The U.S. National Institutes of Health Advocated for the Precautionary Principle With Wireless in 2009

Check out the footage of National Institutes of Health Staff

testifying to Congress on the issue of children and wireless phones in 2009. 

Listen close to what is said by the Senators and by the Senior NIH staff. 

Should parents have their children take precautions? 

 "Yes" says our National Institute of Health.....

This video speaks for itself. Did you think the NIH staff looked a bit uncomfortable? The Senator's were asking logical and reasonable questions and it is odd the NIH staff did not have a excellent response...

 The question we parents have 7 years later is :

• Where is the NIH research that is appropriately looking at this issue? 
• When will we study the effects of this exposure on children's brain development? 
• Why are we allowing it into schools when it has been shown to have so many problems. 

If a cell phone for 30 minutes a day causes so many problems, what about wireless in school every day for 6 hours? 

“ If some of the studies turn out to be harbingers of things to come, we may have major health consequences from the nearly ubiquitous presence of wireless equipment.” 

-Linda S. Birnbaum, 

Director of the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program, see her remarks on page 90 of the 2015 Report found here.

Apparently all NIH is doing right now is a rodent study and the results will not be out for another year. More importantly, they are not sharing the endpoints they are even studying. Is it cancer? cognition? dementia? 

yup.. one A RODENT STUDY

That is all the research being funded by our government in this country 
as far as we know. 

Read about the rodent study here. 

Read about the rodent study here. 

Our children are not guinea pigs.

 If research is ongoing, shouldn't we hold off 

on exposing the children? 

The precautionary principle or precautionary approach to risk management states that if an action or policy has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of scientific consensus that the action or policy is not harmful, the burden of proof that it is not harmful falls on those taking an action.

The principle is used by policy makers to justify decisions in situations where there is the possibility of harm from making a certain decision  when extensive scientific knowledge on the matter is lacking. 

The principle implies that there is a social responsibility to protect the public from exposure to harm, when scientific investigation has found a plausible risk.

Is MCPS Wi-Fi Safe? Get the Facts and Decide for Yourself

The following video shows Takoma Park Middle School, Churchill and other MCPS school classrooms and how the access points mounted on their ceilings emit radiation constantly. The video also includes a few news clips about how schools worldwide are removing wireless networks.

In a September 21, 2015 MCPS Board of Education Meeting, MCPS Technology staff stated that MCPS did not need to take precautions right now (that clip is included). MCPS staff also cited Dr. Carpenter and so we included statements by Dr. Carpenter in this video.

We hope this video will result in parents asking questions about wireless technology issues in schools. (All sources are cited at the bottom of the Youtube video here).  We hope you will learn more and read more and fact check.

Please come to our information meeting October 20 at Bells Mill at 7pm!

Read invitation here. Please join us!

Watching this video, many parents had the following questions:

Q: The video showed radiation readings at various schools.  Are those numbers safe?
A:  There is no scientific documentation that shows these numbers are safe.  No safe level has been identified for children. There is a shocking lack of federal oversight on this issue, because in the 80's the wireless companies basically got a free pass and did not have to premarket test their devices for safety, nor do post market surveillance. We do such safety testing for drugs and medications, but not for these rf-radiation emitting devices. "Safe levels" for children  have yet  to be determined. 

Please note the device measuring radiation was an Acousitmeter and the video simply shows the meter in action. We understand MCPS has done radiation readings with far more professional equipment but we are concerned about the lack of transparency on these measurements as parents were not allowed to witness such radiation readings. These reports usually look at average measurements, rather than peak levels and they usually state "it is FCC compliant" which leads people to erroneously assume safety. 

We anticipate MCPS will soon release their Radiation Measurement Report (They hired a company to take measurements in select schools.) Will it  include peak levels in classrooms with all Chromebooks in use and with all students in the class having cell phones powered on- the situation in  many MCPS high schools?  We should not be lured into a sense of safety if these measurements "meet federal law". 

We expect the report to state that radiation levels are too low to cause harm. Really? Is there a safe level of the neurotoxin lead?  Research shows neurological effects  from wireless that still "needs more research". It took decades for the neurotoxic effect of lead to be "proven". 

Where is the scientific documentation that such low levels are safe? Ask MCPS please.

Q:     The school system states that the radiation levels are "low" and that they "meet federal guidelines". Doesn't the US government have safety standards based on a scientific review of the evidence?

