January 7, 2012.  In 2010, we published a paper that showed radiation from a cordless phone at 2.4 GHz affects the heart. Click here for a copy of that publication and here to watch the youtube video.

We heard from many people who acknowledged that they experience heart palpitations in certain environments and are unable to use mobile phones and be near cell phone antennas and Wi-Fi routers.  We also learned that some students in schools with Wi-Fi experience a racing heart. Cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Sinatra, believes that those who have undiagnosed heart conditions may be particularly vulnerable to radio frequency radiation.

In the past we were concerned about the radiation from a microwave oven affecting heart monitors.  Those heart monitors have been improved and are now shielded against radio frequency radiation. Our hearts are NOT shielded and our exposure to radio frequency radiation includes not only microwave ovens but mobile phones, cell phone antennas, wireless routers, smart meters, wireless computer games, blue tooth, and wireless baby monitors.

Our study was criticized and the claim was made that our results were due to electromagnetic interference (EMI).

EMI refers to disruption of an electronic circuit with an electromagnetic signal. A common example is the static you hear as you drive under high voltage transmission lines with your radio tuned to an AM station.  The static on the radio is EMI.

In our experiment the radiation from the cordless phone may have affected the receiver, placed near the heart, creating spurious results.  If this were the case, the signal would interfere each time but that did not happen. We were convinced our results were real (i.e. that we were recording changes in the heart rather than changes in the equipment)  but the criticism of EMI was worth testing.

Was there a critical distance where the radiation from the cordless phone interfered with the equipment we were using?

So we designed an experiment to test for EMI.  The results are in our new video.  Click here to watch the video.

NOTE:  There is an error in our previous video (2010).  We refer to the cordless phone as a DECT phone.  Technically DECT phones radiate between 1880 and 1930 MHz and the phone we used provides a signal at 2400 MHz.  We do have DECT phones in North America but they operate at a different frequency than those in Europe.  DECT 6.0 phones in U.S. and Canada operate at 1.9 GHz.

December 4, 2011. A growing number of schools are having wireless routers installed across North America despite the fact that many of these schools already have ethernet connections and students are able to access the internet.

I have been asked to give lectures on this topic to many different groups. For those who would like information about Wi-Fi in schools and whether or not it is safe, please watch this video. Click here for video and here for pdf.

Some students, in schools with Wi-Fi, are complaining about ill health that includes headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness and heart palpitations. Exposure in one school has exceeded Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 guideline but no one in Municipal, Provincial or Federal Health Departments/Ministries is responding.

Teachers concerned about exposure are told to keep quiet and not to speak publicly against School Board Policy.

Parents don’t know if their children are attending schools that have wireless routers as they have NOT been consulted about this and are NOT required to give consent for their children to be exposed to microwave radiation.

Some School Boards are measuring the microwave radiation in the classroom but the measurements are deeply flawed as those doing the monitoring are unqualified and are taking measurements inappropriately. The routers in some schools are hidden behind ceiling tiles and the technicians don’t know where these are.

We are heading for a health tsunami if we expose young children to pulsed microwave radiation generated by Wi-Fi routers in the classroom for the duration of their school education.

The World Health Organization in May 2011 classified this form of radiation as a possible human carcinogen, but this has not affected School Board policy. They can’t get Wi-Fi into schools fast enough.

Those of us who have been studying this issue for decades are perplexed that those responsible for the education of the next generation are so out of touch with reality and are so irresponsible in the decisions they are making that will affect the lives of many young people and their teachers. They are undemocratic in their conduct and, when all else fails, they resort to bullying tactics.  Are these the type of people we want making policy decisions and educating our children and grandchildren?

If you care about the health of students and their teachers, please watch and share this video.  Click here to watch video and click here if your prefer to read it as a pdf.

For more information about Wi-Fi in schools, visit the following websites:

www.safeschool.ca
www.citizensforsafetechnology.org
www.centerforsaferwireless.org
www.emfeffectsonkids.com
www.wiredchild.org

March 23, 2011.  Symptoms for multiple sclerosis (MS) and electrohypersensitivity (EHS) are similar and may lead to an initial misdiagnosis of this illness.  Also, some people with MS may also have EHS.  If this is the case, improved electromagnetic hygiene in the home and work environment may alleviate some of the neurological symptoms as shown in this video.

