Risks regulations and liability around exposing people and students to wireless technology EMF radiation – Part 1

Some people are already badly affected by environmental EMF radiation exposure

There is an ever increasing body of research which demonstrates the detrimental health effects of this exposure, and more and more doctors and scientists are speaking out about it. This was recently demonstrated by an appeal to the UN made by well over 200 doctors and scientists.

It is estimated that 3-5 % of the world population is now developing what has come to be known as electrohypersensitivity or EHS. This means that they feel the effects of radiation exposure (also referred to as EMF) almost immediately. For some the effects are so serious that they are forced to restrict their movements within the community and even move to remote areas to avoid becoming unwell. They are the innocent victims of technological decisions made by individuals and businesses that have little understanding of the consequences of their actions.

For many years, professionals have been trying to raise awareness, not only about the health risks associated with EMF radiation exposure, but also about the links to serious health issues that take longer to develop… such as cancer, fertility concerns, autism and numerous other chronic health complaints. Fortunately, there is help at hand as research and product development have enabled shielding of bedrooms or shielding of entire homes.

In more recent times, even apartment buildings are being shielded to protect against radiation, so as to provide more health supportive accommodation to their occupants. The driving force behind a legal search for justice has predominately been the people who are immediately affected by EMF radiation exposure, together with the doctors supporting them.

Legal liability – Can you be sued for exposing others to wi-fi?

The search for justice and compensation has led to various legal battles in recent times, with more and more cases being concluded with favourable outcomes. Consequently, individuals and businesses responsible for exposing other human beings to EMF radiation from wireless technology are becoming, or should be becoming, seriously anxious about their liability. The scope of this liability includes not only the way they are affecting the lives of those more sensitive to radiation, but also the harm that may be done over the longer term to those who are not presently so sensitive.

UNSW Sydney faculty of law continuing education program – 14 October 2015

The educational program at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) was aimed at lawyers, school principals, union representatives and others with an interest in radiation exposure, its legal ramifications and liability. This seminar was the first of its kind to be held in Australia and attracted professionals from across the country. Presentations were made by the following experts on various subjects related to radiation exposure:

Paul Wentworth – Lawyer, Course Convenor UNSW Law

• Recent appeal to the UN and WHO
• EMR, what is it?
• What is non-ionising radiation?
• Regulatory Framework

Dr Mary Redmayne – Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy, Monash University

• What approaches to radiation exposure are being developed in other countries?
• What are the health effects and why do international standards differ?
• Can existing policy guidelines accommodate non-thermal effects?
• How can children’s exposure be limited?

Dr Priyanka Bandara – Health researcher/educator, former academic clinical researcher/molecular biologist, Advisor to Environmental Health Trust USA and Doctors for safer Schools

• Adverse biological effects of EMR
• Reference to damage to DNA, cell membranes, blood brain barrier and sperm – involvement of oxidative stress
• Neuro-behavioural and cognitive effects

Associate Professor Ray Kearney Oam – Immunologist, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Sydney

• New environmental conditions
• Melatonin and where it is found
• Biological functions of Melatonin
• How is Melatonin production affected by exposure to EMR frequencies?

Jenne Tzavaras, Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and David Andersen, Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers (This is covered in PART 2)

• Risks for employers – Workers compensation and Common Law
• Risks for occupiers
• Causation issues
• Due diligence obligations-managing risk

The event was chaired by Robyn Williams AM – Broadcaster, ABC Science Unit

The event opened with an introduction to the subject of EMF radiation exposure by Paul Wentworth for those in legal or schooling professions or unions not familiar with it. The video message of Dr Martin Blank was shown as a chilling wake up call about the health damage done by EMF radiation. Doctors and scientist are now so worried that they need to speak up about it against the guidelines of government and often their own employers.

ARPANSA, the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety was mentioned, and the fact that to this day ARPANSA still states that “there is no established scientific evidence that the use of mobile phones causes any health effects.“. Before handing over to the medical presentations, it was stressed that work health and safety guide lines are also to be taken into consideration when considering liability issues.

Radio frequency radiation exposure of children and workers

Use of, and the EMF radiation exposure of wireless devices has increased dramatically over recent years.

