Montgomery County Schools: We Petition You To Explore Solutions that Minimize Wireless Radiation in Classrooms

We Call On MCPS To Explore Solutions 

that Minimize Wireless Radiation 

in the Classrooms

Medical doctors are recommending schools use non-radiating hardwired systems and we think Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) should go with these common sense recommendations to minimize wireless radiation in the classroom.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE PETITION

In 2008, the National Academy of Sciences Research Council Report  issued “The Identification of Research Needs Relating to Potential Biological or Adverse Health Effects of Wireless Communications Devices”  that called for the critical need to increase our understanding of any potential adverse effects of long term chronic exposure to RF/microwave energy on children and pregnant woman. 

Q: Have we done that safety research yet? 

A: No. 

Please Sign Our Petition 

Calling For MCPS to Explore Safe Technology in Schools. 

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE PETITION

Former CDC Director Dr. Chris Portier is calling for precautions: 
http://www.saferemr.com/2015/04/latest-research-on-bioelectromagnetics.html

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Letter to the FCC: 

http://safetechforschoolsmaryland.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-american-academy-of-pediatrics-has.html

Letter From the EPA detailing how Federal Guidelines DO NOT PROTECT the Public From Long Term Exposure:

http://bit.ly/1LPPRv8


Read what the Chair of the National Academy of Sciences Research Council Report,Frank Barnes, stated to the FCC two years ago in his FCC submission ...

"It is clear that short term exposures to the current cell phones, WiFi and base stations, etc. are not leading to immediate health problems for a large fraction of the users. However it is likely that some of biological effects that have been found at SARs below the current exposure levels for repetitive exposure over long periods of time may turn out to lead to health effects under limited set of conditions such as impaired body defense and repair mechanisms, young rapidly growing children and old age with other adverse health conditions."

See it here. http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7520922935

Could Wi-Fi In Schools Cause Headaches and Heart Irregularities ?

Watch This Investigative News Report on Wi-Fi In Schools, Headaches and Heart Problems.

You see a town where they installed state of the art fiber-optics and removed wireless. 

Watch this mother, Charlene Acres,  describe how her daughter became sensitive to wireless radiation and developed constant headaches. 

Watch this video where journalist and father Rodney Palmer gives testimony about what happened 18 months after Wi-Fi was installed at his child's school. 4 Children were wearing heart monitors because of heart issues that occurred at school.
Others had headaches and neurological problems.
(Safety code 6 is Canada's wireless standards- similar to the US Standards)


True or False: Be sure you know the facts about Wi-Fi in schools. 

Could Wireless Be Linked to Headaches? 

Q: Does cell phone research have anything to do with Wi-Fi in Schools? 

A: Yes. Both emit the same type of radiation. Research has not been done to look at long term exposure to Wi-Fi in Schools but research has been done on long term exposure to cell phones. Of course in these studies "heavy" cell use was 30 minutes a day.  Yup. 30 minutes. 

What will the impact be on our children exposed to 6+ hours a day of industrial Wi-Fi? 

Madhuri et al,  Prenatal and Postnatal Cell Phone Exposures and Headaches in Children. Open Pediatrics Medical Journal. 2012 Dec 5; 6(2012):46-52.

• Children with cell phone exposure had higher odds of migraines and headache-related symptoms than children with no exposure. 

Szyjkowska et al.,  The risk of subjective symptoms in mobile phone users in Poland - An epidemiological study. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2014 Apr 1. 

• Headaches were reported significantly more often by the people who talked frequently and long in comparison with other users. Our results show that the mobile phone users may experience subjective symptoms, the intensity of which depends on the intensity of use of mobile phones.

Chu et al., Clinical features of headache associated with mobile phone use: a cross-sectional study in university students. BMC Neurol. 2011 Sep 26;11:115. doi: 10.1186/1471-2377-11-115.

• Headache associated with mobile phone use usually showed stereotyped clinical features including mild intensity, a dull or pressing quality, localisation ipsilateral to the side of MP use, provocation by prolonged cell phone  use and often accompanied by a burning sensation.

Chiu et al.,Mobile phone use and health symptoms in children. J Formos Med Assoc. 2014 Aug 9.  

• RESULTS: Mobile Phone use was associated with a significantly increased adjusted odds ratio  for headaches and migraine  and skin itches. Children who regularly used Mobile phones were also considered to have a health status worse than it was 1 year ago .

