Wireless tech is new, and just as secondhand smoke was proven to be hazardous, wireless frequencies are also hazardous. – Blackberry torch: “Use hands-free operation if it is available and keep at least 0.98 inches (25 mm) from your body
Wireless tech is new, and just as secondhand smoke was proven to be hazardous, wireless frequencies are also hazardous.
– Blackberry torch: “Use hands-free operation if it is available and keep at least 0.98 inches (25 mm) from your body when turned on and connected to the wireless network. Reduce call time.”
– Apple iPhone: “When using near your body for voice calls or for wireless network data, keep iPhone at least 15 mm (5/8”) away from the body and only use accessories that do not have metal parts. Again maintain at least 15mm separation from the body.”
– Nokia C6: “Maintain a normal use position at the ear at least 15mm (5/8”) away from the body. Any accessory should not contain metal and should position the device the above-stated distance from the body.”
Wireless devices such as modems are dangerous further away from our bodies also.
Smart meters are at least 160 times more powerful than cellphones (search internet “Hirsch Smart Meters”) but after much publicity on this question, KIUC continued to use FCC standards to claim safety.
The most important thing to know about wireless tech is that exposure standards by FCC (Federal Communications Commission) are obsolete. FCC uses Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to measure whether a frequency heats your body.
In 1993, the following comments were made about SAR (heat) standards:
– National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): The FCC’s standard is inadequate because it is based solely on one dominant mechanism – that adverse health effects are caused by body heating.
– Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “FCC rules do not address the issue of long-term, chronic exposure to RF fields.”
– Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The FCC’s exposure guidelines are “seriously flawed.”
Over the past 10 years, medical researchers collected almost 2,000 studies showing that long-term exposure to wireless frequencies cause cancer, genetic disruptions in the body cellular metabolism, and other diseases and reactions (see Bioinitiative.org). Their research shows that FCC should be focusing on biological response to electromagnetic frequencies, and not worrying whether the new tech heats tissue.
But FCC has ignored criticism, because FCC is actually controlled by the very industries that it is supposed to regulate. Just do search for “FCC revolving door” to see how FCC and industry are in bed together.
On Aug. 29, 2013, The American Association of Pediatrics submitted a letter to the FCC.
“As radiation standards are reassessed, the AAP urges the FCC to adopt radiation standards that: Protect children’s health and well-being. Children are not little adults and are disproportionately impacted by all environmental exposures, including cellphone radiation.
Current FCC standards do not account for the unique vulnerability and use patterns specific to pregnant women and children. It is essential that any new standard for cellphones or other wireless devices be based on protecting the youngest and most vulnerable populations to ensure they are safeguarded throughout their lifetimes.”
There are serious questions about wireless safety. Therefore, it is irresponsible for our schools to spend money on expensive routers, modems, iPads and other wireless tech. It is also prudent for KIUC to issue a warning about the smart meters and not penalize people for opting out.
Kauai residents are urged to become informed consumers. Kauai parents are urged to help educate our teachers and principals and superintendent. The state will resist bottom up reform, however we must convince authorities that caution is justified with new technology.
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Ray Songtree is a Hanalei resident.