A:    The EPA and the FDA have never done a comprehensive scientific review of this radiation to set standards that protect human health. No "safe level" has been identified. the US government adopted "maximum permissible exposure" limits. Current exposure limits were developed in 1993 and last reviewed in 1996 when wireless technology was not in use as it is today.

 

Currently, the FCC is the agency that ensures compliance with radiofrequency exposure standards in this country. However, the FCC is not a medical nor science agency and in 2012 the FCC opened ET Docket No. 13-84 (Go To the FCC Docket here) calling for scientific comments in order to review the 18-year-old regulations. 

• The American Academy of Pediatrics has called on the FCC to update the outdated standards stating that “Children are not little adults and are disproportionately impacted by all environmental exposures, including cell phone radiation. Current FCC standards do not account for the unique vulnerability and use patterns specific to pregnant women and children.” Read their letter here.
• In February of 2014, the US Department of the Interior accused the US Federal government of employing outdated wireless radiation standards which could harm birds, stating, “the electromagnetic radiation standards used by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continue to be based on thermal heating, a criterion now nearly 30 years out of date and inapplicable today.” Read their letter here.
• According to the EPA, “The FCC’s current exposure guidelines are thermally based and do not apply to chronic, non thermal exposure situations.” Wireless radiation in the classroom ischronic, non-thermal radiation for the 1080 hours a child is in school each year. Read the EPA letter here.

Q: What does the World Health Organization state?

A: According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for the Research on Cancer (IARC)- RF radiation is grouped as a Class 2 B “possible” Human Carcinogen. This classification refers to the range of frequencies of  30 KHz  to 300 GHz (includes Wi-Fi).

• Read the IARC published summary here: The Lancet : Carcinogenity and Classification of Radio Frequency Radiation
• Read the published 429 page  IARC  Monograph reviewing the research here
• Read the World Health Organization 2011 Press Release on the Class 2 B Classification
• See a recent Poster on Carcinogenicity of Ionizing and nonionizing radiation by the IARC from 2014 that details the risk from wireless, tanning beds and other radiation here.

“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. Jonathan Samet, Chair of the World Health Organization’s IARC EMF Working Group 2011. This statement is from his 2014 Commentary calling for more research.

Q: Why are you talking about cell phones? WiFi routers are different. Right? 

A: Cell phones and  wifi systems both use RF radiation- radio frequency radiation- microwave radiation. All wireless devices have RF radiation emissions- The older phones used 900 Megahertz. New phones use several frequencies (including typical Wi-Fi) and have several antennas. MCPS wireless routers and access points use the frequencies of 2.45 GHz and 5GHz.

Cell phone research is the key to understanding the health risks of wireless. We did not have wifi ten years ago, but we did have cell phones. The early cell phone users and their disease history is the data used for the long term epidemiology research. All research in heavy users of wireless phone technology (with over ten years of use) shows increased brain tumors. Heavy use was defined as 30 minutes a day.

Scientists know that if cell phone radiation at 900 MgHZ causes a certain effect, it is most likely that the frequencies of 950 will as well and 1000 will have this effect. You can read Dr Bann, the WHO secretary detailing this understanding of how the WHO classification includes Wi-Fi clearly in his letter found here.  

Q:    What is the problem with current wireless exposure standards?

A:    There are several reasons that current FCC standards are considered inadequate by scientists:

• They are out of date, having been set in 1993 on research from 30 years ago.
• The guidelines were based solely on preventing thermal effects, i.e. heating. Yet numerous peer-reviewed, published studies report non-thermal effects indicating biological changes from exposure to non-thermal radiation levels.
• The guidelines do not account for exposure to multiple sources and only consider 30 minutes of exposure from one device at a time.
• The guidelines do not consider research showing that wireless can produce “hotspots” in live brains.
• The guidelines were based on an adult male body’s absorption of radiation. Children’s smaller bodies and brains were not considered in the metrics.

The guidelines consider average exposures, not peak exposures. Research suggests our biology is affected by the erratic nature of the pulsed signal and that cells are effected by these short intense bursts of radiation. So, even if the average over time measurement seems low- the biological impact can be high because of the signal peaks.

As an example of the outdated nature of FCC guidelines please consider that on the FCC website, the FCC website directs people to Questions and Answers About Biological Effects Potential Hazards of Radio frequency Electromagnetic Fields---the  August 1999 edition. August 1999! Yup. Read the 1999 Q and A here. 

