine the potential effects of radiation exposure on tissue similar to that of a child's, as studies cannot be directly conducted on children due to ethical reasons.[30] Finally, officials articulated that these exposure limits are comparable to those in other jurisdictions, including the United States and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, a standard adopted by most European countries.[31]

While Health Canada is responsible for the development of Safety Code 6, the Committee heard that Industry Canada is responsible for its implementation with regards to the regulation of portable radio-communication equipment, such as cell phones, as well as antenna towers and their surroundings.[32] In order to ensure that portable radio-communications are in compliance with the standards established through Safety Code 6, Industry Canada requires that they be certified by accredited bodies.[33] Once the equipment is on the market, Industry Canada continues to test individual units of these models to ensure that they continue to meet Safety Code 6 standards.

The Committee heard from Industry Canada officials that a licence is required for the establishment of all new antenna installations.[34] Industry Canada will only issue a licence if emissions from an antenna in areas accessible to the public are within the limits of Safety Code 6. Furthermore, the measurement of emissions also takes into account the cumulative effects of other antennas in the vicinity. Once a tower is operational, it remains a condition of its licence under the Radiocommunication Act to respect these limits at all times.[35] The Committee also heard that Industry Canada continues to perform audits and tests on antenna installation sites after licensing to ensure that they remain compliant.

Finally, the Committee heard that both Health Canada and Industry Canada work together to produce documents for Canadians concerned about RF exposure.[36] They have produced a document entitled, "Frequently Asked Questions on RF Energy and Health"[37] in order to address various questions related to RF exposure, as well as a handbook and numerous information sheets related to wireless communication and health.[38]

B. Concerns Raised by Witnesses Regarding Safety Code 6

Some witnesses appearing before the Committee were of the view that limits established by Safety Code 6 were not stringent enough to protect Canadians from potential negative health impacts of long-term exposure to RF electromagnetic radiation.[39] According to some scientists appearing before the Committee, the findings of their research indicated that there were non-thermal biological effects resulting from exposure to RF electromagnetic radiation that was below the frequency limit established by Safety Code 6. In their view, these biological effects could result in negative health outcomes for humans, and in particular children.

For example, one scientist appearing before the Committee conducted a study which found that electromagnetic radiation produced from mobile phone handsets had resulted in a 60% reduction in insect reproductive capacity.[40] The scientist further indicated that these findings were in line with other studies that had reported DNA damage in mammalian cells and subsequent links to human infertility. Other scientists outlined studies that had found other potential negative health outcomes as a result of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as links between cell phones and the development of brain tumours among children, and links between cordless DECT phones and affects on the heart such as arrhythmia and tachycardia.[41] These scientists further articulated that many of the studies demonstrating that long-term exposure to low level radiofrequencies had not resulted in negative health outcomes had been funded by the wireless industry; and therefore, more publically funded studies examining the health impacts of electromagnetic radiation were necessary.[42]

Another witness appearing before the Committee articulated that in his view, the science behind the development Safety Code 6 did not take into account the interaction between electric currents naturally occurring in the human body and the RF electromagnetic radiation resulting from the environment.[43] He articulated that he presented his findings to Health Canada and Industry Canada, but found that they were not taken seriously.[44]

The Committee also heard from community organizations representing parents who were concerned about their children's exposure to RF electromagnetic radiation in schools and the environment from Wi-Fi and wireless telephone base stations.[45] These organizations articulated that both adults and children in their communities had experienced symptoms of headaches, sleep disturbances, problems with concentration, dizziness and heart irregularities. They further attributed these symptoms to exposure to Wi-Fi and wireless telephone base stations, a condition called "electromagnetic sensitivity".[46] They articulated that governments and industry should recognize "electromagnetic sensitivity" as an illness.[47] In addition, the Committee received numerous letters from interested individuals describing similar symptoms which they attributed to their exposure to cell phones, Wi-fi and wireless telephone base stations. These individuals also requested that "electromagnetic sensitivity" be recognized as an illness.

