Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution News
26 October 2011http://www.bmj.com/content/343/bmj.d6387/reply#bmj_el_271900
Mobile phone radiation could be detected by the human brain.
Denis L Henshaw, Emeritus Professor of Human Radiation Effects
School of Chemistry University of Bristol Cantocks Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS
Re: Use of mobile phones and risk of brain tumours: update of Danish cohort study. Frei, et al. 343:doi:10.1136/bmj.d6387
In their introduction, Frei et al. [1] state: "So far, the mechanism of potential non-thermal interaction between radio frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and living systems is unknown." This statement does not concur with scientific knowledge.
Mobile phones typically have three types of EMF emissions associated with them: in the GSM system a 900 MHz radio frequency, a 217 Hz pulsing signal and an extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF MF) associated with the battery [2]. The ELF component has so far been ignored in all epidemiological studies of mobile phone exposure and cancer. During phone use, this ELF component exposures the whole brain to MFs ranging from a few to tens of micro-tesla, above the intensity of power frequency ELF-MFs that have been repeatedly associated with increased risk of brain tumours in adults [3,4].
Animals across a wide range of species detect small changes in the Earth's magnetic field, which is exploited for navigation. Homing pigeons and newts are estimated to have a limiting magnetic detection sensitivity of 0.01 micro-tesla and magnetic compass sensitivity below 0.2 degrees [5]. Two types of magneto-receptor are widely discussed [6, 7], one based on structures of magnetite particles, the other on a chemical compass exploiting the radical pair mechanism, RPM in which low intensity MFs alter the quantum spin state of the unpaired electrons in a free radical pair. Both mechanisms are relevant to the interaction of mobile phone EMFs in humans.
Thus, the human brain contains magnetite particles [8], some up to 600 nm in size, capable at body temperature of transducing both low intensity ELF MFs and microwave EMFs [9, 10].
The RPM forms part of basic spin chemistry [11] in which low intensity MFs can increase the lifetime of free radical pairs by singlet- to-triplet, S-T, interconversion of their quantum spin states. The increased lifetime of free radicals allows increased availability to cause biological damage, for example to DNA. The energy levels involved are some ten million times below thermal energy, the action being of the nature of a quantum mechanical switch.
There is compelling evidence that the avian magnetic compass utilises the RPM acting in the eye on cryptochromes protein molecules [12], best known for their function in controlling circadian rhythms. The magnetic compass can be disrupted by radio frequency fields. In the American cockroach disruption was seen by 1.2 MHz fields at 0.018 micro-telsa [13], well below current ICNIRP public exposure guidelines [14]. There is evidence that human cryptochromes are magneto-sensitive [15] and that ELF MFs disrupt circadian rhythms in man [16].
IARC has recently classifieds radio frequency EMFs as a 2B possible carcinogen, based on the main body of case-control epidemiology and accumulated exposure to mobile phone radiation and increased risk of brain tumours in heavy users [17]. Research into the possible health effects of mobile phones should now concentrate on designing epidemiological studies with more relevant exposure metrics and at investigating further the mechanistic pathways by which exposure may increase the risk of brain tumours and other adverse health outcomes. Meanwhile, precaution against undue exposure is warranted and should be encouraged.
References:
1. Frei P, Poulsen AH, Olsen JH, Schuz J. 2011 Use of mobile phones and risk of brain tumours:update of Danish cohort study. BMJ 2011;343:d6387 doi: 10.1136/bmj.d6387
2. Tuor M, Ebert S, Schuderer J, Kuster N. Assessment of ELF Exposure from GSM Handsets and Development of an Optimized RF/ELF Exposure Setup for Studies of Human Volunteers. Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society, Report: BAG Reg. No. 2.23.02.-18/02.001778, Zurich, January 2005.
3. O'Carroll MJ, Henshaw DL. 2008. Aggregating epidemiological evidence: comparing two seminal EMF reviews. Risk Anal 28:225-234.
4. Kheifets L, Monroe J, Vergara X, Mezei G, Afifi AA. 2008. Occupational electromagnetic fields and leukaemia and brain cancer: An update to two meta-analyses. JOEM 50:677-688.
