Infantalizing Robots for the Elderly

Not only children may be adversely affected by interactive robots but also the elderly...  

No to the infantalizing robot
by Martial Van der Linden and Anne-Claude Juillerat Van der Linden, Readers' Mail, Tribune de Genève, 14 June 2016

Certain EMS [homes for the elderly] in the canton have acquired or are planning to acquire, a roboticized baby seal named Paro costing 5,000 francs ($4,900).  This baby seal, which responds to caresses and can also show dissatisfaction would stimulate interactions of persons who have dementia, awakening their emotions and easing their anxiety...

Samsung's Aggressive Battery Design Led to the Galaxy Note 7 Explosions

The battery for the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 had very
thin margins for safety.

Report: Samsung's aggressive battery design led to the Galaxy Note 7 explosions

by Alan F., phonearena.com, 4 December 2016

According to a new report, Samsung's aggressive design for the battery employed by the Galaxy Note 7might have been the culprit behind the multiple explosions that led the company to pull the phablet from the market. The way the cell was designed, a pair of polymer layers drenched in electrolytes was used to separate a positive layer made of lithium cobalt oxide, and a negative layer made of graphite. Should those two layers meet, the electrolytes would heat up causing an explosion.

As the report points out, compressing the battery would force the positive and negative layers to squeeze together. Samsung itself said that it might have been too aggressive with the design. In addition, there is a normal amount of swelling that takes place. Some of it comes from the pressure on the battery created through pushing on the back cover (for example, by putting the phone in one's back pocket and then sitting on a chair).

Toxic Fumes on Board: Swiss Warns Its Staff

Toxic fumes on board: Swiss warns its staff
by Andreas Maurer, Schweiz am Sonntag,

26 November 2016 (translated by Google with grammatical corrections)

Andreas Maurer is an editor at "Schweiz am Sonntag".

An investigative report shows how contaminated air enters the cockpit.

In the cockpit and in the cabin of the Airbus A330 of Swiss the smell of hydraulic oil spread five minutes after take-off in Zurich. The 34-year-old pilot experienced headaches and put on the oxygen mask...  The pilot made the right decision, says the Swiss safety investigation authority (SUST). It has published its report on the "serious incident" of 26 November 2015 this week. The hydraulic oil from the manufacturer Exxon, which got into the air, was a potential hazard. The passengers and crew were exposed to the toxic vapors for another hour. The fully-fueled aircraft was too heavy for a landing. Therefore, it circulated an hour in the waiting queue to burn kerosene. Several passengers and flight attendants suffered nausea and headaches. A stewardess suffered disturbances of taste and smell the following day.

Professor Dominique Belpomme: "Electrosensitivity is Not a Psychiatric Illness"

We have had another request for translation of an interview on electrohypersensitivity with Professor Dominique Belpomme.

Link to full text of study, "Reliable disease biomarkers characterizing and identifying electrohypersensitivity and multiple chemical sensitivity as two etiopathogenic aspects of a unique pathological disorder."

Prof. Belpomme:  "Electrosensitivity is not a psychiatric illness"

by Sylvie Dellus, santemagazine.fr, 11 January 2016 (translated by the Editor of "Towards Better Health")

A battery of tests is sufficient to diagnose hypersensitivity to electromagnetic waves.  The results of a study led by Prof. Belpomme have just been published in a scientific revue.  He answers our questions.

For several years, Prof. Dominique Belpomme, oncologist, has been interested in the phenomenon of intolerance to electromagnetic waves (from cell phones, Wi-Fi...) and sensitivity to multiple chemical products, two syndromes which have many points in common.

In his latest study, results were just published in "Reviews on Environmental Health", he highlights anomalies in the blood and urine.  The diagnosis is based on a battery of tests.  Treatment can be proposed.  Prof. Belpomme explains.

Summary of French TV Program "C à vous" : Interview with Professor Dominique Belpomme

We have had a request for a transcript of the interview with Professor Dominique Belpomme during the French TV program, "C à vous" which aired on 6 April 2016 on the theme "Taking better care of ourselves".  The entire program is not available to us in Switzerland, however, we have access to a 10-minute segment which includes the interview with Prof. Belpomme. (View segment in French.)  Following is a summary of this segment by the Editor of "Towards Better Health".

Anne Sophie Lapix, presenter of the program, refers to Prof. Belpomme's newest book, "Comment naissent les maladies" [how do diseases arise?] where he says 70-90% of cancers are linked to the environment.

Prof. Belpomme replies that especially now, there is molecular proof.   He refers to "epigenetics": the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression. Radiation, chemical substances, microbes modify proteins in the cell and gene expression which explains why cancers in particular are linked to the environment.

Criticism of the Wi-Fi Directives for Use in Schools in the Canton of Geneva

Criticism of the Wi-Fi directives for use in primary and secondary schools in the canton of Geneva
by Meris Michaels, 25 November 2016

Following is our criticism of the Wi-Fi directives for use in primary and secondary schools in the canton of Geneva, cited by the Geneva State Councillor in charge of education in reply to ARA's letter on digital technology in schools.  They are based on WHO and ICNIRP recommendations, acknowledge only thermal effects on health, and do not take into account the growing numbers of electrohypersensitive persons.  They are outdated and ignore the many independent scientific studies showing biological health effects.

The directives were issued in November 2010 and updated in June 2015. They cite WHO Fact Sheet no. 304 on EM fields and public health dated May 2006 - the link to the French version is invalid.  It concludes, "considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects."

I Am Electrosensitive

This poignant testimony from an electrohypersensitive person, published in the popular French magazine, "Marie Claire" was missed by us.  We have translated it for all to read.

I am electrosensitive
by Véronique Houguet, marieclaire.fr,
July 2014

Wi-Fi, relay antennas, smartphones... Marie no longer can stand waves which make her sick. How can one live a life that is saturated with them?

Electrohypersensitivity: what is it?

To say the least, for the past 11 years, electromagnetic waves have been ruining my life. They are a slow poison to my health. And the poison is everyhwere: relay antennas, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, cordless phones, microwave ovens, and electricity. Pure hell.

