Switzerland: The Future of 5G at Stake Under the Dome

The future of 5G at stake under the Dome
by Lucie Monnat, ABO+, Tribune de Genève, 26 September 2018 - translation

Telecommunications: Parliament is debating Thursday the revision of the Telecommunications Act, which includes a controversial 5G measurement

Most people fear antennas but spend a whole day with their
smartphone glued to the ear.

5G is scary. More precisely, it is the conditions for the introduction of this technology in Switzerland that are frightening. On Thursday, the National Council discussed the revision of the Telecommunications Act. This major dossier includes, among other things, the relaxation of the limit values set by the Ordinance on Non-Ionising Radiation (ORNI). These are today ten times stricter than those of the European Union.

According to the mobile telephony operators, 5G, designed to make the network better and faster, requires more capacity from our antennas. Otherwise, operators will have to build many more, which is not desirable from both an ecological and aesthetic point of view. The opposition of local residents and associations would in any case make it impossible for these towers to proliferate.

Passionate debate

5G: Rollout or Roll Over?

5G: Rollout or roll over?
By Barry Smith, ptreyeslight.com, 27 September 2018

The Marin General Services Authority quietly entered into a lease agreement with telecom giants Mobilitie/AT&T and Verizon in July 2017. The agreement allows for a dense distribution of hundreds of cell towers—known by the misnomer “small cell facilities”—throughout Marin County, including in unincorporated areas. The process did not include public input or notification, and was kept hidden until it was announced this June. It was an unwelcome surprise for the Board of Supervisors and the Community Development Agency.

The cell facilities are to be closely installed on light poles authorized by the services authority and on utility poles authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission in the public rights-of-way in our towns and residential neighborhoods. Unlike the distant cell towers to which we are accustomed, this type of cell facility uses a new technology that requires close installations—every two to five utility or light poles—and powerfully emits microwave radiation 24/7. It can be legally placed immediately adjacent to a residence or place of business. The small cells come with a host of equipment, including antennas, power supplies, electric meters, switches, cabling and boxes strapped to the sides of poles. Some may necessitate refrigerator-sized containers on the ground.

United States: F.C.C. Puts 5G Rollout Rules in Federal Hands

F.C.C. Puts 5G Rollout Rules in Federal Hands
By Tiffany Hsu, The New York Times, 26 September 2018

Brendan Carr, an FCC commissioner, led the push to pass
the rules.  "In the global race to 5G, the stakes are high,"
he said. Credit: Joshua Roberts/ Reuters

The next wave of cellular technology, known as 5G, will roll out on a timeline and budget determined by the federal government, not local officials, the Federal Communications Commission decided on Wednesday.

The new rules, which were backed by telecom companies but widely opposed by mayors, are meant to speed up the installation of 5G equipment, which delivers wireless internet at speeds far faster than the current standard.

“In the global race to 5G, the stakes are high — it is about economic leadership for the next decade,” Brendan Carr, the commissioner who led the push to pass the rules, said in a statement.

The Health Impact of Cell Phone Radiation - What We Know Now

This excellent one-hour presentation in English by Dr. Devra Davis on The Health Impact of Cell Phone Radiation - What We Know Now - was given on 26 September 2018 via a Webinar. Please view and share widely.

The Health Impact of Cell Phone Radiation - What We Know Now 

(26 September 2018 - 60 min.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYTXDN3JXY8

Presentation by the Phonegate Alert Association at the 3rd International Forum on Protection from Electromagnetic Environmental Pollution - Krakow 24 September 2018

Below you will find the PowerPoint presentation [it follows this article] by Dr. Marc Arazi, President of the Phonegate Alert Association on this health and industrial scandal. According to the organizers of the forum, the videos of all the speakers (including Prof. Olle Johansson and Dr. Fiorella Belpoggi) will be available within 3 to 4 weeks. Please do not hesitate to relay widely this important information.


