Germany: The city of Ravensburg wants to build a shelter against radiation

The city of Ravensburg wants to build a shelter against radiation
by Annette Vincenz, schwaebische.de, 27 December 2023

Some people have bad allergies, others are highly sensitive to radiation and electrosmog. How the city of Ravensburg wants to help them.

Almost everyone has it: a smartphone. But some people wonder how healthy these small devices actually are. (Photo: Zacharie Scheurer/dpa/dpa-tmn)

Ravensburg could be the first city in Germany to set up a public shelter for electro-sensitive people. This was confirmed by both the city's press spokesman Timo Hartmann and Anke Bay from the self-help group for environmentally ill people in Ravensburg. Those affected can relax in the room, which is shielded from cell phone radiation, if they have things to do in the city center. It will probably go to the city library, which is due to be renovated and modernized in the next few years.

Horror of cell phone radiation

What is pleasant for most people - public Wi-Fi and well-developed mobile phone networks - is pure horror for those who are electro-hypersensitive. The radiation makes them sick, with symptoms ranging from a tingling sensation in their hands when holding a cell phone to headaches, dizziness and heart problems. Some are so exhausted that they can no longer work or sleep in their cars at night in forests where there are still dead zones.

However, you will look in vain for dead zones in downtown Ravensburg. There you have the best cell phone reception and can also access public WiFi. There are also many private WiFi networks. However, it is possible to shield rooms even in the midst of mobile phone radiation through structural measures. For example, through specially metal-coated windows. And that is exactly what is supposed to happen in a room in the new city library.

Those affected are delighted

“This is fantastic for us,” says Anke Bay happily. The 56-year-old social worker heads the Ravensburg self-help group and has been working for many years to ensure that the problems of those affected are taken seriously. Although the causes are still obscure and there is still no unequivocal proof that radiation is harmful, patients are no longer labeled as mentally ill. Comparable to severe allergy sufferers who react strongly to certain substances that don't bother other people at all, and can possibly die from a bee sting.

Bay hopes that she and her fellow sufferers will be able to participate more in life again. “Every now and then we have things to do in the city center or want to go shopping. It's like walking around the city holding your breath. We could then breathe deeply again in such a rest, retreat and relaxation room.” The city library in particular would be ideal, also for taking advantage of the offers there, reading a book or a magazine or surfing the Internet on a (wired) PC.

Ravensburg with a pioneering spirit

As far as Bay knows, Ravensburg is the first city in Germany to set up such an oasis: “Ravensburg is a pioneer and trailblazer in this field.” What already exists, however, is a radiation-shielded residential building in the middle of Erlangen.

A living quarters in a low-radiation environment is the second wish that the electrosensitive people from Ravensburg have. Taldorf, Obersulgen and Untersulgen, for example, could be considered. If the houses are completely shielded, a total dead zone is not necessary, says Bay. Of course, there shouldn't be any electricity pylons nearby, for example.

City spokesman is keeping a low profile

The city's press spokesman Timo Hartmann confirms the plan, but is still a bit tight-lipped about the location. “It is true that there is an idea for a location here. However, we cannot say anything concrete about this at this point. In the end, things may stand in the way of implementation that were not foreseeable and cannot be easily solved.” The city is “seriously interested” in the idea, but has not yet been able to check all the details. “Therefore, we don’t want to create expectations that may not be met later.”

Original article in German:
https://www.schwaebische.de/regional/oberschwaben/ravensburg/ravensburg-plant-schutzraum-gegen-strahlen-2144882