Maximum Wellbeing

Growing Global Concern

INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF EMF-RF EXPOSURE

Across the globe scientists, doctors, governments, organizations, teachers and parents are increasingly concerned about this health hazard. Here is some specific information regarding the growing awareness and concern across the globe about radiation from multiple sources, including Wi-Fi, and the particular hazards with respect to children and schools.

To give you an indication, below are just some of the international warnings, resolutions and precautions related to EMF-RF radiation and here is a more detailed, downloadable version from Environmental Health Trust (global_health_warnings_wireless_and_cellphones.pdf).

INTERNATIONAL

The European Parliament voted in September 2008 by a very large majority to recommend tighter safety standards for mobile phones and other wireless technology (including wi-fi and DECT cordless phones) particularly to protect vulnerable groups like children. It points out in particular the need to "address vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborn babies and children". The Parliament commented on the Bio-Initiative international report and stated that, "...the limits on exposure to electromagnetic fields which have been set for the general public are obsolete" and called upon the Council to "set stricter exposure limits for all equipment which emits electromagnetic waves ..."

In 2007 the European Environmental Agency called for immediate action to reduce exposure to radiation from Wi-Fi, mobile phones and their masts.

The International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety (ICEMS) comprising scientists, medical doctors and engineers from around the world in their Benevento (2006) and Venice (2008) Resolutions have voiced their concern about the effects of human exposure to electromagnetic fields on health. They state: "We take exception to the claim of the wireless communication industry that there is no credible scientific evidence to conclude there is a risk. Recent epidemiological evidence is stronger than before, which is a further reason to justify precautions be taken to lower exposure standards...We strongly advise limited use of cell phones, and other similar devices, by young children and teenagers, and we call upon governments to apply the Precautionary Principle as an interim measure while more biologically relevant standards are developed to protect against, not only the absorption of electromagnetic energy by the head, but also adverse effects of the signals on biochemistry, physiology and electrical biorhythms."

In 2011 the Council of Europe unanimously passed a resolution recommending wired Internet connections in schools, and the creation of radiation-free zones to protect electrosensitive people

RUSSIA

The Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, has expressed concern at the marketing of mobile phones to children and teenagers and has stated that it believes that the risk to children from mobile phones is not much lower than the risk to children’s health from tobacco or alcohol. Potential short and long term health hazards to children (and adults) cited are:

  • Decline of memory, attention, learning and cognitive abilities
  • Mood (irritability), depression and sleep disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Brain tumours, tumors of acoustical and vestibular nerves (at age 25-30)
  • Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and degeneration of the nervous structures of the brain

INDIA

The Indian Ministry of Telecommunication has recommended that children under the age of 16 should be discouraged from using cell phones

In 2013 Mumbai, India adopted a policy prohibiting cell towers on schools, colleges, hospitals, orphanages, and juvenile correction homes; prohibiting nearby antennas from being directed toward such buildings; and requiring that antennas on such buildings be removed. The policy also requires the approval of 70% of the residents of an apartment or condominium building, and the approval of 100% of the residents of the top floor, before antennas are installed on the roof.

In 2013 the Supreme Court of India upheld a decision of the High Court of the State of Rajasthan to remove all cell towers from the vicinity of schools, colleges, hospitals and playgrounds on account of radiation being “hazardous to life.” The over decision reviews worldwide evidence that cell towers are harming human beings and wildlife.

FRANCE

The French government has announced that it was introducing legislation to ban advertising of mobile phones to children under 14. The French Senate was also pressing for a ban on the use of mobile phones in primary and middle schools.