Our presentation of the PhoneGate scandal at the Krakow International Conference

Phonegate Team, phonegatealert.org, 

27 September 2018

On September 24, 2018, the city of Krakow (Poland) successfully organized its 3rd International Forum with the theme: “Protection against Environmental Pollution by Radio Frequencies – Safety Limits”. Under the chairmanship of Mayor Jacek Majchrowski and City Councilor Marta Patena, scientists, doctors, technicians and even a mobile phone manufacturer came to present their work and conclusions. On the site of the town hall you will find already-and-already photos taken of the event and an article detailing this meeting.

Switzerland: Government Plans Changes to Mobile Network Radiation Limits to Prepare for 5G

Swiss govt plans changes to mobile network radiation limits to prepare for 5G
telecompaper.com, 24 September 2018

The Swiss government is preparing changes to the country's limits on electromagnetic radiation from mobile networks, in order to prepare the way for 5G networks. The new regulation is expected to be adopted by spring 2019. In addition, the government set up a working group under the federal environment office to make recommendations on the matter for the longer term.

International Appeal: Stop 5G on Earth and in Space

If you are a scientist, doctor, building biologist, or related professional or consultant, or if you represent an environmental, health, or medical organization, please sign the Appeal.

Link to the 5G Space Appeal:
https://www.5gspaceappeal.org/

To the UN, WHO, EU, Council of Europe

and governments of all nations

We the undersigned scientists, doctors and environmental organizations from (__) countries, urgently call for a halt to the deployment of the 5G (fifth generation) wireless network, including 5G from space satellites. 5G will massively increase exposure to radio frequency (RF) radiation on top of the 2G, 3G and 4G networks for telecommunications already in place. RF radiation has been proven harmful for humans and the environment. The deployment of 5G constitutes an experiment on humanity and the environment that is defined as a crime under international law.

Executive summary

Association Alert PhoneGate invited to 3rd International Forum on Protection from Electromagnetic Environmental Pollution - Krakow, 24 September 2018

Alert PhoneGate invited to 3rd Krakow International Forum 

Press release, phonegatealert.org, 21 September 2018

We do want to heartily thank Krakow City Mayor for his official invitation to take part in 3rd International Forum: “Environment Protection from EMF Pollution – Safety limits”. This event will take place on Monday, September 24, 2018, at Krakow City Hall in Poland. 

During this event, our President-founder, Dr. Marc Arazi, M.D., will give a lecture about “PhoneGate Alert, a Global Public Health issue for cell phone users.” He will paint a general picture of progress made since the alert was raised in July 2016. But simultaneously and above all, he will insist on the necessary measures to be taken by Public Authorities and industry to protect the health of billion users of cell phones and other connected devices. 

Commentary on the utility of the National Toxicology Program study on cell phone radiofrequency radiation data for assessing human health risks despite unfounded criticisms aimed at minimizing the findings of adverse health effects

Commentary on the utility of the National Toxicology Program study on cell phone radiofrequency radiation data for assessing human health risks despite unfounded criticisms aimed at minimizing the findings of adverse health effects

Ronald L.Melnick
Ron Melnick Consulting, LLC, 274E 2280N, #B, North Logan, UT 84341, USA

Environmental Research Volume 168, January 2019, Pages 1-6

Received 16 January 2018, Revised 20 March 2018, Accepted 7 September 2018, Available online 

20 September 2018.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.09.010

FULL TEXT PDF

Highlights

• NTP study on cell phone radiation shows the null hypothesis has been disproved. 

• Proliferative effects were observed in the heart (Schwann cells) and brain (glial cells). 

• Tumors of the same cell types have been reported in human studies of cell phone users. 

• DNA damage was increased in brains of exposed rats and mice. 

• The animal data are relevant and useful for assessment of human health risks.

Abstract

Apple No Longer Informs User to Carry iPhone at Least 5mm Away from Body to Ensure Exposure Levels Remain at or Below As-Tested Levels

Apple has changed the text they post online regarding RF exposure.

Apple iPhone 7

Apple no longer informs you with a text that says something like-- if you keep the iPhone closer you can exceed levels. For example, this statement is removed--"Carry iPhone at least 5mm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the as-tested levels." Such statements are no longer on the online webpage, despite the fact that we understand that such statements were online in previous years as shown by the internet archive wayback machine.