Based upon these concerns, these scientists and community organizations argued that Health Canada should take a precautionary approach to human exposure to RF electromagnetic radiation.[48] In their view, a precautionary approach is a public policy approach for risk management of possible but unproven adverse health effects.[49] The precautionary principle is applied when there is only some evidence and that evidence remains inconclusive.[50] According to these witnesses, in practice the application of the precautionary principle in relation to human exposure to electromagnetic radiation means that there should be a reduction of the exposure limits set out in Safety Code 6.[51] Witnesses recommended that exposure limits in Canada be reduced to levels outlined in the Bioinitiative Report of one tenth of a microwatt per centimetre squared or 0.614 volts per meter.[52]

However, the Committee also heard from other scientists who were of the view that there was significant evidence to support the current guidelines for exposure to electromagnetic radiation under Safety Code 6, therefore lower levels were unnecessary.[53] They pointed out that since World War II, thousands of studies had been undertaken on the bioeffects and potential health risks related to electromagnetic radiation, which includes over 1,200 studies examining electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones.[54] According to these witnesses, this literature had been authoritatively reviewed in the last two years by: the World Health Organization, the Ireland Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, the European Commission, the United States National Research Council Expert Panel, the Royal Society of Canada and the Committee on Man and Radiation. In their view, these authoritative reviews have concluded that there is no compelling body of evidence of adverse health effects associated with electromagnetic radiation at levels below internationally accepted limits.[55]

However, these scientists also pointed out that there were certain gaps in the existing literature related to long-term low-level exposure and brain functions and reproductive outcomes, as well as the effects of long-term exposure among children using mobile phones.[56] They consequently  recommended that more long-term studies were necessary, as well as continuous review of the scientific literature. Furthermore, they suggested that while they supported the existing guidelines, individuals who did have concerns could take individual measures to limit their exposure, such as limiting their use of mobile phones.[57]

Wireless industry stakeholders appearing before the Committee also supported the need for long-term studies in order to ensure the long-term safety of their products.[58] However, they also noted that a restrictive precautionary approach to electromagnetic radiation could have potential negative impacts as well. For example, they suggested that if Canada's safety guidelines were stricter than international guidelines, manufacturers would have to produce special phones for Canada, which in turn would drive up costs.[59] Furthermore, they articulated that restrictive approaches to electromagnetic radiation emitting devices failed to take into account the benefits that they provided to society: over half of 911 calls are made through cell phones.[60]

In responding to concerns raised by witnesses, Health Canada officials indicated that they agreed that long term studies on the effects of low level electromagnetic radiation, as well as ongoing review of the scientific literature were necessary.[61] However, they articulated that from their point of view a precautionary approach towards exposure to low levels of electromagnetic radiation was unnecessary as there was a significant body of scientific evidence available supporting Safety Code 6.[62] They further emphasized that a precautionary approach was only undertaken by the department when limited scientific evidence was available.[63] In addition, they pointed out that the studies that Health Canada had reviewed regarding electromagnetic sensitivity had failed to establish a causal relationship between the symptoms experienced by study participants and electromagnetic radiation, but further research was necessary in this area.[64] Finally, officials from Health Canada expressed their willingness to work with individuals, communities and school boards to address their concerns regarding exposure to electromagnetic radiation.[65]

Committee Observations and Conclusions

During the course of its study, the Committee heard from several witnesses, including department officials, that Canadians were protected from excessive exposure to RF electromagnetic radiation by Safety Code 6, a standard developed by Health Canada through a rigorous review of the extensive available scientific evidence. The Committee also heard that Canadian standards were in line with those in other jurisdictions, as well as recommendations provided by international bodies, such as the World Health Organization. However, the Committee also heard that some studies had found that there were negative health effects resulting from exposure to low levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation. It also heard that there were gaps in the scientific literature related to children's exposure, effects on brain function and possible effects on reproductive capacity. Moreover, the Committee heard that long-term studies on the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation were necessary, as well as ongoing review of the scientific literature. Finally, the Committee also heard from witnesses that more publicly funded studies examining the health impacts of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation were necessary. The Committee therefore recommends that:

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1.    The Government of Canada consider providing funding to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in support of long-term studies examining the potential health impacts of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.

2.    Health Canada request that the Council of Canadian Academies or another appropriate independent institution conduct an assessment of the Canadian and international scientific literature regarding the potential health impacts of short and long-term exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, which would include an examination of electromagnetic sensitivity and a comparison of public policies in other countries governing exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation; and report on its findings.

3.    Health Canada and Industry Canada develop a comprehensive risk awareness program for exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, which would include Health Canada making public in an accessible and transparent way all the studies and analyses undertaken by the Department on the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on human health, as well as the provision of information promoting the safe use of wireless technologies.

4.    Health Canada and Industry Canada offer to provide information, including awareness sessions on exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.

5.    Health Canada ensure that it has a process in place to receive and respond to reports of adverse reactions to electromagnetic radiation emitting devices.