Q: What Federal Agencies are Concerned? 
A: The reality is that no federal agency is tasked with doing much of anything. The FCC is supposedly in charge but has not acted on their Docket which they put out in 2013. ( If you  think the FCC should take action then could you please contact the FCC Chair at Tom.Wheeler@fcc.gov and please cc your elected officials. Ask the FCC to take action and review the regulations). 

You may be interested to know this:

• Linda S. Birnbaum, Director, USA National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program stated, “If some of the studies turn out to be harbingers of things to come, we may have major health consequences from the nearly ubiquitous presence of wireless equipment.” from the The Israeli Environmental Health Report 2014 page 90

• Dr Chris Portier, recently retired CDC Director  Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease has officially called for invoking the precautionary principle at a conference June 2015.  He stated “a careful review of the scientific literature demonstrates there are potentially dangerous effects from RF“ He was a part of the World Health Organization EMF Working Group. Read about his call for precautionary action here. 

See below a picture from 2010 research the National Cancer Institute refers to as to research showing how a child's body absorbs laptop radiation. The research abstract concludes the radiation absorbed meets federal compliance. However, as we have detailed above, federal compliance does not equal safety. In addition, this research did not even consider radiation absorption to the heart and reproductive organs. In addition, this research did not consider a room of 30 children all using laptops resulting in multiple streams of radiation. 

Read details on Findlay RP, Dimbylow PJ. SAR in a child voxel phantom from exposure to wireless computer networks (Wi-Fi). Phys Med Biol. 2010 Aug 7;55(15):N405-11 and NCI's discussion of children and wireless here.

Safe Tech is of the opinion that in light of the lack of federal oversight and the lack of research assuring safety, then the prudent and logical course of action is precautionary.  We should reduce exposures when possible. MCPS and the Maryland Department of Education has a responsibility to ensure safety. Reliance on outdated 18 year old federal guidelines is irrelevant. 

One does not have to be a medical doctor to err on the side of safety. We parents do it all the time. It is that simple. 

We parents are not making unfounded medical claims nor issuing our own medical reviews or our medical opinions. We are simply sharing what scientists in the field are stating and advocating for a precautionary approach as other governments are doing because of the inconclusive research and ongoing data gaps.

Read San Francisco Medicines Article on Wireless and Children HERE.

Click to read the Top Ten Facts About WiFi In Schools 

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Information Meeting For Parents on Wireless and Health: October 20th at 7 PM at Bells Mill School

Could the MCPS Wireless Technology System 

in Our Children’s Classrooms 

Be Linked to Health Risks? 

Find out why the American Academy of Pediatrics is calling on our government 

to reassess wireless safety standards. 

Be Informed * Get The Facts * Decide For Yourself * 

We will share WHY scientists around the world are calling for safer wireless radiation standards. 

Learn HOW Technology can be made SAFER in our classrooms. 

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

 at Bells Mill Elementary School, 

Potomac, Maryland
7PM, Room 149 

for more info  safetechforschoolsmaryland@gmail.com
Want to see the research? Click here to read what a sister group in the UK just put together: Research up until October 2015

Dr. Erica Mallery-Blythe, MD on Wireless in Schools at the Commonwealth Club of California

Watch this Short Factual Video About Wireless and Children by Dr. Mallery-Blythe

This Medical Doctor explains the facts about children and wireless clearly in just a few minutes. We hope all parents will watch it to understand the reason we are advocating for safe technology at school. 

Click here to watch the lecture on Youtube. 

Click to read the Top Ten Facts About WiFi In Schools 

Sign up for blog updates now so you never miss a post.

Please email anytime at safetechforschoolsmaryland@gmail.com

Please join our Facebook Page at Safe Tech For Schools Maryland 

Governments, Authorities and Schools Which Have Taken Precautionary Action on Wireless.

Over twenty countries have taken action to reduce exposures to their citizens.

From the Environmental Health Trust Briefing

This is how the US compares to other countries in terms of allowable radiation exposure.
This is why MCPS and PGCPS wireless systems will always be "legal" and "not breaking any laws".
Simply put- "the law" allows sky high radiation. 

The above picture shows how the United States and the UK have the most lenient RR-EMF wireless radiation limits in the world. Other countries have set radiation limits far lower than the US in recognition of non thermal effects which could pose a risk to public health. 