On the way back machine website (https://archive.org/web/, you can look up websites saved online from past years and find what they stated at that time) to look up Apple 7 fine print in 2016. Here is what the site states in 2016:
https://web.archive.org/web/20161029010119/http://www.apple.com/legal/rfexposure/iphone9,3/en/

iPhone 7 RF Exposure information  (2016)
iPhone has been tested and meets applicable limits for radio frequency (RF) exposure.

5G Faces its Biggest Obstacle: Health Impacts

5G Faces its Biggest Obstacle: Health Impacts
NEWS PROVIDED BYGrassroots Environmental Education, 20 September 2018

Hundreds of Independent Peer-Reviewed Studies Show Positive Correlation Between RF Microwave Radiation Exposure and Biological Damage

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A new national coalition of grassroots organizations is today calling on the Federal Communications Commission to stop the fast-track rollout of 5G infrastructure, which they say will result in the involuntary exposure of millions of Americans to dangerous levels of RF microwave radiation without their knowledge or consent. Representatives of the coalition, Americans for Responsible Technology, have recently delivered to key congressional legislators a selected digest of 147 recent studies showing a positive link between exposure to microwave radiation and damage to biological systems.

Switzerland: Testimony of Electrohypersensitivity and Comments from MfE and FOEN

We are posting a summary and part of this recent article published in a Swiss newspaper in order to contribute to the understanding of electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and also share what both the Association of Doctors for the Protection of the Environment (MfE) and the Federal Office of the Environment (FOEN) say about this condition, 5G and electrosmog in general.  

Jürg Baumann, Head of the Non-Ionising Radiation Section at the The Federal Office for the Environment says that the most important source of non-ionizing radiation is often the mobile phone.  The distance between the source of radiation and the human body is crucial. "It is suspected that heavy use of mobile phones could cause brain cancer..."

As for the measures taken by the Confederation to protect the population from the harmful effects of electromagnetic fields, "with regard to scientifically proven effects, safeguards have been put in place" but this seems to apply mainly to antennas and mentions only "heating of tissues of the body".

[Our comment:  Switzerland often does not take into account international studies conducted by researchers outside the country, such as the studies of the U.S. National Toxicology Program, and does not have a nation-wide campaign to educate the public in the proper use of wireless technologies to reduce exposure to electrosmog.]


Summary of news article "The nightmare of a luthier sensitive to waves" ("Le cauchemar du luthier sensible aux ondes"), published 13 September 2018 in Le Quotidien Jurassien
par Céline Lo Ricco Châtelain.

Pierre Louis (Photo on front page of Le Quotidien Jurassien)

A year ago, Pierre Louis, luthier by profession, began to experience headaches day and night, and insomnia.  He consulted doctors who could find nothing wrong. One day, walking in the forest, there were moments when he felt well and others when he did not. He was holding his cell phone and noticed these changes were linked to the presence of a network.  Over the coming weeks, one of his customers told him he suffered from the same symptoms due to exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Pierre asked a specialist to come to his home to measure non-ionizing radiation.  The specialist found it "conformed perfectly to the standards". On the brink of exhaustion, he decided to leave his home and live with his parents where he set up his workshop. The location, in a hollow behind a large rock, blocked the radiation.  Pierre was persuaded he was suffering from electrohypersensitivity (EHS). Since he has been living there, his headaches have disappeared, he can sleep, and he has recovered his energy.  But when he goes to the village, he has to protect his head with a veil made of silver thread.  If he stays in a heavily exposed place for two hours, it takes him two days to recover.

India: Supreme Court Admits Pleas Against Mobile Tower Radiation

SC admits pleas against mobile tower radiation
by MAITRI PORECHA, thehindubusinessline.com, 14 September 2018

Apex court to hear petitions of actor Juhi Chawla, five others in Nov

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 14
The Supreme Court on Friday accepted actor Juhi Chawla’s plea demanding tighter norms governing cell phone tower radiation. The court will hear the petition in November, along with the pleas of five others.

