Thursday, January 19, 2012

iPad iPhone Laptop Wi-Fi DECT Cordless Phone Radiation and Magnetic Fields

Please feel free to share the following videos  with your friends who own iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and other smart phones and tablets - especially parents who let their children operate these devices. A lot of people think that if the devices are not "connected" to Wi-Fi and are just on standby mode, there will be no radiation. The measurements showed that this is not true. The emission of microwave signals was continual and the levels were high.

According to the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, "an average smartphone uses 35 times the bandwidth of a regular cellphone, while a tablet uses up to 121 times the bandwidth." http://goo.gl/QHYpS "

Wi-Fi Radiation Comparable to Cellphone Radiation
Here are 2 videos to illustrate the comparison between an iPad on Wi-Fi mode and an iPhone on talking mode:

Radiation from iPhone on Talking Mode

-Peaked at 19 μW/cm2 (microwatts/cm2). Most of the time measurements varied between 4-11μW/cm2.
-Continuous signal, but duration of use in talking mode likely shorter than internet browsing.
-Phone will be in direct contact with the ear and head (unless handsfree or headset are used).
-Wi-Fi was turned off on this phone.


Radiation from iPad on Wi-Fi Mode


-Peaked at 70 μW/cm2; several times higher than iphone on talk mode.
-Continual signals. Stop and spike every few seconds, from 0 to 50-70 μW/cm2 every few seconds.
-Duration of use for iPad is likely longer than talk-mode on cellphone - possibly for hours a day.
-iPad will be in direct contact with the student's hands or/and lap/abdomen.
-Note that there is no Wi-Fi network available. The iPad is not even logged onto any Wi-Fi network nor downloading anything.
-The iPad is not on airplane mode but there is no SIM card in it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVJI-0YogGo Scientific studies have found at:
0.002 μW/cm2 - Sleep disturbance and fatigue. Altpeter et al. (1995, 1997, 2005)
0.168 μW/cm2 - Progressive decrease in number of newborns and irreversible infertility in
mice after 5 generations exposure. I.N. Magras and T.D. Zenos (1997)

0.32-16.43 μW/cm2 - Attention, memory and motor function of school children significantly affected in comparison to control groups. A.A. Kolodynski and V.V. Kolodynska (1996) 
2.5 μW/cm2 - Damage to blood-brain barrier. Salford et al., (1997)


Physicist and Former British Military Microwave Expert, Barry Trower, testified to the U.S. Court:

During the Cold War, the Russian Embassy microwaved the United States Embassy in
Moscow with low-level microwaves for many years from across the road; why and how is outside the scope of this Declaration. After changes of staff for serious neurologic impairments,
miscarriages, multiple cancers / leukaemias and other illnesses to both male and female
employees and their children, the late John R. Goldsmith, M.D., was invited to investigate this
matter. His investigative report on this incident showed that continuous, long-term low-level
microwaves were responsible for those illnesses. Goldsmith, J. R., Radiofrequency Epidemiology, Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol 105, at 1585, Supp 6, Table 8, Dec (1997). Dr. Goldsmith held 11 Professorships and was the World Health Organization (WHO) representative for Europe. Interestingly, the power of the microwaves used by the Russians in some cases was less that the power used by modern-day transmitters, with the average ranging <0.02 – 0.05 μW/cm2 and the maximum ranging 5 – 18 μW/cm2.


Radiation from Wi-Fi Laptop


http://youtu.be/LFJqU7x_5cg


More Microwave Radiation from WiFi Laptop than from Cellphone


http://youtu.be/hVS37zUMwYQ

Health Canada's exposure limit is at an extremely high level of 1000 μW/cm2. China/Russia/Italy/Poland have exposure limits at 10 μW/cm2. Switzerland's general limit is 9.5 μW/cm2 and 4.25 for sensitive areas (children, elderly, medically-challenged). The Swiss doctors' group - Physicians for the Environment - recently issued a public statement calling for reduction of their limit by 10 times, i.e. to 0.95 μW/cm2. Luxembourg/Bulgaria at 2.4 μW/cm2. Salzburg Health Department in Austria recommends only 0.001 μW/cm2 for outdoor and 0.0001 for indoor exposure. This is 10 million times more stringent than our outdated Canadian Safety Code 6 of 1000 μW/cm2. http://goo.gl/4pzyE

Wi-Fi Router Radiation 50 times higher than 100 Ft from  Celltower




Apple iPad2 High Magnetic Fields: Do NOT put iPad on your lap!


