The Microwave Factor

Microwave - and other forms of electromagnetic - radiation are major (but conveniently disregarded, ignored, and overlooked) factors in many modern unexplained disease states. Insomnia, anxiety, vision problems, swollen lymph, headaches, extreme thirst, night sweats, fatigue, memory and concentration problems, muscle pain, weakened immunity, allergies, heart problems, and intestinal disturbances are all symptoms found in a disease process the Russians described in the 70's as Microwave Sickness.

Saturday, April 07, 2012

Cell Phone Brain Cancer Risks and Kids

Cell Phone Brain Cancer Risk and Kids
Scientists challenge a study that says phones do not pose a significant danger. 02:24 | 04/06/2012

Friday, April 06, 2012

As new evidence links mobile phones to a greater risk of tumours, could using one cost your child their life?

By TESSA THOMAS
UPDATED: 08:31 GMT, 3 November 2009

Mobile phones, just how did we live without them? At about 80 million, there are now more mobiles than people in the UK. But since the Nineties, when their use became more widespread, there have been nagging doubts about their safety.

For many people these were resolved two years ago with a report from the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme.

The programme, jointly funded by the Government and the industry, concluded that mobile phones, base stations and masts 'have not been found to be associated with any biological or adverse health effects'.

However, according to a decade-long study, due out in the coming weeks, people who used mobiles for a decade or more had a 'significantly increased risk' of developing some types of brain tumours.

Dangers: The decade-long study, which concluded prolonged usage of mobile phones can increase the risk of tumours, failed to include children (Posed by model)

The Interphone study, partly funded by the mobile phone industry, found an increased risk of glioma - the most common brain tumour.

This follows the results of an American-Korean study published a fortnight ago which showed that mobile use increases brain tumour risk by around 25 per cent.

And a similar report from Australian scientists in July showed double the risk after ten years' use.

However, none of these reports included children - and they are the group experts are most worried about.

'I am seeing more patients than ever and at younger ages,' says Kevin O'Neill, consultant neurosurgeon at Charing Cross Hospital in London.

'The big fear among brain specialists is that the most likely culprit - and certainly the one that gets closest to the brain - is radiation from mobile handsets.'

It is important not to be alarmist, and mobile phone companies continue to insist their products are safe. Many scientists agree with them - but others have growing concerns.

Half of Britain's primary school children use mobile phones and many have digital cordless phones at home, which emit microwave radiation in the same way.

The Health Protection Agency, which is responsible for safety in this area, states that these operate within internationally agreed safe limits.

Enlarge

But many experts believe young people, in particular, are more susceptible to the microwave radiation produced by mobiles - and therefore increased risk of brain tumours and other cancers of the head and neck.

It is thought that radiation emitted by phones is absorbed by the body, damaging the cells.

'Mobiles were originally designed to be used for short, urgent calls,' says Professor Shakeel Saeed, an ear and brain specialist at University College London.

'But young people use them like any other phone, often for long periods.'

One of the few studies on children was carried out this year by cancer specialist Professor Lennart Hardell, and what he found was disturbing.

The study at the University Hospital in Orebro, Sweden, showed regular use - more than about an hour a day - of any mobile or cordless phone before the age of 20 raises the risk of brain cancer fivefold.

That is more than double the risk reported in the most recent adult studies.

Dr Elisabeth Cardis, head of radiation research at the Centre for Research into Environmental Epidemiology, in Barcelona, warns: 'Children have thinner skulls so more of the radiation is absorbed, the composition of the brain tissue is more conductive and their cells are dividing more quickly, so damage gets quickly replicated.'

Research last year by Dr Joe Wiart, a specialist on the biological effects of electromagnetic waves at France Telecom (the main national phone operator which owns Orange) showed that children absorb about twice as much radiation as adults.

Children also have a lifetime of exposure to the radiation that multiplies risk, adds Dr Cardis, who used to work on the Interphone study.

While death rates for all the other major cancers are falling, 'for brain cancer they are rising', according to charity Brain Tumour Research.

And worse, it is claiming more children,' says chairman Wendy Fulcher.

Brain tumours

In the UK, cases among children are increasing by almost three per cent a year, with most childhood brain tumours occurring in one to two-year-olds.

But how could brain cancer in children too young to own phones be connected to them?

When Interphone was launched, there were few sources of radiation in children's everyday lives.

But these have increased and could start before birth, says Professor Denis Henshaw, head of the radiation research group at Bristol University.

Ban: Critics want children restricted from using mobile phones (Posed by models)

Epidemiologists from McGill University in Montreal revealed that women who worked in low-frequency magnetic environments when pregnant, such as machinists, hairdressers, nurses and dry-cleaners, were twice as likely to have babies that developed brain tumours.