To save myself, I am tinkering with ersatz solutions.

When the pressure in my head from the waves becomes too painful, I wrap my skull in aluminum foil from eyebrows to neck. This makes a screen against the waves which bounce off, and in ten minutes, the suffering has lessened. I do the same in the subway, which I take almost never because, after four stops, I feel my head squeezed while a drill incessantly perforates each ear, back and forth. The effect is similar with the mobile phone blockers at the movies: pain, like hitting my head against a wall. I always have a roll of aluminum foil in my handbag, but the look from other people is difficult to bear. I feel very ill at ease.

Virtual Reality Headsets Concern Doctors

“The immediate concerns are with the younger users because they will be prone to use them for much longer periods of time,” explained Dr. Rizzo. Those concerns include what this might mean for a young, developing brains. “You need to understand whether the brain is changing in some permanent way.” There’s also a possible increased risk of becoming near-sighted.  [No mention of exposing the brain to electromagnetic radiation.]

Virtual Reality Headsets Concern Doctors
by Dr. Mallika Marshall, boston.cbslocal.com, 14 November 2016

BOSTON (CBS) – It’s expected to be the hot holiday gift of the season: virtual reality headsets. We know it’s a cool new experience but there’s still a lot we don’t know about the technology, especially when it comes to kids.

The headset completely immerses users in a new 3D virtual world. “I felt like I was actually there.” said one first-time user. “There’s no age limit to this,” said another virtual reality fan.

But there actually is an age limit. Many of the top selling brands warn against kids using the device. Oculus Rift and Samsung VR Gear say it’s not for kids under 13. Sony PlayStation is recommended for kids 12 and up. And the HTC Vive is less specific, just saying it’s not for young children.

Chemtrails in Switzerland

RE-POSTED 7 November 2016: (The link to the original article can no longer be found on the Net.)

They Are Killing Us With Chemtrails In Switzerland!!!! (Stunning Pictures) 

TRUTHER / pakalertpress.com (article posted around 15 September 2014) via "What in the world are they spraying"

I live in the Valais in Switzerland, a once beautiful area with breathtaking views, once boasting over 300 sunny blue skies a year. This was due to the fact that we are surrounded by the Alps which create a natural block to the passage of clouds. Unfortunately this is a thing of the past. We are lucky if we have 50 full blue skies a year now. In any event I have counted no less than 300 days of chemtrail spraying within the last year alone and have photo graphic evidence of each day of spraying since August 2011!

[Comments on photos]

[For all photos, view original article.]

I have over 10’000 photos that I’ve taken since I “discovered” chemtrails…

Cellphone Radiation and Electrosmog

This is an article from an Austrian consumers' magazine on a study undertaken by the Austrian Workers' Compensation Board.  

Cellphone radiation and electrosmog
konsument.at, 21 September 2016
(Google translation with grammatical corrections)

More awake, more tired, more forgetful

A new study demonstrates that calling with a mobile phone affects mental performance, cell nuclei and DNA. Special attention should be paid to the exposure of children and adolescents.

If you sum up the time spent by Austrians in calling with mobile phones and smartphones in 2015, you reach an imposing number: 39,673 years. This corresponds to the period from the beginning of the first cave paintings of Homo sapiens to the present day. For us as their modern descendants, only a few hours of mobile telephony are needed to produce demonstrable changes in cognitive performance (perceiving, thinking, deciding, reacting), cell nuclei and DNA.

Australia: ABC's Catalyst Staff to be Sacked and Weekly TV Show Format Scrapped

What happened to freedom of speech?!

ABC's Catalyst staff to be sacked and weekly TV show format scrapped
by Amanda Meade, The Guardian/ msn.com, 

31 October 2016

The ABC’s Catalyst program is to lose its weekly slot and its 11 staff – including the suspended presenter Maryanne Demasi – made redundant under a radical plan which has been approved by the ABC board.

Under the plan the in-house magazine-style program will be replaced by 17 one-hour science specials, mainly from the independent production sector.

But senior ABC program makers have warned that ditching the weekly half-hour program and disbanding the science unit would lead to a dumbing down of science programming and effectively kill off Australian science on television.

Brain Cancer Top Killer in Kids: Are Cellphones a Factor?

(Copyright Fotolia)

Brain Cancer Top Killer in Kids: Are Cellphones a Factor?
by Sylvia Booth Hubbard, newsmax.com, 19 September 2016  

Brain cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in children, according to a new study. Researchers say a chief reason is that new treatments for leukemia — long the No. 1 killer of kids — have knocked it from the top spot in recent years.

But some studies and experts suggest brain cancer rates in kids may be, in part, tied to the increasing use of cellphones by children and teens, and the rates of brain cancer may increase — perhaps drastically — when they become adults.

"I think that there will be a significant, if not enormous increase in primary brain tumors among young people, but perhaps not until they reach the age of late twenties or even thirties," neurosurgeon Dr. Russell Blaylock tells Newsmax Health.

Easy Jet Pilot France Aerotoxic Syndrome Litigation

Easy Jet Pilot France Aerotoxic Syndrome Litigation
(article from Aviation Travel Writer)

by John Hoyte, aerotoxic.org, 17 October 2016

The airline pilots, the disease of the cockpits:
( Pilotes de ligne, la maladie des cockpits )

For the first time in France, a pilot removal complaint against his company. He believes that the air circulating in the aircraft would cause a “aérotoxique syndrome“.

Collectives of seafarers and passengers have given a name to their combat: The “aérotoxique syndrome”. (Sipa Press)

Can flying a plane be dangerous to your health? Monday, Eric B., Captain among EasyJet, will file a complaint against the airline for involuntary violations of physical integrity, endangering the lives of others and… deception on the quality of the air”. He is convinced to have been “poisoned due to small fire” in his cockpit. He is 53 years old, which makes him one of the most senior pilots at the low-cost airline that he has integrated into since February 2002. After the end of the year 2009, he began suffering from a number of disorders including (nausea, gastrointestinal, fatigue, hyperventilation, etc. ) which have led to a chain of neurological and mental judgment diseases. In 2012, his state of health has deteriorated, as well as its relations with his employer. The center of expertise of Aviation Medicine of Toulouse-Blagnac issued to him a “medical incapacity Temporary” in June 2015. The former Airbus Instructor then lost his license to fly and was later nailed to the ground, no longer allowed to fly. He now seeks an explanation to his health problems.

