Wireless Technology Concerns

07 Jul Wireless Technology Concerns

Download: Wireless Technology – A Danger We Cant Live Without

In 2007, the German Parliament recommended that wireless technology should be avoided in the workplace and home and replaced with wired connections where ever possible

There is no escape from radiofrequency (RF) radiation, especially wireless networks that are used to connect smart phones and tablets to the internet. Internet connectivity has become a necessity for many of us, and there is a growing number of appliances that contain zigbees to become part of the Internet of Things (5G). In short, wireless technology enables computers, phones, baby monitors and other devices to communicate without the need for cables. Wireless internet has effectively infiltrated our schools, businesses, cafes and homes which makes it almost impossible to avoid – especially if you live or work in built-up areas or multistorey buildings. Unlike the frequencies used in radio and TV, this technology uses a pulsed microwave radiation like mobile phones, except it does so on a continual basis. As a result of budget cuts to the National Broadband Network (NBN) street-side microwave transmitters will be erected instead of the non wireless fibre optic cable. These wireless Network Termination Devices will be both inside and outside every connected premises. In April 2019, Belgium minister – Celine Fremault halts the rollout of 5G on the basis that “the people of Brussels are not guinea pigs whose health I can sell at a profit”.

The exposure standards are not adequate

The standards were developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection in 1998, well before Wi-Fi was adopted into the general population. These standards are based on short term exposure to heating of tissue ie the amount of radiation required to heat the brain before immediate symptoms develop. Even our regulatory authority ARPANSA, acknowledge this is not a health based standard on long term exposure to low levels typically found in the built environment. In addition, the standards are based on a 6ft healthy man – not on the most vulnerable in our society – our children, the elderly, the immunocompromised and the unborn foetus. The reason why there is little evidence on the adverse health effects on children is because it is UNETHICAL to put a mobile phone, wireless router or ipad near a child’s body and study the effects. What ethics committee would approve such research? and yet the technology has been introduced into all of our homes, workplaces and schools and is rapidly blanketing the planet. As a result of the fact there is NO EVIDENCE to prove that this technology is completely safe and without risks, many countries including France, Russia, Israel, India, Italy, China, Poland, Bulgaria and Switzerland have exposure standards to radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (used in wireless technologies including mobile phones and Wi-Fi) that are one hundred times lower than what is permitted in Australia and the US.

Waiting for high levels of scientific proof before taking action on electromagnetic fields can lead to very high health and economic costs as was the case with asbestos, leaded petrol and tobacco (Council of Europe, 2011).

Health effects, children and wireless technologies

Children are not little adults. Their immune, respiratory and skeletal systems are not fully developed. They have thinner skulls which are more susceptible to RF radiation. Consequently the growing concern amongst parents, teachers and scientists about the impact of RF on children is justified, to the extent that many schools in the UK, France, Austria and Israel and even in Australia are removing it (here is a list). So how do you know if your child is reacting to wireless technologies?

1. headaches, nausea, ‘abdominal migraines’
2. sleep disturbances
3. earaches, dizziness
4. brain fog: irritability, poor memory, poor concentration, dyslexia, mood swings
5. heart problems: chest tightness, increased heart rate (tachycardia) and irregular beats (arrhythmias)
6. muscle aches and pains, muscle weakness, and other fibromyalgia symptoms
7. skin rash, burning sensations, itch, redness, electric shocks
8. sensitive to light, chemicals or noise

These are some of the symptoms of electrical hypersensitivity. If you are concerned about your child’s exposure to wireless technologies in schools, go to Hoc the Wifi created by building biologist – Suzanne Ryan. Also go to Wifi in Schools Australia. We also suggest you read: WiFi Radiation in Schools (Maryland Report, 2016).

On March 19, 2013 the French National Assembly passed an amendment to ban Wi-Fi in nurseries until it’s proven ‘safe for human consumption.’

