Switzerland: This Vote Sends the Wrong Signal

This vote sends the wrong signal
by Meris Michaels, Readers' Mail, 24 heures,

28 June 2016

Re article entitled: 

"Towards stronger mobile antennas"

The vote of the National Council on modernization of the mobile phone network was very close: 96 against 89 with 3 abstentions. It sends a message that nearly half of the population does not want modernization which could mean an increase in limit values of mobile phone antennas. Inversely, this vote sends the wrong signal to the world which takes Switzerland for a model of application of the precautionary principle by adopting lower limit values than other countries.

Did the minister responsible for communication, Doris Leuthard, influence the vote by saying that only high frequency radiation is possibly carcinogenic, and not that of mobile phone installations? According to Dr. Robert Baan, responsible for the IARC/WHO monograph establishing this classification, it is the same for all types of radiofrequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum: high frequency radiation emitted by antennas, cell phones, Wi-Fi etc.

Electromagnetic Radiation: Scientific Fact Versus Political Spin and Misinformation: Extracts from Letter to the Mayor of Vancouver

Olga Sheean's letter to the Mayor of Vancouver, "No Safe Place"
 contains so much good information on the issue of electromagnetic radiation that we are producing some of it in separate posts.

Scientific fact versus political spin and misinformation 

SPIN: Non-ionizing Wi-Fi radiation does not generate enough heat to do damage and, therefore, this non-thermal form of radiation is not harmful to humans. 

FACT: Scientific studies—and the telecommunications industry itself—confirm that non-thermal radiation is harmful to the human body.4 

• “Weak non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation in the environment can be linked to more ‘modern illnesses’ than even the pessimists thought possible,” says Dr Andrew Goldsworthy. “Modern science can now begin to explain how.” (For details, see: http://bit.ly/1taEDi3.)

• The American Academy of Environmental Medicine reports that: “epidemiological studies demonstrate that significant harmful biological effects occur from nonthermal RF exposure” (http://bit.ly/24XtIpS).

• A Swisscom patent application clearly states that non-thermal wireless radiation “has a genotoxic effect … elicited via a non-thermal pathway” and that “when human blood cells are irradiated with electromagnetic fields, clear damage to hereditary material [DNA] has been demonstrated [with] indications of an increased cancer risk.” The international patent (http://bit.ly/1OQbG4V), filed in 2003, was for technology to reduce the ‘electrosmog’ from wireless local networks, intended to reduce the cancer risks associated with non-thermal exposure to microwave radiation. (For more details, see: http://bit.ly/1BCVa0W.)

Switzerland: Cell Phone Radiation Changed Blood Values of Cows (2015 Article)

(Keystone)

Cell phone radiation changed blood values ​​of cows
argauerzeitung.ch, 10 May 2015 (summary of Google translation from German)

Whether electromagnetic fields make humans and animals sick, has been studied for decades. Now a new study shows that cell phone radiation has effects on cows.

Michael Hässig1, veterinarian at the animal hospital of the University of Zurich, found evidence of this.

The researchers exposed ten cows for a long period to mobile phone radiation at a strength that is common in the vicinity of mobile phone masts.

Before, immediately after, and one month later, they examined the cows's blood. The results indicated that the radiation influenced the activity of enzymes that regulate the pH in the blood. "The blood values ​​changed 10 percent of the normal range during irradiation," says Hässig.  A pH in the normal range is important for all metabolic processes.

On the question of whether one can infer by the results that this is a threat to humans, Hässig replies: "In principle, yes."

No Safe Place: Letter to Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson

No Safe Place - shattered lives, healthcare set to crash − you can’t fix this fast enough

A letter to Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson by Olga Sheean, 15 June 2016

Click here to read the letter:  (click again on "download").

