Raise awareness of environmental health issues in order to better protect our children and future generations.

30 November 2017

UPDATE: National Toxicology Program Finds Cell Phone Radiation Causes Cancer

UPDATE:  National Toxicology Program Finds Cell Phone Radiation Causes Cancer
saferemr.com, 28 November 2017

One of the graphics included on the updated NTP fact sheet.
This month the National Toxicology Program (NTP) of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) updated the cell phone information page on its website and the fact sheet which summarizes the NTP cell phone radiation study. See below for a summary of the study and its findings.

The NTP's website indicates that the NIEHS has warned its "federal regulatory partners" (i.e., the Federal Communications Commission and the Food and Drug Administration) that the NTP's research found that cell phone radiation caused cancer in male rats to enable these agencies to provide the latest guidance to the public about safe ways to use cell phones and other radiofrequency radiation-emitting devices.

Phonegate : Initial Response from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Phonegate : Initial Response from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
by Marc Arazi, arazi.fr, 30 November 2017

As part of its ongoing support for the health and industrial scandal of Phonegate, the American organization, Environmental Health Trust (EHTrust), chaired by Dr. Devra Davis, wished to engage the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the subject of the tests conducted on the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) by the French National Frequencies Agency (ANFR) between 2012 and 2015 on the real use (in contact with the body) of several hundred mobile phones. Full measurements were published for the first time by the French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) in a July 8, 2016 report, “Exposure to Radiofrequencies and Child Health”.

The Executive Director of the Environmental Health Trust (EHT), Theodora Scarato, wrote to the FDA in June and September 2017 to inform them of the results of these tests and of my action as whistleblower for a better protection of the health of mobile phone users, thanks to a much stricter regulation that does not allow manufacturers to place on world markets mobile phones potentially at risk.

26 November 2017

Digipigi: Credit Suisse's Multi-Million Campaign Flops

One of the most popular comments to this article: "Such bullshit! As a father, I fight daily against the internet abuse of my children." 

See also:
(Google translation from German)

Hardly any demand for children's app - Digital piggy bank devours TV million - Private Banking with Pigi instead of Platinum.

Credit Suisse bosses are proud of their youngest baby. It is called Digipigi, consists of a computer app and a digital piggy bank and should bring children to the bank early.

It's great, they say. In fact, hardly anyone wants the app. In Google Play, the US giant's electronic store, the Digipigi app has a non-measurable demand.

Between 50 and 100 people have previously downloaded the Digipigi program on their mobile phone.

Digipigi, a Potential Health Risk to Children: Letter to "Family First Switzerland"

We objected to this photo in the
article because, if connected to Wi-Fi,
the iPad should not be held on a
child's lap.
Today, we mailed this letter to the group, "Family First Switzerland" after we saw their online article promoting the Digipigi:  "That`s why Digipigi can teach kids in Switzerland about money”.  For now, the connected piggy bank is sold only in Switzerland, however, the idea may catch on with banks in other countries.  If this happens  in the United States, we promised to alert the group, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood which has clout regarding forcing manufacturers to pull connected toys from the market.  The group shares our concerns about the impact of a device such as Digipigi on a child's development.

Promotion of Digipigi

Dear Sir/Madam,

We were very concerned to read the article, “That`s why Digipigi can teach kids in Switzerland about money” on your site.

The Digipigi, destined for children from age 3, is a potential health risk to children. It functions with a smartphone and Wi-Fi connection, exposing the child to radiofrequency (RF) radiation each time the child uses the object.

13 November 2017

"Phonegate" Cell Phone Radiation Tests of France Violate Safety Limits - Lecture by Dr. Marc Arazi, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 31 July 2017

Dr. Devra Davis (Environmental Health Trust) points out that for over a decade researchers have repeatedly published about this issue and have long recommended updating “antiquated” cell phone radiation test systems. “Now we have government documentation on hundreds of cell phones providing clear and undeniable evidence that current cell phone test methods fail to protect the public.”... “Tests must include children with consideration for their unique vulnerabilities. Not only are children smaller and thus will have proportionately higher exposures to cell phone radiation than adults but also remember that children’s brains are rapidly developing. Regulations must assure children are protected,” stated Dr. Arazi.

