Monday, August 05, 2013

Public Discussion on Wi-Fi Safety


Public Discussion on Wi-Fi Safety

This non-commercial website is offered by an electronics engineer in response to genuine community concerns regarding the potential health liabilities arising from broadcast internet services. The general population is still on a learning curve with regard to the nature and extent of electromagnetic radiation in our home and working environments. Yet a certain level of understanding is necessary to fomulate opinion, and counteract any exploitation by those who would profit by jeopardising our mental and physical wellbeing. This is particularly timely given the multi-pronged push by the government, media, and industry to cultivate a lucrative technology-needy public.

Generic depiction of a public access Wi-Fi network with town-wide coverage provided by five transmitting antennae..

When plans for erection of a mobile phone tower are announced, there is typically a negative response by broad segments of the community. However, wireless internet routers and cordless digital phones are also relatively strong emitters of bio-active pulsed microwaves. These are now subject worldwide to health warnings and outright bans, particulary in settings where children or pregnant women may be exposed.


One type of wi-fi antenna used in public hotspots.

If the above devices are in one's own home, the user is deemed to be exercising "free choice". This is obviously not the case for installations in schools or public spaces. The situation is analogous to passive smoking, except that everyone receives the same dose, A more considered approach by those seeking to deploy these technologies is therefore not unreasonable.

The material on this website is presented primarily "as is" from a diverse range of online sources. Some are provided for general information, and do not specifically relate to the project under discussion. To avoid compounding the issue, references specific to mobile phone towers and handsets are not included, even though the technology is closely allied.

This opportunity has also been used to provide a separate page on "smart" electricity meters, which is accessible only via the righthand menu. Their roll-out across NSW has so far been delayed due to strongly contested trials in other States. However, it is a foregone conclusion that they will arrive eventually, adding further to the burden of mirowaves upon our environment.

Byron News Article

Before proceeding, the reader may benefit from viewing the following two artlcles, which appeared in the Byron Bay News, publically announcing the Mullumbimby Wi-Fi project proposal.

Mullumbimby: the New Silicon Valley?

Wi-Fi Project Gathers Pace

Additionally, here are two letters responding to same, published by the same paper during subsequent weeks.

Wi-Fi Project - #1

I REFER to the recent Byron News article entitled "Wi-Fi Project Gathers Pace". There is no doubt we have become accustomed to the convenience of mobile and wireless technologies. Studies even show the electro-magnetic radiation they emit is psychologically addictive. The industry stance has been that there is "no conclusive evidience" pointing to addverse health effects. Yet the weight of independent scientific evidience is shifting to the contrary. It could be asbestos and smoking all over again.
Thise who promote ever-increasing levels of exposure capitalise on the fact that EMR is intangible to the senses, unlike many other contaminants. However, it is just as real, as are the related biological disorders, some of which take decades to manifest. As public awareness grows, citizens will rightfully begin to question practices such as deployment of wi-fi microwaves throughout a public school ... or an entire shopping district. In both instances, for the occupants, there is no meaningful consent of method of avoidance. The legislated "safe" limit in Australia for ambient EMR is hundreds of times less than in many other countries. Don't we owe it to ourselves and our families to get the full story before passively accepting into our midst yet another source of electro-pollution.

Wi-Fi Project - #2

I am in agreement with Peter Nielsen's letter last week in regards to the Wi-Fi project in Mullumbimby. I am concerned about the lack of consultation with the community about something that we don't have full information about yet. it also concerns me that being in a central shopping area we will have no choice as to be exposed to this electro-magnetic radiaition. We have a choice if we install it in our homes (which we have chosen not to) but to do our shopping and socialising in such an area concerns me. What about our children and their developing brains?
We have moved from Sydney where there seems to be an obsession with checking phones every couple of minutes and holding it in your hand constantly as though your life depends on it. With relief, I haven't seen people doing this here; instead living in awareness of what's happening right now rather than what message your phone is delivering you. Will we see everyone on computers now instead of being present with a person? I hope this doesn't go ahead.

Community Action

Byron Shire residents have a strong history of involvement in decisions affecting quality of life. For this to remain effective, we need to keep abreast of rapidly emerging issues surrounding information technology. For example, due to budget cuts, the National Broadband Network (NBN) will now service many communities via radiation-producing wireless links instead of the originally designed fibre optic cable.


Free wi-fi, some wif-fi, or "wi-fi free". You decide.

Nothing on this website is intended to suggest, directly or indirectly, that those behind the Mullum Wi-Fi project are acting with impropriety or outside of the law. According to standards set by ARPANSA, there is probably nothing to stop commercial Wi-Fi antennae being erected on every rooftop in town.
Community members, and local officials, seeking an informed opinion on the tangible effects of EMR exposure are urged to view the resource material linked at the bottom of each page. It represents the "tip if the iceberg"; a very small sample of the full extent and implications of this issue that will emerge if you keep looking. Then make your views known to our elected representatives, participating businesses, and at any forthcoming public meetings devoted to this topic..
Anyone wishing to consult with the author informally on these matters, or assist with distributing information on the ever-increasing levels of ambient electro-pollution, is invited to email. Local Council members can be contacted directly via the addresses provided below.
Thank you for your visit. I hope it will be informative and rewarding.


http://www.mullumwifi.com
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