[1]              World Health Organization, WHO Backgrounder: Electromagnetic fields and Public Health Cautionary Policies, March 2000, http://www.who.int/docstore/peh-emf/publications/facts_press/EMF-Precaution.htm.

[2]              Unless otherwise noted, this section is drawn from: University of Ottawa/RFcom.ca, Frequently Asked Questions, http://www.rfcom.ca/faq/ answers.shtml#q8.

[3]              Unless otherwise noted, this section is drawn from: WHO, What are electromagnetic fields, http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/print.html.

[4]              University of Ottawa/RFcom.ca, Frequently Asked Questions, http://www.rfcom.ca/faq/ answers.shtml#q8.

[5]              Government of Canada, Wireless Communication and Health: An Overview, http://www.ic.gc.ca/antenna.

[6]              Ibid.

[7]              University of Ottawa/RFcom.ca, EMF Primer, http://www.rfcom.ca/primer/index.shtml.

[8]              Ibid.

[9]              WHO, What are electromagnetic fields?, http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/print.html.

[10]           Government of Canada, "Wireless Communication and Health: An Overview," http://www.ic.gc.ca/antenna.

[11]           WHO, What are electromagnetic fields?, http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/print.html.

[12]           University of Ottawa/RFcom.ca, Frequently Asked Questions, http://www.rfcom.ca/faq/ answers.shtml#q8.

[13]           Ibid.

[14]           Ibid.

[15]           Jcmiras.Net_01, "The boundary between Ionizing and Non-ionizing Frequency," http://www.jcmiras.net/jcm/item/82

[16]           This table is based upon information provided in the following document: University of Ottawa/RFcom.ca,"Frequently Asked Questions," http://www.rfcom.ca/faq/ answers.shtml#q8 and University of Ottawa/RFcom.ca, "EMF Primer," http://www.rfcom.ca/primer/index.shtml.

[17]           One cycle per second equals one hertz; one kilohertz (kHz) equals 1,000 Hz; one megahertz (MHz) equals one million Hz; one gigahertz equals one billion Hz; one terahertz equals 1012; Hz; and one EHz equals 1018 Hz .

[18]           University of Ottawa/RFcom.ca, Frequently Asked Questions, http://www.rfcom.ca/faq/ answers.shtml#q8.

[19]                 Radiation Emitting Devices Act, R.S., c.34 (1st Supp.), s.1.

[20]                 Health Canada, Health Canada's Radiofrequency Exposure Guidelines, http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/radiation/radio_guide-lignes_direct-eng.php.

[21]                 University of Ottawa, Frequently Asked Questions, http://www.rfcom.ca/faq/answers.shtml#q8.

[22]           Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, Connecting Canadians: Wireless Antenna Towers Siting in Canada, June 2008, http://www.cwta.ca/CWTASite/english/pdf/CWTA_Connecting09_08.pdf, p.14 and p. 20.

[23]           Ibid, p. 14.

[24]           Ibid, p. 21.

[25]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 27, 2010, No. 12, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4467140/HESAEV12-E.PDF

[26]           Ibid.

[27]           Ibid.

[28]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, October 28, 2010, No. 34, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4738168/HESAEV34-E.PDF

[29]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 27, 2010, No. 12, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4467140/HESAEV12-E.PDF.

[30]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, October 28, 2010, No. 34, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4738168/HESAEV34-E.PDF.

[31]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 27, 2010, No. 12, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4467140/HESAEV12-E.PDF.

[32]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 29, 2010, No. 13, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4478290/HESAEV13-E.PDF.

[33]           It is important to note that Industry Canada officials did not specify which accredited bodies were providing certification of portable radio-communication equipment.

[34]            House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 29, 2010, No. 13, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4478290/HESAEV13-E.PDF.

[35]           Ibid.

[36]           Ibid.

[37]           Industry Canada and Health Canada, "Frequently Asked Questions on RF Energy and Health" http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/vwapj/faq-energy-health.pdf/$FILE/faq-energy-health.pdf.

[38]           Ibid.

[39]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 29, 2010, No. 13, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4478290/HESAEV13-E.PDF.

[40]           Ibid.

[41]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 27, 2010, No. 12, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4467140/HESAEV12-E.PDF.

[42]           Ibid.

[43]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, October 28, 2010, No. 34, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4738168/HESAEV34-E.PDF.

[44]           Ibid.

[45]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 27, 2010, No. 12, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4467140/HESAEV12-E.PDF and House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, October 28, 2010, No. 34, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4738168/HESAEV34-E.PDF.