(Slide is from the presentation by Dr Erica Mallery-Blythe, MD at the Commonwealth Club of CA, 5/2015)

INTERNATIONAL PRECAUTIONARY ACTIONS

by  Governments, Authorities and Schools

Why isn't our NIH researching this issue in depth? Especially after NIH research showed that this radiation changed brain metabolism just a few years ago. 
Where is the follow up research? Our children deserve this information.

(Please go to source documents by clicking on underlined hyperlink.)

France: New National Legislation and the National Agency for Health, Food and Environmental Safety Report.

2015 Law   passed:

• WiFi Banned in Nursery Schools: WIFI and Wireless devices will be banned in  “the spaces dedicated to home, to rest and activities of children under 3 years”.
• WiFi on “OFF” as Default to Minimize Exposures in Schools: In elementary schools,WIFI routers should be turned off when not in use.
• Schools Will be Informed: The school board should be informed when new tech equipment is being installed.
• Cell Tower Emission Compliance Will Be Verified: A decree will define the limits of emission of equipments for electronic communications or transmission to which the public is exposed. These values can be verified by accredited organizations and results will be made accessible to the public through a National Radiofrequency Agency.
• Citizens Will Have Access to Environmental/Cell Tower Radiation Measurements  Near homes: Every resident may get access  to the results of measurements for their living space.
• Cell Antennae Maps For the Country: A description and map of the places with atypical (higher than the limits) places will be conducted at regular intervals with follow up of the actions being taken to limit the exposure. A map of all antennas will be produced for each town.
• Continued Evaluation of Health Effects: The National Radiofrequence Agency will be in charge of surveillance and vigilance, evaluating potential risks and setting up scientific research, including information on health effects.
• SAR Radiation Labeling Mandated: The SAR of cell phones must be clearly indicated on the package.
• Information on Reducing Exposures Mandatory: Information on ways to reduce exposure will be detailed in the contents of the cell phone package. .
• WIFI Hotspots will be Labeled: Places where WIFI is provided should be clearly marked with a pictogram.
• Advertisements Must Recommend Devices That  Reduce Radiation Exposure to the Brain: Advertising for cell phones should clearly indicate the recommendation of hand free kits for protection of the head of the user and it will be included in the package. Advertising for cell phone not accompanied by such a kit is forbidden. Companies in violation will be fined 75,000 Euros.
• Children Must Be Provided Protections: At the request of the buyer, equipment reducing cell phone radiation exposures to the head for children less than 14 years should be provided.
• The Public Will Be Informed: Within a year, a policy of information on awareness and information on a responsible and reasonable use of cell phones and other apparatus emitting radiofrequencies will be set up.
• Electrohyper-sensitivity Report To Be Submitted: Within a year, a report on electrohyper sensitivity must be given to the Parliament.
• 2011 French Cell Phone Statute: Merchants must display SAR Radiation levels for different phone models, all phones must be sold with a headset, cell phone ads aimed at children younger than 14 are banned and phones made for children under 6 are banned.

• 2013 ANSES Report  recommends hands free phones, SAR  labeling, and “limiting the population's exposure to radiofrequencies… especially for children and intensive users, and controlling the overall exposure that results from relay antennas.”  
• The French National Library along with other libraries in Paris, and a number of universities have removed all Wi-Fi networks.
• Herouville-Saint-Clair has removed all Wi-Fi equipment installed in  municipalities.

Belgium:  Federal Public Health Regulations on March 2013 due to Health Concerns for Children.

• Phones designed for children under 7 years old are prohibited from sale.
• Total Advertising Ban on cell phones aimed at children younger than 14.
• Mandatory Radiation SAR levels must be available for consumers at point of sale.
• Warning label on phones: “Think about your health – use your mobile phone moderately, make your calls wearing an earpiece and choose a set with a lower SAR value.”
• Recommendations include use of hands-free methods to keep the phone away from the body such as text messaging and not making calls when the signal is weak, such as in elevator/vehicle.
• Ghent Municipality: Wireless internet is banned from spaces that cater to children between 0 and three: preschools and daycares to reduce exposure to microwave radiation.
• Belgium has set a RF limit of 3V/m (at 900MHz) for cell antennas in certain locations such as indoors, schools, and playgrounds.

Spain: The Parliament of Navarra voted to urge removal of WIFI in schools  and to apply the precautionary principle in relation to exposure limits to electromagnetic fields whose boundaries have become "obsolete".