Also sent to: • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau • David Eby, MLA • Hedi Fry, MP • Elizabeth May, MP • Joyce Murray, MP • The David Suzuki Foundation • Dr Erica Mallery-Blythe, PHIRE/Radiation Research Trust • Dr Dietrich Klinghardt, the Klinghardt Academy • Elizabeth Kelley, Director, EMFscientist.org • Dr Joel Moskowitz, Electromagnetic Radiation Safety, saferemr.com • The Vancouver Sun • Metro News • The Globe and Mail • The Tyee

Dear Mr. Robertson,

In 2003, when I worked for the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, the Director General Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland resigned because cell phone radiation was making her ill. Along with countless other doctors, researchers and scientists, Brundtland has stated that “research shows deleterious effects” from the use of cell phones and other devices emitting radiation. “This is not an innocent technology,”1 she says. It’s an inconvenient truth that we ignore because we’re so far down the rabbit hole of wireless living.

Your campaign to bombard the city with harmful radiation (benignly referred to as Wi-Fi) clearly demonstrates that you are uninformed about the scientifically proven harmful effects of nonionizing/non-thermal Wi-Fi and other electromagnetic radiation (EMR). It also shows that, as an elected public servant, you have failed to do your own due diligence. In promoting free Wi-Fi as a positive enhancement to the community, you have led people to believe that there is no danger involved and that they can use their various electronic gadgets to their hearts’ content—with no regard for others (babies, children, transit passengers, neighbours etc) affected by them doing so.

Hybrid & Electric Cars: Electromagnetic Radiation Risks

Electric car 
(Choice of image by Editor of "Towards Better Health" - from
Alternative Energy News )

The original of this article contains summaries and links to several studies and news articles on the topic. 

Hybrid & Electric Cars: Electromagnetic Radiation Risks
saferemr.com, 24 June 2016

Hybrid and electric cars may be cancer-causing as they emit extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) or magnetic fields. Recent studies of the levels of EMR emitted by these automobiles have claimed either that they pose acancer risk for the vehicles' occupants or they are safe.

Unfortunately, the little research conducted on this issue has been industry-funded by companies with vested interests on one side of the issue or the other which makes it difficult to know which studies are trustworthy.

Microwave Radiation – Is It Frying Your Eggs?

Microwave Radiation – Is It Frying Your Eggs?
Posted by Lloyd Burrell, electricsense.com,  20 June 2016

Is microwave radiation from your gadgets frying your eggs?

Devices like laptops, cell phones and cordless phones emit a form of electromagnetic field (EMF) called microwave radiation or radio frequency radiation.

Studies on Electrosensitivity (ES) and Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS)

An invaluable source of information on studies on ES and EHS.

Studies on electrosensitivity (ES) and electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS)
Michael Bevington, June 2016
Link to 16-page document.

There are many thousands of peer-reviewed studies relevant to ES/EHS. This very limited selection of about 200 studies and references aims to provide an indication of the wide range of studies available.  This selection does not attempt to give the earliest or most recent studies on any topic. This selection concentrates on positive studies which indicate the range of relevant evidence.

CONTENTS

1 General, reviews, Historical evidence

2 Specific ES/EHS symptoms from man-made environmental radiation

Wireless Education: Safe Schools, Healthy Workplaces

"Wireless Education" has created a number of friendly, online training courses, providing the information one needs to make wireless devices safer to use.  http://www.wirelesseducation.org/

Wireless Education:  Safe Schools, Healthy Workplaces
by Brett West, Director, Education Services, Wireless Education, June 2016

The benefits of wireless technology are immense and in order to utilise it safely, risk management should be the focus.

Wireless Education is the education portal of Wireless Tech Safety. Our team are all technology specialists, who used to think that Wireless technology is harmless, until we did the research...

Families are often not aware of the dangers of wireless technology. Many times when you think of a wireless device you think of a mobile phone, however, there are other devices in the home that emit radiation. Modern homes will have cordless phones, smart phones, electronic tablets, smart meters and even wireless baby monitors. All these devices are constantly searching for a signal and emitting radiation pulses that can have an effect on you and your family.

So we created a number of friendly, online training courses. These quickly provide you with all the information you need to make your wireless devices safer to use.