“Unfettered and unregulated installation of towers/antennae pose hazardous health risks and impinge upon the right to health, environment, and life with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution,” Chawla’s petition states.

All the petitions pertain to issues arising from rampant illegal installation of the towers and antennae, and the absence of adequate laws and regulatory norms.

“A few of the petitioners and their relatives are victims of and continue to suffer from varying degrees of health-related issues. There is a direct correlation between the rising clusters of towers/antennae installed all over the country, especially with the advent of 3G and 4G, and the deteriorating health of those persons who are directly exposed to these towers at long stretches of time,” states the petition.

The Radiation Safety of 5G Wi-Fi: Reassuring or Russian Roulette?

"What is the role of the medical community (particularly radiation oncology) in this arena? Are we to remain silent while focusing only on optimizing care of our immediate patients, or do we have a responsibility to utilize our clinical knowledge of radiation safety and efficacy to aid in preventing corporate profit from being the primary determinant of acceptable radiation exposure from wireless networks?"

The Radiation Safety of 5G Wi-Fi: Reassuring or Russian Roulette?

McClelland S, Jaboin JJ.  International Journal of Radiation Oncology. 101(5):1274-1275. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.04.051

The Radiation Safety of 5G Wi-Fi: Reassuring or Russian Roulette?

To the Editor: The impending rollout of fifth-generation (5G) Wi-Fi in mobile phones, augmenting the current fourth-generation (4G) technology toward making global interconnectivity between devices a reality, has been touted as a significant improvement of speed compared to current and previous wireless signaling (1). Less well explored are the potential consequences associated with this need for speed: namely, the substantial increase in biologic exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from the 1900- 2100 MHz associated with 4G to the 3500 MHz estimated median bandwidth of 5G (2).

iPhone XS and XR: Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) or RF Exposure

Have we forgotten about Phonegate where in 2017 the French National Frequency Agency (ANFR) disclosed that most cell phones (SAR levels) exceed government radiation limits when tested the way they are used, next to the body. Articles like these should not only mention the FCC standard of 1.6 W/kg applying to 19 countries, including the United States and Canada, but also the ICNIRP standard of 2.0 W/kg applying to the rest of the world (150 countries). People the world over are using or keeping mobile phones and other devices such as tablets and smart watches against their bodies, exposing them to the potentially damaging health effects of radiofrequency radiation.  See phonegatealert.org.

iPhone XS and XR: Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) or RF Exposure
Electromagnetic Radiation Safety, 13 September 2018

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

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

Also see: "Do iPhones emit more radiation than Samsung Galaxy phones?"

Extracts of post:

According to test reports filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for the iPhone XS Models A1920, A2099, and A2100 (FCC #BCG-E3218A) for cellular transmission is 0.90 watts per kilogram (w/kg) at the head, and 0.99 w/kg when worn on the body. The hotspot/Airplay SAR is 0.99 w/kg. The SAR for simultaneous transmission (cellular plus Wi-Fi) is 1.35 w/kg at the head, 1.53 w/kg when worn on the body, and 1.53 w/kg when used as a hotspot. (1a)

The SAR for the iPhone XS Max Models A1921, A2103, and A2104 (BCG-E3219A) for cellular transmission is 1.00 watts per kilogram (w/kg) at the head, and 1.00 w/kg when worn on the body. The hotspot/Airplay SAR is 1.00 w/kg. The SAR for simultaneous transmission (cellular plus Wi-Fi) is 1.39 w/kg at the head, 1.52 w/kg when worn on the body, and 1.52 w/kg when used as a hotspot. (1b)

...

What do SAR values mean to the consumer?

United States: Statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO & Executive Director Tom Cochran on FCC’s Order Proposing to Usurp Local Property Rights

Statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO & Executive Director Tom Cochran on FCC’s Order Proposing to Usurp Local Property Rights
By Sara Durr, usmayors.org, 10 September 2018|

Washington, DC—Below is a statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran on recent FCC proposals diminishing local government ownership rights over local rights-of-way and other public property:

“The U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly opposes recent proposals by the Federal Communications Commission to grant communications service providers subsidized access to local public property and to dictate how local governments manage their own local rights-of-ways and public property. This unprecedented federal intrusion into local (and state) government property rights will have substantial adverse impacts on cities and their taxpayers, including reduced funding for essential local government services, as well as an increased risk of right-of-way and other public safety hazards.