• The Parliament voted to adopt a resolution which calls to implement the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe resolution 1815 of 2011, which recommends to "review the scientific basis for the standards of exposure to electromagnetic fields" and " set thresholds for levels of preventive long-term exposure in all indoor areas not exceeding 0.6 volts per meter ".
• The Vitoria City Council unanimously approved a precautionary approach with wireless: Citizens will be informed of the location of  wireless transmitters are in civic centers and municipal buildings. It is recommended that children's spaces such as playgrounds and family libraries, will be free of WiFi or have decreased wifi and wifi free zones will be established in playgrounds and building entrances.

Canada: Health Canada offers “Practical Advice” on reducing exposure to wireless radiation.

Recommendations: 1. Limit the length of cell phone calls, 2. Replace cell phone calls with text, use "hands-free" devices and 3. Encourage children under the age of 18 to limit their cell phone usage

• 2015: National Bill C-648 Introduced into the House Of Commons,“An Act Respecting the Prevention of Potential Health Risks From Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation” would require manufacturers of all wireless devices to place specific health warning labels clearly on  packaging, or face daily penalties /fines and/or imprisonment.
• Canadian Parliament Standing Committee on Health of the House of Commons issued a report "Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation and the Health of Canadians" on June, 2015 after holding public hearings regarding Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 recommended limits. They made 12 recommendations including an awareness campaign on reducing exposures, improved information collecting and policy measures regarding the marketing of radiation emitting devices to children under the age of 14, "in order to ensure they are aware of the health risks and how they can be avoided."

Australia: In 2013 the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency issued Fact Sheet 14: titled How to Reduce exposure from mobile phones and other wireless devices.

• Reduce the risk from WiFi devices by “keeping them at a distance, for example placing the wireless router away from where people spend time”, and “reducing the amount of time you use them”.
• “ARPANSA recommends that parents encourage their children to limit their exposure.”

Italy:

• On June 10, 2015, the State Parliament of South Tyrol voted to allow the application of the precautionary principle mandating the state government to:
• 1. To replace existing wireless networks whenever possible with networks that emit less radiation at schools, preschools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other public facilities.
• 2. Establish a working group whose mandate it is to assess these new technologies and their exposure levels. With regard to wireless communication technologies, mobile Internet access, and public health, the working group shall clarify which technologies emit less radiation and provide sustainable technology options and
• 3. To start an education and awareness campaign that informs about possible health risks, especially regarding the unborn, infants, children, and adolescents and that develops guidelines for a safer use of cell phones, smartphones, and Wi-Fi …Discussion at the Plenary Session, 10 June 2015 (in German) ///////Official Files, Resolutions (in German)  ////////Previous Hearing at the Parliament of South Tyrol, 29 April 2015 (in German)   
• The Italian Supreme Court ruled a man’s brain tumor was caused by his cell phone use in 2012. The  National Institute for Workmen’s Compensation must compensate a worker with head tumor due to cell use.

Finland: The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority issued recommendations for children which include: favoring text messages, parents limiting duration and amount of calls,the use of hands free devices, avoiding calls in a low reception area and keeping the phone away from the body.

• "With children, we have reason to be especially careful, because there is not enough research on children's mobile phone use", according to STUK research director Sisko Salomaa.

Israel: The  Israeli Ministry Of Education has issued guidelines limiting WiFi and cell phone use in schools.

• Preschool through 2nd grade have banned the use of wireless networks. In third and fourth grade class internet is restricted to 3 hours per week.
• A hard wired direct cable connection is required if the teacher has a computer in the class.
• Magnetic fields below 4mG are being reduced in schools representing the government's position that international guidelines are NOT protective of children.
• The Israeli Supreme Court ordered the Israeli government to reply on ceasing  Wifi installations
• In third and fourth grade class internet is restricted to 3 hours per week.
• The Education Ministry has instructed all schools to perform radiation tests.
• Israel's Minister of Health Rabi Litzman stated that he supports a ban on Wi-Fi in schools.
• A hard wired direct cable connection is required if the teacher has a computer in the class.
• The Government created the public education webpage National Information Ctr for Non-Ionizing Radiation
• Read the official  ​ISRAEL 2015 RF Safety Report here that details actions being taken to reduce EMF exposures.
• The Ministry of Health published  Environmental Health in Israel  2014 which states that “Precautions should be strictly enforced with regard to children, who are more sensitive to developing cancer.” and that "wireless communication networks in schools be reduced." The Health Ministry recommends “sensible use of cellular and wireless technology, including: considering alternatives like landline telephones, use of a speaker while talking on a cellphone, and refraining from installing the base of wireless phones in a bedroom, work room, or children’s room.” 
• The Report states that  “Findings in Israel clearly indicated a link between cellphone use for more than 10 years and the development of tumors in the salivary glands, particularly among people who held the telephone on the same side where the tumor developed and individuals in the highest category of exposure (heavy use in rural areas).” 
• Linda S. Birnbaum, Director, USA National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program wrote in the Report that, “ If some of the studies turn out to be harbingers of things to come, we may have major health consequences from the nearly ubiquitous presence of wireless equipment.”

