May 15 National Day of 5G Action

5G isn’t an upgrade, it’s a massive increase in wireless radiation exposure. On Wednesday May 15, EMF Safety Network will be holding a protest in Sebastopol and a rally in San Rafael California. We are joining the actions of groups across the country to peacefully protest 5G and call for a moratorium to protect public health, children and nature.

In Sebastopol we will meet on the four corners of Hwy 12 and 116 (south) in the heart of downtown from noon to 1pm to protest 5G. Please note rain may cancel this protest.

In San Rafael we will meet at the San Rafael Plaza at 1000 4th Street, from 12:00 Noon to 1:30 P.M NO to 5G Rally: Keep Our Children Safe From Wireless Radiation Harm.

Vicki Sievers, co-organizer of the rally writes,“You will hear Marin physicians who are alarmed about 2G-3G-4G effects on the health of their patients. 5G is bringing them out of their offices to focus our attention on this newer threat to the well-being of our children. The director of the California Brain Tumor Association and the co-director of Marin’s Ecological Options Network will also speak.”

Peer-reviewed published studies show that long-term exposure to wireless microwave radiation causes biological harm. The radiation overwhelms the body’s chemical and electrical systems, leading to serious medical issues that range from neurological problems to cancer. Children are more vulnerable to these effects as their physiology is still developing.

Our children have a right to play in their yards and sleep in their beds without being subject to constant, involuntary exposure to microwave radiation that could harm their health. We have an obligation to protect them. 

Dr. Ronald Powell, PhD: “5G would irradiate everyone, including those most vulnerable to harm from radio-frequency radiation: pregnant women, unborn children, young children, teenagers, men of reproductive age, the elderly, the disabled and the chronically ill.”

What are EMFs brochures and 5G fact sheets and other information will be handed out at both events.

See www.5Gcrisis.com for information on other protest locations. Thanks to Americans for Responsible Technology who have organized this National day of Action. 

New 5G Network Spurs Health Concerns

From Project Censored: The popularity and widespread use of wireless technologies has spawned a telecommunications revolution with increasing public exposure to broader and higher frequencies of the electro-magnetic spectrum as we transmit data through a variety of devices. The Telecom industry is promoting the replacement of our current cellular network, 4G (fourth generation) with a new generation of shorter high frequency 5G wavelengths to power the “Internet of Things” (IoT).   The IoT promises faster data processing, amazing new gadgets and a lifestyle that mirrors science fiction. However, 5G will require a massive telecommunications network with many more cell towers—resulting in wireless antennas every few feet, greater radiofrequency radiation (RFR) and increasing concerns about health.

Because this is the first generation to have cradle-to-grave lifespan exposure to this level of man-made microwave radiofrequencies, it will be years or decades before the true health consequences are known. There are still many questions about the safety of RFR in 2G, 3G and 4G wireless technologies. Informed health experts strongly recommend precaution in the roll out of 5G tech.

RFR exposure has been classified as a potential 2B carcinogen according to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. Research showed that the use of mobile phones could lead to specific brain tumors. Other studies have concluded that RFR exposure has been associated with DNA breaks (related to cancer), oxidative damage (leads to tissue deterioration and premature aging), disruption of cell metabolism, increased blood-brain barrier permeability, melatonin reduction (can lead to insomnia), and many others.

5G technologies are far less studied for human effects. The addition of this 5G radiation to an already complex mix of lower frequencies, will likely contribute to  negative public health outcomes—both physically and mentally. The new 5G technology utilizes high-frequency millimeter waves (MMW), which give off the same dose of radiation as airport scanners. Continuous exposure in close proximity to people’s homes and workplaces may pose serious risks.

Dr. Yael Stein of Jerusalem’s Hebrew University is a strong critic of the new 5G network. He notes the adverse effects MMW have on human skin—causing pain receptors to flare up. The Department of Defense (DoD) uses MMW in a crowd-dispersal device that makes the skin feel like it’s burning.

5G technology is not only bad for humans, it harms plant and animal life as well. One study found low-intensity MMW cause “peroxidase isoenzyme spectrum changes,” which damages cells. The 5G infrastructure would also pose a threat to our planet’s atmosphere. The implementation of this massive telecom network will require the deployment of many, short-lifespan satellites propelled by hydrocarbon rocket engines. One study states: launching these rockets will produce enough atmospheric carbon to pollute global atmospheric conditions, affect temperature and the ozone.

There is little or no corporate media coverage, of specific 5G health concerns. One CBS news article, May 29, 2018, noted general health concerns about the increased proximity and scope of the proposed 5G infrastructure (300,000 new antennas), yet they, and other corporate articles focus more on the proposed benefits of 5G: faster data speeds, 3D imaging, investment opportunities, etc. Corporate media also defer to telecom industry and federal officials to answer health questions; who typically say radiation exposure is minimal and RFR devices are safe.

