Criminal Investigation of Smart Meter Opt-Out Fees Requested in Maine!

The Maine Coalition to Stop Smart Meters filed a complaint this week requesting Maine’s Attorney General, William Schneider, open a criminal investigation into smart meter opt out fees.

The complaint alleges in order to avoid health and privacy harms from the detailed information gathering and radiation emitting meters, citizens are forced to pay extortionate fees. They request the Attorney General target Central Maine Power and the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in the extortion investigation.

Ed Friedman stated, “If I must pay to avoid actual harm or even the threat of harm, to myself, my family or my property that is extortion. The federal Hobbs Act defines it as: “…the crime of obtaining property from another induced by wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence or fear, or under color of official right.”

Maine has a similar definition for theft by extortion. With smart meters, the harm and threat of harm come from:

  • The emission of RF radiation known to create adverse biological effects;
  • The invasion of privacy facilitating warrant-less search and seizure of individual data by an agent of the government (utility acting under specific orders of the PUC);
  • The compromising of personal cybersecurity, and;
  • A taking of real property without due process of law or just compensation.

“In order to avoid these and other harms, we are forced to pay a coercive fee which if not paid leads to disconnection of electrical service by the monopolistic utility as well as adversely impacting credit ratings.”

The photos are from the Maine Coalition Day of Action protest this week.

 

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal: smart meter class action begins

On August 28, 2012, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal (BCHRT) issued a decision approving a representative complaint (akin to a class action) against BC Hydro on behalf of “those persons allegedly diagnosed with electromagnetic hypersensitivity and who have been advised to avoid exposure to wireless technology”.

The Tribunal approved the representation of that class by the Citizens for Safe Technology Society, which it found to have authority to bring the representative complaint.  The Society may be contacted at www.citizensforsafetechnology.org  by any person wishing to join in the complaint.

The Tribunal found that the complaint brought by the Citizens for Safe Technology Society properly alleges a breach of the Human Rights Code in that it alleges a disability,  adverse treatment in respect of a service customarily available to the public, and a nexus or connection between the disability and the adverse treatment. By way of the Complaint, the Citizens for Safe Technology Society seeks:

  • A declaration that BC Hydro has discriminated against each person in the Class by failing to provide each person in the Class with an unconditional written commitment that BC Hydro will refrain from installing and/or operating a wireless smart meter at the individual’s place of residence and/or residential complex.
  •  An order that BC Hydro cease and desist forthwith from the said discrimination by offering to refrain from installing and/or operating a wireless smart meter at the individual’s place of residence and/or residential complex.

On May 31, 2011, the World Health Organization classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields a 2B carcinogen, same as DDT and lead. The emissions generated by the Smart Meters fall under this classification of emissions and risk.

The Citizens for Safe Technology Society is currently fundraising to bring a tort action against BC Hydro so as to prohibit the imposition of microwave emitting smart meters on BC residents regardless of whether they have electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

We are suing the CPUC!

Cartoon by Jim Heddle EON

On June 7th, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) denied the EMF Safety Network Rehearing Request on the grounds that, “the evidence does not support re-opening a review of Smart Meters.” Because the Rehearing Request is denied we can now sue the CPUC for failing to address serious Smart Meter issues, including health and safety impacts, and FCC compliance.

The CPUC has buried it’s head in the sand!

The CPUC rubber stamped PG&E claims of Smart Meter safety!

Although no new evidence can be added to the lawsuit in Appeals court, this lawsuit is important because it could force the CPUC to address the issues it has been ignoring.

The CPUC has NEVER addressed the health and safety impacts of Smart Meters.  They’ve only provided an opt out with a penalty!

We need to raise $25,000 for legal costs ASAP!  Attorneys James Hobson and Joshua Nelson of Best, Best and Krieger will represent us in the California First Court of Appeals. The lawsuit will be filed by the July 11 deadline.

If every customer on PG&E’s delay list would donate 15 cents, we’d have it covered! Considering we probably won’t reach those 177,000 people, if people donate $10-$100 this will help! Please give whatever amount you can!