Look at the top line of the Tri-Field Meter, it shows that the magnetic fields of the iPad2 was at 15-20 milligauss even with Wi-Fi turned off and the unit is on Airplane Mode (no cellphone reception/connection). The "safe" level of magnetic fields is below 3 milligauss (the dotted line). If you allow your child to use the iPad for games, reading or typing, DO NOT let them put the iPad on their laps or in their hands, put it on the table instead!


iPad2 Wi Fi Radiation


To Parents: PLEASE... DO NOT EVER LET YOUR KIDS/TODDLERS PLAY GAMES ON AN IPAD WHICH HAS THE WI-FI BUTTON TURNED ON (even if it's not connected to a Wi-Fi network, even if there is NO Wi-Fi network available, as seen in the video). Wi-Fi enabled devices including iPad2 are designed to send radiating signals to "seek" networks. You can see from the RF meter that there is a "burst" of radiating signal every few seconds, up to 30+microwatts/cm2, continually, until the Wi-Fi button was turned off. 

If you absolutely need to let your kid play games or type on the iPad, TURN THE WI-FI button OFF! And TURN the AIRPLANE mode ON, so that it does not emit any wireless microwave signal.

30+microwatts/cm2 might be negligible according to Health Canada's lax-standard, but this already exceeds the national exposure limits in many countries. http://tinyurl.com/6rx9lgl

The actual probe/senser of the RF meter is in the middle INSIDE the yellow ball-shape casing and is a couple centimeters from the iPad, not actually touching the iPad. For your children, however, the microwave radiofrequency is in direct contact with your kid's lap and fingers. RF has been shown in scientific studies to harm DNA, the brain, reproductive organs, thyroid, heart and eyes. http://www.safeinschool.org/p/scientific-studies.html

The above is a demonstration of an iPad that was not connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. If connected, the radiation level will be even higher, as the microwave signals peak everytime a webpage is refreshed or a new website is accessed. If you child needs to access the internet, please use a computer with wired connection.

Also, do not carry an iPad - with Wi-Fi button on - close to your body, unless you want to have radiation beamed at you in close distance every few seconds.

The iPad 2 was put on Airplane mode to show that the signal was solely from Wi-Fi, not cellphone network.




iPhone4 Wi Fi Radiation



To Parents: PLEASE... DO NOT EVER LET YOUR KIDS/TODDLERS PLAY GAMES ON AN IPHONE OR IPOD TOUCH WHICH HAS THE WI-FI BUTTON TURNED ON (even if it's not connected to a Wi-Fi network, even if there is NO Wi-Fi network available, as seen in the video). Wi-Fi enabled devices including iPhone and iPod Touch are designed to send radiating signals to "seek" networks. You can see from the RF meter that there is a "burst" of radiating signals every few seconds, up to 9+microwatts/cm2, continually, until the Wi-Fi button was turned off. 

Also, DO NOT CARRY AN IPHONE OR IPOD TOUCH - with Wi-Fi button on - IN YOUR POCKET, unless you want to have radiation beamed at you in close distance every few seconds.

If you absolutely need to let your kid play games or type on the iPad, TURN THE WI-FI button OFF! And TURN the AIRPLANE mod ON, so that it does not emit any wireless microwave signal.