Switzerland: The Governing Council of Thurgau Canton 2008 “The Governing Council recommends for schools to forgo the use of wireless networks when the structural makeup of a given school building allows for a wired network.“

Germany: The German Federal Ministry for Radiation Protection states,”supplementary precautionary measures such as wired cable alternatives are to be preferred to the WLAN system.”

• Bavaria: The State Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs: “For precautionary reasons the Federal Office for Radiation Protection recommends for schools that if a wireless network is used to place its components in suitable locations and to prefer the use of wired network solutions whenever possible.” In 2007 Parliament recommendation to all schools to not install wireless LAN networks.

• Frankfurt: “In Frankfurt’s schools there will be no wireless networks in the short or mid term. The Local Education Authority did not wish to conduct a “large scale human experiment,” said Michael Damian, spokesperson of the Head of the School Department Jutta Ebeling.  

Austria:  

No Wi-Fi in Salzberg Schools: "The official advice of the Public Health Department of the Salzburg Region is not to use WLAN and DECT in Schools or Kindergartens.” -Gerd Oberfeld, MD.

• The Austrian Medical Society has issued cell phone safety guidelines stating that cell phones should be used for as short of a time as possible and that children under 16 should not use cell phones at all. They also  state that “wireless LAN leads to high microwave exposure”.

India:  2012 The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued EMF guidelines with new Exposure Limits lowered to 1/10 of the ICNIRP level, SAR labeling on phones.

• Official guidelines for cell phone use include:  Headsets, Speakerphones, limiting cell use, increasing distance from devices, and choosing landlines.

• 2013: Supreme Court of India upheld the High Court of the State of Rajasthan decision to remove all cell towers from the vicinity of schools, hospitals and playgrounds because of radiation “hazardous to life.”  
• The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has an EMF  webpage
• Zilla Parishad orders removal of all cellphone towers near schools citing exposure to “harmful radiation”.

Russia: The Russian Federation advises that those under the age of 18 should not use a mobile phone at all, recommends low- emission phones; and requires the following: on-device labelling notifying users that it is a source of RF-EMF, user guide information advising that ‘‘it is a source of harmful RF-EMF exposure’’ and the inclusion of courses in schools regarding mobile phones use and RF-EMF exposure issues.  The Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection has repeatedly warned about electromagnetic radiation impacts on children and recommended WiFi not be used in schools.

• “Thus, for the first time in the human history, children using mobile telecommunications along with the adult population are included into the health risk group due to the RF EMF exposure.”
• “In children, the amount of so-called stem cells is larger than in adults and the stem cells were shown to be the most sensitive to RF EMF exposure.”
• “It is reasonable to set limits on mobile telecommunications use by children and adolescents, including ban on all types of advertisement of mobile telecommunications for children.”
• Decision of Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection 2008, "Children and Mobile Phones:  The Health of the Following Generations is in Danger”

European Environment Agency: “All reasonable measures to be taken to reduce exposures to electromagnetic fields, especially radiofrequencies from mobile phones and particularly the exposures to children and young adults. Current exposure limits to be reconsidered.”

United Kingdom:  The UK National Health Service offers specific Recommendations for children and cell phones as “children are thought to be at higher risk of health implications”.

• “Children should only use mobile phones for essential purposes and keep all calls short. “
• For the public they have  “recommendations to help lower any potential long-term risks” which include keeping calls short, keep phone away from the body on standby mode, only use it when the reception is strong and use a phone with an external antenna.

