Health fears prompt Wi-Fi shutdown in B.C. school – The Canadian Press

Health fears prompt Wi-Fi shutdown in B.C. school
The Canadian Press
Posted: Oct 26, 2011 10:52 AM PT

An elementary school near Quesnel, B.C., is waving good-bye to its wireless internet connections due to the uncertainty about the safety of the technology.

North Cariboo Christian School, a private elementary about 10 kilometres south of Quesnel, is shutting down its Wi-Fi link.

Principal John Hengen cites what he says are known health risks related to wireless modems, and notes the school will err on the side of safety for its students.

The use of Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation, including WiFi, in the workplace

A position regarding the use of
Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic
Radiation, including WiFi, in the
workplace
OECTA Provincial
Health and Safety Committee
www.oecta.on.ca

Introduction
There are growing health and safety concerns regarding the widespread use of technology,
such as cellular phones and wireless computer networking (WiFi), which produce non-ionizing
electromagnetic radiation. It is estimated that at least 3 percent of the population has an
environmental sensitivity to the radiation that is emitted by these devices and, as a result,
experience serious immediate physical/biological effects when exposed. As has been the case
with other known societal health and safety issues, such as exposure to cigarette smoke or
asbestos, the health effects of unprecedented long term exposure to this radiation may not
be known for some time. Widespread use of, or exposure to, wireless communication devices
and WiFi technology in Ontario schools, can be positioned as a potential workplace hazard.
This paper examines what is currently known about the impact of non-ionizing
electromagnetic radiation, reviews the implications it can have for Ontario schools, including
OECTA members, and makes recommendations to the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’
Association on the issue.

Ban Wi-Fi in classroom, Ontario teachers union urges The Canadian Press

Ban Wi-Fi in classroom, Ontario teachers union urges
The Canadian Press

Posted: Feb 13, 2012 1:28 PM ET

An Ontario teachers’ union is calling for a ban on new Wi-Fi setups in classrooms. An Ontario teachers’ union is calling for a ban on new Wi-Fi setups in classrooms. (iStock)

An Ontario teachers’ union is calling for an end to new Wi-Fi setups in the province’s 1,400-plus Catholic schools.

The Ontario English Catholic Teacher’s Association says computers in all new schools should be hardwired instead of setting up wireless networks.

It also says Wi-Fi should not be installed in any more classrooms.

In a position paper released on Monday, the union — which represents 45,000 teachers — cites research by the World Health Organization.

Last year the global health agency warned about a possible link between radiation from wireless devices such as cellphones and cancer.

A position regarding the use of Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation, including WiFi, in the Workplace

A position regarding the use of Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation, including WiFi, in the Workplace

ONTARIO ENGLISH CATHOLIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

Researched and presented by the OECTA Provincial Health and Safety Committee
January 2012

There are growing health and safety concerns regarding the widespread use of technology, such as cellular phones and wireless computer networking (WiFi), which produce non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. It is estimated that at least 3 per cent of the population has an environmental sensitivity to the radiation that is emitted by these devices and, as a result, experience serious immediate physical/biological effects when exposed.

“The first step should be limiting the use of cellphones by children.”

Cellphone Radiation May Cause Cancer, Advisory Panel Says – New York Times

the first statement from the W.H.O. saying we should be careful with exposure to this kind of radiation

By TARA PARKER-POPE and FELICITY BARRINGER

A World Health Organization panel has concluded that cellphones are “possibly carcinogenic,’’ putting the popular devices in the same category as certain dry cleaning chemicals and pesticides, as a potential threat to human health.

The finding, from the agency’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, adds to concerns among a small but growing group of experts about the health effects of low levels of radiation emitted by cellphones. The panel, which consisted of 31 scientists from 14 countries, was led by Dr. Jonathan M. Samet, a physician and epidemiologist at the University of Southern California and a member of President Obama’s National Cancer Advisory Board.

The group didn’t conduct any new research but reviewed numerous existing studies that focused on the health effects of radio frequency magnetic fields, which are emitted by cellphones. During a news conference, Dr. Samet said the panel’s decision to classify cellphones as “possibly carcinogenic” was based largely on epidemiological data showing an increased risk among heavy cellphone users of a rare type of brain tumor called a glioma.

