United States: FCC Defies Court Mandate, Delays Review of Cellphone Radiation Guidelines

FCC Defies Court Mandate, Delays Review of Cellphone Radiation Guidelines

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to defy a court order to reexamine its electromagnetic radiation exposure limits set in 1996. Children's Health Defense sued the agency in 2019, and won a 2021 ruling requiring the FCC to explain how its guidelines protect human health — but two years later, the agency shows no signs of complying.

By Suzanne Burdick, Ph.D., childrenshealthdefense.org, 2 August 2023

Despite the Children Health Defense’s (CHD) “historic win” against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) nearly two years ago, the FCC has yet to comply with the court mandate to explain how its radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure guidelines adequately protect humans from harm.

The agency last week published its regulatory agenda for the next six months. The agenda made no mention of the Aug. 13, 2021, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit court decision.

Public Benefit or Big Profits for Big Telecom? Here’s What’s Really Driving the 5G Rollout

Excellent article with input from Thea Scarato, Dr. David Carpenter, Mona Nilsson and many others: 

Public Benefit or Big Profits for Big Telecom? Here’s What’s Really Driving the 5G Rollout.

Proponents of 5G say the technology will address the “digital divide” by increasing online services to the underserved — but critics say 5G is a marketing move the telecommunications industry is using to put their equipment up everywhere and strip away regulatory oversight.

By Suzanne Burdick, Ph.D., childrenshealthdefense.org, 1st August 2023

Editor’s note: This is the second in a three-part series examining key questions in the public debate on the safety of wireless radiation. Part I addressed the question, How did the FDA arrive at its position on cellphones and cancer? Part 2 asks, What’s behind the rollout of 5G?

Telecom companies promote 5G, the “next generation wireless network technology,” as being faster and able to handle more connected devices than the 4G LTE network. And they assure consumers the result will be increased access for underserved communities that lack reliable internet connectivity.

But critics — including Theodora Scarato, executive director of the nonprofit research and education group Environmental Health Trust — said the 5G rollout is more about corporate greed than it is about helping people access fast and reliable internet.

United States: We cannot ignore the dangers of radiation in our national parks

We cannot ignore the dangers of radiation in our national parks

BY DEVRA DAVIS, OPINION CONTRIBUTOR, thehill.com, - 29 July 2023

In authorizing millions of dollars to states and tribes to expand internet access, the Biden administration has set a vital economic goal. But it’s imperative that this expansion is built in the safest, fastest and most secure way to achieve this result while also protecting public health and the environment. Pending legislation assumes that wireless systems provide a reliable and safe network. Unfortunately, these systems are neither reliable nor safe.

The recently proposed Connect Our Parks Act calls for increased cell service in parks but does not weigh the damaging impacts of wireless radio frequency (RF) radiation — emitted by cellular installations — on all living creatures. Introduced by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Angus King (I-Maine), this new bill does not consider the many ways that cell tower radiating equipment can impair ecologically sensitive areas and every living thing in its wake, ranging from insects to mammals to the plants and trees on which their survival depends.

Parents are using AirTags to track kids and give them freedom

AirTags are Always ON and Always Sending Out EMF Radiation And Always Tracking. Once you turn on Air Tags and pair them with your phone or your phone or Mac device via Bluetooth the Airtag is always on... When Apple released AirTags in 2021, the company clearly stated that they were not to be used for children or pets, only inanimate objects.

Parents are using AirTags to track kids and give them freedom
By Heather Kelly, washingtonpost.com, 26 July 2023

A $29 device meant for keys is being used by caregivers to keep tabs on children too young for a smartphone

(Photo): Companies are selling kid- and pet-friendly accessories for Apple AirTags and similar tracking devices. (RC Rivera)

Stephanie Chin can always find her daughter.

Between school, activities and friends, her 8-year-old’s busy schedule takes her to various locations away from the family’s Maryland home. At any time, Chin and her husband can open their smartphones to see their child’s recent location on a map. They’re getting it from two Apple AirTags tucked deep in her backpack.

“To some it might be overbearing because I worry so much, because she’s my only [child],” says Chin, who works in human resources. “It really comes down to what makes you more comfortable, and I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

UNESCO is calling for a global ban on smartphones in schools

UNESCO is calling for a global ban on smartphones in schools
By Sead Fadilpašić, techradar.com, 26 juillet 2023

Smartphones are doing more harm than good, UNESCO believes

UNESCO believes smartphones should be banned from schools, as they distract students and don’t really contribute to the learning process.

The UN’s educational organization has launched a global new report on technology in education, calling for governments around the world to regulate its use.

Called, “Technology in education: A tool on whose terms?”, the report argues that when used in excess, or without the presence of a qualified teacher, any benefits technology in the classroom might have - disappear.

Sweden: Education Minister Is Making Preschools Screen-Free Again

Good news from Sweden! The Education Minister, Lotta Edholm, is making preschools screen-free again. The Swedish government reversed its decision to make digital devices compulsory in preschools. The new position is essentially based on the statement by the Karolinska Institute.