No Cell Phones for Babies

"People are adults and informed of the risks."  The article, "Cell phones under scrutiny: an American study revives concerns. In Switzerland, the risk is considered minor."  (Tribune de Genève, 7 June 2016) does not mention the risks of cell phones to children's health.  Here is our critique :

No Cell Phones for Babies
by Meris Michaels, Readers' Mail, Tribune de Genève, 11-12 June 2016

The article, "Cell Phones Under Scrutiny" mentions that 97% of the population over age 16 uses a cell phone.

What about children under 16?  The other day, I saw a 3-year-old playing with a smartphone in the tram.  Her mother had no idea of the health risk from the radiation of this device.  A young child cannot read such articles or manuals warning of dangers.

We are going to develop virtual reality (VR) headsets for children where smartphones are found very close to the brain and eyes.  All manuals warn that a cell phone should not be held near the body.  Certain VR headsets should not be used by children under age 13.  Their skull, not yet fully developed, allows radiation, classified "possibly carcinogenic" by WHO, to penetrate deeply into the brain.

"Human beings are ready to take other risks," comments Dr. Christian Hess.  We are talking here of adults : young children do not smoke, do not drink, but they use cell phones.  They are incapable of judging the risks.  Many parents are not aware of risks.

We must inform the whole population now of the health issues of cell phones and their use to reduce radiation.  The risks are far from minor!

Switzerland: Limit Values for Mobile Phone Installations

Press Release

Doctors for the Protection of the Environment

7 June 2016

(Unofficial translation from French by the Editor of this blog.)

Limit values for mobile phone installations

Prevention or concern a posteriori?

An American study published in the last few days shows more cancers in animals in response to long-term irradiation from mobile phones.  At the same time, on 16 June, the Parliament is going to decide whether the limit values of mobile phone installations should be increased (motion 16.3007).  This means that people and animals would be exposed to a greater intensity of radiation.  Doctors for the Protection of the Environment (MfE) is asking the Parliament to reject the motion.  The Swiss Farmers' Union is requesting the same thing.  The Swiss Landowners' Association and HabitatDurable Suisse also reject the motion.

"Smart" Watches for Children Dumb and Dangerous?

Parents program reminders on their smartphones that
will pop up on the watch at certain times.

Our comment:  Here is another "smart" watch being commercialized for children ages 3 to 8.  Since campaigning for funding is still on-going, we could find no instruction manual on its site, but we suspect such a manual would list precautions similar to those for Re-Vibe anti-distraction wrist wear.  Such devices encourage greater use of cell phones.  We are not at all happy about such developments.  Everyone wants to get on the bandwagon and profit from the sale of "smart" devices, while giving little or no thought to increasing exposure of young children to microwave radiofrequency radiation.

Octopus, icon-based watch that kids can read & understand!
by Joy

The first icon-based watch that teaches kids good habits and the concept of time. It's a watch, it's a scheduler, it's an assistant.

Cell Phones Under Scrutiny

For Christian W. Hess, former head of the neurology service at the Ile Hospital in Bern, and former member of the executive committee of the national research program devoted to the subject, this report "definitely must be taken seriously".

The association, Doctors for the Protection of the Environment (MfE) considers that even in the absence of the final report, this study is going to generate new discussions on precautions regarding use.  According to it, this discussion must be undertaken at the World Health Organization (WHO), particularly to see whether it is necessary to raise the level of danger of cell phones.

For the time being, no proof of harm has been
established.  In order to reduce exposure to
the head, it recommended to use a low-radiating
head set.  Peter Dazeley/Stone Sub

Cell Phones Under Scrutiny
by Caroline Zuercher, Tribune de Genève, 7 June 2016
(translated from French by the Editor of "Towards Better Health")

Electrosmog : An American study revives concerns.  In Switzerland, the risk is considered minor.

What is the effect of cell phones on health?  A vast toxicological study on rats and mice in the United States revives this issue which one could qualify as old.  Partial results revealed 27 May suggest a link between rare cancers, cerebral glioma and cardiac schwannoma, and exposure to signals replicating those of a cell phone.