'Low-frequency magnetic fields can suppress production of melatonin, which in pregnant women will deprive the foetal brain of the protective hormone,' says Professor Henshaw, patron of the charity Children with Cancer.

The effect on babies and children does not stop there, according to Professor Stefaan van Gool, who treats children with brain cancer at Leuven Catholic University, Belgium.

'Cordless baby alarms, toys and phones expose children to daily radiation. Although the intensity is less than a mobile, children are more susceptible to the effects. A lot of young children have Wi-Fi at school, so their exposure is continual.'

Professor Lennart Hardell says: 'Why wait for conclusive evidence? Children deserve to be protected and we have enough data to justify warnings and restrictions for them.'

Some countries agree. The Russian Health Protection Agency has advised the government to ban mobile use for under-18s.

France is introducing legislation to ban advertising of mobiles to under-14s and their use in nurseries and primary schools. In Salzburg, Austria, Wi-Fi is banned in schools.

Here, the Department of Health circulated leaflets in 2000 advising that children limit use to 'short, essential calls', but the leaflets were distributed only through health clinics, chemists and libraries.

Caution

Its more recent advice, that care should be taken 'in particular with the use of handsets by very young children', was posted only on its website.

The Mobile Operators Association, meanwhile, dismisses the research as inconclusive and holds to its position that, after the age of two, children's brains are no more vulnerable to microwave emissions than adults' so standard safety limits protect them.

But for Neil Whitfield, a 52-year-old training consultant and father of six, it is not reassurance enough. He had a brain tumour 'the size of a golf ball' removed in a nine-hour operation after years of using his mobile daily in his regional sales management job.

Professor Saeed, who treated Neil, says the fact he felt his ear heating up when using his mobile and got headaches afterwards is a strong indication it was delivering excessive doses of microwave radiation.

Deaf in the ear to which he used to hold his phone, Neil feels that age restrictions on sale and warnings on use should be applied to mobiles in the way they are to cigarettes.

'I was on the phone for about fours hours a day. There's no way I'd allow any of my children to use a mobile.'

Chris Woollams's daughter, Catherine, died when she was 25, having had her mobile phone 'glued to her ear in her teens and 20s'.

Experts believe youngsters are more susceptible to microwave radiation produced by mobiles and digital cordless phones (Posed by models)

He is convinced it caused her death. He is now a patron of WiredChild, a charity set up to advise parents of the dangers of wireless technology.

So, in the absence of a clear Government message or consensus about risks, what should parents do?

'We know electromagnetic radiation can affect human cells,' says neurosurgeon Dr Ron Beaney of Guy's and St Thomas hospital in London.

'The jury may still technically be out on the link with brain cancer but, in the meantime, most authorities are saying be careful.

'I routinely ask my patients about their mobile phone use and, like many clinicians, strongly urge caution over use. Use landlines where possible, text rather than call and switch off your phone when not in use.

'The cost of failing to do this could be significant.'

Mom brings Wi-Fi worries to Region

By Jeff Bolichowski

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 5:48:16 EDT PM

THOROLD - The wireless web should get the cold shoulder from Niagara Region, says a St. Catharines mom worried about its effects on kids’ health.

Mother of two Irene Krause called on regional council’s public health and social services committee Tuesday to push Niagara’s school boards to stop using Wi-Fi Internet until the World Health Organization gives it an unreserved OK.

Also calling for an education campaign and a warning to public services like schools and hospitals on the topic, she said she is worried about kids being exposed to the microwave radiation of Wi-Fi for six hours a day.

“By allowing pervasive Wi-Fi in schools, we are conducting an uncontrolled experiment on our children without parental consent or their knowledge about the scientific evidence,” she said.

“Should the priority of convenience trump that of health?”

The issue came to the forefront in February after a call by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association to put the brakes on Wi-Fi, calling it a workplace hazard and a potential cause of cancer.

The association cited the World Health Organization’s decision to reclassify radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic. The fields are used in systems like mobile phones.

In the end Tuesday, councillors voted to have the Region’s public health team prepare a report on the topic.

The report will be ready for the committee in about six weeks, said medical officer of health Dr. Val Jaeger.

But in an interview, she said she’s confident Wi-Fi is not causing health problems.

“The Region is not aware of any safety issues with Wi-Fi at this point,” she said.

Nevertheless, “I never discount concerns because I think people have the welfare of their children at heart.”

She said dosage has to be taken into account when considering how unsafe something is. Anything can be unhealthy, she said, if the body is exposed to too much of it.

And a year of exposure to Wi-Fi, Jaeger said, is equivalent to using a cellphone for 20 minutes.

In her presentation, Krause said she often hears that Wi-Fi is everywhere, but it’s different with schools. “The public is not forced to stay in cafes, libraries, et cetera, for prolonged periods in the way schoolchildren are in schools,” she said.

