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.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Exposure and Use of Mobile Media Devices by Young Children

Exposure and Use of Mobile Media Devices by Young Children

Hilda K. Kabali, MD, Matilde M. Irigoyen, MD, Rosemary Nunez-Davis, DO, MPH, Jennifer G. Budacki, DO, Sweta H. Mohanty, MD,Kristin P. Leister, MD, Robert L. Bonner, Jr, MD

PEDIATRICS Volume 136, number 6, December 2015

abstract (conclusions)

Young children in an urban, low-income, minority community had almost universal exposure to mobile devices, and most had their own device by age 4. The patterns of use suggest early adoption, frequent and independent use, and media multitasking. Studies are urgently needed to update recommendations for families and providers on the use of mobile media by young children.

SNIP

Read the post here.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Protective effects of Moringa oleifera against mobile phone EMR-induced infertility in rats

The radioprotective effects of Moringa oleifera against mobile phone electromagnetic radiation-induced infertility in rats

Bin-Meferij MM, El-Kott AF. The radioprotective effects of Moringa oleifera against mobile phone electromagnetic radiation-induced infertility in rats.Int J Clin Exp Med. 2015 Aug 15;8(8):12487-97. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

The present study has investigated the effects of mobile phone electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on fertility in rats. The purpose of this study was to explore the capability of polyphenolic-rich Moringa oleifera leaf extract in protecting rat testis against EMR-induced impairments based on evaluation of sperm count, viability, motility, sperm cell morphology, anti-oxidants (SOD & CAT), oxidative stress marker, testis tissue histopathology and PCNA immunohistochemistry.

The sample consisted of sixty male Wistar rats which were divided into four equal groups. The first group (the control) received only standard diet while the second group was supplemented daily and for eight weeks with 200 mg/kg aqueous extract of Moringa leaves. The third group was exposed to 900 MHz fields for one hour a day and for (7) days a week. As for the fourth group, it was exposed to mobile phone radiation and received the Moringa extract.

The results showed that the EMR treated group exhibited a significantly decrease sperm parameters. Furthermore, concurrent exposure to EMR and treated with MOE significantly enhanced the sperm parameters. However, histological results in EMR group showed irregular seminiferous tubules, few spermatogonia, giant multinucleated cells, degenerated spermatozoa and the number of Leydig cells was significantly reduced. PCNA labeling indices were significant in EMR group versus the control group. Also, EMR affects spermatogenesis and causes to apoptosis due to the heat and other stress-related EMR in testis tissue. This study concludes that chronic exposure to EMR marked testicular injury which can be prevented by Moringa oleifera leaf extract.

Open Access Paper: http://1.usa.gov/1MURLR1

Excerpts

Moringa oleifera (MO) Lam (Family: Moringaceae) is a highly valued plant in tropical and subtropical countries where it is mostly cultivated. The leaves are highly nutritious, being a good source of β-carotene, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, folic acid, pyridoxine, protein, vitamins A, B, C and E, amino acids, various phenolic compounds and minerals [11]. MO leaves are highly nutritious, being a significant source of sterols, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic and flavonoids [12]. Almost all the parts of these plants have been used for various ailments in the indigenous medicine of South Asia, including the treatment of inflammation and infectious diseases along with gastrointestinal cardiovascular, hematological and hepatorenal disorders [13].Moringa Oleifera has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, cholesterol lowering, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective effects [14]. Leaves of Moringa Oleifera have been reported to regulate thyroid status and possess radio-protective effect. The plant has also been reported to be hepatoprotective against anti-tubercular drug and acetaminophen [15,16]. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the possible protective effect of aqueous extract of Moringa Oleifera against testis damage induced by mobile phone electromagnetic radiation in rats.