In 2008 French national libraries (BNF) imposed a moratorium on Wi-Fi networks in French libraries following a moratorium in Paris libraries after staff reported ill effects. It removed Wi-Fi because of health concerns and limits installation to cable connections

In 2008 Sainte-Geneviève University, Paris, removed Wi-Fi from its library because of health concerns

GERMANY

In 2007 the German government's health protection agency recommended that the public keep their exposure to high frequency radiation "as low as possible" to minimise health risks. It recommended:

In 2002 the Interdisciplinary Society for Environmental Medicine (3000 physicians in Germany) recommended banning cell phone use by children and banning cell phones and cordless phones in preschools, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, events halls, public buildings and vehicles.

In 2006 Germany’s government stated that it would not install WiFi in its schools until it has been shown to be harmless

2007 Bavaria, Germany’s Parliament recommends no Wi-Fi in schools.

The German teachers' Union for Education and Knowledge (GEW, Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft) told members to resist the rollout of Wi-Fi in schools in Germany on safety grounds. The GEW Union in Hesse advocates: "Due to possible effects on school performance, a healthy school should not only be smoke free, but also allow teachers and students to teach and study in a radiation free environment"

AUSTRIA

In 2005: Austria’s Public Health Department banned WLAN and DECT phones in public schools.

In August 2005 the Austrian Medical Association warned against Wi-Fi, cordless phones, and cell phone usage by children.

ISRAEL

The Israeli Ministry of Health has recommended limiting children's use of cell phones, avoidance of cellular communication in enclosed places such as elevators and trains, and use of wired (not wireless) earpieces.

In 2012 the Israeli Minister of Health stated that he supported calls to action for a ban on Wi-Fi in schools.

In 2011 the Israeli Ministry of Education publishes guidelines strictly limiting the use of mobile phones on all school grounds, citing children’s and youths’ increased risk of malignant tumors and the “passive exposure” experienced by children who do not use phones.

UK
The UK Chief Medical Officers strongly advise that children and teenagers under 16 should not use mobile phones except for short essential calls.

In 2006: a number of UK schools remove their wireless networks (Prebandal Preparatory School, Ysgol Pantycelyn School, Stowe School) to protect children.

In 2009 the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) with 160,000 members has called for a government investigation into the biological and thermal effects of “WiFi” networks due to potential cancer and other risks

IRELAND

In 2009 the Irish Doctors Environmental Association: warns that the current safe levels for exposure to microwave radiation which is based purely on thermal effects is not appropriate, as many of the effects of this type of radiation are non-thermal effects.

FINLAND

The Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) has advised that children's mobile phone use should be restricted.The Authority says that children will have more time to use a mobile phone for a longer period of time than adults. The long-term risks from the use of mobile phones cannot be assessed before the phones have been in use for several decades. Additionally, children's brains are developing up to the age of 20 years.

CANADA

In 2013 the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, representing over 70,000 teachers, recommended that cell phones be turned off in classrooms, and that all WiFi transmitters be labeled as part of a hazard control program.

In 2007 Thorold, Ontario closed down its citywide Wi-Fi pilot scheme.

In 2008 Lakehead University, Ontario banned Wi-Fi on campus.

In 2011 Pretty River Academy in Collingwood, Ontario removed WiFi from campus as a precaution, joining Roots and Wings Montessori school in Surrey, British Columbia. http://www.safeschool.ca/uploads/CTV_School_cuts_WiFi.pdf; http://www.safeschool.ca/School_Bans_WiFi.html

In 2012 the Ontario English Catholic Teacher’s Association (over 45,000 teachers) called for a ban on new Wi-Fi installations in the province’s over 1,400 Catholic schools on safety grounds, advocating that computers in all new schools should be hardwired as well.

USA

The USA’s National Institute of Environmental Health Services (NIEHS) and NIOSH has listed EMF radiation as a ‘hazardous’ substance

In 2008 the Progressive Librarians Guild of US recommended against the use of wireless technology in libraries.

In 2009 a California EMF government study advises prudent use of EMF technology due to the likelihood that EMFs cause increased risk of childhood leukemia, adult brain cancer, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and miscarriage.

In California, the Sebastopol City Council opted for the precautionary principle and terminated contract for free city wide Wi-Fi