What Is Killing Bees Most Of All?

What Is Killing Bees Most Of All?
by Makia Freeman, naturalblaze.com, 

17 April 2016

You may already be aware how humanity is killing bees through a variety of methods. In an earlier article The Top 4 Reasons for the Bees Dying Off, I discussed how neonicotinoid pesticides, GMOs, EMFs (electromagnetic fields) and geoengineering were all contributing to disrupting and killing bees, through phenomena like CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder). Mankind is gravely endangering its own survival on the planet by injuring the bees like this, since we are all dependent on bees for pollination and our food supply. Einstein famously said that humanity would only survive for 4 years if the bees were wiped out. There may well be more than 4 ways in which humanity is killing bees, but a recent interview with Gabe Cruz (a former cell phone industry worker who has become a kind of whistleblower and interspecies communicator) reveals that one of these threats may be the greatest of all.

Is EMF Killing Bees Most of All?

Eco-WiFi: The Low Radiation WiFi Router Is Now A Reality

The author of this article, Lloyd Burrell, says "Eco-WiFi" is "a step in the right direction", however "the safest way to connect to the Internet is via a hardwired Ethernet connection. That’s to say no WiFi.  Why? Because WiFi devices introduce radio frequency microwave radiation into your environment. The solution I’m reviewing here allows you to reduce your radiation exposures by a factor of 20.  But it’s still only a step in the right direction because you’re still exposing yourself to WiFi."

Eco-WiFi: The Low Radiation WiFi Router Is Now A Reality
Posted by Lloyd Burrell, electricsense.com, 

3 October 2016

What if I told you, you could enjoy the exact same WiFi performance as you do now but with a fraction of the radiation exposures?

That you could stream, watch movies, listen to music, connect multiple devices all with a greatly reduced exposure to WiFi radiation?

Low radiation WiFi is now a reality.

But how low radiation? How does it work? Is it really safer?

Recognition of Electrohypersensitivity as a Functional Impairment (Disability)

We felt that these comments from Professor Olle Johansson in response to a post on Dave Ashton's blog ("Being Electrosensitive") merited being placed here.  Professor Johansson reminds us that electrohypersensitivity (EHS) is a functional impairment (disability).  It is the environment that is sick - "inferior and potentially toxic", not EHS persons.  "The whole environment must be accessibility-adapted... People with functional impairments should have full access to the entire society... EHS persons should be protected under the UN 22 Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for People with Disabilities/The UN Convention on Human Rights for Persons with Functional Impairments."  Sadly, this is not the case in most countries and there are attempts to move EHS from the functional impairment paradigm to the patient/disease one.

Comments from Professor Olle Johansson
Being Electrosensitive, 29 September 2016

The comments from Professor Olle Johansson below are in response to Stephanie Dickerson's post on 14th August 2016, entitled "A Story of Ehs, and Accepting Loss".
https://beingelectrosensitive.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/a-story-of-ehs-and-accepting-loss.html

Nokia's Technology Director, Matti Niemelä: Mobile Radiation Destroyed My Health

We thank this Facebook group, Vi som vill bo tillsammans i ett område med lägre strålning, for having posted this article.

See also this article posted on the blog of Dariusz Leszczynski ("Between a Rock and a Hard Place"):

- Former Nokia CTO's Multiple Sclerosis and... Nokia's Patents to Prevent It?

Nokia's technology director, Matti Niemelä: Mobile Radiation destroyed my health

vaken.se, 30 May 2016 (Google translation with grammatical corrections)

Matti Niemelä is one of Nokia's former technical directors, and has been involved in the development of many of the early mobile phones for Nokia. Matti became seriously ill from mobile industry microwave radiation. In addition, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Some studies suggest that radiation can increase the risk of MS.

Niemelä believes that we have been silent for too long about the risks. He is particularly worried about children. But the Vice President of Nokia claims: "All Nokia products fulfill international requirements and limits."

For Tampere-based Matti Niemelä, 44, life was like a movie when he was young.  He was recruited to work for Nokia in 1997. The brilliant young man advanced rapidly to become Nokia's chief technology officer in less than ten years and was involved in the development of mobile phones, access memories, and WLAN Wi-Fi solutions.

In 2007, Niemelä's career came to a halt when his health failed. Today he can only move with the help of a walker. Niemelä refuses to use a wheelchair.

Electromagnetic Radiation in Our Parks

Geneva's parks merit this statue, with 15,000 mobile phone antennas and 568 public Wi-Fi access points in the canton, including in its parks.  

Source:  Wendy walks for ES - Wendy walks to Ottawa for electrosensitive people.

iPhone 7 Models: Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) or RF Exposure

"To ensure that the cell phone does not exceed the legal limit, consumers should never keep their cell phone in their pockets or next to their skin."

iPhone 7 Models: Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) or RF Exposure

saferemr.com, 7 September 2016

What are the SAR values for iPhone’s new smart phones? How should consumers use this information?

Be sure to read the latest Consumer Reports safety warnings about cell phone use.

Note: I recommend the use corded headsets or hands-free use of cell phones, not wireless ear buds. Moreover, one should never keep a cell phone next to your body, especially during a phone call, but also whenever the phone is powered on. For more information see my AirPods post.

A Call for Better Treatment of First Responders Exposed to the Toxic Wreckage of the World Trade Center.

UPDATE 9 September 2016 :
Read Newsweek's featured article, "9/11-Related Cancer Is Surging", 7 September 2016.

Our post was written in September 2011.

This post is in commemoration of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York on 9/11 2001.