The rats were divided into four equal groups; 15 rats each group. The 1st group (the control group) received only standard diet. The 2nd group was supplemented daily and for eight weeks with 200 mg/kg aqueous extract of MO leaves [17]. The 3rd group was exposed to 900 MHz continuous RF/MW fields for one hour every day and for 7 days a week. The 4th group was exposed to mobile phone electromagnetic radiation and received the Moringa Oleifera extract.

All animals in control and experimental groups were housed collectively in polycarbonate cages 30 × 40 × 40 cm (W × L × H). The experimental group was continually exposed to EMR from mobile phone. The radiation of microwave was manufactured by a mobile test phone (model NOKIA 3110; Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.). A 900 MHz EMR near-field signal for GSM (Mobile communication at 900 MHz for Global System, continuous wave, analog phone) system was used. The mobile phone was located in the cage center, while the distance between mobile phone from the bottom of cage was 3 cm and maximal distance from the cage corners was 28.2 cm [18].

This study indicates that EMR attenuated-related testicular dysfunction and histopathological change. MOE renewed the activities of the anti-oxidant enzymes, downregulated the levels of ROS and increased PCNA activity in the testis of EMR exposed. MO consequently improved EMR-induced oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis in the testes of rats. The long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation can cause hypospermatogenesis and maturation arrest of spermatozoa in the testes of rats. However, Moringa Oleiferaleaf extract had a protective effect against the infertility-induced by EMR which was manifested by the improvement in sperm parameters of rats treated with EMR and Moringa Oleifera leaf extract.

--

Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., Director
Center for Family and Community Health
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley

Electromagnetic Radiation Safety

Website:             http://www.saferemr.com
Facebook:        http://www.facebook.com/SaferEMR
News Releases:    http://pressroom.prlog.org/jmm716/
Twitter:           @berkeleyprc

Mast removal in Ireland!

Dear All on my mailing list,

I have received the text below as well as the enclosed pdf from John Weigel, Leixlip, Ireland. This is quite a win and shows precisely what people need to do: chip away, chip away, chip away, and never give up!

"Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the first time a government agency anywhere has required the removal of a mast.

The timeline is:

Magda Havas wrote a letter at my request outlining the dangers of microwaves

The letter was published in the local newspaper

Olle Johansson was invited to address the community with members of the Irish Environmental Radiation Victims Network (IERVN)

An Irish politician, Catherine Murphy, attended Johansson's lecture. She along with others, opposed renewal of the planning permission for this very large mast.

Desmond Guinness had a mast removed from his lands

The community was leafleted several times.

Joshua Hart of Stop Smart Meters and myself addressed a group at Leixlip Castle

All county councillors and elected officials at the central government receive weekly Updates

Paediatric Consultant Dr. Hilllary Hoey (whose historic home is beneath the mast) came forth in opposition to the mast

The national planning authority requires removal (albeit within a two year time frame)

I think this needs to be circulated as widely as possible to show others the lengthy process but that major successes are built on many small ones."

John Weigel

With my very best regards

Yours sincerely

Olle

(Olle Johansson, associate professor
The Experimental Dermatology Unit
Department of Neuroscience
Karolinska Institute
171 77 Stockholm
Sweden)

Monday, November 09, 2015

Collaborative for High Performing Schools (CHPS)

Have you heard of the CHPS?

The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) is the United States' first green building rating program especially designed for K-12 schools.^[1] High performance schools are healthy, comfortable, energy efficient, resource efficient, water efficient, safe, secure, adaptable, and easy to operate and maintain.^[5] These qualities help school districts assist students to achieve higher test scores, retain quality teachers and staff, reduce operating cost, increase average daily attendance, and reduce liability, while at the same time being friendly to the environment.^[5] High performance design can have a positive effect on health and comfort, and design strategies such as daylighting have been shown to enhance student learning.^[5] Good indoor air quality is essential for teacher and student health. Good design also produces more comfortable environments with proper lighting, air temperature, humidity, and noise levels. These factors reduce distractions and create environments where students and teachers can see clearly, hear accurately, and not feel too warm or too cold. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaborative_for_High_Performance_Schools The CHPS criteria, published in 2002, established the nation’s first building rating program specifically intended to assist schools in designing sound, environmentally responsible learning spaces