Corporate media also fail to cover consumer groups questioning industry and federal practices, such as the coalition of 52 grassroots organizations calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to delay deployment of 5G infrastructure pending more health studies, citing “emerging science linking exposure to RF microwave radiation with serious biological harm.”

Sources:

Cindy Russell, “5 G Wireless Telecommunications Expansion: Public Health and Environmental Implications,” Environmental Research, August 2018, (Epub: April 11, 2018), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29655646.

Jody McCutcheon, “Frightening Frequencies: The Dangers of 5G and What You Can Do About Them,” Eluxe Magazine, May 2018, https://eluxemagazine.com/magazine/dangers-of-5g.

Jason Plautz, “Grassroots Coalition Asks FCC to Slow 5G Expansion over Health Concerns,” Smart Cites Dive, September 24, 2018, https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/grassroots-coalition-asks-fcc-to-slow-5g-expansion-over-health-concerns/532992.

Joel Moskowitz, “Scientists and Doctors Demand Moratorium on 5G,” Electromagnetic Radiation Safety, April 26, 2018, https://www.saferemr.com/2017/09/5G-moratorium12.html.

Conan Milner, “Resistance to 5G: Roadblock to a High Tech Future or Warning of a Serious Health Risk?” Epoch Times, November 9, 2018, www.theepochtimes.com/resistance-to-5g-roadblock-to-a-high-tech-future-or-warning-of-a-serious-health-risk_2705116.html.

Nicole Karlis, “Why Public Health Experts are Worried about 5G, The Next Generation of Cell Network,” Salon, December 4, 2018, www.salon.com/2018/12/03/why-public-health-experts-are-worried-about-5g-the-next-generation-of-cell-network.

Martin L. Pall, “Wi-Fi is an Important Threat to Human Health,” Environmental Research, July 2018, pages 405-416, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935118300355.

Student Researcher: Jamie Wells (San Francisco State University)

Faculty Evaluator: Kenn Burrows (San Francisco State University)

Validated Independent News (VIN) source Project Censored

Giving Back on #GivingTuesday

Today is #GivingTuesday, that day of the year when many non-profits reach out for financial support. In honor of this giving day I wanted to ask for your support, but also give something back to you.

My gift back is an anonymous survey on EMF health effects. When you’re done taking it you can see the survey results. My hope is that the results would be validating, a source of comfort, and also be educational. Many people who’ve been injured by EMFs need to know they aren’t alone. This survey will be available for one month or 1000 responses. Click here to take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8WYDLYZ

Here’s a brief recap of this years work:  This year EMF Safety Network created and distributed 2000 new brochures called “What are EMF’s?”, created a new website page on How to oppose 5G and 14 website posts to keep people informed about important events, including a call to action alert to stop Senate Bill S.3157. We engaged attorney Gail Karish from Best Best and Krieger to write a letter on how to legally oppose 5G. We held an EMF educational forum for doctors, and supported activists and EMF injured nationwide in their campaigns for justice via website, email, and phone support.

EMF Safety Network co-coordinated $10K flow fund grant with Ecological Options Network to include support to the following groups: Cellular Phone Task Force, Halt MA smart meters, New York Safe Utility Meter Association, Manhattan Neighbors for Safer Telecommunications, and Electronic Silent Spring. We also won Constant Contact All-Star Award for high open and click rates.

THANK YOU!

Update March 12, 2019: Here are the survey results: http://emfsafetynetwork.org/emf-health-effects-survey-2019/

Take action to stop 5G Senate Bill S.3157

The Federal government is once again trying to take away local authority over cell towers. Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act (S.3157).

S. 3157 is similar to a California Senate bill, SB 649, which would have stripped local authority over cell towers. Governor Brown vetoed SB 649 in October 2017.

The National League of Cities (NLC) opposes S. 3157.  They wrote, “Despite urging from NLC and other local government advocates during the bill’s drafting phase, many preemptive provisions remain in the bill, including limiting the actions local governments can take on small cell wireless facility siting in an effort to make deployments cheaper, faster, and more consistent across jurisdictions.”

Here’s an easy way to take action. They NLC will send a letter directly to your representatives in Congress for you. You will need to insert your zip code, (and maybe your full address), and then the letter template will appear.

PLEASE NOTE: Instead of using their letter, which has statements of support for small cells, copy and paste the words below.

As a constituent, I am writing to express my opposition to the “Streamlining The Rapid Evolution And Modernization of Leading-edge Infrastructure Necessary to Enhance (STREAMLINE) Small Cell Deployment Act” (S. 3157).