Dr. Marc Arazi "Phonegate" Cell Phone Radiation Tests of France Violate Safety Limits 
(16 August 2017 - 7.26 mn)

Link to Dr. Arazi's blog:  http://arazi.fr/ with information on Phonegate.




France released cell phone test measurements that found most violated government radiation test limits. Dr. Arazi's July 31, 2017 US lecture and details on this groundbreaking documentation can be found at https://ehtrust.org/policy/phonegate-cell-phone-radiation-exceeds-limits-tested-body-contact-position/

Cell Phones Violate Radiation Limits: Doctor Calls For Urgent Action To Update Cell Phone Radiation Tests

“This is not just an European issue, it is an international scandal,“ stated Arazi, pointing out that all countries’ regulations are outdated. “Professor Om Gandhi—one of the originators of the test limits 30 years ago—says that if these numbers were converted to the US testing regime, we are talking about the reality that some cell phones exceed US regulatory limits by over 9 times the limit.”

Cell Phones Violate Radiation Limits: Doctor Calls For Urgent Action To Update Cell Phone Radiation Tests
Environmental Health Trust, 16 August 2017

Scientific lecture marks the first time European government test results were shared with US audience. 
[See original article for lecture or link on this blog.]

7/31/2017: French physician Marc Arazi presented recently released results of cell phone tests conducted by France’s national government agency ANFR that found most cell phones can emit more radiation into human users than manufacturers report. The France documentation shows that many cell phones on the market can exceed allowable limits by over three times.

The cell phone radiation absorption measurements of the over 350 cell phones France tested were presented in an expert scientific symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on July 31, 2017 sponsored by Environmental Health Trust. This lecture marks the first time the test measurements have been presented in the United States by an expert from France.

11 November 2017

Health Issues - Heads in the Sand, Pies in the Sky: Governments Deny the Facts of Life

Image submitted by Olga Sheean
"We should not have to fight for protection from our own government, which is supposed to keep us safe."

Health Issues | Heads in the Sand, Pies in the Sky: Governments deny the facts of life
by Olga Sheean, thegreengazette.ca
6 November 2017

When wisely applied and when based on empirical research, science helps keep us safe. Science makes sense of things and helps us understand how things work. It stops us from sticking our fingers in electrical sockets or from thinking we can fly if we jump off a high building, in defiance of the law of gravity. It provides us with a solid, reliable, fact-based foundation and a better awareness of the laws of physics and nature that govern our existence. And it enables us to make informed choices that are healthy and sustainable for people and the planet, while protecting physical infrastructures, the economy, and our essential humanity. We disregard it at our peril.

Yet many governments, including Canada’s, have rejected the solid scientific evidence of the harm caused by humanmade electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Despite the 25,000+independent, peer-reviewed studies by scientists, doctors, epidemiologists, biologists, and researchers who have published their findings in scientific and medical journals, government healthcare agencies are categorically denying, diminishing, or distorting the facts regarding the proven dangers of radiofrequency/microwave radiation in our environment.

08 November 2017

The Hidden Dangers of Cell Phone Radiation: 2007 Article on the Research of Dr. George Carlo - Part 2

The Hidden Dangers of Cell Phone Radiation
by Sue Kovach, lifeextension.com, August 2007 - page 2

Dr. Carlo’s Continuing Work

Following the loss of his home, Dr. Carlo collaborated with Washington columnist Martin Schram—who in the course of the work did his own research to corroborate Dr. Carlo’s view on things—to write Cell Phones: Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age (Carroll & Graf, 2001). He wrote his book as what he thought would be a last volley at the cell phone industry.

“I needed to tell the whole story in one place. I didn’t have the resources or the manpower to match what the cell phone industry was doing to try to discredit the work,” says Dr. Carlo. “Based on the book, a number of lawsuits were brought against the industry, and insurance carriers began excluding cell phone-related health risks in their coverage. It created a very difficult situation in the industry and for myself. I was worn out fighting that battle. In 2002, after I’d done my book tour, I just decided to take a break for a couple of years.”