The rats in question did not have an easy life.  Researchers at the National Toxicology Program (NTP, which comprises several American public agencies) exposed them to radiofrequencies of 900 MHz according to the norms of GSM and CDMA.  And this, 18 hours a day until age two, in a regular cycle:  10 minutes of exposure, then 10 minutes' pause.  The result?  A "low incidence" of tumors was observed in male rats while specimens in the control group, not exposed to waves, were not affected.  No significant effects were observed in female rats.  The studies on mice are continuing.

Is Wi-Fi Causing Your Diabetes?

Is WiFi Causing Your Diabetes?by Wen Dee, zipzapinsights.com, June 2016

The most common forms of diabetes are Type 1: (Juvenile diabetes) that is usually genetically controlled, and Type 2 diabetes: (adult onset) and is attributed to lifestyle and obesity. Another type of diabetes, that isn’t widely diagnosed is Type 3 diabetes.

Type 3 Diabetes is caused by environmental exposure to electromagnetic pollutants (EMF’s, Wifi). WiFi is all around us in today’s society, including in the home: Enabling wireless devices/technologies such as, cell towers, cell phones, computers, tablets, wireless landline phones, video game consoles and a growing amount of other home appliances are rapidly being hooked up onto the wireless network.

Communications and utility companies claim the wireless networks (WiFi) that continuously emit electromagnetic frequencies into the home and environment are safe, yet many scientists (not paid by the communication industry) that can prove WiFI – Wireless technologies can cause severe health effects, get largely ignored.

WSJ Reports Murray Cellphone Cancer Case May Cost Wireless Industry Over 1.9 Billion Dollars

Michael-Murray-Daughter-Alicia-vs-Motorola
Cellphone-Cancer

RE-POSTED 3 June 2016:  The November 2015 WSJ article was written by Ryan Knutson, the same journalist who reported on the NTP study.

WSJ Reports Murray Cellphone Cancer Case May Cost Wireless Industry Over 1.9 Billion Dollars
rfsafe.com, November 2015

A lot has changed since David Reynard, of Madeira Beach, filed the first lawsuit in 1992 claiming cell phones cause brain cancer. Now over 20 years later there are a growing number of prominent doctors and scientists that are raising warning flags over phone radiation. And your kids could be facing a greater risk from RF exposure. ​

Reynard alleged his wife’s fatal brain tumor was caused by her cell phone. Publicity about the Reynard case caused the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) to pledge $25 million for research to allay the public’s fears. However, this industry funded research backfired on the wireless industry when its lead researcher Dr. George Carlo came forward with claims that his industry funded research pointed to increased cancer among other health risk.

As Dr. Carlo states in his 2002 book entitled “Cell Phones: Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age: An Insider’s Alarming Discoveries about Cancer and Genetic Damage”:

“The big picture is disturbingly clear. There is a definite risk that the radiation plume that emanates from a cell phone antenna can cause cancer and other health problems. It is a risk that must be seen and understood by all who use cell phones so they can take all the appropriate and available steps to protect themselves and especially to protect young children whose skulls are still growing and who are the most vulnerable to the risks of radiation .”

Cancer Cluster at University of California, San Diego

Photo by Hazel Leung / UCSD Guardian

This cancer cluster sounds similar to the one in a building at San Diego State University (not the same university).  See our post, "San Diego State University Brain Cancer Cluster from Cell Tower?"

Literature Building Occupants Demand Relocation to Avoid Health Hazards
by Kevin Santos , ucsguardian.org, 

3 June 2016

Graduate students from the Literature Department released a petition last week calling for the immediate relocation of the Literature Building’s occupants due to the uncommonly high number of cancer diagnoses among the facility’s faculty and graduate students.

Between 1991 and 2008, 16 occupants of the Literature Building were diagnosed with a form of cancer, nine of which were breast cancer cases. In response, UCSD conducted an in-depth review of the facility in 2008 and addressed potential hazard areas, particularly those involving electromagnetic fields and mold.