[46]           Ibid.

[47]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 27, 2010, No. 12, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4467140/HESAEV12-E.PDF.

[48]           Ibid.

[49]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, October 28, 2010, No. 34, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4738168/HESAEV34-E.PDF.

[50]           Ibid.

[51]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 27, 2010, No. 12, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4467140/HESAEV12-E.PDF.

[52]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 29, 2010, No. 13, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4478290/HESAEV13-E.PDF.

[53]           Ibid.

[54]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 27, 2010, No. 12, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4467140/HESAEV12-E.PDF.

[55]           Dr. Riadh Habash, "Potential Impact of Electromagnetic Radiation on Human Health," Brief submitted to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health.

[56]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, "Evidence," 29 April, 2010, No. 13, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4478290/HESAEV13-E.PDF.

[57]           Ibid.

[58]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 27, 2010, No. 12, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4467140/HESAEV12-E.PDF.

[59]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 29, 2010, No. 13, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4478290/HESAEV13-E.PDF.

[60]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, April 27, 2010, No. 12, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4467140/HESAEV12-E.PDF.

[61]           House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, Evidence, October 28, 2010, No. 34, 3 rd Session of the 40th Parliament, http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/hoc/Committee/403/HESA/Evidence/EV4738168/HESAEV34-E.PDF.

[62]           Ibid.

[63]           Ibid.

[64]           Ibid.

[65]           Ibid.

 
 

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W.E.E.P. – The Canadian initiative to stop Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Nintendo Health-Safety Warnings / My Blackberry Is Not Working / Wi-Fi Overload at High-Tech Meetings / Wave- harnessing turbines / Car of the Future / Plans cause a stir / Solar Max



W.E.E.P. News
Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution News 
30 December 2010
Nintendo Releases Health-Safety Warnings for 3DS.

X-bit Labs
It includes a motion sensor, a gyro sensor, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n controller, a Slide Pad that allows 360-degree analog input and so on. ...


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My Blackberry Is Not Working !
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Elizabeth
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Wave- harnessing turbines may disrupt marine creatures' behaviour: scientists
29 Dec 2010 The Vancouver Sun Page B1
BY LES BLUMENTHAL McClatchy Newspapers

http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-12-scientists-ocean-energy-effect-sea-creature.html

Hillar
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Car of the Future
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By Claire Wood
But the church may step in to prevent the plans. Reverend Helen Freeston from St Peter's Methodist Church has moved to reassure people that she won't allow this to go ahead: "The church will not be having any antenna on its premises. The church is too concerned about its local community. That's the point of our existence."


Robert R
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Solar Max Could Spell Trouble

Discovery News
At its angriest, the sun can emit tides of electromagnetic radiation and ... "I think there is some hyperbole about the draconian effects," said Kunches. ...

http://news.discovery.com/space/solar-max-sun-electromagnetic.html


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W.E.E.P. – The Canadian initiative to stop Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution
Wi-Fi Overload at High-Tech Meetings


TECHNOLOGY   | December 29, 2010
By VERNE G. KOPYTOFF
Technology conferences would seem to be a natural for great Wi-Fi access, but the technology was not intended for large rooms and crowds.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/29/technology/29wifi.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Tensen Family Farm v Consumers Energy Company / Testimony, T-Mobile Tower & Compound / A Concerned Politician


W.E.E.P. News
Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution News 
29 December 2010
Tensen Family Farm v Consumers Energy Company  MPSC Case No 16129
Please carefully read the excellent attached letter from Prof. Don Hillman.  It is further evidence about harm being caused to people and animals by electrical companies more concerned about profit, than health and safety.  It was sent in response to another recent story about ground current, linked below.  Our thanks go to Prof. Hillman for his continued concern and all his extensive efforts to try and ensure a safe electrical system in North America.  (Martin)
Re: Owen Veterinarian Fights Over Electrical Pollution ( http://firstdonoharmblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/owen-veterinarian-fights-xcel-energy.html )

"Dr. Pamela Jaffke and her cat Magic are likely victims of the Collusion and Conspiracy involving Utilities and PSC that were revealed and are contained in a letter to the Governor-Elect, Mr. Richard Snyder of Michigan, attached.  This is a matter of public record, testimony was given in hearings at the Michigan Public Service Commission MPSC Case No. U-16129, Tensen Family Farm v Consumers Energy Company".
Don Hillman, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Department of Animal Science (Dairy)
Michigan State University,
750 Berkshire Lane
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
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T-Mobile Tower & Compound
Another excellent letter, (written by Angela Flynn) was used as testimony in a recent cell phone tower hearing.  Thanks Angela.