Dr Mary Redmayne, addressed those gathered about children’s and workers’ exposure to radio frequency radiation (RF), in particular the international approaches to policy and advise. She identified that there are personal devices that emit the high frequency radiation over which we have a great deal of control but often are not aware that these devices are potentially harmful to ourselves and our children. In addition there are the device in our environment that the individual does not have control over and are effectively pushed upon us by others. It was noted that in recent years the use of wireless devices had significantly increased, especially amongst younger people, and that Wi-Fi and BYOD (Bring your own device) are now very common in schools.

The approaches to prevent health effects in the population, varies greatly in different countries. Approaches can be in the least stringent category where research into thermal effects (the cells of the body need to show signs of temperature increases – being cooked) are the only research considered. Between the most and least conservative approach, the thermal effects are considered, plus some research on non-thermal effects, which produces a precautionary approach for public places like playgrounds for children and warnings or recommendations are given. Then there is also the most stringent approach where short term effects and biological effects are also taken in account and used to set policy.

The first catagory may say, ‘no need for extra protection for children’. The second, may promote advise to minimise exposure for children. This in contrast to the most stringent countries, where they may advise or have laws about how equipment should be used and involves very clear warnings. For example Taiwan has put a ban on wireless devices being used by under 2-year-olds.

It is interesting to realise that countries like the USA, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Japan and Estonia, in line with the World Health Organisation and European Commission base their approach with regards to permitted exposures on acute thermal harm only and this is just based on an average of 6 to 30 minutes of exposure(!). Countries like Denmark, Finland and Australia are not much better but they do issue some recommendations in regards to radiation exposure of children.

Lithuania, Luxembourg, Italy, Slovenia, Belgium and Israel then see fit to take the thermal harm into account, but they do have advice and/or laws to reduce or minimise children’s exposure to radiation exposure from personal devices.

The matter is taken much more seriously by the Republic of China, Poland and the Russian Federation, who look at biological effects and aim to prevent immediate thermal effects and chronic non-thermal damage.

Here are some laws and policies implemented and aimed at minors:

In her presentation, Dr Redmayne also explained that Russia’s opinion is that exposure should not effect homeostases, meaning no effect should be found regardless if they produce illness or symptoms.

It was noted that epidemiological evidence suggests that adolescents with higher mobile phone usage have the following issues and that this is not accommodated for by the current Australian standards or even any advisory policies:

• Faster reaction times (simple and associated learning) (Abramson et al 2009, Thomas et al 2010)
• Make more errors (working memory) (Abramson 2009; 3G exposure: Leung et al 2011)
• Epidemiology regularly shows changes in alpha frequency and spectral power in the brain (Curcio et al., 2005; Croft eet al., 2008; Ghosn et al, 2015)
• and increased risk of headaches (Redmayne et al. 2013; Chiu et al, 2014, Augner et al.,2012, Hillert et al. 2007, Chia et al.,2000, Söderqvist et al., 2008)

Wi-Fi and BYOD (bring your own device) policy in NSW, Australia

Wireless devices in our schools and workplaces produce EMF radiation close to the body

The Australian state New South Wales (NSW) has currently the following aims; that secondary colleges have a Wi-Fi network accessable by centrally managed wireless access points in every learning space and library. This boiled down 22,000 access points (Pauli, March 2010). That means over a total of 521 high schools, there is on average 42 access points per school and so that would mean 1 access point per 9 students, which, when you think about it, seems an extremely high amount.

Stephen Wilson, CIO of the Department of Education and Training, NSW, proudly states that ‘It is the largest centrally-monitored network in the world.’ and that they are constantly neck-to-neck with the US Airforce.

Dr Redmayne also commented that the frequent use of internet by people can lead to a sort of addictive effect. Even the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) states “being connected 24 hours can lead to excessive internet use, which can have a negative impact on the wellbeing of the user and his/her friends and family. Attention to the issue of potential for harm to the user is increasing.”