9+microwatts/cm2 might be negligible according to Health Canada's lax-standard, but this already exceeds the national exposure limits in many countries. http://tinyurl.com/6rx9lgl

The actual probe/senser of the RF meter is in the middle INSIDE the yellow ball-shape casing and is a couple centimeters from the iPad, not actually touching the iPad. For your children, however, the microwave radiofrequency is in direct contact with your kid's lap and fingers. RF has been shown in scientific studies to harm DNA, the brain, reproductive organs, thyroid, heart and eyes. http://www.safeinschool.org/p/scientific-studies.html

The above is a demonstration of an iPhone4 that was not connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. If connected, the radiation level will be even higher, as the microwave signals peak everytime a webpage is refreshed or a new website is accessed. If you child needs to access the internet, please use a computer with wired connection.

The iPad 2 was put on Airplane mode to show that the signal was solely from Wi-Fi, not cellphone network.

How about calling on an iPhone (or any cellphone)? Absoultely NOT for kids, unless it's an emergency. The European Union has been warning against cellphone and Wi-Fi for the public for a few years, especially CHILDREN, BABIES, PREGNANT WOMEN, YOUTH AND MEDICALLY COMPROMISED ADULTS.

How about texting for kids? Not recommended. However, texting is better than talking on the phone. Just remember that everytime a text message is sent out, a burst of radiating frequency is set off. With that in mind, you might not want your children to be in the habit of texting frequently. When they (or you) do text, better not keep the device close to the head/brain or even the body when you hit "send". Leave some distance.


Cordless DECT Phone Radiation Extremely HIGH




This is a Panasonic 5.8 Ghz Gigarange Supreme Home-use Cordless Phone handset. Note that the background level was 7-9 mW/m (milliwatts per meter). However, during a call, the radiation level in direct contact peaked at around 49,000 mW/m (49V/M; converted to 637 µW/cm2 )! There is no legislation requiring the disclose of radiation level from these cordless phones. They are sold in packs of 4-6 in big box stores. People who want to avoid cellphone radiation think that it is "safer" to talk on their "landline" with cordless phones, not knowing that the radiation which these phones emit could be even stronger than cellphones. 


This measurement did not cover the cordless phone "base" - which emits radiation 24/7 like a celltower or WiFi router.


Remember: The best solution is to have wired phones. Yes, the old-fashioned way. Simple, the SAFEST, and works during power outages.

See recent lawsuit in Italy where an employer received judgment by the highest court to compensate for an employee's brain tumour caused by radiation from cellphone and cordless phone use for work: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9619514/Mobile-phones-can-cause-brain-tumours-court-rules..html

Also see biological effects on humans and animals from as low as  0.000001 µW/cm2: http://www.bioinitiative.org/report/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/BioInitiativeReport-RF-Color-Charts.pdf






Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Wi-Fi Decreases Human Sperm Motility And Increases Sperm DNA Fragmentation



Immunohistopathologic Demonstration Of Deleterious Effects on Growing Rat Testes of Radiofrequency Waves Emitted from Conventional Wi-Fi Devices.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects on rat testes of radiofrequency radiation emitted from indoor Wi-Fi Internet access devices using 802.11.g wireless standards.
RESULTS: We observed significant increases in serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels and 8-hydroxyguanosine staining in the testes of the experimental group indicating 
DNA damage due to exposure (p < 0.05). We also found decreased levels of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the experimental group, which may have been due to radiofrequency effects on enzyme activity (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings raise questions about the safety of radiofrequency exposure from Wi-Fi Internet access devices for growing organisms of reproductive age, with a 
potential effect on both fertility and the integrity of germ cells.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22465825





Effects of exposure to 2.45 GHZ microwave radiation on male rat reproductive system.
"Conclusion: MW radiation exposures caused reduction in sperm counts and motility and increased the proportion of abnormal sperm cells and induced reduction in sperm count and motility while increasing the proportion of abnormal sperm cells."



Use Of Laptop Computers Connected To Internet Through Wi-Fi Decreases Human Sperm Motility And Increases Sperm DNA Fragmentation
Ex vivo exposure of human spermatozoa to a wireless internet-connected laptop decreased motility and induced DNA fragmentation by a nonthermal effect.”