Planning and Zoning CommissionCarroll County Government225 N Center StreetWestminster, MD 21157410-386-2145888-302-8978fax 410-386-2120 
Dennis E. Wertz, ChairmanCharles M. Chadwick, Vice ChairmanMelvin E. Baile, Jr.Alec YeoR. Wayne BarnesRichard S. SoissonCynthia L. Cheatwood 
December 21, 2010 
Re: a.  S-09-024 - Condon Property T-Mobile Tower & Compound - Owner:  John Condon; Developer:  T-Mobile Northeast LLC; located on the north side of Old Liberty Road, east of Salem Bottom Road; Tax Map 67, Block 2, Parcel 635; E.D. 9  
Dear Planning and Zoning Commissioners, 
I write to express my opposition to the proposed cell tower base station at S-09-024 - Condon Property on Old Liberty Road 
I am a health advocate and work on the issue of non ionizing radiation exposure in the radio frequency (RFR) band.   I have a personal stake in this work, as I am one of the growing numbers of people who have become functionally impaired due to prolonged chronic exposure to RFR from a base station near to my home. I am aware that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (TCA) prohibits the consideration of environmental concerns in the siting of base stations, if, the RFR emissions are under the FCC Safety Standard.  However, the TCA does not prohibit the consideration of a loss of property value, and, as many people perceive that there is a loss of property value due to the negative health impact from the exposure to the RFR from cell towers it is incumbent upon the Commissioners to be informed of these impacts. 
Additionally, while there is cell phone coverage in this area, T-Mobile claims this tower is necessary to provide cell phone coverage along MD Route 26 and to the interior of people's homes.  Neither of these is true.
 It is important to point out that the use of cell phones while driving is considered distracted driving and studies show that it is as bad as drunk driving.  The Department of Transportation (DOT) says, we heard America's call to end the dangerous practice of distracted driving on our nation's roadways. Distracted driving is a serious, life-threatening practice and we will not rest until we stop it … The message is simple – Put it down! . (http://www.distraction.gov/ )   
In Maryland, there is a handheld ban for all drivers; a ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers; and, a ban on texting for all drivers. 
No Telecom company should be promoting cell phone coverage for drivers as this encourages unsafe driving practices. 
Winfield has an estimated 348 residents.  Of these, close to 250 have signed a petition against the cell tower.  If the remainder of the people must have better coverage in their homes they can purchase their own femtocell. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femtocell)  This would be the far better option rather than unnecessarily exposing all Winfield residents to the RF radiation emitted by the transmitters on cell towers. 
The proposed 120 foot tower would be in close proximity to South Carroll High and Winfield Elementary schools.  Children are more susceptible to environmental toxins, absorb more RFR into their bodies and face longer cumulative exposure than adults.  This greater danger is being taken seriously by many scientific and governmental agencies.   
In April 2009, the EU Parliament adopted a resolution on health concerns associated with RFR, which includes criteria for setting up Cell Towers. They state: "In this context, it is important to ensure at least that schools, nursery schools, retirement homes, and health care institutions are kept clear, within a specific distance determined by scientific criteria, of facilities of this type." (http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P6-TA-2009-0216+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN )
In January 2008, the National Research Council, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, issued a report saying that we do not know enough about the potential health risks of long-term exposure to RF radiation from cell phones, cell towers, television towers, and other components of our communications system. The scientists emphasized, in particular, the unknown risks to the health of children, pregnant women, and fetuses as well as of workers whose jobs entail high exposure to RF radiation.  The report states: 
"Wireless networks are being built very rapidly, and many more base station antennas are being installed.  A crucial research need is to characterize radiated electromagnetic fields for typical multiple-element base station antennas and for the highest radiated power conditions with measurements conducted during peak hours of the day at locations close to the antennas as well as at ground level." (http://www.nap.edu/catalog/12036.html ) 
Jason Campbell, senior development manager for T-Mobile, USA, reports that the RF radiation levels from this cell tower will be 100 times lower than the FCC standards. This means the estimated RFR level will be 10 microwatts per centimeter squared (µW/cm2).  This is the maximum allowable RFR exposure level in Russia, China, Switzerland, Italy and Monaco.  The level claimed by Campbell may not take into account additional transmitters, which will further increase the RFR levels.  In addition the reflective and amplifying nature of RFR in the environment may lead to localized RFR hot spots that exceed the estimated levels. 