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Watch Our New Video on World Health Experts and MCPS !!! Join Us This Thursday

Watch The Video

New October 29th, November 5h and 12th Dates Set

Learn More About Wireless Technology in Schools

and

Your Child’s Health

Did you know the American Academy of Pediatrics is 
calling on our government to take action on this issue?  

* Be Informed        *Get The Facts       * Decide For Yourself

Is the current technology rollout sustainable and environmentally friendly?

We will answer all  your questions in full .

Thursday October 29th Takoma Park Middle School 7PM

Topic: Intro on Wi-Fi in School and Federal Safety Standards

Thursday, November 5th Takoma Elementary 7 PM

Topic: Review of International Policy and Protections for Children

Thursday, November 12 Takoma Elementary 7PM

Topic: Technology and Environmental Sustainability

Please Sign Our Petition 

Calling For MCPS to Explore Safe Technology in Schools. 

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE PETITION

Medical Doctors Are Calling On Schools To Use Safe Technology

Read Doctor's Letters And Watch This New Updated Trailer For 

An Upcoming Movie on Children and Wireless Radiation

Click Here For the Video on Generation Zapped

See Below A List of Letters Written by Doctors 

Advising Schools to Use Safe Technology

Dr. Martha Herbert's Harvard Letter to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

Dr. Blank, Dr  Johansson, Sinatra, Dr. Carpenters letters advising against wireless systems. 

Dear U.S. Secretary of Education: Play it Safe With Kids—Go Wired Not WiFiLetter from scientists to the US Secretary of Education. 

Open Letter to the Canadian Council of Education Ministers asking for removal of wireless radiation from school environments. This council oversees all Ministers of Education in Canada by Cris Rowan, BScOT, BScBi, SIPT

Message to Public Schools about Wireless Devices 

Ron Powell, PhD, Harvard Trained Physicist

Irish Doctors Environmental Association's Letter on serious concerns about WiFi in schools. 

Olle Johansson's Letter to the LAUSD

Dr. Martin Blank's Letter to the LAUSD

Dr. Joel Moskowitz Letter to the LAUSD

Environmental Protection Agency's Letter to Janet Newton This letter is critical.  In this letter, the EPA confirms that current standards only protect from acute thermal heating and  do not protect against chronic exposure nor from non thermal effects.

Letter to Education Super Highway CEOs by Cindy Sage and David Carpenter, Co-Editors of the Bioinitiative Report to the CEO's calling for the FCC to move quickly to create a wireless infrastructure in US schools. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Letter to the FCC regarding the proposed rule, "Reassessment of Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Limits and Policies" calling for more protective standards. 

Frank Clegg' Letterto Denmark's Committee on Radiation Protection

Dr. David Carpenter's Letter to Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board

Dr. Steven Sinatra Letter to the Kawartha School Board

Katharina Gustavs, Building Biology Environmental Consultant IBN, Letter to the LAUSD that details the radiation thresholds in various countries.  

Dr. Suleyman Kaplan's Letter to the FCC: Dr Kaplan details his peer reviewed published scientific research showing brain damage in memory and learning centers from low level microwave exposure.  He calls on the FCC to set more protective standards for RF radiation.
Open Letter by British Medical Doctors:  Health and Safety of Wifi and Mobile Phones
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Letter of Support for U. S. House of Representatives (H.R.) Bill 6358 Cell Phone Right To Know AcT: The AAP sent this letter expressing their strong support of H.R. 6358, the Cell Phone Safety Right to Know Act which would have funded research and instructed the EPA to set proper safety standards. 

Dr. Blanks Letter to LAUSD on Cell Towers near Schools. 

​The American Academy of Environmental Medicine's  Open Letter to the Superintendents of the School Districts of the United States 

Dr. Magda Havas' Open Letter recommending against WIFI in School

Salzburg Health Department against WLAN DECT in Schools and Kindergartens

The American Academy of Pediatrics Has Long Called For Federal Action on Wireless Devices

Read the American Academy of Pediatrics Letter 

in Support of the Cell Phone Right To Know Act.  

H.R. 6358  would have: 1.  Labeled all wireless devices on radiation emissions, 2. Funded a  comprehensive national research program directed by NIEHS and the EPA and 3. Set radiation exposure regulations that protect us from health harm. 