More Information

1. Wi-Fi Concerns Channel 7’s Today Tonight (1st July 2014)
2. Paper on Wi-Fi: A Danger We Can’t Live Without published in ACNEM Medical Journal (March 2013).
3. Stop Smart Meter Forum 25 November 2012: Why the authorities are not acting on electromagnetic fields (14.37 minutes) and Electrical Hypersensitivity – what is it? (13:21 minutes)

Testing

Testing for radio/microwave frequencies requires a good knowledge and understanding of the complicated nature and physics of microwave frequencies and the use of highly technical and expensive equipment. There is where a government accredited building biologist maybe of assistance. Once hot spots are identified, remediation measures such as shielding may be required and the building biologist will refer you to the most appropriate supplier. Become an accredited Building Biologist!

Simple Tips to Reduce Your Exposure

Before you rush out and buy a whole lot of EMF reducing devices that are unlikely to do anything but give you a false sense of security – know this, if it doesn’t create a distance between you and the source, it probably won’t do anything! Beware of people who test your home for EMFs and then sell you thousands of dollars worth of shielding that you don’t need; this is a serious conflict of interest. From my experience, none of them have any formal qualifications in EMF testing and do not have the knowledge or the skills or even the appropriate equipment to carry out the testing.

1. DISTANCE DISTANCE DISTANCE– its called the inverse square law and it essentially means as you double the distance away from the EMF source, you will reduce your exposure to it by 75%. Its the cheapest, simplest and most effective advice I can give. Keep at least 1 metre at a distance from the source especially in areas where you spend time such as the bed, favourite couch, desk and so on.
2. Internet connection: use a hard wired connection such as ADSL or cable. If you do not wish to do this, the router should be kept well away from where you spend time such as the bedroom and living spaces. As such the garage, or spare bedroom would be better. You should also turn off the router when it is not in use especially at night before you go to bed.
3. DECT Cordless phones – avoid them! The base station will emit radiowaves continuously even when the phone is not in use and as such should be treated in the same light as a mobile phone. Replace it with a hard wired corded phone.
4. Put the mobile phone and ipad in airplane mode when the kids are playing games
5. Shielding is a last resort if you are unable to eliminate the source of the field and is not 100% effective. Shielding is used to reduce ones exposure to electric fields and to external sources of radiofrequencies (from mobile phone towers, neighbors router etc), however it is not effective against magnetic fields. It is a complicated procedure that will require the expertise of a building biologist and licensed electrician who needs to earth the paint and/or material. All wireless technologies should be avoided in shielded rooms as it will reflect the radiation back into the room.
6. Many more tips are provided in my book: Healthy Home Healthy Family.

Scientists & Doctors calling for stricter regulation on wireless technology.

The list of governments and organisations calling for stricter regulation on wireless technology is growing at a rapid rate. Anybody who denys that wireless technology could not be a health concern, should read this list!

Below is a list of doctors and scientists calling for stricter regulation on wireless technology:

• Vienna Resolution 1998
• Salzburg Resolution 2000
• Declaration of Alcalá 2002
• Catania Resolution 2002
• Freiburger Appeal 2002
• Bamberger Appeal 2004
• Maintaler Appeal 2004
• Coburger Appeal 2005
• Oberammergauer Appeal 2005
• Haibacher Appeal 2005
• Pfarrkirchener Appeal 2005
• Freienbacher Appeal 2005
• Lichtenfelser Appeal 2005
• Hofer Appeal 2005
• Helsinki Appeal 2005
• Parish Kirchner Appeal 2005
• Saarlander Appeal 2005
• Stockacher Appeal 2005
• Benevento Resolution 2006
• Allgäuer Appeal 2006
• WiMax Appeal 2006
• Schlüchterner appeal
• Brussels Appeal 2007
• Venice Resolution 2008
• Berlin Appeal 2008
• Paris Appeal 2009
• London Resolution 2009
• Porto Alegre Resolution 2009
• European Parliament
• EMF Resolution 2009
• Dutch Appeal 2009
• Int’l Appeal of Würzburg 2010
• Copenhagen Resolution 2010
• Seletun Consensus Statement 2010
• Potenza Picena Resolution 2013

References

Bijlsma, N. (2018). Healthy Home Healthy Family. ACES, Melbourne.

http://international-emf-alliance.org/index.php/appeals, http://www.ralf-woelfle.de/elektrosmog/redir.htm?http://www.ralf-woelfle.de/elektrosmog/allgemein/appelle.htm, http://www.avaate.org/IMG/doc/Alcalaci.doc