Cell Phone Radiation on Human Sperm
University of California, Berkeley 2011
Eight of the nine original studies reported adverse effects...”  


Effects of Laptop Computers' Electromagnetic Field on Sperm Quality
...magnetic fields induced by laptop computers may decrease sperm count and sperm motility, ultimately affecting male reproductive capabilities. It is advisable to limit the time these devices are used in a laptop position."
 

Mobile Phone Mast Effects on Common Frog (Rana temporaria) Tadpoles: The City Turned into a Laboratory
In the exposed group, low coordination of movements, an asynchronous growth, resulting in both big and small tadpoles, and a high mortality (90%) was observed. Regarding the control group (n ¼ 70) under the same conditions but inside a Faraday cage, the coordination of movements was normal, the development was synchronous, and a mortality of 4.2% was obtained.”

RF radiation-induced changes in the prenatal development of mice.
By: Magras IN, Xenos TD Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 1997; 18 (6): 455 - 461 
"A 
progressive decrease in the number of newborns per dam was found, which ended in irreversible infertility."

Analyzing The Health Impacts Of Modern Telecommunications Microwaves
The effect of cell death induction in the developing eggs of the exposed female insects, just like the corresponding effect on the reproductive capacity... evident for distances up to 100 cm (radiation intensities down to 1 μW/cm2).”

Lethal And Teratogenic Effects Of Long-Term Low-Intensity Radio Frequency Radiation At 428 Mhz On Developing Chick Embryo
"...for more than 20 days resulted in 
embryolethal and/or teratogenic effects and delayed hatching. These adverse biological effects were not due to any thermal effect of the RF radiation. We have demonstrated teratogenicity in the chick embryo as a result of protracted low-dose RF irradiation." http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/tera.1420430616/abstract "Almost one fourth of dead embryos in the radio frequency group occured within 10 days after incubation and the rest was due to death within the eggshell following inability to hatch... A functional abnormality consisting of creeping movement and inability to stand was found in 89% of exposed embryos, but not in the control group. "http://www.emf-portal.de/viewer.php?aid=2803&sid=aa7d205836c733391828675f0d64d4ae&sform=6&pag_idx=130&l=e 

Possible Effects of Electromagnetic Fields from Phone Masts on a Population of White Stork (Ciconia ciconia).
Balmori Alfonso (2005).  Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 24: 109-119
"Total productivity (number of young per couple, including nests with 0 chicks) for nests within 200m of the antenna was 0.86 (0.7 - 1.02), whereas productivity for nests further than 300m away was 1.6 (1.46- 1.74). Both were statistically significant, with a p value of 0.001. A large part of the difference here appears to be due to the likelihood of the couples in the nests near the mast (cell tower) not having any chicks: 40% of those within 200m had no chicks, whereas in the nests greater than 300m away only 3.3% did not have chicks! Odd behaviour was also noted in the storks, happening much more frequently the closer the nests were to the masts."
http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/news/20051006_storks.asp

The Effects of Microwave emitted by Cellular Phones on Ovarian Follicles in Rats.
“The number of pups per delivery was significantly decreased in the exposure group compared to the control group. The data showed that in the pups of the exposed group, the number of follicles was significantly lower than that in the control group. The decreased number of follicles in pups exposed to mobile phone microwaves suggest that intrauterine exposure has toxic effects on ovaries.“

Effects of 2.45 GHz microwaves on meiotic chromosomes of male CBA/CAY mice.
"The findings are interpreted to indicate interference with normal spermatogenesis during the exposure period."

Effects of microwave at 2.45 GHz radiations on reproductive system of male rats.
"Chronic exposure to these radiations produced formation of apoptotic cells in testis. In addition, a significant decrease in the levels of GPx, and SOD activities as well as an increase in CAT activity was observed in the exposed group. These results indicate that a low level exposure of microwave radiations exerts a negative impact on male reproductive system function."