December 12, 2012

The Honorable Dennis Kucinich
 2445 Rayburn House Office Building
 Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Kucinich:

On behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a non-profit professional organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical sub- specialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, I would like to share our support of H.R. 6358, the Cell Phone Right to Know Act.

The AAP strongly supports H.R. 6358’s emphasis on examining the effects of radiofrequency (RF) energy on vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women. In addition, we are pleased that the bill would require the consideration of those effects when developing maximum exposure standards. Children are disproportionately affected by environmental exposures, including cell phone radiation. The differences in bone density and the amount of fluid in a child’s brain compared to an adult’s brain could allow children to absorb greater quantities of RF energy deeper into their brains than adults. It is essential that any new standards for cell phones or other wireless devices be based on protecting the youngest and most vulnerable populations to ensure they are safeguarded through their lifetimes.

In addition, the AAP supports the product labeling requirements in H.R. 6358. These standards will ensure consumers can make informed choices in selecting mobile phone purchases. They will also enable parents to better understand the potential dangers of RF energy exposure and protect their children.

On July 24, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report on federal cell phone radiation exposure limits and testing requirements. The GAO noted that the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) most recent data indicates that the number of estimated mobile phone subscribers has grown from approximately 3.5 million in 1989 to approximately 289 million at the end of 2009. Cell phone use behaviors have also changed during that time. The quantity and duration of cell phone calls has increased, as has the amount of time people use mobile phones, while cell phone and wireless technology has undergone substantial changes. Many more people, especially adolescents and young adults, now use cell phones as their only phone line, and they begin using wireless phones at much younger ages.

Despite these dramatic changes in mobile phone technology and behavior, the FCC has not revisited the standard for cell phone radiation exposure since 1996. The current FCC standard for maximum radiation exposure levels is based on the heat emitted by mobile phones. These guidelines specify exposure limits for hand-held wireless devices in terms of the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which measures the rate the body absorbs radiofrequency (RF). The current allowable SAR limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg), as averaged over one gram of tissue. Although wireless devices sold in the United States must ensure that they do not exceed the maximum allowable SAR limit when operating at the device’s highest possible power level, concerns have been raised that long-term RF energy exposure at this level affects the brain and other tissues and may be connected to types of brain cancer, including glioma and meningioma.

In May 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the United Nations’ World Health Organization’s (WHO) agency promoting international cancer research collaboration, classified RF energy as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” In addition, the National Cancer Institute has stated that although studies have not definitively linked RF energy exposure from cell phones to cancer, more research is required to address rapidly changing cell phone technology and use patterns.
This and other research identified by the GAO demonstrates the need for further research on this issue, and makes clear that exposure standards should be reexamined.

The GAO concluded that the current exposure limits may not reflect the latest research on RF energy, and that current mobile phone testing requirements may not identify maximum RF energy exposure. The GAO proposed that the FCC formally reassess its limit and testing requirements to determine whether they are effective. The AAP commends the activities proposed under H.R. 6358, as they would address this research gap and improve consumer knowledge and safety. Establishing an expanded federal research program as the basis for exposure standards will ensure that consumer protections incorporate the latest research. Currently, the National Institute of Health (NIH), the only federal agency the GAO identified as directly funding research on this topic, provided approximately $35 million from 2001 to 2011. Given this previous funding level, the AAP supports the $50 million per fiscal year for seven years that H.R. 6358 would authorize.

The AAP appreciates your recognition of the need for new research and standards for mobile phone radiation, and is pleased to support H.R. 6358. For further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Sonya Clay, Assistant Director, Department of Federal Affairs, at 202-347- 8600 or sclay@aap.org.

Sincerely,
Thomas K. McInerny, 
MD, FAAP President 

Download this letter here. 
Read what the AAP states about cellphones and cell towers on their webpage here. It states:

"Cell Phones: 

In recent years, concern has increased about exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (wireless radiation) emitted from cell phones and phone station antennae. An Egyptian study confirmed concerns that living nearby mobile phone base stations increased the risk for developing:

• Headaches
• Memory problems
• Dizziness
• Depression
• Sleep problems

Short-term exposure to these fields in experimental studies have not always shown negative effects, but this does not rule out cumulative damage from these fields, so larger studies over longer periods are needed to help understand who is at risk. In large studies, an association has been observed between symptoms and exposure to these fields in the everyday environment."