Germany: Elementary School Students Demonstrate in Hamburg against their Cell Phone Parents

Elementary school students demonstrate in Hamburg against their cell phone parents
swr3.de

Only children spending time on their smartphone? Haha, the reproach can also be returned.

Around 70 children in Hamburg have the motto "Play with me! Not with your cell phones!" Protests against the mobile phone consumption of their parents. They want parents to be less concerned with their cell phones and pay more attention to their children.

With homemade posters, they went through St. Pauli on Saturday, chanting: "We are here, we are loud, because you are looking at your cell phones". Also: "Please abstain from using your cell phone at the sandbox".

Seven-year-old Emil Rustige from Eppendorf called for the demonstration, and his parents registered the demonstration for him with the police.

France: Cell Phone Ban Takes Effect As Kids Return to School without Devices

A new law has come into effect in France which outlaws phone use by students up to the age of 15 in schools. The legislation also banishes tablets and smart watches.

France cellphone ban takes effect as kids return to school without devices
by Matthew Diebel, USA TODAY 5 September 2018

Young people use their mobile phones in Nice, southern
France. The French government has banned mobile phones
and related devices in schools.  EPA-EFE

French children are saying “bonjour” to the new academic year — and “au revoir” to their cellphones during school hours.

That’s because a new law has come into effect which outlaws phone use by students up to the age of 15. The legislation, which follows a campaign promise by French President Emmanuel Macron, also banishes tablets and smart watches.

The ban is also in place at break times, with exceptions in cases of emergency and for disabled children, the French Education Ministry said in a statement. In emergencies, students can ask their teachers or supervisors for permission to use their phones. Meanwhile, high schools can voluntarily implement the measure.

Cancer epidemiology update, following the 2011 IARC evaluation of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (Monograph 102)

UPDATE:  We have added the synthesis and conclusions of the study.

"Based on the evidence reviewed it is our opinion that IARC's current categorization of RFR as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) should be upgraded to Carcinogenic to Humans (Group 1)."

(We had access to the full text, but the person who posted the link on Facebook took it down.)

Cancer epidemiology update, following the 2011 IARC evaluation of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (Monograph 102)☆

Anthony B. Miller a, L. Lloyd  Morgan b, Iris Udasin c, Devra Lee Davis d, e

a Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada 

b Environmental Health Trust, Berkeley, CA, United States

c Rutgers University School of Public Health, United States

d Environmental Health Trust, Teton Village, WY, United States

e Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Environmental Research, available online 6 September 2018, in press, corrected proof

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.043

Highlights

• Increased risk of brain, vestibular nerve and salivary gland tumors are associated with mobile phone use.
• Nine studies (2011–2017) report increased risk of brain cancer from mobile phone use. 

• Four case-control studies (3 in 2013, 1 in 2014) report increased risk of vestibular nerve tumors.  

• Concern for other cancers: breast (male & female), testis, leukemia, and thyroid. 

• Based on the evidence reviewed it is our opinion that IARC's current categorization of RFR as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) should be upgraded to Carcinogenic to Humans (Group 1).

Abstract

New Paper: US Scientist Sets The Record Straight On The US National Toxicology Program Cell Phone Radiation Study

The paper entitled, “Commentary on the Utility of the National Toxicology Program Study on Cell Phone Radiofrequency Radiation Data for Assessing Human Health Risks Despite Unfounded Criticisms Aimed at Minimizing the Findings of Adverse Health Effects” is to be published September 6, 2018 online at Environmental Research.