The Hidden Dangers of Cell Phone Radiation: 2007 Article on the Research of Dr. George Carlo

Comprehensive article on Dr. George Carlo's cell phone research.

The Hidden Dangers of Cell Phone Radiation
by Sue Kovach, lifeextension.com, August 2007

Every day, we’re swimming in a sea of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) produced by electrical appliances, power lines, wiring in buildings, and a slew of other technologies that are part of modern life. From the dishwasher and microwave oven in the kitchen and the clock radio next to your bed, to the cellular phone you hold to your ear—sometimes for hours each day—exposure to EMR is growing and becoming a serious health threat.

But there’s a huge public health crisis looming from one particular threat: EMR from cellular phones—both the radiation from the handsets and from the tower-based antennas carrying the signals—which studies have linked to development of brain tumors, genetic damage, and other exposure-related conditions.1-9 Yet the government and a well-funded cell phone industry media machine continue to mislead the unwary public about the dangers of a product used by billions of people. Most recently, a Danish epidemiological study announced to great fanfare the inaccurate conclusion that cell phone use is completely safe.10

Cell Phone War: Documentary and Article on Early Cell Phone Lawsuits

We recently found this 44-minute documentary - "Cell Phone War", (French version) produced by Klaus Scheidsteger in 2005, who also made "Thank You for Calling". "Cell Phone War" can be viewed for free in French and German. We haven't yet found a copy in English. Could someone help us? Here and in the next posts is more information on issues raised in the film.

Legal parties join forces on mobile-phone health issue
by Reily Gregsonrcrwireless.com, 16 April 2001

WASHINGTON-The law firm of Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos, which earlier this year took control of an $800 million mobile phone-brain cancer lawsuit, has joined forces with attorneys in a New Orleans class-action case against the wireless industry seeking to force equipment manufacturers to pay for headsets and medical monitoring for half the nation’s 112 million subscribers.

06 November 2017

Former WHO Director General Gro Harlem Brundtland: "No Doubt There Are Health Effects from Mobile Phone Radiation"

Former WHO Director General Gro Harlem Brundtland: ”No doubt there are health effects from mobile phone radiation”
stralskyddsstiftelsen.se (Swiedish Radiation Protection Foundation), 7 August 2015

The former Director General of the UN World Health Organisation and former Prime Minister of Norway Gro Harlem Brundtland recently said during an interview with Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten that she gets a headache right away if she puts a mobile phone to the head. She also said that she has had health problems from mobile phone radiation for 25 years, and that research shows that there is no doubt that there are adverse health effects linked to this technology.

The former head of the WHO encouraged the public to protect themselves against the radiation from wireless technology:

– I want to say that you should protect yourself. Do not keep the cell phone in your pocket, she cautioned.

Headache caused by mobile phone

Gro Harlem Brundtland, who is a trained medical doctor, was the Director General of the WHO during 1998-2003. She uses her own mobile phone as little as possible and always keeps the phone as far away from the body as possible when she for instance has to send a text message
– I cannot have cell phone radiation near the head. I get an immediate headache. My body has reacted to cell phone radiation for 25 years, she told the reporters.

04 November 2017

Australian Broadcasting Corporation Breast Cancer Cluster

As you may recall, (ABC) Australian Broadcasting Corporation's  "Catalyst" staff were fired last year and the weekly TV show format was scrapped over the report, "Wi-Fried".  
See our post (the link to the original article disappeared.)

(Most of the content of the article is posted below as the link to the original also does not seem to work.)
ABC cancer cluster: 10 years since Toowong studio shut down
by Susan Johnson, The Courier-Mail, 5 May  2016

Jo Stone, Nadia Farha, Anne Debert and Lisa Backhouse
Picture:  David Kelly
On a hot afternoon before Christmas, a group of workers were asked to clear their desks – immediately – and leave the building many of them had worked in for their entire careers. Everyone was given a cardboard box and told to take everything they needed, because there would be no going back inside the building. Ever.