Councillors had little to say about the presentation, although Niagara Falls Coun. Bart Maves questioned Krause on how close to a wireless router kids have to be to be exposed. Krause noted that the radiation can’t be seen.

“It’s invisible,” she said. “We don’t see it as green gas or anything.”

St. Catharines Coun. Ronna Katzman declared a conflict of interest on the topic because she works for the District School Board of Niagara, and St. Catharines Coun. Brian Heit also bowed out because he works in wireless communication.

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/2012/04/03/mom-brings-wi-fi-worries-to-region

Naperville Smart Meter Awareness

What You Can Do

Through a review of the US Energy Policy Act of 2005, the act only issues policy, not mandates, on smart meters. AMI (a.k.a. Smart Meters) is optional and though it is endorsed by the U.S. government, it is not mandatory, it is a CHOICE. (These comments are a summary of an individual review of these policies and is not legal advice.)

There many things that you can do to prevent the meter from being installed on your property and to have your voice heard. The city will only respond to our call to action if public commentary is significant. We have organized action items below. While each is valuable, the first 4 are of highest priority. Once you have gone through the list, keep coming back to this web page for more updates.

Please note that NSMA cannot advise whether or not to do any of the following. Each homeowner must make this decision after considering and accepting responsibility for any ramifications.

1) Send the utility a Notice of No Consent: NoticeOfNoConsent-SmartMeter-Naperville

This document contains instructions with the letter to fill out and sign, then send via certified mail. Post a copy of this notice on your meter and your front door.

2) Apply a “DO NOT INSTALL SMART METER” Hang Tag on your electrical box. Photograph the meter with the tag applied for your records. Mail or drop off $3 donation (or 2 for $5 – put one on your door handle!) along with your address to Naperville Smart Meter Awareness, 1427 Westglen Dr., Naperville IL 60565. The hang tag and zip tie will be mailed or dropped off to you. Or – call NSMA at (630) 579-0659 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily to make arrangements.

Optional: Post “Do Not Install” Notice to Front Door: Post one of these on your front door

Full Page: DoNotInstallSign

4 on a page (Cut and Share): NSMA-MiniSign-4-UP

3) If UPA comes to your door tell them the following and do not engage in conversation:

You do not want a smart meter
You are waiting the outcome of the federal lawsuit
You want them to leave your property.
BE PREPARED: They may threaten you with the promise of fines or fees. DO NOT BELIEVE THESE THREATS! At this time (March 2012), no one has been charged fines or fees for refusing the meter! Others in Naperville have said NO, refused, posted stickers or tags on their meters, and their meters have not been changed. If the city intends to fine you or charge you fees, they MUST provide you with written notice well in advance. If that happens, call the newspapers and us at (630) 579-0659 or email usNapervilleSmartMeters@yahoo.com.

4) Make a Financial donation to our non-profit organization. Even a $10 donation will help offset our legal and communication costs. We are seeking donated items that we can auction as well. See our Donate page for more details or click here:

5) Sign our “Cease and Desist” petition. Contact us atNapervilleSmartMeters@yahoo.com to arrange to sign or circulate a paper petition. As of October 1st, we are well on our way to our goal of 3,000 signatures, which is a tally of both online and paper signatures obtained. With your help, we’ll quickly reach this goal. Please consider circulating a petition.

6) Be Home To Refuse: According to UPA, Utility Partners of America, the city’s contracted installation company, hours of installation are Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A UPA representative on February 6 said installs can be as early as 7:30 a.m. or possibly as late as 3:30 but shouldn’t go beyond those hours.

Meter Guards: People in our community and around the country are guarding their meter. Here are some examples: http://stopsmartmeters.org/2011/03/01/defend-your-analog-meter/

Post “No Trespassing” Signs: Homeowners in our community and around the country are reiterating their rights to protect their property by posting a NO TRESPASSING sign clearly near your meter, in their yards, on their fences and/or front doors.

Lock your Fence: Homeowners in our community and around the country are locking their fences where their meters are in their back yard.

Request Proof of Insurance: Require the installer to provide proof of insurance guaranteeing that you have no liability if someone is hurt when installing the meter.

Record the visit to your home: Record the interaction between yourself and the installer. Verbally state that you refuse the installation and ask the installer to leave. Document the truck number, license plate, and all interactions with the installer, including date, time and location, to have a record of your refusal. Take detailed notes. If you would like to document by video camera or still camera, you must ask permission.

REMINDER: NSMA cannot advise whether or not to do any of the items on this page. Each homeowner must make this decision after considering and accepting responsibility for any ramifications.