The results of suing the CPUC, if we win, will be that the Court will mandate the CPUC to address our original EMF Safety Network Application which includes:

  • Re-opening both of the Smart Meter proceedings (D.06-07-027 and D.09-03-026)
  • Evidentiary hearings on radiation health, environmental, and safety impacts
  • Review of actual Smart Meter program performance
  • An independently prepared RF Emissions Study

Your contributions will enable us to step up and challenge the CPUC!!

Thanks to all of you who’ve already given to this cause. Legal costs are ongoing, as we are still participating in the CPUC opt-out proceeding, so any amount you can contribute is a HUGE help!

We believe that whatever the CPUC rules for PG&E, they will eventually apply to other utilities! So, please support our efforts, even if you are a customer of another California utility!

Inching towards justice!  THANKS TO ALL YOUR EFFORTS!

Vermont Legislature Adopts Free Smart Meter Opt-Out

Last week the State Legislators of Vermont voted to allow utility customers a no fee Smart Meter opt-out! Specifically, the bill says that customers must be allowed “to choose not to have a wireless smart meter installed, at no additional monthly or other charge”.

*From the proposed House of Representatives bill: Sec. 15. 30 V.S.A. § 2811 SMART METERS; CUSTOMER RIGHTS; REPORTS (b) Customer rights. Notwithstanding any law, order, or agreement to the contrary, an electric company may install a wireless smart meter on a customer’s premises, provided the company:  (1) provides prior written notice to the customer indicating that the meter will use radio or other wireless means for two-way communication between the meter and the company and informing the customer of his or her rights under subdivisions (2) and (3) of this subsection;

(2) allows a customer to choose not to have a wireless smart meter installed, at no additional monthly or other charge; and (3) allows a customer to require removal of a previously installed wireless smart meter for any reason and at an agreed-upon time, without incurring any charge for such removal.

The legislation also calls for future reports related to smart meters to be submitted on: cost-savings associated with smart meters; whether any security breaches occurred because of the wireless technology; and the health effects of smart meters.

Meanwhile, the Vermont Public Service Board who regulate the Vermont utilities had already approved delaying opt-out charges until April 2013.  The purpose of suspending the fees were to evaluate the real costs, instead of arbitrary numbers.

In California, the Public Utilities Commission approved arbitrary and punitive opt-out fees, and is forcing customers who do not want Smart Meters to agree to the charges- even though they’ve never evaluated the charges!  Seems like Vermont has a few smarter people in charge.

Matt Levin, Outreach and Development Director for Vermonters for a Clean Environment stated they were “pleased the Legislature made such a strong statement on this issue”, however he also expressed caution as the Public Service Board and utilities will continue to evaluate the costs associated with opting out in upcoming proceedings and he said, “our enthusiasm is tempered by the realities and struggles of past experiences”.

However, there will be NO fees charged for at least one year and the legislature has banned the fees altogether. For now, Vermonters have been provided with relief and a victory!   CONGRATULATIONS!

Fundraiser: March 26, 7 pm Sebastopol

On Monday, March 26 we have a fundraiser event planned in Sebastopol CA.  We are raising funds for a lawsuit against Verizon who is trying to add 3G and 4G antennas to an already contentious cell tower in the heart of downtown Sebastopol.  We filed an appeal of the Sebastopol planning commission decision to allow the expansion, and the city council split 2-2 on the appeal which allowed Verizon to move ahead.  The only way to stop them was to file a lawsuit.

Theresa Melia, a Sebastopol Waldorf kindergarten teacher, is spearheading the campaign to raise the funds and she gave $1,000 towards the lawsuit.  She says, ” It is unconstitutional to be subjected against our will to constant radio frequency radiation.  This technology is a convenience that undermines everyone’s health.”

Verizon and other wireless carriers are bullies, who use the inadequate FCC radio frequency (RF) guidelines as proof of safety and intimidate local planners with the unconstitutional section 704 of the Telecommunications Act which prohibits cell tower placement decisions based on health impacts.