Cyprus: October 2015, The Cyprus National Committee on Environment and Child Health (ECH) says it wants to err on the side of caution, warning the public that using mobile devices could be potentially harmful to children. Stella Michaelidou, President of the ECH, states that society should respond by taking precautions because “Documentation of other potential and more serious biological side effects are on the tip of an emerging iceberg.”

Resolution 1815: In 2011 The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe issued The Potential Dangers of Electromagnetic Fields and Their Effect on the Environment. A call to European governments to “take all reasonable measures” to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields “particularly the exposure to children and young people who seem to be most at risk from head tumours.”  The Resolution calls for  member states to: Implement “information campaigns about the risk of biological effects on the environment and human health, especially targeting children and young people of reproductive age. “ “Reconsider the scientific basis for the present standards on exposure to electromagnetic fields set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, which have serious limitations, and apply ALARA principles, covering both thermal effects and the athermic or biological effects of electromagnetic emissions or radiation.” “For children in general, and particularly in schools and classrooms, give preference to wired Internet connections, and strictly regulate the use of mobile phones by schoolchildren on school premises.”

United States:  Legislation has been introduced at the state and national level. Some Communities have issued proclamations, resolutions and  and started initiatives to  inform the public of wireless health issues.

• NEW 2015 NEW Massachusetts proposed MA Senate Bill 1222: An Act creating a special commission to study the health impacts of electromagnetic fields and Bill H2007: An Act relative to a special commission to study electric and magnetic fields. Bills Still in Process as of August,2015. Watch a view of the statehouse briefing on RF here.
• NEW 2015 Nassau County will have a proposed Wireless Router Labeling Act that would place visible warning signs in all county buildings and facilities where a wireless router is located.. Please read recent coverage of the initiative here.
• 2014 California, Berkeley: May 12, 2015 Berkeley Adopted the Cell Phone "Right to Know" Ordinance on a Unanimous Vote. Berkeley is the first city in the nation to require cell phone retailers to provide those who purchase a new phone an informational fact sheet which informs buyers to read the user manual to learn the cell phone’s minimum separation distance from the body. The text states:

"The City of Berkeley requires that you be provided the following notice:

To assure safety, the Federal Government requires that cell phones meet

radio frequency (RF) exposure guidelines. If you carry or use your phone

in a pants or shirt pocket or tucked into a bra when the phone is ON and

connected to a wireless network, you may exceed the federal guidelines

for exposure to RF radiation. Refer to the instructions in your phone or user manual for information about how to use your phone safely." Full text here.

• 2014 New York:  Wireless Router Labeling in all Suffolk Public buildings: 12/2014 The Suffolk County Legislature passed legislation to require all county buildings to post notices that wireless routers are in use such as, "Notice: Wireless technology in use." The resolution, sponsored by Legis. William Spencer (a physician), warns that every wireless device emits radio frequency radiation or microwave radiation. It notes that studies "that have looked at the effects of low-level RFR radiation on human cells and DNA have been inconclusive." Read Press Release.
• 2014 Maryland, Greenbelt: The Greenbelt Maryland City Council voted unanimously on November 24, 2014  to do the following:

1.  Alert citizens about the fine print warnings and possible health risks of cell phones and wireless devices By sharing the Environmental Health Trusts 10 Steps to Safe Tech and Doctors Advice on Cell Phones Brochure   in City health fairs and city centers.

2. To send the FCC Chairman a letter urging the adoption of “radiation standards that will protect human health and safety.”

3. To oppose cell towers on school grounds  and write a letter to the local school board and County Executive.

• 2012 Wyoming: Jackson Hole issued a  Proclamation of Cell Phone Awareness  which cites concern over long term health effects as well as the increased risk that the radiation poses to children.
• 2012 Florida: Pembroke Pines, passed Resolution 3362  expressing the City's "Urgent Concerns" about Wireless Radiation and Health and which encourages citizens to read their manuals and presents information on how to reduce exposure by using a headset or speakerphone. Jimmy Gonzalez, an attorney who had developed brain cancer after heavy cell use, initially petitioned the Commission. Watch the Video of his powerful testimony here.
• 2010 California, San Francisco: Cell Phone Radiation (How to Reduce Exposures) Webpage launched. Answers on how to reduce exposures to cell phone radiation. The City developed a poster, factsheets and display stickers with public health information.
• 2010 California: Burlingame California City Council voted to include cell phone safety guidelines in  their Healthy Living in Burlingame initiative (WHO classification and consumer precautions).
• 2010 Maine, Portland :Mayor Mavodenes, Jr. declared October  “Cell Phone Awareness Month”

US Proposed Legislation

• 2012 National Law The Cell Phone Right to Know Act H.R. 6358 was introduced receiving strong support from many organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics. (AAP Letter here.) This legislation called for labels on mobile devices at point of sale, a comprehensive national research program to study whether exposure to wireless devices causes adverse biological effects directed by NIEHS and the EPA and exposure level regulation.
• 2014 The Maine LD 1013 "The Wireless Information Act" passed the State Senate and House but then failed to pass  the second vote.  The Bill requires manufacturer's information on radio-frequency exposure be visible on the outside of the cell phone's product packaging.