CHPS School Districts in California include Los Angeles Unified School District, Burbank Unified School District, Coast Community College District, Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District, San Diego Unified School District, San Francisco Unified School District, San Marcos Unified School District, San Rafael City Schools, Visalia Unified School District, Natomas Unified School District, New Haven Unified School District, Ukiah Unified School District, Cajon Valley Union School District, Poway Unified School District, Palo Alto Unified School District, Oakland Unified School District, Roseland School District, Menlo Park City School District, Santa Ana Unified School District, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District, Long Beach Unified School District, Capistrano Unified School District, and Windsor Unified School District. The CHPS Board of Directors and Technical Committee consist of national representatives from a range of sectors involved in school design, construction and operation. CHPS membership is composed of over 225 member organizations including government agencies, utility companies, school districts, non-profit organizations and private companies. While the program started in California, it has now expanded to other states, including New York, Washington, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut. Soon, Texas and Colorado will also adopt CHPS standards.

From the 2014 CHPS Criteria manual, attached:

In 2000, the expert panel of the California EMF Project (scientists of the California Department of Health Services on behalf of the California Public Utilities Commission) concluded based on the then-available scientific evidence that “EMFs can cause some degree of increased risk of childhood leukemia, adult brain cancer, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and miscarriage.”

In 2002, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF MF) as possibly carcinogenic (monograph volume 80).

In 2006, the IEQ Indoor Environmental Quality Project committee of the US National Institute of Building Sciences recommended to keep magnetic field exposure levels in occupied areas below 2.5 mG (250 nT), and preferably below 1 mG (100 nT).

In addition, many education technology tools such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices are sources of electromagnetic fields. When used within close range of the human body, a student’s

exposure to electromagnetic fields such as ELF magnetic and electric as well as radio-frequency electromagnetic fields may increase considerably. ELF magnetic fields were classified as possibly carcinogenic by the World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2002, and radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (including mobile phones) were classified as possibly carcinogenic by the WHO/IARC in 2011. In order to reduce the potential for adverse effects due to these exposures, it is important in school environments with children to apply the precautionary principle “as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)” by providing low-EMF classrooms, specifying low-EMF IT equipment and wired Internet access network technology, and establishing low-EMF user practices.

One of the criteria for a CHPS school is low EMF exposure. Here are the guidelines from the CHPS manual, see pp. 104-105

15.2.1 Low EMF Best Practices for Computers

The District or equivalent governing body for a private school shall pass a resolution requiring:

Desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, and tablets be operated on a desk; operation of these devices on an occupant’s lap or body is prohibited; computer workstation equipment must be greater than 2 feet from occupants.
Desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, and tablets be TCO-certified or laboratory tested to meet TCO Criteria “Mandate A.4.2” for EMF emissions.
Laptops or notebooks have an Ethernet port and a physical switch to conveniently disable all wireless radios at onceand an adaptor with a 3-pin plug.
Only tablets that support a USB Ethernet adaptor for a wired network connection; operate tablets only in battery mode and not when plugged in.

15.2.2 Wired local area network (LAN) to reduce radio-frequency (RF) EMF

Install a wired local area network (LAN) for Internet access throughout the school. Provide wired network connections for desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, and tablets. All wireless transmitters shall be disabled on all Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Provide wired input devices for computer workstations.

15.2.3 Wired Phones to reduce RF EMF in classroom

Install easily accessible hard-wired phones for teacher and student use and prohibit installation and use of standard DECT cordless phones and cordless phones operating at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz unless they have been laboratory tested to demonstrate that the cordless phone base station and handsets (whether placed in the charging station or not) do not emit RF EMF emissions in standby mode.
Prohibit the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices in instructional areas / classrooms. Additionally, they shall be required to be powered off or be in airplane mode (sleep mode is not sufficient) except during fire-life-safety drills and incidents.