Biological Effects of Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Field on Chick Embryo (risk assessment using the mortality rate)
"Chicken embryos were exposed to EMF from GSM mobile phone during the embryonic development (21 days). As a result the 
embryo mortality rate in the incubation period increased to 75% (versus 16% in control group)."http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14658287

Pathophysiology of cell phone radiation- Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2009

Effects from cellular phones on human ejaculated semen- Reproductive Medicine, 2009
http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(08)03356-6/abstract



Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Health Canada calling Parents to Reduce Children's exposure to Radiofrequency

Health Canada's Warning on October 4, 2011

"Health Canada reminds cell phone users that they can take practical measures to reduce RF exposure. 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. As well, there is currently a lack of scientific information regarding the potential health impacts of cell phones on children."

Psychophysiological Indicators for Child Users of Mobile Communication. Message 1: Present State of the Problem
N. I. Khorseva, Yu. G. Grigoriev, N. V. Gorbunova
Radiation Biology Radiation Ecology 2011; 51: 611-616
Psychophysiological Indicators for Child Users of Mobile Communication. Message 2: Results of Four-year Monitoring
N. I. Khorseva, Yu. G. Grigoriev, N. V. Gorbunova
Radiation Biology Radiation Ecology 2011; 51: 617-623


Professor Yury Grigoriev is Chairman of Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, a member of the WHO’s International Advisory Committeeon “EMF and Health”.

"It has been shown that the children’s organism is more sensitive to this kind of exposure than the adult one. We have identified the following major trends of the psychophysiological indicators for child users of mobile communication: an increased number of phonemic perception disorders, abatement of efficiency, reduced indicators for the arbitrary and semantic memory, an increased fatigue. A steady decline of the parameters from high values to bottom standards has been found."
http://electromagnetichealth.org/electromagnetic-health-blog/russian-res-children-emf/


Cell phone use and behavioural problems in young children.
The results showed positive associations between cell phone use and behavourial problems in young children. The highest odds ratios for behavioural problems were for children who had both prenatal andpostnatal exposure to cell phones compared with children not exposed during either time period (OR 1.5, CI 1.4-1.7).
The findings of the previous study by 
Divan et al (2008) were replicated in a separate group of participants demonstrating that cell phone use was associated with behavioural problems at the age of 7 years inchildren. ”


Exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and behavioural problems in Bavarian children and adolescents.

An analysis of the behaviour subgroups showed an association between the highest exposure group and conduct problems for adolescents and for children.


Monday, August 8, 2011

Two New Studies on Wi-Fi


Effects Of Wi-Fi Signals On The P300 Component Of Event-Related Potentials During An Auditory Hayling Task
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to investigate the immediate effects of Wi-Fi signals upon brain operation, specifically on the P300 ERP component... As far as the different Hayling tasks are concerned, results show significantly decreased amplitude values for the response inhibition condition in a large area of the brain.”

Wi-Fi Electromagnetic Fields Exert Gender Related Alterations On EEG
It is concluded that Wi-Fi may influence normal physiology through changes in gender related cortical excitability as it is reflected by the alpha and beta EEG frequencies.

Greater Victoria Wi-Fi Update

Wi-Fi Position Statement by The Greater Victoria Teachers Association (GVTA)

Precautionary Approach to Wi-Fi Use in GVSD 61

The precautionary approach comes from the environmental movement and has been adopted as common practice in areas regarding potential environmental, ecological or biodiversity damage. It suggests that the lack of significant evidence is not enough of a reason to be unconcerned. The fact that many other countries have instituted regulations to protect children, seniors, pregnant women and other susceptible populations should be the guide for a District policy on Wi-Fi installation and use in the
worksites.

The GVTA suggests:

1. The blanket approach to Wi-Fi coverage needs to be amended.
2. Wi-Fi free zones should be available in schools for those people who appear to be affected by EMRs and/or EMF.