5. Gould JL. 2010 Animal Navigation: Longitude at Last. Curr Biol 21;R226 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2011.01.063
6. Lohmann KJ. 2010. Magnetic-field perception. Nature 464:1140-1142.
7. Phillips JB, Muheim R, Jorge PE. 2110. A behavioral perspective on the biophysics of the light-dependent magnetic compass: a link between directional and spatial perception? J Exp Biol 213, 3247-3255. doi:10.1242/jeb.020792.
8. Kirschvink JL, Kobayashi-Kirschvink A, Woodford BJ. 1992. Magnetite biomineralization in the human brain. PNAS USA 89:7683-7687.
9. Vanderstraeten J, Gillis P. 2010. Theoretical Evaluation of Magnetoreception of Power-Frequency Fields. Bioelectromagnetics 31:371- 379.
10. Kirschvink JL. 1996. Microwave Absorption by Magnetite: A Possible Mechanism for Coupling Nonthermal Levels of Radiation to Biological Systems. Bioelectromagnetics 17:187-194.
11. Brocklehurst R, McLauchlan KA 1996. Free radical mechanism for the effects of environmental electromagnetic fields on biological systems. Int J Radiat Biol. 69:3-34.
12. Ritz T, Wiltschko R, Hore PJ, Rodgers CT, Stapput K, Thalau P, Timmel CR, Wiltschko W. 2009. Magnetic compass of birds is based on a molecule with optimal directional sensitivity. Biophys J. 96, 3451-3457. (doi:10. 1016/j.bpj.2008.11.072)
13. V?cha M, P??ov? T,and Mark?ta Kv??alov? M. 2009. Radio frequency magnetic fields disrupt magnetoreception in American cockroach. J Exp Biol. 212;3473-3477.
14. ICNIRP Guidelines 1998: International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection: Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic field (up to 300 GHz). Health Phys 74(4):494-522.
15. Foley LE, Gegear1 RJ, Reppert SM. 2011. Human cryptochrome exhibits light-dependent magnetosensitivity. Nature Comm. DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1364
16. Henshaw DL, Reiter RJ. 2005. Do magnetic fields cause increased risk of childhood leukaemia via melatonin disruption? Bioelectromagnetics Suppl 7:S86-S97.
17. WHO IARC Monograph Working Group, Carcinogenicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Lancet Oncol. 2011 Jul;12(7):624-6.
Competing interests: None declared
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Published 23 October 2011
Mast Sanity
October 25, 2011.
Open Letter to the Honourable Aglukkaq (Federal Minister of Health) and Ms Pieterson (Director General, Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Directorate)
Dear Honourable Aglukkaq and Ms Pieterson,
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my letter, dated October 8, 2011.
It seems that we disagree on many issues related to the health effects of radio frequency (RF) radiation. But we are making progress. We agree on the following three points, that:
(1) proximity–how close the transmitter is to the body;
(2) duration of exposure; and
(3) age (hence sensitivity) of the person exposed
are all important when it comes to the amount of RF radiation absorbed by the human body.
I come to this conclusion based on information you provided in your October 24, 2011 letter (see below) and based on the statement from the October 4th 2011 document entitled, "Health Canada offers practical advice on safe cell phone use: regarding cell phone use."
In the Oct 24th letter Ms Pieterson stated:
Unlike cellular phones, where the transmitter is held close to the head and much of the absorbed RF energy is deposited in a localized area, RF energy from wireless devices such as Wi-Fi is typically transmitted at a greater distance from the human body [indicating that proximity is important].
In the October 4, 2011 document, Health Canada stated the following:
The department also encourages parents to reduce their children's RF exposure from cell phones since children are typically more sensitive to a variety of environmental agents [indicating that age/sensitivity of person exposed is important].
The advice to consumers was:
- Limit the length of cell phone calls
- Replace cell phone calls with text messages or use "hands-free" devices
- Encourage children under the age of 18 to limit their cell phone usage [indicating that age and duration of exposure are important]
By the way, activists have been advocating this for years. Even cell phone manufacturers recommend keeping the phone away from the body. However, I digress.
Surely what applies to cell phones also applies to wireless baby monitors!
A wireless baby monitor consists of two parts, the part that is placed near the infant or child and the part that is kept with the caregiver. The most popular baby monitors in North America use DECT technology and operate at 2.4 GHz, the same frequency used for microwave ovens, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi routers. These DECT baby monitors–just like the DECT cordless phones and Wi-Fi routers–constantly emit RF radiation. This includes both the transmitter near the infant and the transmitter with the caregiver.