We need your help!  You can help us immediately by donating online, and please join us on Monday March 26, at 7 pm at the Sebastopol Vets Hall, in the Fireside Room, 282 High Street.  Documentary film “Public Exposure”, followed by Q and A with Sandi Maurer and Michael Neuert, plus a plant and art sale.  There is no cost to attend, but donations are encouraged to fund the lawsuit.

EMF Safety Network files lawsuit against Sebastopol 4G cell tower


On January 11, the EMF Safety Network filed a lawsuit in California Superior Court against the City of Sebastopol, Verizon, and Crown Castle alleging the City’s decision to approve a 4G cell tower expansion was in violation of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  According to the Sebastopol attorney, the city has a “hold harmless” clause in their contract with Verizon which requires Verizon to pay for all litigation costs related to the cell tower.

Sebastopol is located adjacent to an internationally recognized wetlands preserve, the Laguna De Santa Rosa.  The City filed a CEQA exemption for the project stating there would be “negligible or no expansion of use”, calling it a “minor alteration.”  EMF Safety Network lawyer Rose Zoia argued their exemption claims were false.  The addition of 3 and 4 G panels to the cell tower will add significant radio frequency (RF) exposure to the downtown area and extend nine miles into the Laguna.

Sebastopol’s Telecommunications Ordinance states, “ No telecommunications facility shall be sited such that its presence threatens the health and safety of migratory birds.”

An environmental study by A. Balmori, Electromagnetic pollution from phone masts. Effects on wildlife. states,

“Electromagnetic radiation is a form of environmental pollution which may hurt wildlife.”

“Phone masts located in their living areas are irradiating continuously some species that could suffer long-term effects, like reduction of their natural defenses, deterioration of their health, problems in reproduction and reduction of their useful territory through habitat deterioration.  Electromagnetic radiation can exert an aversive behavioral response in rats, bats and birds such as sparrows. Therefore microwave and radiofrequency pollution constitutes a potential cause for the decline of animal populations and deterioration of health of plants living near phone masts.”

A second study, Bioassay for assessing cell stress in the vicinity of radio-frequency irradiating antennas. assesses cell stress in water plants from RF. Conclusion excerpt: “The present work makes a unique biological connection between exposure to RF-EMF and real biological stress in living cells.”

Verizon reps swagger into town with their cookie cutter safety data, and hired guns making broad claims of FCC safety.  Cities are caught in a legal trap between mega-rich wireless industry, educated residents armed with evidence of environmental harm and the city’s local ordinances which call for protecting the public and environmental health.  The 1996  Telecommunications Act makes it illegal to deny a cell tower based on health impacts!

The Sebastopol City Council voted 2-2 to deny the cell tower expansion, however because it was a tie, the original planning commission decision to approve the 4G network was upheld.  Faced with the cost of a lawsuit from Verizon for denying the tower- or a lawsuit from local citizens which Verizon has to pay, the vote was likely  financially driven.

EMF and RF World Concerns Summary

The following is a compilation of what government, public health and environment organizations and officials, independent scientists, health advocacy groups and activists are advocating around the world in response to the proliferation of electromagnetic fields, and especially 2.4 GHZ microwave radiation.

International Resolutions Advocating a Precautionary Approach to the Use and Expansion of Wireless Technologies:

Vienna resolution 1998 http://www.icems.eu/docs/resolutions/Vienna_Resolution_1998.pdf

Salzburg Austria Resolution 2000:http://www.salzburg.gv.at/salzburg_resolution_e.pdf

Catania Italy 2002 http://www.emrpolicy.org/faq/catania.pdf

Benevento Italy Resolution 2006 http://www.icems.eu/benevento_resolution.htm

London Resolution 2007: http://www.icems.eu/docs/resolutions/London_res.pdf

Venice Italy Resolution 2008 http://www.icems.eu/resolution.htm

Porto Alegre Resolution 2009: http://www.icems.eu/docs/resolutions/Porto_Alegre_Resolution.pdf

Wingspread Conference on the Precautionary principle: http://www.sehn.org/wing.html