Our thoughts are with all those who lost loved ones, friends and colleagues in the tragic destruction of the World Trade Center and related events which occurred 10 years ago, on 11 September 2001.

Dangers of 5G: From the Horse’s Mouth

Dangers of 5G: From the Horse’s Mouth
reginameredith.com, 24 August 2016

(Photo): Example of full-body protective clothing against  irradiation from electromagnetic fields during  intervention of Deutsche Telecom technicians working on mobile phone antennas in operation.  The following conversation with the AT&T technician reveals that where the company once turned  off transmitters while technicians worked on them, it now refuses to turn them turn and does not allow its technicians to carry RF meters. "Lots of us in this line of work are getting leukemia and cancer," comments the AT&T technician. (Choice of photo by Editor of "Towards Better Health")

Josh del Sol is a tireless warrior informing the public about the health impacts of RF, EMF and other ubiquitous frequencies. His documentary Take Back Your Power is foundational to understanding the problem. Today, I received an email from him regarding a spontaneous conversation another activist had with an AT&T line-man working on a cell tower. I have copied the conversation below. Meanwhile to have a deeper understanding of this truly menacing issue, you can go to openmindsshow.com to see my interview with him. You can also watch his documentary mentioned above. Meanwhile, this should put it in perspective for you:

EMF/EHS Cards and Leaflets

Thank you to Dave Ashton for this very useful post.

EMF/EHS Cards and Leaflets
Being Electrosensitive, 1st September 2016

This post is to collect links to EHS and EMF leaflets and cards that might be useful for electrosensitive people. If you know of anything else that could be included, please let Dave know.

https://beingelectrosensitive.blogspot.ch/2016/09/emfehs-cards-and-leaflets.html

France: Electrosensitivity Is Not a Priority for the Secretary of State in Charge of Disability

Crédit : Steve Johnson – CC by 2.0

Electrosensitivity is not a priority for the Secretary of State in charge of disability

by jay / electrosensible.info, 19 August 2016

(translated by the Editor of "Towards Better Health")

In July, the Secretary of State in charge of disabled persons and the fight against exclusion toured the various "canteens" in Ariège, profiting from this by meeting the stakeholders in the fight against disability.

During this visit, she was asked about electrosensitivity and the recognition of our society of this condition and the least one can say is that for this Secretary of State, there is no need to take urgent action...

ABC Australia Bid to Sideline Science Reporter, Dr. Maryanne Demasi: Update

Wi-Fi stuff-up: ABC bid to sideline science reporter
by Sam Varghese, itwire.com, 29 August 2016

The episode of the ABC's main science programme Catalyst screened on Tuesday night (23 August) on Alzheimer's disease gave no credit to reporter Dr Maryanne Demasi, despite including interviews she had done, reliable sources have told iTWire.

Demasi's name was not even in the numerous credits at the end of the transcript and the sources say this may indicate the corporation is sharpening its knives to get rid of her.

A reporter on the programme for the last 10 years, Demasi was taken off on-air duties until September after a programme she made, on mobiles and Wi-Fi and their alleged connection to cancer, was pulled off the corporation's website in July following a long inquiry. The programme went to air in February and earned its fair share of criticism.

The ABC has some form with regard to forcing out any staffer who attracts controversy.

Petition Addressed to WHO and the Ministry for Health, Vienna: Wi-Fi and Mobile Communications-Free Protected Areas, Mandatory Declaration of Wireless Areas

(Choice of image by Editor of
"Towards Better Health")

Wi-Fi and Mobile Communications-Free Protected Areas, Mandatory Declaration of Wireless Areas

Petition addressed to:
World Health Organization,
Ministry of Health, Vienna

Started byTanja Pernul

[Translated by the Editor of "Towards Better Health".  Note, we are not sure when this petition was launched, but at least a year ago.  
Access to the petition in German.]

Dear World Health Organization Representatives at the Regional Office for Europe, Sg. Minister Dr. Sabine Oberhauser, 

Stop the Wi-Fi and mobile communications mania and ignoring human rights!

Everyone can decide freely about his life - then he shall also be free to decide whether he wants to use Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies. We have the right to do so!   There must also be zones for people who are not willing to sacrifice their health for this.

I call for awareness of the health effects caused by the now considerably increasing radiation in the high frequency range.

-> Wi-Fi at work: educating employees who work in a wireless area. (Most have no idea!) Consent of the employee.

The Health Argument against Cell Phones and Cell Towers

This 11-page document summarizes the health argument against cellular technology, including the National Toxicology Program study, the International EMF Scientist Appeal, and the 2012 BioIntiative report.  It goes into the reasons why the U.S. Government is not protecting the population against radiofrequency radiation and cites U.S. government agencies and medical organizations that dispute the validity of the FCC's exposure guidelines.  The document concludes by explaining what we can do to protect ourselves and our families from exposure.

The Health Argument against Cell Phones and Cell Towers

by Ronald M. Powell, Ph.D 1., 11 August 2016

The biomedical evidence showing that the radiofrequency radiation emitted by cell phones and cell towers is harmful to health continues to grow. This document summarizes the health argument against cellular technology, whatever the benefits of that technology may be. You may wish to inform yourself about these arguments for any of several reasons:

• You use a cell phone.
• You encourage, or do not discourage, the use of cell phones by family members.
• You live in, or are contemplating moving into, a community close to a cell tower.
• Your school or college is considering permitting the installation of a cell tower on its property.
• Your community is considering permitting the installation of cellular repeaters, small-cell towers, or even full cell towers within its jurisdiction.

Threat of Wifi and EMF the Subject of International Scientist Appeal

Threat of Wifi and EMF the Subject of International Scientist Appeal
by Brendan D. Murphy, co-founder Global Freedom Movement, author The Grand Illusion, Global Freedom Movement, 1

2 August 2016

This article (“Wifi and EMF Threat the Subject of International Scientist Appeal”) is original copyrighted material belonging to Global Freedom Movement and may be re-posted freely in full, with proper (clickable) attribution, with all hyperlinks, author bio, and this copyright statement intact.