To read more: visit www.magdahavas.com
"My child is in there for 5 days a week, 6 hours a day being pulsed with microwaves," she says, "it doesn't matter whether it's in the bathroom or in the classroom, they're getting radiation."
Is modern technology increasing our risk of cancer?
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- Les électriciens disent NON : Spot TV contre le compteur Smart Meter (équivalent au Linky d'ERDF)
- "Compteur en Or" Spot TV financé par les employé(e)s d'Hydro-Québec (équivalent à ERDF)
- 1 milliard de $ à perdre - Chaque billet est perdant - Grattez et découvrez ce que vous perdez !
Toronto Sun
"From the way it was set up originally, this deeply flawed study was designed to fail to find an increased risk of brain tumours tied with cellphone use," said Dr. Devra Davis, president of Environmental Health Trust, an American education and advocacy ...
Prof. N.R. Spogliarich
Associate Professor (retired)
General and Inorganic Chemistry
Saanich
October 20, 2011
Dear Mayor Leonard and Councillors Hunter, Brice, Murdock, Brownoff, Sanders, Derman, Wergeland and Gerrard,
I am following up on my previous correspondence of August 20 and 26 regarding BC Hydro's smart metering program and on my submission of a package of documents citing 200 pages of research regarding wireless devices, radio/microwaves and their health effects.
I am writing the present letter in view of the upcoming Council meeting of October 24 where the recommendations of the Environmental Advisory Committee on the issue will be discussed and a motion regarding a moratorium will be examined following the UBCM vote in
I choose Saanich as a place to live for certain reasons. I applaud the District of Saanich for the leadership it has demonstrated in other important matters in the past. I feel that the matter of the subject is of extreme importance because of its wide implications not only regarding public health but also involving unrenounceable principles of human rights, safety, security and privacy for all citizens of BC.
I would like to quote a note contained in the memo from the EAC meeting of September 27 "There is enough public concern to validate a moratorium in order to give time for research"
As of now, more than 20 municipalities have already passed a resolution to ask the provincial government to place a moratorium on the installation of wireless smart meters. In spite of this and in spite of the recent UBCM resolution, the government is going ahead and BC Hydro has already started the installations also in Saanich and with no opt-out option available to customers. Even if an opt-out was available individually, this radiation will still blanket our neighbourhoods.
As previously mentioned in my letter of August 20, there are several important issues with these wireless smart meters: there are health issues, privacy issues, security issues, safety issues and financial issues.
I am particularly concerned about the health issues. In addition to the vast scientific literature a small fraction of which I have already submitted to Council months ago in a package of documents, and because of the continuing misleading reports spread by the media, I would like to clarify the following;
The Itron OpenWay wireless smart meters being installed by BC Hydro operate at frequencies between 0.9 and 2.4 Gigahertz (see EPRI technical report, December 2010 cited by BC Hydro itself in its literature). The microwave range of frequencies goes from 0.3 to 300 Gigahertz (from Wikipedia) and therefore includes the above frequencies. As a comparison, a microwave oven operates at 2.45 Gigahertz (from Wikipedia). Furthermore, BC Hydro states that the meters emit "low level radio frequency" ("BC Hydro's flyer "Understanding Radio frequency and BC Hydro's smart meters). This is very misleading to the general public as the actual output reported in the same flyer is "averaged" over time and space (see EPRI report above), not only, these averaged values are compared in the report to the FCC and Safety Code 6 limits which are totally inadequate and outdated and are amongst the most lenient in the world. The meters, in reality, give off intermittent and frequent intense digital "spikes" or "bursts" of energy as demonstrated by many measurements of existing meters in
The Clean Energy Act of May 2010 does not mandate that these smart meters be wireless. Therefore, we the customers, according to the existing laws and our rights as citizens and users, demand that safer alternatives like wired meters be made available to everybody and that consumers be allowed to opt out of the wireless smart meter program at no additional cost.
The BC Public Health Act of BC says that: "A municipality must take action when it learns of something that could be harmful to its residents".
The Precautionary Principle or precautionary approach states that " If an action or policy has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of scientific consensus that the action or policy is harmful, the burden of proof that it is not harmful falls on those taking the action." (from Wikipedia)
In this case it is up to Health
I also believe that this program violates art. 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof…".