Wi-Fi

European Environmental Agency advises the precautionary principle for wi-fi: http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/radiation-risk-from-everyday-devices-assessed

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/eu-watchdog-calls-for-urgent-action-on-wifi-radiation-402539.html

German Government advises against wi-fi: http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/germany-warns-citizens-to-avoid-using-wifi-401845.html

http://www.icems.eu/docs/deutscher_bundestag.pdf

France National Library and several other Paris libraries are wi-fi-free http://www.next-up.org/pdf/FranceNationalLibraryGivesUpWiFi07042008.pdf

http://lavieverte.wordpress.com/2008/05/23/public-libraries-in-paris-shut-down-wifi-in-response-to-health-worries/

(USA) Progressive Librarians Guild recommends the precautionary principle for wireless exposures in libraries. June 2008. http://progressivelibrariansguild.org/content/wifiresolution.shtml

UK: The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) with 160,000 members has called for a government investigation into the biological and thermal effects of “wi-fi” networks. http://news.scotsman.com/education/39Wifi-in-schools-may-give.5156371.jp

France: Paris City Council launched a study on wi-fi June 2008 (in french) http://www.lemonde.fr/technologies/article/2008/06/16/wi-fi-le-conseil-de-paris-lance-une-etude-sur-les-risques-sanitaires_1058950_651865.html#ens_id=1053227

Penang Malaysia to study health effects of Wi-Fi. October 2008http://freepage.twoday.net/stories/5250937/

England: Health Protection Agency launches study on health effects of wi-fi Oct 2007: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/oct/13/internet.internetphonesbroadband

Austria medical association pressing for a ban on wi-fi in schools http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1549944/Warning-on-wi-fi-health-risk-to-children.htm

Herouville St Claire Normandy removes Wi-Fi from schoolshttp://freepage.twoday.net/stories/5670096/

USA: Sebastopol CA. City Council chooses the precautionary principle and terminates contract for free city wide Wi-Fi: http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080324/NEWS/803240314/1033/NEWS

Canada: July 2008 City Council of Thorold rescinds city wide wi-fi contract: http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1097589

European Parliament Sept 2008 voted 522 to 16 to adopt text: “is greatly concerned at the Bio-Initiative international report concerning EMFs, which summarises over 1500 studies on that topic and which points in its conclusions to the health risks posed by emissions from mobile-telephony devices such as mobile telephones, UMTS, WiFi, WiMax and Bluetooth, and also DECT landline ” “”The limits on exposure to electromagnetic fields [EMFs] which have been set for the general public are obsolete.” http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/122208.php

England: Teachers union call to suspend WiFi in schools: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1039235/Suspend-wi-fi-schools-says-union-chief-following-reports-causes-ill-health.html

Ireland: Jan 2008 The City of Dublin Ireland did not install wi-fi due to a EU law: http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0109/wifi.html

Wi-fi code for Welch Schools http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/child-safety-fears-prompt-wifi-code-for-welsh-schools-403255.html

Bavarian federal state parliament advised schools against Wi-fi. (current link unavailable) Frankfurt, Germany: Bans Wi-Fi in public schools (in German) http://www.icems.eu/docs/deutscher_bundestag.pdf

Hospital Techies urge limits on ‘white space’ Wi-Fi.http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9930441-7.html

Spain: Ecologists in Action statement on WiFi: http://www.ecologistasenaccion.org/spip.php?article11598

http://www.es-uk.info/news/20080319_belmonte_en.pdf

Dr. Magda Havas open letter to schools and teachers on Wi-Fi health risks: http://www.magdahavas.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/09_Havas_WiFi_schools.pdf

Austrian health director Dr. Gerd Oberfeld advising against wi-fi  http://www.antennafreeunion.org/salzburg.pdf

Sweden Prof. Olle Johansson scientisit wi-fi letter: http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/pdfs/20070723_wifi_olle.pdf

Dr. George Carlo wi-fi videohttp://www.mcs-international.org/red_alert_1_wifi_schoolchildren.html

Green party MEP/ concern with wi-fi in schools: http://www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk/2007/10/12/green-meps-demand-investigation-into-wifi-in-schools-after-study-links-electro-magnetic-fields-and-cancers/