There was an audible gasp at the news. Some women started crying. As if trapped in a story in which an iron door clangs loudly as it closes, the workers left the building. There were Christmas decorations still hanging over doorways, strung across desks, and a shocked sense of disbelief.

Many of the workers, specifically the women, felt scared, others were just angry. It had taken years – precisely 12 since the first of a dozen women was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 – for management to recognise that the building on the banks of the Brisbane River at Toowong, in Brisbane’s western suburbs, was unsafe.

03 November 2017

Maryland: Letter from Ronald N. Kostoff, Ph.D. to the Montgomery County Council Members on Proposed Installation of Small Cell Towers

"For non-ionizing radiation in the power frequency band (~60Hz) and radiofrequency bands heavily used today (900 Mhz-cell phones and 2.45Ghz-WiFi), the biomedical literature is clear. Heavy exposure of humans to this radiation for extended periods of time can be lethal, and exposure of test animals to non-ionizing radiation in isolation can be lethal."

Please read this strong and important letter from Ronald N. Kostoff, Ph.D. written to the Montgomery County Council Members on November 1, 2017

Dear Montgomery County Council Members,

I have been informed that Montgomery County is considering approval of the installation of small cell towers throughout the County, including up and down residential streets, starting with Potomac, MD and Germantown, MD. I would like to offer my perspective on this proposal.

Over the past decade, I have been performing studies on causes and treatments of chronic diseases. Much of the focus has emphasized identifying the causes of these diseases, and their specific impacts. The most comprehensive of the studies was a book titled Pervasive Causes of Disease,

https://smartech.gatech.edu/handle/1853/53714

and identified ~800 contributing factors that impacted more than a threshold number of the ~4000 diseases examined.

02 November 2017

Digipigi – It’s All about Money

“Today, CS, UBS, Migros, Coop, H & M and the other legal dealers of this world are targeting our children with digitized entry-level drugs.”  

Digipigi – It’s All about Money
by the Editor, "Towards Better Health", 2 November 2017

Crédit Suisse, the second largest Swiss bank, has recently created a connected piggy bank called "Digipigi", available for now only in Switzerland.1 Its purpose seems to be to attract clients from the youngest age with the hope of keeping them from "cradle to the grave". It is being promoted as a way of teaching children how to handle money from a very young age and to prepare them for a cashless society. Digipigi is not suitable for children under age 3. 2

Digipigi is full of technology. It is not just a clock, an alarm clock, a night light but communicates via Wi-Fi with the associated smartphone apps, one for the child and one for the parents. The digital pig interacts with the child with 25 different facial expressions and noises and talks to the child.

 Is this like other connected toys, inviting easy access of hackers to the personal details of children?  Almost as bad as hacking, the personal data of children is tracked and used for the purpose of marketing such items as product offers, prize games or website content.  "The bank tracks users' behavior in the Digipigi apps and Digipigi money box together with the related personal information and stores this data on servers in Switzerland for five years."This is not mentioned in the Instruction Manual.

01 November 2017

California: Berkeley Cell Phone "Right to Know" Ordinance

UPDATE 1st November 2017:
Yesterday the CTIA [U.S. wireless communications industry] submitted a statement to the federal district court regarding future management of the case. The CTIA indicated that it may petition the Supreme Court for a hearing even though the appeals court denied an en banc hearing.  According to the statement, both parties to the case have agreed that discovery and a trial is unnecessary, and neither party is willing to settle the case. The CTIA has until January 9, 2018 to petition the Supreme Court for a hearing. (Ref. Berkeley Cell Phone "Right to Know" Ordinance - 18 October 2017)
Berkeley’s ordinance which has been in effect since 21 March 2016 requires cellphone retailers in the city to provide consumers with the following notification:

“To assure safety, the Federal Government requires that cell phones meet radiofrequency (RF) exposure guidelines. If you carry or use your phone in a pants or shirt pocket or tucked into a bra when the phone is ON and connected to a wireless network, you may exceed the federal guidelines for exposure to RF radiation. Refer to the instructions in your phone or user manual for information about how to use your phone safely.”

Berkeley Cell Phone "Right to Know" Ordinance
saferemr.com, UPDATE 11 October 2017