The above is from the AAP Healthy Children.org webpage found here. 

So why is MCPS allowing cell towers on schools? 

Interested in watching the 2009 Congressional Hearings that led to the Bill  in the video below

Join Us At An Upcoming Information Meeting on School Technology And Children's Health

Learn More About Wireless Technology in Schools

and

Your Child’s Health

Did you know the American Academy of Pediatrics is calling on our government to take action on this issue?  

* Be Informed        *Get The Facts       * Decide For Yourself

Is the current technology rollout sustainable and environmentally friendly?

We will answer all  your questions in full .

Thursday October 29th Takoma Park Middle School 7PM

Topic: Intro on Wi-Fi in School and Federal Safety Standards

Thursday, November 5th Takoma Elementary 7 PM

Topic: Review of International Policy and Protections for Children

Thursday, November 12 Takoma Elementary 7PM

Topic: Technology and Environmental Sustainability

Safe Tech for Schools Maryland

For more info: safetechforschoolsmaryland.blogspot.com

Watch this informative video to learn more about why we are concerned...

W-USA News Covers Potomac Parents Concerned About Wireless Radiation In Schools: 11:00 News

Safe Tech Parents presented to the Bells Mill community on the risks associated with the MCPS Chromebook Wireless Technology plan. 

Watch W-USA News Coverage Here! 

Click Here to Sign Our Petition 

Calling For MCPS to Explore Safe Technology in Schools. 

Click Here to Sign Our Petition 

Calling For MCPS to Explore Safe Technology in Schools. 

Medical doctors and scientists are recommending schools use non-radiating hardwired systems and we think Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) should go with these common sense recommendations to minimize wireless radiation in the classroom.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE PETITION

Ten Facts About What The World Health Organization States About Wireless Radiation

MCPS states that "MCPS will monitor the credible findings and recommendations of the World Health Organization and FCC." in the WUSA news piece. 

Great! 

We are calling for a precautionary approach just as the World Health Organization clearly communicates in their press release and just as WHO scientists state. Read it all below. Everything is hyperlinked to source documents. We sure hope MCPS Technology Staff takes the time to educate themselves on this issue and follow WHO advice. 

What Does the World Health Organization say about Wireless Radiation and Health ?

1. Wireless is classified as a Class 2 B “possible” Human Carcinogen by the World Health Organization.

The World Health Organization’s International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC) Classified wireless radiation -also known as radio frequency electromagnetic radiation RF-EMF - as a Class 2B Carcinogen in 2011 based on evidence that linked long term wireless exposure to brain cancer.  

• Read The Lancet’s published statement by the International Agency for the Research on Cancer Here.  
  
  
  Read the April 2013 Published 400+ page IARC Monograph detailing the scientific basis for  the classification. Read it here.
  
  

2. Wi-Fi Routers, Cell towers and Cell Phones Are Included in the Risk Classification. 

The Group 2 B Carcinogenic Classification applies to radio frequency radiation in the range of 30 KHz  to 300 GHz from any device, including wireless routers, and cell towers. This fact is detailed in the Lancet article as well as being stated in the press conference in 2011. All wireless devices emit radiofrequency wireless radiation. Read it here.

3. The World Health Organization states that more research is needed. 

The WHO has published a 36 page Research Agenda for Radiofrequency Fields (Wireless)  detailing the critical research that still needs to be done  with wireless calling for research that looks at the connection with neurodegenerative diseases, cognition and cancer among other endpoints.  

• Read the Research Agenda here

4. WHO scientists continue to publish commentary in medical journals detailing that there are no safety assurances with wireless.

Dr. Samet, Senior Scientist, Chair of the  World Health Organization’s International Agency for the Research on Cancer 2011 R-EMF Working Group  stated:

“The IARC 2B classification implies an assurance of safety that cannot be offered—a particular concern, given the prospect that most of the world’s population will have lifelong exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.” 
Dr. Samet in his 2014 Commentary calling for more directed research published in the Journal Epidemiology.

5. The WHO IARC Director recommended taking measures to reduce exposures until research on long term exposures is completed. (We are asking MCPS to do the same and teach students this very important information.) 