(USA) Dr. Mercola wireless warning: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/06/21/are-you-allergic-to-wireless-internet.aspx?source=nl

(Canada) Dr. Magda Havas Report opposing Wi-Fi in San Francisco:  http://www.magdahavas.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/07_Havas_WiFi-SNAFU.pdf

The Gathering Brainstorm: http://www.mast-victims.org/resources/docs/ecologist_wi-fi_article.pdf

Dr. Jeff Fawcett: WiFi Blues: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-WiFi-Blues&id=169261

Wi-Fi in Schools UK resource  http://www.wifiinschools.org.uk/resources/wireless+technologies+and+young+people+Jan2011.pdf

“Wireless Networks (Wi-Fi) Consumer Health and Safety Advice” EMFacts handout  http://www.emfacts.com/wifi/

Dr. Andrew Goldsworthy on wi-fi in schools: http://www.emfacts.com/2011/11/dr-andrew-goldsworthy-on-wi-fi-in-schools/

Other EMF and RF Actions and Concerns

Bioinitiative Report:  http://www.bioinitiative.org

Bioinitiative Report video with co-author Cindy Sage http://www.youtube.com/v/7tZDor-_co0

Lichtenstein adopts Bioinitiative RF safety standard .6 volts per meter: http://www.next-up.org/pdf/Liechtenstein_confirms_its_intention_to_adopt_BioInitiative_standard_06Vm_09_06_2009.pdf

Brussels determines new EMR safety standard of 3 volts per meterhttp://www.next-up.org/Newsoftheworld/Belgique.php#2

2009: The European Parliament passed the EMF Resolution calling for caution on the use and expansion of electromagnetic fields, particularly radiofrequency exposure from wireless technologies. The resolution was endorsed by an overwhelming margin of 559 members in favor, 22 opposed, and 8 abstaining. The EP calls on member states to follow the example of Sweden to recognize ES as a disability and grant adequate protection as well as equal opportunities. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P6-TA-2009-0216+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN

French Health and Security Agency (Afsset) recommend reducing exposure to mobile phones and other portable wireless devices. OCT 2009 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/limit-exposure-to-mobile-phones-french-health-authority-1803449.html

2009:Breast Cancer Fund: Policy and Research Recommendations: Reduce Exposure to Radiation state-of-the-evidence-2008

(USA) NIEHS and NIOSH classified EMF’s as a hazardous substance, alongside dioxins and lead.  NIEHS advocates prudent avoidance of EMF’s. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/atoz/index.cfm

Prudent avoidance has been adopted in Australia, Sweden, and several U.S. states, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin. http://www.who.int/peh-emf/meetings/southkorea/en/Leeka_Kheifets_principle_.pdf

Collaborative on Health and the Environment CHE EMF statement http://www.healthandenvironment.org/wg_emf_news/772

California EMF program 7 million dollar gov’t mandated study. up to 95% certainty leukemia caused by EMF’s. Up to 80% certainty brain cancer related to EMF’s. Advocate prudent avoidance of EMF’s. http://www.ehib.org/topic.jsp?topic_key=7

2009 Counties of LA (CA), Pima (AZ) City of Portland Oregon, Cities of Sebastopol, Albany and Glendale CA pass resolutions requesting the federal government repeal section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.and/or requesting the FCC to update RF studies http://www.cloutnow.org/localres/

Chinese breakthrough study how EMFs promote childhood leukemia.  http://www.microwavenews.com/XRCC1.html

European Union adopts ALDE report adivsing the precautionary principle for EMF’shttp://www.alde.eu/index.php?id=42&L=2&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=9559&cHash=2fec11e0cc

USA, NJ. Sussex County school to close due to unsafe power lines near playground: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/sussex_county_school_to_close.html

(NZ) Dr. Neil Cherry: http://www.neilcherry.com/

(USA) Dr. Louis Slesin: http://www.microwavenews.com

(Canada) Dr. Magda Havas:www.magdahavas.com www.magdahavas.org

Dr. Martin Blank video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6wLFeIrCtU