New Paper: US Scientist Sets The Record Straight On The US National Toxicology Program Cell Phone Radiation Study
Environmental Health Trust, 6 September 2018

Microwaves Linked to Brain Damage in US Diplomats Also Cause Cancer and Brain Damage in Large Laboratory Study

In a new article to be published today in Environmental Research, Ronald L Melnick, PhD, the senior US toxicologist who led the design of the National Toxicology Program (NTP) study on cell phone radiation, explains that the NTP found “clear evidence” of increased cancers (gliomas in the brain and Schwannomas in the heart) in animals and why this is directly relevant to evaluating human risks from cell phone radiation. In addition, Melnick explains how widely circulated criticisms of the NTP study are mistaken and “unfounded.”

Intolerance to Electromagnetic Waves: Letter Addressed to Cardiologists in Geneva

Letter addressed to cardiologists in Geneva
June/July 2018 - translation from French

Dear Madam/Sir:

Allow me to introduce a subject which is largely neglected by the medical establishment - intolerance to electromagnetic waves.  It is estimated that 5% of the Swiss population is intolerant, and with the increasing installation of wireless technologies in our environment, this number will grow.

I am an active member of an association which raises awareness of the population of the health risks of wireless technologies, ARA (Association Romande Alerte).  I am writing this letter because recently, in the office of a cardiologist in Geneva which has powerful Wi-Fi, my heart troubles worsened.  I am intolerant to electromagnetic waves, especially Wi-Fi.  I talked to the doctor and to the persons at the reception, but they did not want to know anything about this and even said that the only way to access the Internet is through Wi-Fi.  This is a widespread message from the telecommunications industry, but it is false.  Indeed, one can have wired access to the Internet, as well as corded phones, which protect users' health.

United States: Win! Landmark Seventh Circuit Decision Says Fourth Amendment Applies to Smart Meter Data

Win! Landmark Seventh Circuit Decision Says Fourth Amendment Applies to Smart Meter Data
BY JAMIE WILLIAMS, eff.org, 21 August 2018

The Seventh Circuit just handed down a landmark opinion, ruling 3-0 that the Fourth Amendment protects energy-consumption data collected by smart meters. Smart meters collect energy usage data at high frequencies—typically every 5, 15, or 30 minutes—and therefore know exactly how much electricity is being used, and when, in any given household. The court recognized that data from these devices reveals intimate details about what’s going on inside the home that would otherwise be unavailable to the government without a physical search. The court held that residents have a reasonable expectation of privacy in this data and that the government’s access of it constitutes a “search.”

Trump's 5G Network Raises Concerns for Public Health and the Environment

Trump's 5G Network Raises Concerns for Public Health and the Environment
by Sabine El Gemayel, Truthout, 2 September 2018

Moment / Getty Images

The Trump administration is considering proposals for a national 5G wireless infrastructure in order to counter China’s position in global technology markets, despite the many uncertainties and potential dangers of this technology for human health and the environment.

According to a PowerPoint deck produced by a senior National Security Council official, the United States has to build superfast 5G wireless technology quickly because “China has achieved a dominant position in the manufacture and operation of network infrastructure,” and “China is the dominant malicious actor in the Information Domain.” Trump has argued that, unlike a privately created 5G network, a government-run 5G network would be more secure against a threat of Chinese operatives and hackers that want to carry out cyber-espionage.

“We want to build a network so the Chinese can’t listen to your calls,” the senior official told Reuters.

Rhode Island’s “Surprising” Geoengineering Act Of 2017

Rhode Island’s “Surprising” Geoengineering Act Of 2017
by Catherine J. Frompovich, activistpost.com,

21 May 2017

After reading what the State of Rhode Island is doing about handling and/or dealing with “geoengineering,” everyone may want to move there, I would imagine. However, the other recourse is for everyone to have the same type of bill/legislation introduced in to their respective states by numerous members, preferably bi-partisan sponsorship, of their state legislature.

One well-informed Rhode Island state legislator, Representative Justin Price, introduced “The Geoengineering Act of 2017” [H6011] to be amended on to Title 23 of the General Laws titled “Health and Safety.”

The legislative intent of the bill is

(a) “Geoengineering” is defined herein as the intentional manipulation of the environment, involving nuclear, biological, chemical, electromagnetic and/or other physical-agent activities that effect changes to earth’s atmosphere and/or surface.