The 2011 Press Release by the WHO IARC states,  "Given the potential consequences for public health of this classification and findings," said IARC Director Christopher Wild, "it is important that additional research be conducted into the long‐ term, heavy use of mobile phones. Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as hands‐free devices or texting.”

6. The WHO IARC states that wireless is absorbed deeper into children’s bodies than adults. 

From EHT Doctors Advice

The 2013 Monograph states that  “the average exposure from use of the same mobile phone is higher by a factor of 2 in a child’s brain and higher by a factor of 10 in the bone marrow of the skull.”

Read these details on page 34 of the the World Health Organization’s International Association for Research on Cancer’s published Monograph on Non-Ionizing Radiation, Part 2: Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields found here.

7. Many World Health Organization (WHO) Scientists now state the evidence has increased since 2011 and they call for a change in the risk classification reflecting the increased known risk. 

Read the 2015 published review in the International Journal of Oncology Mobile phone radiation causes brain tumors and should be classified as a probable human carcinogen (2A) (review)which concludes that radiofrequency fields should be classified as a Group 2A ̔probable̓ human carcinogen under the criteria used by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (Lyon, France). The authors also advise that the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle be adopted for uses of this technology.

8. International Agency for the Research on Cancer expert, Dr. Hardell has repeatedly documented  that wireless “should be regarded as human carcinogen requiring urgent revision of current exposure guidelines.” 

• Read his 2014 research published in the Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health  entitled Decreased Survival of Glioma Patients with Astrocytoma Grade IV (Glioblastoma Multiforme) Associated with Long-Term Use of Mobile and Cordless Phones which determined that the use of wireless phones in the >20 years latency group (time since first use) was correlated to decreased survival for  those diagnosed with astrocytoma grade IV . The conclusion reads, "Due to the relationship with survival the classification of IARC is strengthened and RF-EMF should be regarded as human carcinogen requiring urgent revision of current exposure guidelines."
• Read 2013 research published in the International Journal of Oncology entitled Case-control study of the association between malignant brain tumours diagnosed between 2007 and 2009 and mobile and cordless phone use . Long term use of wireless phones was associated with the development of malignant brain tumours. The research  found in persons with more than 25 years latency period (time since first use until tumour diagnosis) a 3-fold increased risk.  The risk increased further for tumours located in the most exposed area of the brain, the temporal lobe, to a 5-fold increased risk. The study concludes with, “This study confirmed previous results of an association between mobile and cordless phone use and malignant brain tumours. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that RF-EMFs play a role both in the initiation and promotion stages of carcinogenesis”

9. In 2015 over 200 International Scientists Appealed to the World Health Organization  to take immediate action on the health risks of wireless radiation.

• Many were World Health Organization experts themselves.
• Read  the Medical doctor and Scientists’ Appeal here.  
• Read the names of the Doctors and Scientists and their qualifications here.

10. WHO IARC Scientists wrote the U.S. Secretary of Education about Wifi In School calling for Hardwired Technology!

• On October 14, 2015 scientists with expertise in wireless radiation wrote a Letter to the  U.S. Secretary of Education detailing children’s unique vulnerability to the health risks of wireless technology. The Doctors call for educating students on safer ways to use technology and for installing safer hardwired technology in school classrooms.
• The letter was penned by top cancer experts in the field including Dr. Anthony Miller and Dr. Annie Sasco  who have over 50 years combined expertise with the World Health Organizations International Agency for the Research on Cancer. Letter HERE. 

Read the bio of these scientists in the press release Expert Docs Urge U.S. Secretary of Education: Play It Safe with Kids - Go Wired Not WiFi. Top medical experts advise schools to stop experimenting on our children.

Did you know Dr. Sasco served 22 years as Unit Chief of Epidemiology for Cancer Prevention at the International Agency for Research on Cancer and served as Acting Chief of the Cancer Control Programme of the World Health Organization (WHO). She specializes in cancer research and epidemiology and holds two Masters plus a Doctoral degree from Harvard University. 

In fact, Doctors have been writing such letters for years. Read More Letters HERE.

WiFi in Schools is Risky Business

The World Health Organization Gives No Safety Assurances.

Why isn't MCPS and the State Department of Education considering these facts from the World Health Organization and their scientists?

Listen to WHO expert Dr. Lennart Hardell speak on Wi-Fi in Schools in the video below.