Electrical Sensitivity

Germany 2002: Freiberger Appeal signed by 30,000 doctors http://freiburger-appell-2012.info/en/home.php?lang=EN

2005 Ireland IDEA Irish doctors concern over EMR health effects http://www.ideaireland.org/emririshresearch.htm

Switzerland: Dr. Rau Paracelsus Health Clinic : treats 10,000 people annually. They assess health in light of EMF exposure. Although health issues are multi factorial, his assessment is EMFs are a hidden factor in many illnesses: http://www.paracelsus.ch/welcome

US Access Board: Report on Indoor Environmental Quality Released http://access-board.gov/news/ieq.htm

Dr. Christine Aschermann: Observations from a Psychotherapy Practice on Mobile Telecommunications and DECT Telephones: http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Aschermann2009.pdf

Nordic Council of Ministers: The Nordic Adaptation of Classification of Occupationally Related Disorders (Diseases and Symptoms) to ICD-10 ed. by F Levy and A Wannag. 2000. Lists Electromagnetic intolerance as an occupational disorder. http://www.nordclass.uu.se/verksam/NordICD10.pdf

France Eco village white zone for EHS recovery http://www.zoneblanche.fr/index-eng.html

2008: Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_sensitivity

Sweden: FEB Electrosensitivity: http://www.feb.se/index_int.htm

The City of Colwood, BC Canada has declared August 2009 Electromagnetic Sensitivity Awareness month:http://colwood.fileprosite.com/FileStorage/0F1380D9502E4153B38C355BAB43124F-Mayors%20Press%20Release%20-%20EMS%20Sensitivity%20Month.pdf

Netherlands Electrohypersensitivity Questionaire Survey Results: http://www.stichtingehs.nl/images/stories/EHS/supplement_8.pdf

Dutch EHS Foundation: http://www.stichtingehs.nl/content/view/64/1/

Canada: Wireless Electrical and Electromagnetic Pollution News: http://www.weepinitiative.org/index.html

China internet addiction youth  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4327258.stm

South Korea govt study  internet addiction/ Millions of youth at risk. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/technology/18rehab.html

Spain: children treated for cell phone addiction: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7452463.stm

Canadian Human Rights commission: policy on environmental sensitivitieshttp://www.environmentalhealth.ca/summer07humanrights.html

Guideline of the Austrian Medical Association for the diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses There has been a sharp rise in unspecific, often stress associated health problems that increasingly present physicians with the challenge of complex differential diagnosis. A cause that has been accorded little attention so far is increasing electrosmog exposure at home, at work and during leisure activities, occurring in addition to chronic stress in personal and working life. It correlates with an overall situation of chronic stress that can lead to burnout. How can physicians respond to this development?

Cell Towers/ Antennas

CHILE 4 December 2009 The Appeal Court in Rancagua confirms the demolition of a mobile phone mast in Santa Cruz, Chile. http://www.nextup.org/pdf/Emol_Appeal_Court_Chile_confirms_demolition_mobile_phone_mast_in_Santa_Cruz_04_12_2009.pdf

Cell-Phone Towers and Communities: The Struggle for Local Control B. Blake Levitthttp://arts.envirolink.org/arts_and_activism/BlakeLevitt.html

2009 Botswana Africa: A controversial cell phone tower erected on the royal Phuthadikobo Hill has been destroyed by the villagers.http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=189&dir=2009/October/Monday12

Botswana Africa: Bakgatla, BTA, radiation and public safety http://sundaystandard.info/news/news_item.php?NewsID=5984&GroupID=5

UK EM Radiation Research Trustee Eileen O’Connor Report on base stations: http://www.radiationresearch.org/pdfs/20061101_base_stations_health_concerns.pdf

2009 USA CA. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a local government’s authority to deny antennas in public rights-of-way for aesthetic reasons. The case is Sprint PCS Assets, L.L.C. v. City of Palos Verdes Estateshttp://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2009/10/13/05-56106.pdf http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ugly-telecoms26-2009oct26,0,5439620.story