For more information click here to download pdf of Havas, 2006. Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity: Biological Effects of Dirty Electricity with Emphasis on Diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis.  Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 25:259-268.

March 7, 2011.  During the past year I have become increasingly interested in the effects of microwave radiation on the heart.  This interest is based on a number of observations.

Some people who are electrically sensitive complain that they have a rapid or irregular heart beat and feel chest pressure or pain (Eltiti, 2007).  We conducted a “proof of concept” study to determine if we could measure heart rate changes caused by microwave radiation with real-time monitoring.  We found that some individuals developed a rapid or an irregular heart beat when exposed to pulsed microwaves (from a cordless phone base station) at levels considered safe by the WHO, FCC, and Health Canada (Havas et al. 2010).

During the past year I have heard stories that children who attend schools with WiFi are complaining of a racing heart while in school (link to video).  Two of these students in the Barrie area (Canada) were given heart monitors to wear and one young girl was scheduled for heart surgery because her cardiologist couldn’t figure out what was wrong.  Her parents postponed the operation, removed the WiFi in their home, and her symptoms did not return during the summer when she wasn’t attending school.

During the past few years two different students, also in the Barrie region, experienced exercise-related sudden cardiac arrest.  Fortunately they got help quickly and survived.  Schools have now installed defibrillators as a consequence.

Is it normal for young people to complain of heart problems and for two students in a relatively small community to experience sudden cardiac arrest?

I began to research this subject and learned that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among athletes (Drezner et al. 2008) and appears to be increasing among adolescents and young adults (Maron et al. 2009; Zheng et al. 2005).  Sudden death among athletes increased slowly from 1980 to 1995 and then rose suddenly in 1996 and continued to increase up to 2006, when the study was terminated (Maron et al. 2009) (See figure 1). Coronary heart disease and blunt trauma to the chest during competition have been identified as the cause in some cases but other cases remain a mystery.

Doctors do not know the reason for this disturbing trend and according to one study (Dencheve et al. 2010), medication for children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may increase the risk for sudden cardiac death.

One aspect that has not be considered is the increasing exposure to microwave radiation from mobile phones, cell phone antennas, and wireless technologies in the home and school environment.  Could it be that our low level exposure to microwave radiation is placing undue stress on the nervous system of these children and is contributing to heart irregularities that become exacerbated with exercise resulting in sudden cardiac arrest?  If microwaves at low intensities (as shown in our study) can affect adult hearts then this radiation can certainly affect the hearts of children.

In November 2010, two schools in the Barrie area were monitored for microwave radiation.  What is particularly disturbing about the results obtained is that of the 20 rooms measured 17 of the classrooms had levels at or above the levels that caused heart irregularities among adults in our heart rate variability study (0.003 milliwatts/cm²). But even more disturbing is that levels of microwave radiation exceeded Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 guideline near a computer in one classroom (1.342 vs 1 milliW/cm²)!  I will write more about this in a separate report.

We know that pace makers can malfunction if they are exposed to interfering microwave frequencies and people with pace makers are told to stay away from microwave ovens and other microwave emitting devices.  The newer pace makers have shielding to prevent interference.  But the human heart comes without a shield.  So it is not only the child or adult with a pace maker that needs to be careful about their exposure to microwaves, all of us need to be aware that this radiation may affect the heart.

This concept is supported by the early research on microwave radiation.  Cardiovascular problems seem to be common among microwave workers.  In a previous pick of the week (#22:  A Very Important Symposium), Healer (1970) stated that:

“In the interest of occupational hygiene, many Soviet investigators (and at least one U.S. researcher) have recommended that cardiovascular abnormalities be used as screening criteria to exclude people from occupations involving radio-frequency exposures.”

This week’s “Pick of the Week 24” supports the statement above.  It is a study, also published in 1970, documenting cardiovascular changes among microwave workers.

Glotova, KV, Sadchikova MN.  1970.  Development and clinical course of cardiovascular changes after chronic exposure to microwave irradiation, Effect of Microwave Irradiation, Arlington, VA, Joint Publication Research Service, (JPRS 51238), 3 pp. Click here to download pdf of study.

The authors of this publication were with the Institute of Labor Hygiene and Occupational Diseases, USSR Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow.  This is just one in a series of study from the Soviet Union that examines the effect of microwave radiation on the nervous and cardiovascular system.  My comments are in square brackets [ ].