Increasing numbers of scientists around the world are producing research data demonstrating the immediate threat posed to human health by saturation coverage of wi-fi, smart meters, and EMF in general. Now those researchers are banning together and getting involved in some vital activism. “The International EMF Scientist Appeal was initially signed by 190 scientists from 39 nations. All of these scientists have published peer-reviewed papers on the biological or health effects of non-ionizing radiation, part of the EMF spectrum that includes Extremely Low Frequency fields (ELF) used for electricity, or Radio Frequency radiation (RFR) used for wireless communications.”1

iPad Alert: What Exactly Is Your Tablet Doing to Your Kid’s Brain?

These kids may be engrossed in their iPad, but a new book
says the tablet is harmful to their developing brains.
(Photo:  Flickr Creative Commons)

iPad Alert: What Exactly Is Your Tablet Doing to Your Kid’s Brain?
by John Bonazzo, observer.com, 

3 August 2016

Dr. Nicholas Kardaras argues that juvenile tech addiction is a public health crisis

Addiction psychologist Nicholas Kardaras still remembers the “aha moment” ten years ago when he realized that juvenile tech addiction was a public health crisis.

A young man who compulsively played World of Warcraft for 12 hours a day came into his office. He had lost touch with reality after spending so much time in the virtual world, and so thought the office was another level in the game. The boy ended up being sent to a psychiatric hospital.

“I saw the digital scourge impact him in a way that looked not only like clinical addiction but psychosis as well,” Kardaras told the Observer. “This digital psychosis is a strange new phenomenon we haven’t really dealt with.”

Kardaras has spent the last decade examining young tech addicts, and the result is the book Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids—and How to Break the Trance, which will be released August 9.

Electromagnetic Fields in Schools: A Precautionary Approach

EMF in schools: a precautionary approach
by Jo Williams, Educator, Coach, Speaker, linkedin.com,

28 July 2016

Concern over children’s chronic exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMF) is increasing alongside the rapid rise of technology, the prolific use of wireless devices by very young children both at home and school, and new environmental illnesses that are emerging. Despite wireless computer networks (WiFi) being used in schools for years, it was only in 2010 that the first study of its health effects were published. Technological development has outpaced scientific knowledge. This is why we need to take a precautionary approach when implementing BYOD practices (bring your own device) and WiFi technology in the classroom: anything else would be highly hazardous.

What is WiFi and how can it affect us?

New Blog Describes What It Is Like to Live with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) in the Modern World

Dave Ashton, the author of this post "Joining Up the Dots", is also the creator of this excellent new blog, 

"Being Electrosensitive (in a microwaved world)".   

I am honored to work with him.  His awareness-raising and understanding of the issues of the effects of wireless technology and electrohypersensitivity have been invaluable in carrying out our advocacy in Switzerland.

Dave describes his blog:

"The blog publishes articles on what it is like to live with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) in the modern world, written by people who know only too well.

I'd welcome contributions for publishing - please send me an email to have your story included, or contact me via one of the Facebook links.

Very often, articles in the media seek to dismiss electrosensitivity as a psychological issue, and one that is unrelated to electromagnetic fields and radiation.

I believe that the scientific evidence shows that this industry-friendly view of the condition is catastrophically wrong, and I hope that the tales of what electrosensitive people have to endure, and what our backgrounds are, will help to dispel the myth that we have some irrational fear of technology, and that it's "all in our heads".

Please join me on this quest for recognition of this debilitating condition, and for the support and empathy of those around us.

Connecticut Department of Public Health Recommends Reducing Cell Phone Exposure

Connecticut Department Of Public Health Recommends Reducing Cell Phone Exposure
Environmental Health Trust

EHT has learned that in May 2015 the Connecticut Department of Public Health issued specific recommendations to reduce exposure to cellphone radiation. It is notable that the Department has gone further than the CDC, EPA and FDA in detailing 7 steps on how people can reduce exposure. Furthermore, the Department also gives the opinion that “It is wise to reduce your exposure to radiofrequency energy from cell phones whenever possible.”

(page 1 of 4 pages):

Extract:

Testimony of Hospitalization by an Electrohypersensitive Person

We are sharing a letter addressed to the marketing and communication service of a hospital in Switzerland, written by an electrohypersensitive person who underwent an emergency operation there.  The head of nursing at the hospital has replied with an invitation to meet to discuss this issue.

Testimony of Hospitalization by an Electrohypersensitive Person
Posted 5 August 2016

Ref: Emergency OP and hospitalization

The reply to your questionnaire requires explanation because I spent two nights and three days as a total Zombie there, before returning to normal just half an hour after my departure.

My entire stay would have been perfect (from the warm and minimally bureaucratic welcome to the way in which everyone conducted themselves with calm, kindness, and efficiency from the operating room to the hospital room) if it hadn't been for one downside which disturbed it all: I have been "EHS" (electro-hyper-sensitive) for the last 3 years. That means that I do not tolerate electromagnetic waves of high (Wi-Fi, mobile phones, DECT, relay antennas etc.) as well as low frequencies (household electricity, "economical" light bulbs etc.).

Switzerland: Awareness of Health Risks of Wireless Technology?

Switzerland:  Awareness of Health Risks of Wireless Technology?
by Meris Michaels, 29 July 2016

Awareness of the health risks of wireless technology in French-speaking Switzerland ("Suisse Romande") is at best poor, worse - almost non-existent.  There are only a few doctors diagnosing and treating electrosensitivity, although physicians practicing holistic or integrative medicine may be doing so.  Such doctors are rare and cannot take on new patients. There seems to be an unhealthy collusion among doctors to ignore this issue, either out of ignorance, because wireless is everywhere in their offices and in hospitals and clinics, medical education does not include emerging environmental illnesses in its curriculum, and/or they are scared to go against the powerful telecoms industry which is a vital part of the Swiss economy.