For all these reasons, I ask that Saanich Council resolves to join the many other municipalities in asking our Provincial Government to place a moratorium on the installation of wireless smart meters in Saanich and in the whole of BC.
Sincerely,
Prof. N. R.Spogliarich
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Dr. Magda Havas on WJR
Here's the podcast of Dr. Magda Havas' interview with John McCulloch, of WJR radio 760, on today's Frank Beckman Radio show:
http://www.wjr.com/FlashPlayer/default.asp?SPID=38702&ID=2318701
We are very pleased to announce that North Cariboo Christian School in Quesnel, B.C. has removed all wireless internet routers (wi-fi) and completely hardwired all classrooms. John Hengen, Principal, stated that the Technology Committee made the decision for two reasons:
1. Reliability of wired system over wireless
2 2. Unknown health concerns associated with wireless modems and wise to err on the side of safety for our children and families
North Cariboo Christian School is grades K to 9, expanding to grade 12. For further information, please contact
John Hengen, Principal
North Cariboo Christian School
2876 Red Bluff Road
Quesnel, B.C.
250-747-4417
Una St.Clair
www.citizensforsafetechnology.org
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Smart meter resistance continues
Customers who have been concerned about electromagnetic radiation effects have asked and can see the difference between a smart meter and an existing meter. Hydro claims they have implied consent.
Many people are sending letters and emails to refuse installation and attaching a copy to the existing meter. Some are barricading their meters with wooden boxes, leaving space of meter reading, or putting chains on them.
Dr. David Hirsh, a nuclear scientist with the University of California, calculated that the exposure from smart meters is roughly 100 times greater than from cell phones because it is full body radiation and is cumulative because smart meters are on all the time, even if data is only collected a few times a day, producing latent effects that could take decades to manifest. It has been explained by doctors, engineers and scientists on YouTube videos that it is non-thermal radiation that breaks down DNA, causing cancer, and it has been predicted there will be a cancer epidemic in 10-15 years. Children are at greater risk because they have thinner skulls and have more fluid in their heads; electricity flows through fluid. Even if the meter is on the edge of the property it will radiate back through the wall.
Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty has admitted the smart meter program in his province is not cost effective. A letter of refusal, drawn up by a lawyer, can be obtained from dsnobel@shaw.ca.
Beverley Sinclair,
Invermere
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Prof. Olle Johansson with Dr. Bill Deagle
Hi Folks,
Prof. Olle Johansson is on today's Nurtimedical Report with Dr. Bill Deagle on the internet Genesis Communications Network:
http://podcast.gcnlive.com/podcast/nutri_med/1025111.mp3
http://podcast.gcnlive.com/podcast/nutri_med/1025112.mp3
http://podcast.gcnlive.com/podcast/nutri_med/1025113.mp3
John Weigel
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Smart meter installed in spite of protest
The Citizen
Just wanted to let you know that our household at 221 Third St. in Duncan has now had a smart meter installed by BC Hydro, in spite of the fact that we had put up a sign on the analog meter clearly stating that no one must trespass, and a smart meter must NOT be installed!
In fact, Hydro has a commercial out on TV, as I am sure you know, stating that if citizens are not wanting the smart meter, BC Hydro
will not install it - this is obviously a lie.
We are very upset, especially as we fear for the health of our daughter who sleeps in the room that has the meter on it. The radiation around the meter is 20 feet; it happens every three minutes, and is about the same frequency at microwave ovens, which we do not use - there is plenty of research showing the damaging effects of radiation on anything alive, as I am sure you know.
We do not, by the way use WiFi, cell phones or cordless phones, and otherwise lead a very healthy lifestyle. We are disgusted at our government for allowing this to happen to people, and especially children who are most vulnerable.
I have two friends that have built a box around their analog meters to protect themselves against this invasive assault on people's health. We hope that you will spread the news that smart meters are now being installed in Duncan against people's will, so that people might take action to protect their meters if they wish - and we hope you will continue to support citizens who have a right to choose the healthy way for themselves and the world to come.
(By the way, as far as we have been informed, in other provinces, the
new meters are wired.)
P.S. We have contacted BC Hydro three times this week, requesting they take the smart meter down, but we haven't heard back from them.
Annette Lampson
Duncan
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Letter to the Senate Sub Committee
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