The purpose of this report was “to describe the nature, severity, and clinical course of the cardiovascular changes that follow chronic exposure to microwave irradiation. This information was derived from long-term [3 to 6 years] clinical observations on 130 patients. The data pertain to 105 (90 males and 15 females) patients. Those with chronic tonsillitis, organic neurologic lesions, and cranial trauma were excluded.”

The patients had been working with microwaves in the one-centimeter range waves for at least 5 years and were exposed to fairly intense levels especially in the early years (at and below several milliW/cm²).  Intensities above 1 mW/cm² would now be considered high exposure.

Subjects were placed into two groups.  Subjects in group one had asthenia (weakness and low energy), and complained of headache, fatigue, insomnia and pains in the heart region.  A number of these persons had arterial hypotension (low blood pressure) and bradycardia (slow heart rate).

Subjects in group two complained of fatigue, irritability, headaches, nausea, and vertigo.  Some experienced autonomic-vascular crises with severe headaches, chills, tremor, loss of consciousness, pallor or reddening of the face, constricting pain in the heart, labored breathing followed by great weakness.  Subjects in this group were more likely to experience tachycardia  (a rapid heart rate) and high blood pressure, autonomic-vascular dysfunction and hypothalamic insufficiency.  The hypothalamus, a small portion of the brain just above the brain stem, links the nervous system to the endocrine system and controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, sleep and circadian cycles. A hypothalamic insufficiency could affect any of these functions.

The authors concluded the following:

“Thus, long-term observations showed that the nature and intensity of the cardiovascular reactions to prolonged exposure to microwaves are closely related to neurologic changes, especially those in the autonomic nervous system. They also vary with the individual. Some exhibit for a long time only mild asthenic symptoms with sinus bradycardia and arterial hypotension with no signs of general or regional hemodynamic disturbances.

Others develop autonomic-vascular dysfunction, often with symptoms of hypothalamic insufficiency and angiospasm [spasmodic contraction of the blood vessels with increase in blood pressure] which sometimes impair the cerebral [brain] and coronal [heart] circulation.”

********

The early literature showing cardiovascular dysfunction among microwave workers, our study showing heart rate irregularities with pulsed microwave exposure at a fraction of international microwave exposure guidelines; the complaints of electrically hypersensitive individuals of heart irregularities; student complaints of heart flutters and a racing heart; and the increase in the rate of sudden cardiac arrest among young people to the point that schools are installing defibrillators cannot be ignored.

Just as workers ought to be screened if they are going to work with microwave radiation,students ought to be to screened each year at school to ensure that they do not have an underlying heart condition that may be exacerbated with WiFi exposure.

A heart flutter may be an early warning that something more serious can happen.  Anyone who experiences a rapid or irregular heart rate that comes on suddenly with mild or no physical exertion when they are exposed to wireless technology should heed the warning, minimize their exposure as quickly as possible and visit a cardiologist.

February 23, 2011.  Janet Healer reviewed studies of people occupationally exposed to radio frequency radiation.  Below are some excerpts from her document presented at the “Biological Effects and Health Implications of Microwave Radiation” symposium.  These are direct quotes with the numbered citations removed and my comments provided in square [ ] brackets.  I have tried to restrict quotes to studies that were conducted at or below our current guidelines of 1 mW/cm², although in many instances exact exposure conditions are not provided.  Emphasis added.  Link to proceedings is available at the end of this document.

1.  page 90.  “There is increasing evidence that radio-frequency radiations can affect biological organisms, even at relatively low intensities, particularly under conditions of chronic exposure [WiFi in schools, offices and homes for example]. A substantial number of observations have been made at intensity levels below those presently accepted as tolerable for continuous exposure in the United States and most of Western Europe. To date, the deleterious effect of radio-frequency fields, particularly of microwaves, at relatively high intensities, e.g., 50 mW/cm² or greater, has been recognized and attributed to heating. However, biological hazards may exist at lower levels, extending well below 10 mW/cm², and effects at both high and low intensities may be attributable to more complex modes of interaction. At low intensities effects may be subtle, impairing performance; chronic, affecting general mental and physical health and longevity; and may also be mutagenic, affecting succeeding generations.”