 The wide variance in RFR exposure limits around the world is due to the fact that some countries, such as the United States, dismiss non-thermal biological effects from RFR exposure.  The limits only protect against thermal heating.  Many countries have lower limits that factor in the non-thermal cumulative effects, which have been shown to occur at levels thousands of times lower than the thermal effects.  
According to Norbert Hankin, an environmental scientist in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, who has studied the effects of RFR for 33 years, the FCC's standards are "thermally based, and do not apply to chronic, non-thermal exposure situations…Therefore, the generalization by many that the guidelines protect human beings from harm by any or all mechanisms is not justified."http://americanassociationforcellphonesafety.org/uploads/noi_epa_response.pdf 
The BioInitiative Report, published in 2007, provides detailed scientific information on health impacts when people are exposed to EMF/RFR hundreds or even thousands of times below the limits currently established by the FCC.  The authors reviewed more than 2000 scientific studies and reviews, and concluded that the existing public safety limits are inadequate to protect public health.  Their conclusion is that:  From a public health policy standpoint, new public safety limits, and limits on further deployment of risky technologies are warranted based on the total weight of evidence.  Their recommendation is to set an exposure standard of 0.1 microwatt per centimeter squared (µW/cm2) limit.  This is 10,000 times lower than the FCC standard of 1,000 µW/cm2 and 100 times lower than T-Mobile's estimation of the RFR levels from the proposed cell tower.  (http://www.bioinitiative.org/ )
 The non-thermal biological effects of RFR have been documented by the international scientific community and the military since the 1950s.  As Dr. David Carpenter, Director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany, State University of New York, lead author of the BioInitiative Report, Advisor to the President's Cancer Panel and the Executive Secretary of the New York Power Lines Project, coveys quite well in his report Setting Prudent Public Health Policy for Electromagnetic Field Exposures: "Clear evidence has emerged from animal and cell culture studies that [RFR] has biological effects.  Furthermore, such effects occur at intensities commonly experienced by humans.  We know a number of ways in which EMF's alter cell physiology and function.  Electromagnetic fields affect gene transcription, induce the synthesis of stress proteins, and cause breakage of DNA, probably through the generation of reactive oxygen species.  Changes in the blood-brain-barrier and in calcium metabolism have been demonstrated for various RF frequencies.and such effects occur at exposures that do not cause significant heating.  Any one of these actions might be responsible for the carcinogenic and/or neuro-degenerative actions of EMF's[RFR]." (http://www.scribd.com/doc/4090137/Setting-Prudent-Public-Health-Policy-for-Electromagnetic-Field-Exposures ) 
In addition, 10 out of the 14 peer-reviewed epidemiological studies analyzed, and conforming to the specified WHO/ICNIRP standards of scientific quality, including their assessment criteria of consistency and replication found significant increases in ill health effects.  Included in this database are only those studies that are about cell tower exposures.  (Kundi, 2008 at the London EMF International Conference). Populations close to cellular antennas show an increase in the effects of ill health in those closest to the antennas with the risks factors dropping off as distance and RFR levels decrease.  Symptoms ranged from sleep disturbances to breast and brain cancers. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TBB-4VRWNH1-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=b22f07bbd6f4e2076bdc07dbc4e94df6 )
 Cell towers should not be placed near our homes and schools. As public officials you have a legal and moral duty to educate yourselves on this matter and to base your decisions on all of the information regarding negative health impacts from exposure to the radio frequency radiation from wireless communication transmitters and their subsequent negative impact on property values.  And, in fact, if you go to this web site – No Cell Tower in Our Neighborhood http://sites.google.com/site/nocelltowerinourneighborhood/home/other-communities-saying-no - you will see some of the hundreds of communities, organizations, municipalities, school parents, individuals and residents who are opposing cell towers and are fighting off wireless facilities in their neighborhoods, including my local high school, Walt Whitman in Bethesda, Md. 
Angela Flynn
5309 Iroquois Road
Bethesda, MD  20816
201-229-0282
angelaflynn80@msn.com
Member of Wireless Radiation Alert Network
Board Member of Center for Safer Wireless
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A Concerned Politician


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W.E.E.P. – The Canadian initiative to stop Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution
CELL TOWERS AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS – LIVING WITH RADIOFREQUENCY RADIATION
http://www.scribd.com/doc/24352550/Cell-Tower-Rpt