S. 3157 is similar to a California bill (SB 649) which would have created a state mandated system of cell towers and eliminated local review and safety oversight. SB 649 was opposed by 300 cities, 47 counties and over 100 community, planning, health, environment and justice organizations. SB 649 was vetoed SB 649 by Governor Brown on October 15, 2017.

The threat of public and environmental harm from wireless radiation is real and growing. Local control is needed to ensure community safety, welfare and compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Peer-reviewed published science shows wireless radiation harms public health and nature. Health effects include: fatigue, headaches, sleep problems, anxiety, ringing in the ears, heart problems, learning and memory disorders, increased cancer risk, and more. Children, the ill, and the elderly are more vulnerable.

International independent scientists are calling for biologically-based public exposure standards and reducing wireless radiation.

S. 3157 represents a direct affront to traditionally-held local authority. S. 3157 introduces an unnecessary, one-size-fits-all preemption of local jurisdiction. The bill also imposes unfair and inappropriate timelines on local governments.

For more information see this joint letter to Congress asking you to oppose any and all bills related to 5G and wireless radiation expansion: http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Letter-to-Congress-2017-1.pdf

Thank you!

Local Authority Over Wireless Facilities in Public Rights-of-Way

EMF Safety Network engaged Best Best and Krieger partner Gail Karish to provide the legal means in which a California city can deny a small cell application in the public rights of way (PROW). Attorney Karish presents this information alongside the limitations on local authority in order to know the full scope of what a city can and can’t do.

Although the attorney has addressed the City of Sebastopol, the letter and legal advice is applicable and can be presented to any California city so they can know they are not powerless over small cell deployments.

April 24 2018 Letter to EMF Safety Network re: small cell

 

Drunk Doctors? Why Wireless Headsets May be a Bad Idea for Patient Care and Doctors’ Health

Commentary by Cindy Sage:  Not long ago, a Physician Assistant in a hospital emergency room told us she was asked to wear a wireless headset (that connects wirelessly to the internet) while seeing her patients. She declined.

In that same week, a young mother went to a new internist in the bay area. The nurse asked if she would give consent for the doctor to wear a wireless headset while examining her child. She also declined.

What is it that these two young women know? Is it something you should be aware of? Here are some important things people should know about the problems posed by wearable wireless computers in the doctor’s office.

Driving drunk, and talking or texting on a cell phone may have in more in common than you think with extended use of a wireless headset. The exposure levels from a wireless headset are about equivalent to (or in some cases higher) than holding a smart phone to the head. Use of a cell phone while driving disrupts cognition and increases the risk of vehicular collision by 4-fold. Now imagine your doctor under the influence of constant workplace RF exposure while they treat patients, prescribe treatments, write prescriptions and juggle intense workday tasks.

Effects on brain function seem to depend in some cases on the mental load of the subject during exposure (the brain is less able to do two jobs well simultaneously when the same part of the brain is involved in both tasks). Some studies show that cell phone exposure speeds up the brain’s activity level; but also that the efficiency and judgment of the brain are diminished at the same time. Faster work but worse mental capacity is not a good thing for a practicing medical doctor.

Multitasking, memory, learning, attention, and concentration are all impaired by the use of wireless devices. Why would anyone want a distracted doctor with impaired thinking skills treating them? Or any healthcare person for that matter? And, doctors should know that wearing the equivalent of a smart phone mounted against their head is a potential risk for brain cancer (glioma and acoustic neuroma).

Next time you need to see your doctor, you may be asked if you object to them wearing wireless headsets. This could easily happen to you. Be prepared with some information.

Is your doctor using wireless medical glasses? A new paper by Cindy Sage and Lennart Hardell warns about the risks to doctors and their patients.

ABSTRACT
Wireless-enabled headsets that connect to the internet can provide remote transcribing of patient examination notes. Audio and video can be captured and transmitted by wireless signals sent from the computer screen in the frame of the glasses. But using wireless glass-type devices can expose the user to a specific absorption rates (SAR) of 1.11–1.46 W/kg of radiofrequency radiation. That RF intensity is as high as or higher than RF emissions of some cell phones. Prolonged use of cell phones used ipsilaterally at the head has been associated with statistically significant increased risk of glioma and acoustic neuroma. Using wireless glasses for extended periods to teach, to perform surgery, or conduct patient exams will expose the medical professional to similar RF exposures which may impair brain performance, cognition and judgment, concentration and attention and increase the risk for brain tumors. The quality of medical care may be compromised by extended use of wireless-embedded devices in health care settings. Both medical professionals and their patients should know the risks of such devices and have a choice about allowing their use during patient exams. Transmission of sensitive patient data over wireless networks may increase the risk of hacking and security breaches leading to losses of private patient medical and financial data that are strictly protected under HIPPA health information privacy laws. Link to this article:  https://doi.org/10.1080/15368378.2017.1422261