2. page 91:  “. . . the Moscow Institute conducted a 10-year study of over 1000 individuals exposed in various occupations over periods from months to as long as 20 years. The study included investigation of symptoms associated with chronic, long-term low-level exposures that “do not produce a thermal effect.” Effects of various frequency bands were compared from below the high-frequency (HF) [3 to 30 MHz] band up through the superhigh frequency (SHF) [3 to 30 GHz, wavelength 1 to 10 cm] band. A large portion of the work was done in the centimeter range with reported exposure intensities of 1 mW/cm² and below [note 1 mW/cm² is the current guideline in the U.S., Canada, and is recommended by both ICNIRP and the World Health Organization].  Even at these low intensities, systematic, long-term exposures were reported to produce symptoms. Similar observations have been made at these and lower frequencies extending into the ELF [extremely low frequency] region.

3.  page 92: “The symptomatology associated, in the Soviet literature, with prolonged exposure most commonly includes headache, increased fatigability, diminished intellectual capabilities, dullness, partial loss of memory, decreased sexual ability, irritability, sleepiness and insomnia, emotional instability, sweating, and hypotension. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) and pains in the chest region are also reported. [Note:  these are similar to symptoms of electrohypersensitivity].  Symptoms of disturbance of the vegetative nervous system including sinus arrhythmias, a tendency toward bradycardia [slowed heart beat], and other vagotonic changes are common observations.” [Note:  vagotonic changes refer to over excitation of the vagus nerve--a nerve that supplies the throat, voice box, lung, heart, and stomach--adversely affecting function of the blood vessels, stomach, and muscles resulting in dizziness, sweating, constipation, and pain].

4.  page 92: “The most commonly reported objective physiological changes [indicating that these symptoms are NOT psychological] are neural, cardiovascular, blood compositions, and endocrine functions.”

5.  page 92: “At low intensities, neural changes, like other reported biological shifts, are typically functional, are not accompanied by distinct pathological change, and disappear after the subject is removed from the radiation environment. Nervous system response is expressed in the electroencephalogram (EEG) and by altered response times. Commonly, responses are characterized by initial excitation followed by subsequent inhibition.”

6.  page 93: “Various biochemical, neurohumoral and metabolic disruptions have been observed which can affect neural and other body functions. Changes in histamine [leading to inflammation] in the blood (generally increases) have been reported. Decreased cholinesterase [enzyme affecting nervous system and immune system] levels are frequently reported in exposed people and also in animals where they have been observed in connection with altered neural response. EEG [brain wave activity] changes have been observed in some occupationally exposed people at microwave and lower frequencies. These changes are reported to be early occurring and often appear before other changes are detectable in the organisms. They are frequently reported to persist after the cessation of irradiation.

7. page 93: They [Czechoslovakian scientists] regard EEG shifts as a kind of early-warning system for detection of organism response to radio frequency radiation on a very subtle level.

8. page 94: “Numerous Soviet studies cite cardiovascular disturbances which they widely regard as the predominant vegetative response to radio-frequency irradiation. In general, cardiovascular responses are characterized by hypotension, dystonia [neurological movement disorder causing sustained muscles contractions leading to twisting or repetitive movements of the body], and vagotonic reactions. Electrocardiographic (EKG) studies of exposed people and of animals, report a predominance of bradycardia, arrhythmia, and particularly sinus arrhythmias. Depressed intracardial conduction, commonly intraventricular, and lowered EKG waves, particularly T-waves, are also reported. Shifts are reported more often in persons with long histories of occupational exposure. Some examinations suggest a heightened susceptibility of persons with predisposition to, or a history of, cardiovascular disease. In the interest of occupational hygiene, many Soviet investigators (and at least one U.S. researcher) have recommended that cardiovascular abnormalities be used as screening criteria to exclude people from occupations involving radio-frequency exposures. [Note that we have anecdotal evidence that children in schools with WiFi or with WiFi in their home experience a racing or irregular heart beat that normalizes when they are not exposed.]

9. page 94: “An extensive examination program was conducted by the Institute of Labor Hygiene and Occupational Diseases, Moscow, involving over 500 individuals, periodically exposed for periods up to approximately10 years to cm and longer wave radiations at low intensities (e.g., below 1 mW/cm², and up to several mW/cm²). This program revealed a variety of cardiovascular shifts predominant among which were bradycardia and vascular hypotension [low blood pressure]. Differences in responses to acute exposures of higher intensities and longer term chronic exposures at lower intensities were noted. Although these effects are generally reported to be reversible, a few exceptions are noted for certain individuals chronically exposed over many years, who showed pronounced pathological conditions.”