7) Sponsor a Yard Sign - Contact us with your name, email, phone and address atNapervilleSmartMeters@yahoo.com and we will arrange to drop off a sign. A $10donation to our non-profit, 501(c)(4) is requested:

8 Car Magnet: Support our mission and help spread the word by displaying a car magnet on your car. The magnet is about 8″ x 11″ and looks identical to the Yard Sign above. Mail a donation $12 check with your address made to Naperville Smart Meter Awareness, 1427 Westglen Dr., Naperville IL 60565 and one will be mailed or delivered to you. Or call NSMA at (630) 579-0659 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily to arrange purchase.

9) Volunteer - We NEED YOUR HELP! We have many tasks, small and big, that will help us connect with all of our neighbors. Contact us at NapervilleSmartMeters@yahoo.com or call Jennifer at (630) 579-0659 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

10) DO NOT VOTE EARLY: As of January 30, 2012, we are awaiting an Appellate Court review of our appeal to overturn the decision made by the electoral board and the circuit court, which upheld an objection to a referendum petition submitted in November. Vote on March 20, 2012. This will allow time for the question to be on the ballot on that date. Keep updated on the latest news regarding the referendum by signing up for our e-newsletter.

11) FACEBOOK: “Like” our Facebook page: Naperville-Smart-Meter-Awareness and share it with all your Naperville FB friends, asking them to “Like” it too.

Write on the City’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/NapervilleIL?sk=wall

12) Stay Connected! And Pass it on! BE SURE to sign up for our newsletter and forward to your neighbors and friends. Email and pass out flyers to neighbors and Naperville businesses you frequent. Post our flyers around town on community information bulletin boards.

13) Write your Homeowners Association. Contact us atNapervilleSmartMeters@yahoo.com for a sample letter to send to your HOA Board. Consider taking out an ad in your HOA Newsletter. Contact us for advertising content suggestions.

14) Come to the City Council and Steering Committee meetings:

Per the city’s website, “The NSGI Steering Committee meets monthly every Thursday before the second City Council meeting of the month at the Electric Service Center, 1392 Aurora Avenue, at 9 a.m. The meetings are open to the public. Upcoming meeting dates (please confirm by going to the city’s web page: http://www.naperville.il.us/nsgisteeringcommittee.aspx):

February 16

City Council and other pertinent meetings:

Tuesday, February 21, 2012: City Council, 7:00 p.m. (arrive by 6:30 to sign in if you wish to speak)
Monday, February 27, 2012: State of the City Address, 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., a breakfast meeting at Chicago Marriott Naperville Hotel, 1801 N. Naper Blvd. (tickets required: http://www.naperville.net)
Tuesday, March 6, 2012: City Council, 7:00 p.m. (arrive by 6:30 to sign in if you wish to speak)
Wednesday, March 7, 2012: NSGI Community Meeting, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Public Works Service Center, 180 Fort Hill Drive
Monday, March 12, 2012: City Council Workshop: Final FY13 Budget, 5:00 p.m., City Council Chambers
Tuesday, March 20, 2012: City Council, 7:00 p.m. (arrive by 6:30 to sign in if you wish to speak)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012: NSGI Community Meeting, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Maplebrook Elementary School, 1630 Warbler Drive
Wednesday, April 18, 2012: NSGI Community Meeting, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Cowlishaw Elementary School, 1212 Sanctuary Lane
Wednesday, May 2, 2012: NSGI Community Meeting, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Welch Elementary School, 2620 Leverenz Road

City Council meetings are held at the Municipal Building, 400 S. Eagle St. If you feel moved to speak at the meetings, please arrive between 6:30 and 6:55 p.m. to sign in. Every citizen has the right to express their concerns and you can speak for up to 3 minutes in the Public Forum. For the most up-to-date city calendar, click here.

If you are unable to attend city council meetings, please watch live on Channel 6 (WOW), Channel 10 (Comcast), or Channel 99 (AT&T U-verse). Additionally, you can watch the meeting via computer by going to www.naperville.il.us/granicus.html.

Videos of City Council meetings and Workshops are available the day after. Under “Archived Events”, click on ”City Council” … http://naperville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2

15) Send emails or letters expressing your sentiments to the Mayor, City Council, and the City Manager Douglas Krieger:

mayor@naperville.il.us, brodheadj@naperville.il.us, fieselerr@naperville.il.us,hinterlongp@naperville.il.us , kraused@naperville.il.us, millerk@naperville.il.us,wehrlig@naperville.il.us, mcelroyj@naperville.il.us, ChiricoS@naperville.il.us,kriegerd@naperville.il.us

Council Members:
Bob Fieseler (630) 417-7553 cell Steering Committee Member

Grant Wherli (630) 305-5331 Steering Committee Member

Mayor George Pradel (630) 420-6018

Judy Brodhead (630) 305-5335

Steve Chirico (630) 305-5336

Paul Hinterlong (630) 305-5362

Doug Krause (630) 305-5332

Joe McElroy (630) 305-5334

Kenn Miller (630) 544-1211 cell

City manager Doug Krieger: (630) 420-6044