3. Staff approaching the Health and Safety Representative with concerns or reporting to be ‘electrically hypersensitive’ should be advised to:
keep a record of any adverse health effects they consider to be caused by exposure to Wi-Fi/WLAN at work; and
report any adverse health effects and concerns to their GP.

4. The use of router stations that will shut down when not in use or no connection is established.

5. Strategic placement of the routers or only using them in places where they are needed most.

6. Use of routers that comply with international standards such as those used in Europe (Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland for example).

7. Minimal or non-use within elementary schools.

Furthermore,

Before any wireless networks can be set up within a worksite, a complete wireless survey needs to be conducted, so the issue is transparent and open.

Consider developing a policy and regulations governing the use of cell phones and other such devices that utilize Wi-Fi technology, similar to the policy developed by the National Association of Head Teachers in the UK. (Online Safety: a toolkit for early years settings. April 2010. Chpt. 5, Appendices 2)



Letter by The Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils

Re: Non-Ionizing Radiation in Schools

We have reviewed the information and recommendation published by the District WiFi committee. Not only do we find that the results of the committee’s work are inconclusive but we also believe that the issue to be addressed is larger than WiFi and includes all devices that emit non-ionizing radiation.

VCPAC will continue, starting with the research conducted by the District WiFi committee, and use our standard process for taking a formal position. This may include further research, presentation panels, fact sheets for our members, analysis, surveys, dialogue and debate.

One of VCPAC’s stated purposes is “to advocate for the rights and support the success of every student”. Some students have self-identified as being impacted adversely by non-ionizing radiation. We request that the Board ensures that their individual needs are addressed.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

World Health Organization labels wireless: “Possible Carcinogen”

Prime Minister of Canada urged to protect Canadians


Starting yesterday, microwave radiation from cell phones, cordless phones, W-Fi, smart meters and other wireless consumer devices and infrastructure is officially labeled by the World Health Organization to be a Possible Carcinogen, in the same category as Lead and DDT.

http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2011/pdfs/pr208_E.pdf


The Wireless Radiation Safety Council calls on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to exercise the strength of his new majority government and act swiftly to protect Canada’s children, as is happening elsewhere in accordance with the May 27, 2011 resolution of the Council of Europe. Further, we urge the Prime Minister to quickly call a meeting with all provincial Premiers and Territorial Leaders to develop a framework to safeguard the health of Canadians under provincial jurisdictions of public health, labour, and education.

In light of the reclassification of emissions from wireless devices as possible carcinogens, the Prime Minister must now require Health Canada and Industry Canada to review existing standards for cell phones and all wireless consumer devices, especially those exposing pregnant women, children and youth. These include: wireless toys; baby monitors; as well as Wi-Fi and other sources in schools, daycares, and all locations where pregnant women, children and youth are exposed, including colleges and universities. We also call on the Prime Minister to urgently adopt widespread and ongoing awareness campaigns for family doctors, parents, employers and all Canadians.

The Wireless Radiation Safety Council represents more than two-dozen local and provincial organizations across Canada, lobbying for change in national wireless radiation safety standards.

http://www.youaretheanswer.ca/press-release/prime-minister-of-canada-urged-to-protect-canadians/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/20/cell-phone-radiation_n_864799.html?ir=Canada

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Council of Europe adopted New Resolutions on Wi-Fi and Cell Phones for Children and more

  • The Council of Europe  http://www.coe.int/aboutcoe/ index.asp?page=47pays1europe& l=en, appointed a parliamentary committee to study the effects of electromagnetic fields on the environment and human health. The committee's report summed up important and current information about electromagnetic fields and proposed specific resolutions regarding Wi-Fi, cellphones, children and more. This report takes into account the current World Health Organization standards and describes the reasoning of their findings and recommendations.
    The report and proposed resolutions were formally adopted at their Parliamentary Assembly on May 27, 2011.

    The official News Release:
     
    PACE (Parliamentary Assembly - Council of Europe) calls on governments to ‘take all reasonable measures’ to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields - May 27, 2011
    The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), meeting in Kyiv at Standing Committee level, today called on European governments to “
    take all reasonable measures” to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields, especially to radio frequencies from mobile phones, “and particularly the exposure to children and young people who seem to be most at risk from head tumours”.