The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified ELF magnetic fields and radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic based on scientific evidence surrounding incidence of childhood leukemia and brain cancer. Schools districts and design teams should:

1. Prohibit cell phone towers and base stations on school buildings or school property. (See siting)

2. Prohibit above ground transformers within 50ft from outdoor play, exercise and recreation areas. (See siting)

3. Run conduits for the future possibility of fiber optic connections.

4. Position electrical supply rooms and building power supply adjacent to low occupancy areas, amongother strategies.

If using a wireless local area network (WLAN) for Internet access, choose the minimum number of access points and adjust the power output of the access points to the lowest maximum level required to meet the needs. Access points shall be placed a minimum distance of 16-32 feet (5-10 m) from where students and staff spend the majority of their time. The access points and Wi-Fi transmitters in the computer devices shall be

turned off when not in use. Clearly label access points with warning signs.

Provide a Wireless-free Zone where cell phones, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi-enabled electronic devices shall not be used. Post clear signage at the door to instruct users on how to disable the wireless transmitters on their personal electronic devices (power off or airplane mode) before entering this space.

Mobile phone radiation, ringtone & vibration affects anxiety-like behaviour & oxidative stress in rats

Exposure to mobile phone electromagnetic field radiation, ringtone and vibration affects anxiety-like behaviour and oxidative stress biomarkers in albino wistar rats
Shehu A, Mohammed A, Magaji RA, Muhammad MS. Exposure to mobile phone electromagnetic field radiation, ringtone and vibration affects anxiety-like behaviour and oxidative stress biomarkers in albino wistar rats. Metab Brain Dis. 2015 Nov 7. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

Research on the effects of Mobile phone radio frequency emissions on biological systems has been focused on noise and vibrations as auditory stressors. This study investigated the potential effects of exposure to mobile phone electromagnetic field radiation, ringtone and vibration on anxiety-like behaviour and oxidative stress biomarkers in albino wistar rats.

Twenty five male wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of 5 animals each: group I: exposed to mobile phone in switched off mode (control), group II: exposed to mobile phone in silent mode, group III: exposed to mobile phone in vibration mode, group IV: exposed to mobile phone in ringtone mode, group V: exposed to mobile phone in vibration and ringtone mode. The animals in group II to V were exposed to 10 min call (30 missed calls for 20 s each) per day for 4 weeks. Neurobehavioural studies for assessing anxiety were carried out 24 h after the last exposure and the animals were sacrificed. Brain samples were collected for biochemical evaluation immediately.

Results obtained showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in open arm duration in all the experimental groups when compared to the control. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) was also observed in catalase activity in group IV and V when compared to the control.

In conclusion, the results of the present study indicates that 4 weeks exposure to electromagnetic radiation, vibration, ringtone or both produced a significant effect on anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress in young wistar rats.

http://1.usa.gov/1Hr9JIw

Excerpts
Group I animals were exposed to mobile phone in switched off mode (Control). Group II were exposed to mobile phone in silent mode (EMR). Group III were exposed to mobile phone in vibration (V) mode. Group IV were exposed to mobile phone in ringtone (R) mode. Group V were exposed to mobile phone in Electromagnetic Radiation, Ringtone and Vibration (EMR + R + V).

The animals in group II to V were exposed to 10 min call (30 missed calls for 20 s each) per day for 4 weeks, keeping a GSM (900/1800/MHz) mobile phone in the cage between 0900 to 1200 h. Animals were allowed to move freely in the cage (21.6″ × 13″ × 7.5″) and the phones were kept in a 4″ × 2″ × 1″ wood-bottom boxes throughout the study period avoiding animal’s contact with phones (Raju et al. 2009; Sareesh et al. 2009).