Many phones base their safety rating on a distance of 1cm from the body

The recommendation was made that children, the school staff as well as the board, should be taught about some technical aspects of radiation and signal strength to create more awareness, which may also be an interesting school project. Knowing where to find the SAR rating on a device and how to set it to flight mode would be worthwhile skills to pass on. Many phones base their safety rating on a distance of 1cm from the body, which is a serious problem because most users including children have phones on their heads and bellies when using these radiation emitting devices.

Biological and Health Effects of EMR with a summary of some key findings

Cancer cells associated to RF-EMR exposure

Dr Priyanka Bandara spoke about the biological effects of ‘low-level’ microwaves. She commented that the Russians were the pioneers when it comes to documenting the biological effects of this type of radiation. When considering the bioeffect we must realise that we ourselves are bioelectrical beings in which the cells have delicate electrical functions. Also the brain has much electrical activity, so it is logical to expect that the exposure to electricity or radiation from outside sources can have an effect on these. Our cells have to do 1000s of chemical reactions and it is evident that these processes are affected by EMR.

Dr Bandara commented that there were now over 100 peer-reviewed studies showing DNA damage from RF-EMR exposure and we can no longer ignore that cells are affected by non-ionising radiation.

Elisabeth Diem et al, demonstrated in her research called ‘Non-thermal DNA breakage by mobile-phone radiation (1800 MHz) in human fibroblasts and in transformed GFSH-R17 rat granulosa cells in vitro’ that cells exposed to radio frequency radiation produced very comparable effects on the cell as cells exposed to gamma radiation.

Dr Bandare stressed upon the audience the evidence in available research showing that RF-EMR can cause:

Effects of radio frequency radiation exposure on the brain and hormone levels,

• damages cell membranes,
• disrupts voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC)
• disrupt the blood brian barrier
• damage human sperm
  • Low fertility
  • Increased risk of genetic defects in future generations
  • Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
  • increased risk of testicular cancer
• affect foetal and early childhood development
• alter brian development and behaviour
• neurological symptoms
• increase brain cancer risk (+100%) when using a mobile phone >10 years

Behavioral problems caused by radiation exposure

When it comes to behavioural problems, Dr Bandare brought the attention to a study done by Divan et al, showing Pre- and Post natal exposure to cell phones was associated with higher risk of behavioural problems and hyperactivity in children (full report). This was a study done involving over 13,000 mothers and children! Also another study by Aldad TS et al showed that Pre- and post natal exposure to cell phones caused structural and functional deficits in the brain of mice, and brought on ADHD like behavior, which is needless to say interesting when our society is finding a massive increase in the amount of children and families battling this issue. Also military reports of health effects that soldiers experienced were of interest (page 20, Radiofrequency Microwave Radiation Biological Effects and Safety Standards: A Review, US Air Force Materiel Command, New York, 1994), but the comment was made that the levels experienced by these soldiers can now typically be found in wirelessly enabled environments.

“Some of the health disturbance disappears immediately…”

Data from the Bamberg Doctors’ Report in 2005, which was signed by 175 GPs, investigated 356 patients and reported on the symptom experienced by those with exposure to RF radiation in their homes. It reported that the list of symptoms was extensive even at, what was considered, very low levels (<10µW/m2). Symptoms reported were:

With the amount of drugs some people are taking, the body has a lot of chemicals to deal with.

“Sleep disturbances, tiredness, disturbance in concentration, forgetfulness, problem with finding words, depressive mood, ear noises, sudden loss of hearing, hearing loss, giddiness, nose bleeds, visual disturbances, frequent infections, sinusitis, joint and limb pains, nerve and soft tissue pains, feeling of numbness, heart rhythm disturbances, increased blood pressure episodes, hormonal disturbances, night-time sweats, nausea.” and it commented that “It is no way only a subjective sensitivity disturbance. Disturbances of rhythm, hearing problems, sudden deafness, hearing loss, loss of vision, increased blood pressure, hormonal disturbances, concentration impairments, and others can be proved using scientific objective measures.“

It was also important to realise that it also indicated that symptoms disappeared immediately when the sources of the radiation were removed or radiation shielding was applied.