We doubt that "Suisse Romande" has ever heard of the environmental medicine counselling structure for electrohypersensitive persons established by the Society of Doctors for the Environment.  One health insurance company promotes mobile phone subscriptions for families, including young children.  Confronted by an advocacy group for safer wireless, they replied by asking for the names of the group's committee members and saying, the group's description of risks was "alarmist".  A major department store sells babyphones for very young children.  The group drew attention to health risks and to the harmful exposure of factory workers in China producing these and received a defensive reply.  Others, who have written to the health and disability insurance authorities, have received unsatisfactory replies.  And yet, the health warnings are there on the sites of the federal government, the Cancer League, and in manuals for mobile phones, virtual reality headsets, smart watches, etc.

Electromagnetic Field Reduction Restores Health of Electrosensitive People

[Please note: We are not aware if this paper has been peer-reviewed, or included in a noted journal.]

Electromagnetic field reduction restores health of electro-sensitive people1
3 June 2016

Hugo Schooneveld, Joop van Bijnen, and Patrick van Zuilen
Electrohypersensitivity (EHS) Foundation, The Netherlands2

Full text available here.

Abstract 

Electromagnetically sensitized people may develop symptoms and health problems, when exposed to certain types of electromagnetic fields (EMF), known as electrical hypersensitivity (EHS). Over time, the effects may become stronger if such exposure continues. The Dutch EHS Foundation is committed to finding ways to understand these phenomena and to doing something about it. This study reports the results of a research questionnaire distributed among EHS people before and after that they had taken measures to reduce their exposure to EMF. Information requested included (1) the types of symptoms that people reported, and (2) the  effects of EMF reduction strategies on the disappearance of EHS symptoms and improvement of well-being.

EUROPAEM EMF Guideline 2016 for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of EMF-related Health Problems and Illnesses

The Guideline is back  with access to the full text and supplementary material.

EUROPAEM EMF Guideline 2016 for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses
Citation Information: Reviews on Environmental Health. ISSN (Online) 2191-0308, ISSN (Print) 0048-7554, DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2016-0011, July 2016

Ahead of print (Jul 2016)

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Igor Belyaev12 / Amy Dean3 / Horst Eger4 / Gerhard Hubmann5 / Reinhold Jandrisovits6 / Markus Kern7 / Michael Kundi8 / Hanns Moshammer8 / Piero Lercher9 / Kurt Müller10 / Gerd Oberfeld11 / Peter Ohnsorge12 / Peter Pelzmann13 / Claus Scheingraber14 / Roby Thill15

Publication History:

Received:2016-03-16

Accepted:2016-05-29

Published Online:2016-07-25

This article offers supplementary material which is provided at the end of the article.

Abstract

The Hidden Marginalization of Persons With Environmental Sensitivities

"This paper constructs persons with environmental sensitivities as comprising a hidden, marginalized group in technological culture that is paying a large price for our industrialized lifestyle... This population is marginalized by health-care providers and shunted into mental health categories, as our current health paradigms are not adequate to frame and categorize health problems caused by our toxic industrial lifestyle..."

The Hidden Marginalization of Persons With Environmental Sensitivities
by Pamela Reed Gibson Department of Psychology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
MARY ANN LIEBERT, INC. VOL. 8 NO. 2 JUNE 2016 ECOPSYCHOLOGY

Full text of paper

Abstract 

This paper constructs persons with environmental sensitivities as comprising a hidden, marginalized group in technological culture that is paying a large price for our industrialized lifestyle. Due to the polluted nature of most public venues, this population is robbed of a sense of ‘‘place’’ necessary to maintain personal relationships. This population is marginalized by health-care providers and shunted into mental health categories, as our current health paradigms are not adequate to frame and categorize health problems caused by our toxic industrial lifestyle. The problem is discussed within the context of the pressures of capitalism, and examples are given of persons with environmental illness receiving mental health diagnoses (an attempted colonization) when they attempt to access mainstream health-care providers who lack knowledge or expertise regarding toxic-induced illness.

Australia: Celebrity Chef Pete Evans Says ABC Journalist Suspended for Claiming Wi-Fi Causes Brain Tumors Was Right

Celebrity chef Pete Evans has defended
ABC journalist Dr. Maryanne Demasi who
was suspended over her report on the ill
health effects of Wi-Fi.

Celebrity chef Pete Evans says ABC journalist suspended for claiming Wi-Fi causes brain tumours was RIGHT - as he reveals he turns the internet off every night

by Cindy Tran for Daily Mail Australia, 14 July 2016

- Celebrity chef Pete Evans defends ABC journalist Dr Maryanne Demasi
- The journalist was suspended over controversial 'Wi-Fried' episode
- Episode was found to be in breach of the ABC's impartiality standards
- 'Wi-Fried' aired views from scientists that said Wi-Fi caused health issues
- The My Kitchen Rules judge has agreed with the controversial Wi-Fi claim
- The Paleo chef said he protects his family by switching off Wi-Fi at night

Celebrity chef Pete Evans has defended an ABC journalist who was suspended after claiming in an episode of a science program that Wi-Fi causes brain tumours.

Catalyst host Dr Maryanne Demasi's 'Wi-Fried' episode was found to have breached accuracy and impartiality standards after it went to air in February.

However, the My Kitchen Rules judge has claimed she was 'only telling the truth', and revealed he protects his family from electromagnetic fields at home by switching the internet off at night as he believed Wi-Fi could lead to health issues.

Increased Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in the Nordic Countries with Main Focus on Swedish Data

"We postulate that the whole increase cannot be attributed to better diagnostic procedures. Increasing exposure to ionizing radiation, e.g. medical computed tomography (CT) scans, and to RF-EMF (non-ionizing radiation) should be further studied." 

Increasing incidence of thyroid cancer in the Nordic countries with main focus on Swedish data

Mobile phone antenna placements in regard to the
thyroid gland

BMC Cancer201616:426
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2429-4
Published 7 July 2016

Michael CarlbergEmail author,
Lena Hedendahl,
Mikko Ahonen,
Tarmo Koppel and
Lennart Hardell

© The Author(s). 2016

Open Peer Review reports

Abstract

Background

Radiofrequency radiation in the frequency range 30 kHz–300 GHz was evaluated to be Group 2B, i.e. ‘possibly’ carcinogenic to humans, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at WHO in May 2011. Among the evaluated devices were mobile and cordless phones, since they emit radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). In addition to the brain, another organ, the thyroid gland, also receives high exposure. The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing in many countries, especially the papillary type that is the most radiosensitive type.

Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation from Wi-Fi Devices on Mercury Release from Amalgam Restorations

"Conclusion:  Exposure of patients with amalgam restorations to radiofrequency radiation emitted from conventional Wi-Fi devices can increase mercury release from amalgam restorations."

Effect of radiofrequency radiation from Wi-Fi devices on mercury release from amalgam restorations
Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering
Paknahad, M., Mortazavi, S.M.J., Shahidi, S. et al. J Environ Health Sci Engineer (2016) 14: 12. doi:10.1186/s40201-016-0253-z

Maryam Paknahad,
S. M. J. Mortazavi,
Shoaleh Shahidi,
Ghazal Mortazavi,
Masoud Haghani

Open AccessResearch article
First Online: 13 July 2016

Abstract

Background

Dental amalgam is composed of approximately 50% elemental mercury. Despite concerns over the toxicity of mercury, amalgam is still the most widely used restorative material. Wi-Fi is a rapidly using local area wireless computer networking technology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the effect of exposure to Wi-Fi signals on mercury release from amalgam restorations.

Americans Are Buying Gene-Edited Food That's Not Labeled GMO

"... corn injected with outside DNA is classified a genetically modified organism, but canola that can tolerate herbicide because scientists removed a gene is not."

Americans Are Buying Gene-Edited Food That's Not Labeled GMO
by Craig Giammona and Jack Kaskey, bloomberg.com, 

14 July 2016

- USDA passes on oversight of cooking oil new to store shelves
- Monsanto, DuPont, Dow developing crops with the new technology

Products made possible through gene-editing have landed on grocery shelves. Whether they’ll stay there is up to shoppers wary of technological tinkering.

Food companies are now required to label GMOs in Vermont, and debate is raging over a federal standard. But so far, regulators at the U.S. Department of Agriculture have taken a pass on overseeing gene-edited crops. They say cutting DNA from a plant is not the same as adding genes from another organism. So corn injected with outside DNA is classified a genetically modified organism, but canola that can tolerate herbicide because scientists removed a gene is not.

Electrosmog and Autoimmune Disease

Electrosmog and autoimmune disease 
Immunol Res DOI 10.1007/s12026-016-8825-7
First online:  13 July 2016

Trevor G. Marshall1 • Trudy J. Rumann Heil2 The Author(s) 2016.

This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com

Abstract 

Studies in mice have shown that environmental electromagnetic waves tend to suppress the murine immune system with a potency similar to NSAIDs, yet the nature of any Electrosmog effects upon humans remains controversial. Previously, we reported how the human Vitamin-D receptor (VDR) and its ligand, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D (1,25-D), are associated with many chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We have shown how olmesartan, a drug marketed for mild hypertension, acts as a high-affinity partial agonist for the VDR, and that it seems to reverse disease activity resulting from VDR dysfunction. We here report that structural instability of the activated VDR becomes apparent when observing hydrogen bond behavior with molecular dynamics, revealing that the VDR pathway exhibits a susceptibility to Electrosmog. Further, we note that characteristic modes of instability lie in the microwave frequency range, which is currently populated by cellphone and WiFi communication signals, and that the susceptibility is ligand dependent. A case series of 64 patient-reported outcomes subsequent to use of a silver-threaded cap designed to protect the brain and brain stem from microwave Electrosmog resulted in 90 % reporting ‘‘definite’’ or ‘‘strong’’ changes in their disease symptoms. This is much higher than the 3–5 % rate reported for electromagnetic hypersensitivity in a healthy population and suggests that effective control of environmental Electrosmog immunomodulation may soon become necessary for successful therapy of autoimmune disease.

Full text:
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12026-016-8825-7

PDF copy: 

http://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs12026-016-8825-7.pdf

New Device Detects Disease Before You Have It

Scientist holds biosensor chip.

"This biochip would be easy to implant, swift to respond, and inexpensive. The chip is comprised of a DNA probe which sits on a graphene field effect transistor. The probe is a double strand of DNA genetically engineered to contain a sequence of coding for a specific SNP. The chip captures DNA or RNA molecules that have a certain kind of mutation. When these molecules bind to the probe, it sends an electrical signal."

New Device Detects Disease before You Even Have it
by Philip Perry, bigthink.com, 22 June 2016

Generally speaking, the farther along a serious illness is, the harder it is to cure or even manage. Many types of cancer such as colon, prostate, and breast cancer for instance, among the deadliest, give few if any symptoms before it’s too late. The earlier in its pathogenesis or development, the easier it is to manage and treat. Now, scientists have the means to detect serious illnesses before they begin.

Cell Phones Linked to Weaker Bones

"Although small, the new study raises the possibility that long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation from cell phones could adversely affect bone mineralization. Larger follow-up studies will be needed to confirm or disprove this hypothesis, according to Dr Sravi. He suggests that studies may be warranted in women, who have higher rates of osteoporosis; and children, who would have longer expected lifetime exposure to cell phones."

Common thing weakening your bones
by Bel Marra Health, 4 May 2016

(A summary of the study from Argentina follows this article.)

Everywhere you look, someone is carrying around a cell phone – many people see these devices as extensions of themselves. Whether in your purse, in your hands, or in your pocket, a cell phone is always within arm’s reach in case a text message, an email, or a phone call comes in. It doesn’t really matter how old you are, cell phones span across generations.

In addition to the previous studies reporting that cell phones may be hazardous to our health, a recent small study found new evidence – this time, with regards to our bone health.

Cell phones linked to weaker bones

Does Long-Term Exposure to 4G LTE Cell Phone Radiation Impair Cell Phone Users' Health?