2009 Hunnington Beach California: City leaders vote to move controversial cell phone tower http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-phone-cell-2378582-tower-mobile

International Association of Firefighters moratorium of cell tower siting on Fire stations http://www.iaff.org/hs/Facts/CellTowerFinal.asp

The American Bird Conservancy, Forest Conservation Council and Friends of the Earth brought a lawsuit against the FCC and the Federal Court Ordered Cell Tower Safeguards for Migrating Birds http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/releases/080219.html

Israel bans antenaes on residences: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/916666.html

Portugal opposes Cell tower http://www.portugalresident.com/portugalresident/showstory.asp?ID=28969

Taiwan removes 1500 cell towers near schools: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/2007/11/06/129715/1500-cellphone.htm

Ukiah CA. rejects cell tower: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080222/NEWS/802220314/1033/NEWS01

USA: Two radio towers in Washington State toppled  http://www.rickross.com/reference/animal/animal116.html

Panama: Companies in need of antennas must share structures to hold them:http://www.laestrella.com.pa/online/impreso/2008/11/01/cell-phone-antenna-installations-to-be-controlled.asp

Oregon, USA city school board unplugs cell towers:http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/09/west_linnwilsonville_school_bo.html

New Zealand citizens video appeal to Government (opposing cell towers) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw6av2W60KA

Los Angeles unified school district policy restricts cell sites on LA USD property and requires new schools to avoid siting near cell sites http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/board/secretary/html/agendas/mt/mt06-27-00.html

2009 Los Angeles Unified School District adopted a resolution that includes a statement in favor of repealing the Telecommunication Act of 1996’s preemption of consideration of health and environmental effects of wireless facilities. http://cloutnow.org/lausd/

USA: CA: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a 3-Judgepanel’s earlier decision and ruled that a wireless siting ordinance enacted by San Diego County is not preempted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Environment

2002 letter from the EPA (Environment Protection Agency)  stating the FCC’s standards are “thermally based, and do not apply to chronic, non-thermal exposure situations”: http://www.emrpolicy.org/litigation/case_law/docs/noi_epa_response.pdf

Overloading of Towns and Cities with Radio Transmitters (Cellular Transmitter): a hazard for the human health and a disturbance of eco-ethics by Karl Hecht, Elena N. Savoleyhttp://www.hese-project.org/hese-uk/en/niemr/hechtvortrag070724englisch.pdf

The Ecologist: Mobile Phones Could lead to bee decline: http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_round_up/269118/mobile_phones_could_lead_to_bee_decline.html

Bees, Birds and Mankind: Destroying Nature by Electrosmog by Dr. Ulrich Warnke: http://www.kompetenzinitiative.net/broschuerenreihe/brochure-series/english/bees-birds-and-mankind.html

Mt. Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center: Health effects from cell tower radiation: http://www.mountshastaecology.org/Archive/Health_Effects_from_Cell_Phone_Tower_Radiation.html

Organic Consumers Association:  http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_6388.cfm

Cell Phones

The Canadian Public Health Officer, David Butler-Jones, advised Canadians to limit their and their children’s use of cell phones until science resolves uncertainties about long term health effects. http://www.organicconsumers.org/Politics/cellphone071505.cfm

June 2008: France 20 top scientists warn about cell phones and brain cancer

July 2008 Study: Prenatal Cell Phone Exposure Tied to Children’s Behavior http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/07/29/us-prenatal-cell-phone-idUSTON97595120080729

England:2000, the UK Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones chaired by Sir William Stewart, reports that “a precautionary approach be adopted until more robust scientific information becomes available.” http://www.iegmp.org.uk/documents/iegmp_6.pdf

UK Health protection advises children under 16 to limit their use of mobile phone. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4196762.stm

Russian National Committee on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection advises against cell phones for 18 years and under http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/mobile-and-children-RNC.pdf

India: limit cell phone use for youth under 16  http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14695318

Israel: Health Ministry calls for parents to limits kids cell phone use:http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1006175.html