‘it is time that the industry shows cell phones might not cause cancer’ – CNN

ALI VELSHI – YOUR MONEY – CNN

Aired June 4, 2011 – 13:00 ET

As you probably heard, the world health organization has added cell phones to the list of substances that are possibly carcinogenic, meaning they might cause cancer.

The wireless association, which represents the cell phone industry is dismissing the report saying the classification is based on, quote, “limited evidence and no research.” OK, cell phone companies, if you know enough to dismiss the finding, what evidence do you have about the long-term effect of cell phone use?

Because if you’re sitting on a report that proves conclusively that cell phones don’t cause brain cancer, release it. Save us all a lot of worrying. If you aren’t, as I suspect, why don’t you get out in front of this issue. It may be good business to do independent research and put this pesky question to rest. Some people are already comparing cell phone companies to tobacco companies.

You know, the very first study linking smoking and lung cancer was down back in 1939. Other reports followed, but it wasn’t until the late 1990s that tobacco companies actually began admitting that smoking causes cancer.

Cellphones ‘possibly carcinogenic,’ WHO says – Washington Post

users might consider common-sense precautions such as texting more instead of talking and using a headset to keep the phone farther from the head to minimize exposure.

By Rob Stein, Published: May 31

An international panel of experts has weighed in on the controversy about cellphone safety — and come to a conclusion that falls far short of recommending that consumers put down the devices, although it may make them more anxious.

Cellphones are “possibly carcinogenic” to humans, according to the panel organized by the World Health Organization. But an exhaustive, eight-day review of hundreds of studies concluded that the existing evidence is insufficient to know for sure. And because cellphones are so popular, further research is urgently needed, the experts said.

“Possibly carcinogenic” is the WHO’s third-highest rating, falling below “carcinogenic” and “probably carcinogenic” but above “not classifiable” and “probably not carcinogenic.” Other substances that the group has categorized as “possibly carcinogenic” include talcum powder, which has been possibly linked to ovarian cancer, and low-frequency magnetic fields, which are emitted by power lines and appliances and have been possibly associated with childhood leukemia.

Survey of accidents caused by lightning strikes near tele towers

Survey of accidents caused by lightning strikes near tele towers

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has decided to conduct a survey on the accidents caused by the lightning striking in close proximity to telecommunication towers, Chairman, TRC, Anusha Palpita said.

“The initial stage of the study will start from Kalutara and, depending on the survey results, the TRC is planning to expand the survey in certain other areas of the country,” Palpita said. Residents at Kalutara have already been requested to inform the TRC about any accidents caused by lightning near telecommunication towers. The complaints could be brought to the attention of the TRC on 0112 68 93 45.

Cell phones affect brain-what about cell towers?

By Dr. Magda Havas

Dr. Magda Havas is Associate Professor of Environmental & Resource Studies at Trent University where she teaches and does research on the biological effects of environmental contaminants. Dr. Havas received her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, completed Post-Doctoral research at Cornell University, and taught at the University of Toronto before going to Trent University in Peterborough, Canada.

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) is considered one of the most influential publications used by the health industries to disseminate information to doctors. Many years ago, it had been used to advertise that cigarets were safe. Pictures of doctors where shown smoking and they often endorsed certain brands.

So when doctors read about a National Institutes of Health cell phone study in that AMA journal, and it shows 50 minutes of cell phone radiation increases metabolic activity in the brain – it’s a big red flag and an unlucky strike against the wireless industry.

No longer can Health Canada or the wireless industry scientists provide the disinformation that ”non-thermal, non-ionizing microwave radiation has no biological effect on the human body”! Instead, they now say “there are no health effects”, which is equally false (see study on brain tumors and mobile phones).

Now, when a patient asks their doctor, “Doctor, is it safe to use my cell phone? Can I give one to my child?” The doctor now has a green light to say,” Well, I just read a study in a very prestigious medical journal that shows cell phones do affect the brain. We don’t yet know if this effect is harmful or not, so, until we do, I suggest that you use a cell phone with caution and as something that could be dangerous. And I certainly would encourage young people to avoid cell phones except for emergencies.”

So now the doctor is off the hook. “They” have warned us.

WiFi “Laptops” affect male fertility

July 28, 2010. Researchers prove damage occurs in the mobility and DNA fragmentation of sperm if near the WiFi transmitter. 24/07/2010 | Romina Martoglio. From Lavoz.com