10. page 94: “In the blood, alterations have been reported in the protein fractions, ions, histamine content, hormone and enzyme levels, and immunity factors, but most frequently reported are changes in cellular composition.”

11 page 94: “Increased thyroid gland activity and sometimes enlargement is the most commonly reported endocrine response of exposed people. Adrenal changes are also reported.”

12. page 94: “A few occupational studies have suggested possible disturbances in some reproductive system functions. Several foreign low-intensity animal studies report reproductive system disturbances and cases of adverse effects on progeny, although contradictory evidence has also been reported. Of particular significance are possible genetic changes which might occur in large populations over long periods of time. Very little genetic data exists, although one U.S. study suggested a possible relationship between paternal radar exposure and mongoloidism.

13. page 94: “A 1967 Polish paper discussing ophthalmological aspects of safety standards for workers during operation of electromagnetic-field generators in military installations, indicates concern for workers with some eye ailments when working in microwave ‘fields as low as 0.01 mW/cm².” [Note: This value is 1% of the current WHO guideline!]

14.  page 94. “There is general agreement among Soviet and Eastern European investigators that systematic chronic exposure to low-intensity radiations (around 10 mW/cm² and lower) can have an adverse effect on health. Their standards are more restrictive than those of the United States by several orders of magnitude (e.g., 0.01 mW/cm² for continuous daily microwave exposure). Furthermore, separate standards exist for various frequency ranges below the microwave region (e.g., 60 kHz-30 MHz, and 30-300 MHz). In Czechoslovakia maximum permissible exposures distinguish between pulsed and continuous-wave radiations and are more restrictive for the pulsed case (0.025 mW/cm² vs 0.01 mW/cm²).” [Note:  WiFi and mobile phones use the more harmful pulsed radiation.]

15. page 95: “In summary, considerable investment of time, money and talent have been made in foreign programs to study the effects of low-intensity occupational radio-frequency exposures in man. These studies have resulted in the accumulation of a large body of research data, which in aggregate cannot be ignored even though in many details it must be substantiated.” [Note:  So why has it been ignored and why are federal and international health authorities denying that a problem exists below the thermal guidelines currently at 1 mW/cm² in many countries?]

A total of 119 references were cited.

Can anyone guess when this was published?  Would you believe 41 years ago in 1970!!!

Cleary, S.F.  (Editor).  1970.  Biological Effects and Health Implications of Microwave Radiation, Symposium Proceedings, Richmond Virginia, September 17-19, 1969. Sponsored by Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University with the support of Bureau of Radiological Health, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Environmental Health Service.  275 pp.

Click here to download this document as a searchable pdf (7.1 MB).

This was a very important symposium with more than 30 additional papers presented.  The panel discussions alone are illuminating.

CONTENTS

1. Preface

2. Chairman’s Remarks, Stephen F. Cleary

3. Welcome, William T. Ham

4. Introductory Comments, Stephen F. Cleary

5. Federal Responsibility in Radiological Health, John J. Hanlon

6. Physical Characteristics of Microwave and Other Radio Frequency Radiation, Joseph H. Yogelman

7. Interaction of Microwave and Radio Frequency Radiation With Biological Systems, Herman P. Schwan

8. Heat Stress Due to R. F. Radiation, William W. Mumford

9. Biological Effects of Microwave Exposure, Sol M. Michaelson

10. Thermal and Nonthermal Cataractogenesis by Microwaves, H. D. Baillie

11. Studies of Biological Hazards from High-Power HF Band Transmitters, G. C. Henny, M. Tansy, A. R. Kall, H. M. Watts, and F. Campellone