A test cell phone GSM 900/1800 (model TV 20, Tecno) was used as the source of EMR. The same default ringtone was used in all the phones and using A-weighed sound level meter, the default ringtone was measured to be 76 dB. Vibration was also measured using accelerometer to be 0.47 m/s2. However, we could not regulate interference on signal reception by environmental factors and signals from other vibrating bodies in the experimental area which could rise and fall and consequently affect electromagnetic radiation in our experiment.

In this study, a significant decreased in exploratory activities as measured by decreased time spent in open arm was observed in all the treatment groups when compared to the control. This corroborate with previous studies by some investigators who reported decreased exploratory activity and increase anxiety in EMR, vibration and noise exposed animals (Abbate et al. 2004; Khirazova et al. 2012). The statistical significance also seen between groups and the control confirmed the combined effects of EMR and other stressors (Raju et al. 2009), vibration and other stressors (Dormolen and Hertog 1994) as well as noise and other stressors (Smith et al. 1993). A decrease in percentage open arm entries, head dipping frequency, rearing and, defecation was also observed although not statistically significant. The index of open arm avoidance which is a measure of anxiety (Trullas and Skolnick 1993) was also not statistically significant even though there was a general decrease in all the treatment groups when compared to the control.

The differences in the brain level of malondialdehyde (MDA) observed in the present study were not statistically significant in all the treatment groups when compared to the control even though slight decrease was observed in all the treatment groups when compared to the control ....

The absence of significant effects on MDA, SOD and GPx seen in the present study may be compensatory in nature and postulated by mobilization of other endogenous antioxidants such as nitric oxide (NO), by other antioxidant defense system in response to lesser lipid peroxidation and generation of reactive oxygen species during the exposure ....

Another possible cause of the behavioral changes could be attributed to the increased activity of the HPA axis in exposed animals....

In conclusion, the result of the present study indicates that four weeks exposure to electromagnetic radiation or in combination with either vibration, ringtone or both produced significant effect on anxiety-like behaviours probably due to oxidative stress that could lead to the activation of HPA axis in young wistar rats. More studies are warranted to unveil the mechanistic pathways via which EMR, vibration and noise exert their biological effects especially in the brain.

Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., Director
Center for Family and Community Health
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley

Electromagnetic Radiation Safety

Website:             http://www.saferemr.com
Facebook:        http://www.facebook.com/SaferEMR
News Releases:    http://pressroom.prlog.org/jmm716/
Twitter:           @berkeleyprc

Are iPads in schools a waste of money? OECD report says yes

From The Age, September 15, 2015:

Timna Jacks, Education Reporter

Excerpt:

Investment in computers and iPads in schools does not improve numeracy and literacy skills, a new OECD report has warned.

In fact, the report, just released by the organisation which is considered the definitive authority on global academic performance, found frequent use of computers in schools is often associated with lower results.

Investment in computers and iPads in schools does not improve numeracy and literacy skills, a new OECD report has warned.

SNIP

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Sunday, November 08, 2015

First look at NSW classrooms of the future: But who will consider what happened in Sweden?

From the New South Wales Department of Education website:

Friday 6 November 2015 – Excerpt

Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli has unveiled some of the innovative technology and teaching practices being trialed for new and refurbished classrooms across NSW.

Mr Piccoli visited the Department of Education’s Futures Learning Unit at Australian Technology Park to see students and teachers testing prototyped flexible learning spaces that will enable education to adapt to the digital age.

“The way our children learn is evolving as times change and it’s exciting to see first-hand how the traditional classroom is being transformed into an interactive learning space,” Mr Piccoli said.

SNIP

Now for comparison, see this posting from 2014 by Olle Johansson:
Is wireless technology in Swedish schools adversely affecting the kids?

An English translation! — ”KI researcher: ‘Kick out politicians who give students hazardous e-readers with unproven educational value’”

Thanks to the so-called PISA* (OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment) survey, in Sweden we now know: student scores in maths, reading comprehension and natural sciences are plummeting. The results are prompting rage in Swedish schools. Something is wrong.

SNIP

Read the post here.