Geovital consultant measures radiation exposure in the bedroom

Increased cases of cancer near Radio/TV and Mobile phone transmitters (phone towers)

Dr Priyanka Bandara then elaborated on the research available in regards to transmitter towers (Radio, TV and cell phone towers) and their link to increase cases of cancer. There are many studies that confirm this, here are some:

Wireless communication radiation exposure, like Wi-Fi, can promote cancer

Sources of EMF radiation in your own home

Not only are there many studies linking radiation exposure to possibly causing cancer, but there are also studies linking the exposure to RF-EMR to the promotion of cancer. A US study found low level exposure over 2 years to a frequency of 2.45Ghz (WiFi) caused 4 times more cancers in rates that were exposed to it. There immune system, hormonal function and metabolism were also affected. (Chou, CK., et al, Bioelectromagnetics, 1992)

The situation gets particularly alarming with studies also highlighting that the tumor promotion was worse at lower levels of exposure vs high levels of exposure. Meaning increasing you distance for from the sources of radiation a little might not be a good thing.

It is also clear that more developed areas of the world have far higher cancer rates than under developed countries.

3 to 5% of the world population expected to be Electrohypersensitive (EHS)

More and more people are experiencing symptoms when exposed to radiation and the severity can vary greatly. For those worst effected, their symptoms and experiences are nothing short of horrific. Dr Bandare brought the attention to some high profile individuals who fall into this catagory:

Dr. Gro Bruntland, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) 1998 – 2003

Dr. Alexander McDonald (CSIRO Melbourne) – Australia’s first worker compensation case – 2013
Dr. Maree-Therese Gibson (Principle – Tangara Girls’ School)
Prof. James McCaughan (Dept. Physics, University of Sydney)

Legal battles have been fought on the subject of Electrohypersensitivity (EHS) of which some recent ones are the case of Marine Richard in France who had the courts recognise her EHS as a disability which enable her to receive disability payments. Then there is the case of parents in the US suing the school over the allergic reactions experienced by their son when exposure to the school’s WiFi system.

It was mentioned by Dr Bandare that;

• the WHO does recognise electrohypersensivity (EHS) but has no established diagnosis for it.
• It is compensated for in Sweden as being a functional impairment
• most studies on the subject are poorly conducted
• the Austrian Medical Association has developed diagnosis guidelines for it
• as well as more recently, the diagnosis criteria from France (Prof. Dominique Belpomme, MD, PhD)

EHS symptoms can be considered similar to Acute Radiation Syndrome, about which the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention states the following:

Shielding fabric NOVA can be an quick and portable solution for people renting to deal with RF-EMR.

Professor Kearney gave a heart felt address about the working of Melatonin and highlighted the following:

• EMR is known to inhibit/suppress Melatonin
• Inhibition of Melatonin production can cause severe suppression of the immune response, including production of antibodies. This can be restored by taking Melatonin supplements, BUT anyone who has underlaying auto-immune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, should not supplement with Melatonin as it will make it worse as it will increase the levels of auto-antibodies.
• Melatonin slows breast-cancer growth by 70% at night
• Women with low levels of Melatonin are more at risk of breast cancer

He impressed upon those present that the biggest acceleration of tumor growth is inflammation, especially if Melatonin is suppressed. Medication can also affect melatonin, like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and calcium antagonists.

The law: When is a employer or school liable for the health effects imposed on others from their wireless technology

Read on about legal view points on the risks, regulations and liability around exposing other people to wireless technology EMF radiation in PART 2

GO TO PART 2

LINKS

• Part 2 of this article – The legal views about liability of EMF exposure
• How to shield a bedroom from transmitter radiation (including videos) 
• SERVICES: Pre-Purchase home assessment – Don’t buy a sick home 
• Article: Cancer cells are radiation seekers 
• Article: healthy sleep
• Article: Electronic pollution promotes sleep apnea
• Article: Mobile phone towers reduce value of real estate
• Article: When Electrosmog spoils sex and libido
• GEOVITAL Radiation protected bedroom in Martinspark Hotel
• GEOVITAL home consultations in UK | USA | Australia | New Zealand | Germany | Austria | Switzerland | Other countries