Does long-term exposure to 4G LTE cell phone radiation impair cell phone users' health?
Electromagnetic Radiation Safety, May 2016

(Abstract and excerpts follow this summary)

Following is a summary of the second study published on the effects of 4th generation LTE cell phone radiation on the brain activity of cell phone users by the China Academy of Telecommunication Research of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The original study showed that 30 minutes of exposure to LTE phone radiation affected brain activity in the left superior temporal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, right medial frontal gyrus and right paracentral lobule. The current study found that a 30-minute exposure to LTE radiation modulated the EEG in the alpha and beta bands at the frontal region of the near and remote sides, and at the temporal region on the near side.

By the end of 2013, 100 million cell phones in the U.S. operated on LTE. This number worldwide is expected to exceed 1 billion by the end of this year. Yet the one major study cell phone study being conducted in the U.S. examines the effects of 2nd generation cell phone technology.

Why don't the U.S. and other major nations conduct biological and health effects research on the latest cell phone and wireless technologies?

Australia ABC Suspends Presenter Over 'W-Fi Is Dangerous' Claims: New Managing Director is Ex-Google Exec

Scaremongering?  Catalyst?  Surely not.

"Under budget attack, and with a new managing director (ex-Google exec Michelle Guthrie) already wielding a funding knife, the review could well put the entire Catalyst program under a cloud."

Australia's ABC suspends presenter over 'Wi-Fi is dangerous' claims
by Richard Chirgwin, theregister.co.uk, 

5 July 2016

Catalyst's Dr Maryanne Demasi off air, programme under review

Australian public broadcaster ABC has suspended the presenter behind its unscientific “Wi-Fried”Catalyst programme that aired earlier this year.

Presenter Dr Maryanne Demasi of the popular science program swallowed wholesale the claims of scare-mongers like Devra Davis and Canadian opponent of Wi-Fi in schools, Frank Clegg.

Watch “Wi-fried” and Implement the Precautionary Principle

Watch “Wi-fried” and implement the precautionary principle*
by erikpeper, peperperspective.com,

5 July 2016

[You may still view “Wi-Fried”.]

The exponential increase in environmental exposure to electromagnetic radiation (microwaves) from wireless devices and Wi-Fi (e.g., routers, smartphones, tablets and any device that uses wireless connections) will probably cause harm. From an evolutionary perspective, this is the first time in human history that we are continuously bombarded by massive increases in microwave radiation–a totally new experience for our body. It is not be surprising that wireless radiation could increase the risk of cancer (Davis, 2010; Knudson, 2016). Why wait 30 plus years until the definitive studies have been completed. Use the precautionary principle and assume that microwave radiation is harmful until proven otherwise.

How the U.S. Tests Cellphones for Safety

Belt Clip? How the U.S. Tests Cellphones for Safety
by Ryan Knutson, The Wall Street Journal, 6 July 2016

Study results support push for tougher standards to protect humans from potential health effects

(Photo:) Last month, the National Toxicology Program released partial results from a study on rodents that found an association between radio-frequency radiation and cancer. This has stirred debate about whether the cellphones are tested adequately to protect human health. 

Photo:  Michael Nagle for the Wall Street Journal

Four decades ago, an inspector at the Hartford Police Department raised questions about the safety of one of Motorola’s walkie-talkies. Quirino Balzano, then a newly hired engineer at a Motorola lab in Florida, was asked to prove the devices were safe.

Walkie-talkies, similar to their cellphone successors, emit radio-frequency radiation, which in nominal amounts isn’t known to affect people. The only agreed upon effect of such energy is it can heat human tissue at high levels. The test Dr. Balzano devised was to place the walkie-talkie near a human skull filled with mostly sugar water and measure the temperature of the liquid. That general concept eventually evolved into the industry’s primary method for testing the radiation emissions from cellphones.

Today, every cellphone model sold in the U.S. is tested to ensure it doesn’t exceed energy absorption levels set by the Federal Communications Commission.

But a recent U.S. government study challenges the notion that heating is the only potential health effect, renewing a debate about whether the modern version of Dr. Balzano’s test adequately protects human health.

Glyphosate Sprayed on GMO Crops Linked to Lake Erie’s Toxic Algae Bloom

A look of the growing bloom of harmful algae in
Lake Erie from space.

Glyphosate Sprayed on GMO Crops Linked to Lake Erie’s Toxic Algae Bloom

by Lorraine Chow, EcoWatch, 5 July 2016

Glyphosate, the controversial main ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup and other herbicides, is being connected to Lake Erie’s troubling algae blooms, which has fouled drinking water and suffocated and killed marine life in recent years.

Phosphorus—attributed to farm runoff carried by the Maumee River—has long been identifiedas a leading culprit feeding the excessive blooms in the western Lake Erie basin. Now, according to a new study from chemistry professor Christopher Spiese, a significant correlation has been established between the increased use of glyphosate to the percentage of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) in the runoff.

Case Report: Exacerbation of Demyelinating Syndrome After Exposure to Wireless Modem with Public Hotspot

Case Report:  Exacerbation of demyelinating syndrome after exposure to wireless modem with public hotspot
Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine

DOI:10.3109/15368378.2015.1107839

Olle Johanssona & Mary Redmayneb*

Published online: 29 Jun 2016

Abstract

In August 2003, 48-year-old JS of Colorado, USA, a fitness therapist and sports nutritionist, contracted neuroinvasive West Nile virus which left her with disabilities due to spinal axonal damage.In August 2014, she suddenly developed symptoms very much like her acute West Nile infection 11 years ago, including focal seizures, ataxia, vertigo and headaches. Her blood count looked normal so there was no obvious infection. What struck her as odd was that when she left her apartment for any length of time, the symptoms stopped. She found out that a new type of wireless modem, enabled for both personal use and functioning as a public hotspot designed to reach up to 100 m, had been installed in the flat under hers.Her neighbor replaced the modem with a router without the hotspot feature. After that, the seizures stopped immediately, and the other symptoms faded gradually, after which she was fine and again could sleep well. 

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.