• 2014 Hawaii  Senate Bill SB 2571 was introduced calling for a warning label encouraging  consumers to follow the enclosed product safety guidelines to reduce exposure to radiation that may be hazardous to their health.
• The San Francisco Cell Phone Right to Know Ordinance was signed in 2011 requiring cell phone retailers to distribute an educational sheet created by the San Francisco Department of Environment that explains radiofrequency emissions from cell phones and how consumers can minimize their exposure. The CTIA sued the city and settled with the City to block implementation of  the Ordinance  in exchange for a waiver of attorneys' fees. The City Cell Phone Radiation Webpage remains online.
• SB 932 California, HM 32, New Mexico, HB 1408 Pennsylvania, and SB 679 Oregon.

Examples of Schools Worldwide Removing the WiFi/Taking Action

Ashland Public Schools, Mass (USA): "Best Practices" to turn the WiFi off when not in use, Download Slides Video of parent who initiated this.  Video of school board member.

St. Cajetanus School, Belgium: Wired Internet installed and wireless removed.

Washington Waldorf School, Maryland, USA: Removed Wi-Fi Routers from Buildings, Ethernet installed.

DearCroft Montessori: Hardwired internet to younger grades, limited Wi-Fi Router exposure to older grades.

Portland Waldorf School, Portland Oregon,USA, WiFi removed.

Meeting House Montessori, Braintree Massachusetts, USA, WiFi replaced with ethernet.

Ghent, Finland,  Wi-fi banned from pre-schools and day care.

UPPER Sturt Primary School, Australia “No WIFI” LOW EMF Policy.

The St. Augustine School in Italy turned off Wifi and goes back to Wires.

Winlaw Elementary School, B.C. Canada turned off WiFi.

Te Horo Primary School New Zealand Replaced WIFI with cable-based internet.

Kootenay Lakes District School Board BC (One school without Wi-Fi)

Blaise-Cendrars High School, Switzerland. Teachers vote to remove WiFi.

Kivioja primary school in Ylivieska Finland bans phones and minimizes Wireless.

Halton Waldorf, in Burlington Vermont: Remaining free of Wireless Radiation

City of Lakes Waldorf School, WiFi taken out. Minneapolis, Minnesota USA

Aurora School in Ontario removed Wifi and replaced with hardwired.

North Cariboo Christian School in Quesnel, B.C., removed Wi-fi .

Pretty River Academy in Ontario no WiFi.

Wayside Academy, Peterborough, Ontario no Wi Fi.

Surrey, BC Roots and Wings Montessori removed Wi-Fi.

Ontario St. Vincent Euphrasia elementary school: Parents voted to turn off Wi-Fi.

HEROUVILLE-SAINT-CLAIR wi-fi networks removed.

Did you know that countries like Switzerland, Italy, France, Austria, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Israel, Russia and China have set RF exposure limits 100 to 10,000 times less than the USA. They recognize that there can be non-thermal biological effects from wireless radiation. Please see the graph below to see the guidelines and the effects found in research studies. 

Read a Recent Review of International Policy
Redmayne M. International policy and advisory response regarding children's exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Electromagn Biol Med. 2015 Jun 19:1-9. 

• Over 20 countries and municipalities have issued precautionary advice to the public concerning wireless exposures. This review of policy and advice regarding children's RF-EMF exposure shows a wide variety of approaches which I have categorized and tabulated ranging from ICNIRP/IEEE guidelines and "no extra precautions needed" to precautionary or scientific much lower maxima and extensive advice to minimize RF-EMF exposure, ban advertising/sale to children, and add exposure information to packaging. 
• "Therefore, minimum exposure of children to RF-EMF is recommended. "

Click here to download this document detailing these international policy actions from the Environmental Health Trust