Communication from Diagnosefunk (in German) containing link to statement by the Karolinska Institute: https://www.diagnose-funk.org/aktuelles/artikel-archiv/detail

Karolinska Institute (Sweden): Statement on the national digitization strategy in education - 
Swedish education minister listens to science. diagnose:funk translates the report

diagnose-funk.org, 8 July 2023 - auto-translation

Minister Lotta Edholm, Photo: Swedish Government 

Sweden, France, Finland and the Netherlands, countries that were at the forefront of digitizing education, are now pulling the ripcord. Governments are making pre-schools screen-free. In Sweden, a report by the Karolinska Institute (= university) was decisive. We document this development.

The Swedish government reversed its decision to make digital devices compulsory in preschools. The new position is essentially based on the statement by the Karolinska University, formulated by Lisa Thorell , Professor of Developmental Psychology; Torkel Klingberg , Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience; Agneta Herlitz , professor of psychology; Andreas Olsson , Professor of Psychology and Ulrika Ådén , Professor and Advisor for Neonatology. Education Minister Lotta Edholm justified the about-face:

United States: Take Action to Prevent the Next Wireless Invasion – Stop the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023 from Being Enacted

Attention!  This is an extremely important message. We must take action now to stop this federal bill that threatens to eliminate all state and local control in cell tower and small cell placements. Half-way through this video is excellent information on this bill and the reasons for killing it. Link:

https://live.childrenshealthdefense.org/chd-tv/shows/good-morning-chd/end-the-poisoning-mysterious-brain-disorder-victim-speaks-out/ (The first part of the video - about a dangerous herbicide being used especially in New Brunswick is causing a crippling brain disorder - is also worth watching.)

Take Action to Prevent the Next Wireless Invasion – Stop the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023 from Being Enacted

childrenshealthdefense.org

If H.R. 3557 passes, it will result in a truly unrestricted proliferation of cell towers and small cell installations near schools, playgrounds, and homes without any local or community input.

A new federal bill that threatens to eliminate all state and local control in cell tower and small cell placements is making its way through Congress. Proposed bill H.R. 3557 aims to expedite the deployment of wireless and other communications facilities through a massive federal power grab that strips away state and local control in permitting and regulatory review processes – the very mechanisms designed to protect citizens from the threats posed by wireless facilities.

The Tip of the Iceberg: Some Recent Aircraft Cabin Fume Events

There is strong evidence that a certain percentage of people experience acute symptoms as a consequence of fume events. Very often pilots and/or cabin crew members become incapacitated, but also passengers can be affected and are rushed to hospitals for emergency treatments.

THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG: SOME RECENT AIRCRAFT CABIN FUME EVENTS
Pilot incapacitation? No - also Cabin Crew and Passengers fall ill
by BEARNAIRDINE BEAUMONT, 11 July 2023
and Guest Writer Trudie Dadd - both are former, medically retired Cabin Crew.

Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash

Regularly, without the public noticing, so-called “odors” or “smoke” on board aircraft worldwide cause pilots to declare a Pan Pan or even Mayday. Some make an emergency landing and are received by ambulances after landing. Very often pilots and/or cabin crew members become incapacitated, but also passengers can be affected and are rushed to hospitals for emergency treatments. There is strong evidence that a certain percentage of people experience acute symptoms as a consequence of fume events.

Many chemicals found in aircraft oil and their fumes are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) and can cause mitochondrial dysfunction which means that exposure to these chemicals, particularly as mixtures can cause, even at low levels irreparable harm to health.* The effects of repeated exposures are known to be cumulative.

You can view a collection of actually reported smoke/ odor/ fumes here for MAY 2023 and here for JUNE 2023. The following examples are the first from July 1st.

Underreporting is well-known, so there could be many more.

How FDA Spins the Science on Cellphone Radiation and Human Health Risks

This is the first in a three-part series examining key questions in the public debate on the safety of wireless radiation. Part I addresses the question, How did the FDA arrive at its position on cellphones and cancer?

How FDA Spins the Science on Cellphone Radiation and Human Health Risks

Despite a $30-million “gold standard” study demonstrating clear cancer risks from cellphone radiation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the telecom industry continue to spin the science and create doubt.

By Suzanne Burdick, Ph.D., childrenshealthdefense.org, 7 July 2023

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claims there’s not enough scientific evidence to link cellphone use to health problems — but according to Devra Davis, Ph.D., MPH, a toxicologist and epidemiologist, the FDA’s claim is untrue and misleading.

Davis spoke with The Defender about the important backstory leading up to the FDA’s position on cellphone radiation as it relates to human health.

Dutch Secondary Schools to Impose Total Ban on Mobile Phones

Dutch secondary schools to impose total ban on mobile phones
By Philip Andrew Churm with EVN • Updated: 05/07/2023 

Secondary schools in the Netherlands are preparing for a government ban on all mobile phones amid fears they distract students

Following unrest and disturbances in classrooms across the Netherlands, the government has urgently informed schools that in a few months it will ban the use of cell phones by pupils.

Meanwhile, some schools have done so of their own accord. It is a move welcomed by Education Minister, Robbert Dijkgraaf: "We have therefore not opted for a legal ban at this time.