    According to parliamentarians, governments should "
    for children in general, and particularly in schools and classrooms, give preference to wired Internet connections, and strictly regulate the use of mobile phones by schoolchildren on school premises”, and put in place information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of potentially harmful long-term biological effects on the environment and on human health, especially “targeting children, teenagers and young people of reproductive age”.

    Following the proposals of the rapporteur (Jean Huss, Luxembourg, SOC), the Assembly called on governments to provide information on potential health risks of DECT-type wireless telephones, baby monitors and other domestic appliances which emit continuous pulse waves, if all electrical equipment is left permanently on standby. They should, instead, recommend “the use of wired, fixed telephones at home or, failing that, models which do not permanently emit pulse waves”.

    Governments should “reconsider the scientific basis for the
    present electromagnetic fields exposure standards set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection [followed by the WHO and Health Canada],which have serious limitations” and apply as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principles.

    The adopted resolution underlines the fact that “the
    precautionary principle should be applicable when scientific evaluation does not allow the risk to be determined with sufficient certainty” and stresses that “the issue of independence and credibility of scientific expertise is crucial” to achieve a transparent and balanced assessment of potential negative impacts on the environment and human health.
  • The Council of Europe is comprised of 47 countries and the European Parliament (EU) represents 27 countries. These two separate institutions of European leaders have examined the issue thoroughly and come to the same conclusion regarding the need to protect citizens from electromagnetic radiation.

    The new resolutions adopted by PACE are consistent with the two
    EU Parliament resolutions passed in 2008 and 2009, which highlighted the health risks of wireless technology (mobile phones, Wi-Fi / WiMAX, Bluetooth, DECT landline telephones), particularly to pregnant women, newborn babies and children.

    In addition, all (1) asserted that the safety standard set by the World Health Organization (which Health Canada follows) is not only inadequate
    but outdated; and (2) affirmed that electrosensitivity is a valid physical disability, and electrosensitive patients require special protection.

    The followings are the resolutions adopted by the European Parliament
    at near-unanimous votes (559-22 votes in 2009 and 522-16 votes in 2008):
    wireless technology (mobile phones, Wi-Fi / WiMAX, Bluetooth, DECT landline telephones) emits EMFs that may have adverse effects on human health... particularly to young people whose brains are still developing.
    "...the limits on exposure to electromagnetic fields which have been set for the general public are obsolete. They do not take account of developments in information and communication technologies or vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, newborn babies and children."
    the EU Parliament "calls on the Member States to follow the example of Sweden and to recognize persons that suffer from electrohypersensitivity as being disabled so as to grant them adequate protection as well as equal opportunities."
    http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ oeil/FindByProcnum.do?lang=en& procnum=INI/2008/2211
    http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ oeil/FindByProcnum.do?lang=en& procnum=INI/2007/2252
    http://www.org.feb.nu/FEB/AboutES.html
    Some recent (May 2011) news on electromagnetic fields and health:
    Researchers Say New Studies Confirm Cell Phone Hazards
    Warning: Using A Mobile Phone While Pregnant Can Seriously Damage Your Baby
    Study Of 13,000 Children Exposes Link Between Use Of Handsets And Later Behavioural Problems
     The Precautionary Principle
    The Precautionary Principle is the international guideline for governments to deal with potential health crisis when consensus in science is not yet available. According to “The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – 2005 World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology", the Precautionary Principle is defined as: When human activities may lead to morally unacceptable harm that is scientifically plausible but uncertain, actions shall be taken to avoid or diminish that harm. Morally unacceptable harm refers to harm to humans or the environment that is - threatening to human life or health, or - serious and effectively irreversible, or - inequitable to present or future generations, or - imposed without adequate consideration of the human rights of those affected. Actions are interventions that are undertaken before harm occurs that seek to avoid or diminish the harm.