India: ban on children and pregnant women in TV ads for cell phoneshttp://www.bi-me.com/main.php?id=21423&t=1&c=33&cg=4&mset=

2004, the European Union’s EMF REFLEX Research Project is released, showing that mobile phone radiation (radiofrequency radiation) damages DNA in human cells. omega.twoday.net/stories/436261

Madhya Pradesh, India: Bans cell phones in schools: http://www.indiaenews.com/education/20080718/132841.htm

Australia: Cell phone warning http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/video#

French Ministry of Health cell phone warning  http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/01/02/us-france-mobiles-idUSL0223157720080102

Canada, Toronto Public Health is advising children and teens to limit the time they spend on cellphones until more is known about potential health effects. Toronto Star, Ontario. http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2008/07/12/dial_back_cellphone_use_city_officials_tell_parents.html

USA: July 2008 University of Pittsburg’s Cancer Intistute Dr. Ron Herberman’s memo to staff / Cell phone warning:http://www.post-gazette.com/downloads/20080722upci_cellphone_memo.pdf

USA September 2008 Rep. Dennis Kucinich holds Congressional Hearing on Cell Phone Health Effects http://edition.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/09/25/cellphones.cancer/index.html?iref=24hours

September 2008 Economist commentary on the Interphone Study ” Mobile Madness”: http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12295222

The Belgian Foundation against Cancer (www.cancer.be) issued a warning
concerning mobile phone use “Calling in the car increases risk of cancer” http://www.expatica.com/be/news/local_news/Calling-in-the-car-increases-risk-of-cancer.html

Finland: The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) has recommended restricting the use of mobile phones by children:http://yle.fi/uutiset/news/2009/01/authority_recommends_restricting_childrens_use_of_mobiles_466353.html

2009 National Safety Council calls for a nationwide ban on cell phones while driving: http://www.nsc.org/Pages/NationalSafetyCouncilCallsforNationwideBanonCellPhoneUseWhileDriving.aspx

World Health Organization Interphone study Results Update WHO INTERPHONE results update Oct. 2008

Lyon France advertising campaign against cell phones for kids under 12

USA Boston: Cell phone Ban After Boston Trolley Crashhttp://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/10/us/10boston.html

Mobile phones to be banned in French primary schools to limit health risk http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/mobile-phones-banned-in-french-schools-over-radiation-fears-26539161.html

How Susceptible are Genes to Mobile Phone Radiation? by Prof. Franz Adlkofer, Prof. Igor Y. Belyaev, Vladislav M. Shiroff, and Dr. Karl Richter http://www.icems.eu/docs/howsusceptiblearegenes.pdf

Mobile phone use ‘raises children’s risk of brain cancer five fold’: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/mobile-phone-use-raises-childrens-risk-of-brain-cancer-fivefold-937005.html

Dr. Vini Kharuna Brain Surgeon: “Mobile Phones and Brain Tumours- A Public Health Concern”http://www.brain-surgery.us/mobph.pdf

“Cell Phones and Brain Tumors”15 reasons for concern http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/science/reasons_us.pdf

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) who works to protect children and kids from toxic chemicals in our food, water, air, and the products we use every day, released a 40 page report titled:  “Cell Phone Radiation-Science Review on Cancer Risks and Children’s Health”  http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cellphones/2009-cellphoneradiation-fullreport.pdf

The FCC advice to consumers about the use of cell phones. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/mobilephone.html

U.S. bans truckers, bus drivers from texting while driving:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/26/AR2010012603238.html?sub=AR

Time magazine: How Safe is Your Cell Phone? http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1969732,00.html

Warning, Your Cell Phone May Be Hazardous To Your Health: GQ Magazine http://www.gq.com/cars-gear/gear-and-gadgets/201002/warning-cell-phone-radiation?currentPage=1

Updated 6/30/2013 by Sandi Maurer  EMF Safety Network PO Box 1016 Sebastopol CA 95473  www.emfsafetynetwork.org

The internet can change quickly and information that was available sometimes is unavailable. If a link is not accessing an article you can try copy and pasting keywords and searching for it online.