12. Nonuniform Biophysical Heating with Microwaves, R. S. Pozos, A. W. Richardson, and H. M. Kaplan

13. Experimental Microwave Cataract: A Review, Russell L. Carpenter

14. Clinical Microwave Cataracts, M. M. Zaret, I. T. Kaplan, and A. M. Kay

15. The Dissipation of Microwaves as Heat in the Eye, H. D. Baillie, A. G. Heaton, and D. K. Pal

16. Review of Studies of People Occupationally Exposed to Radio Frequency Radiation, Janet Healer

17. Interaction of Microwave and Radio Frequency Radiation with Molecular Systems, Paul O. Vogelhut

18. Effects of Microwaves on Optical Activity, G. L. Rehnberg, A. A. Moghissi, and E. W. Pepper

19. Studies on the Effects of 2450 MHz Microwaves on Human Immunoglobulin G 104 V, G. P. Kamat and D. E. fanes

20. Molecular Mechanisms for Microwave Absorption in Biological Systems, K. H. Illinger

21. Cellular Effects of Microwave Radiation, John H. Heller

22. Effects of Microwave Radiation on Lens Epithelial Cells (Summary), C. A. Van Ummersen and F. C. Cogan

23. Effects of 2450 MHz Microwave Radiation on Cultivated Rat Kangaroo Cells 123, K. T. S. Yao and M. M. Jiles

24. Effects of Microwave and Radio Frequency Energy on the Central Nervous System, Allan H. Frey

25. Clinical and Hygienic Aspects of Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields, Christopher H. Dodge

26. The Neural and Hormonal Response to Microwave Stimulation of Peripheral Nerves, Robert D. McAfee

27. Behavioral Effects of Low Level Microwave Irradiation in the Closed-Space Situation, D. R. Justesen and N. W. King

28. Behavioral Effects of Low Intensity UHF Radiation, Susan F. Korbel

29. Bird Feathers as Sensory Detectors of Microwave Fields, ]. A. Tanner and C. Romero-Sierra

30. Maximum Admissible Values of HF and UHF Electromagnetic Radiation at Work Places in Czechoslovakia, Karel Marha

31. Quantifying Hazardous Microwave Fields: Analysis, Paul F. Wacker

32. Quantifying Hazardous Microwave Fields: Practical Considerations, Ronald R. Bowman

33. Microwave Leakage Instrumentation, Paul W. Crapuchettes

34. Microwave Hazard Control in Design, W. A. Geoffrey Yoss

35. Radio Frequency Radiation Hazards to Personnel at Frequencies Below 30 MHz, S. ]. Rogers

36. Panel Discussion I: Microwave Measurements Methods and Standards for Biological Research and Hazards Surveys, S. W. Rosenthal (Moderator), A. Frey, F. Lemaster, R. R. Bowman, H. Rechen, ]. Osepchuck, and S. Michaelson

37. Panel Discussion II: Future Needs in Research on the Biological Effects of Microwave and R. F. Radiation, A. M. Burner (Moderator), N. Telles, S. Michaelson, A. Frey, E. Alpen, R. L. Carpenter, C. Susskind, and]. H. Heller

38. Index

Feb. 7 2011. Oregon state Sen. Chip Shields introduced a bill that would require retailers to put warning labels on cellphones and on packaging of wireless devices, advising consumers of possible risks associated with radio frequency exposure. The label would be affixed on the front and back of the package. It would also be on the back of the cellphone, occupying at least 30 percent of the surface.

Specifically, the bill calls for a label with the following:

WARNING: This is a radio-frequency (RF), radiation emitting device that has nonthermal biological effects for which no safety guidelines have yet been established. Controversy exists as to whether these effects are harmful to humans. Exposure to RF radiation may be reduced by limiting your use of this device and keeping away from the head and body.

“Given the absence of any federal entity with primary jurisdiction to evaluate and regulate health and safety effects of cellular telephones on humans . . . the state of Oregon may lawfully exercise its health and safety and police powers to prohibit cellular telephones in this state unless the cellular telephones and their packaging contain a visible, written label advising consumers of possible risks and steps a consumer can take to reduce the risk of radio-frequency radiation exposure,” the bill states.

The bill is co-sponsored by Health Committee Chair Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson (D), Sen. Alan Bates (D) (co-chair human services subcommittee), Sen. Rod Monroe (D) (co-chair education subcommittee), Rep. Jim Thompson (R) (co-chair health committee), Rep. Ben Cannon (D) (health care, co-vice chair).

The bill is in response to the increased public awareness of many independently funded scientific studies that do show a link between cell phone use and brain cancer, DNA and genetic damage, reproductive problems, dementia and other health problems. Cell phones were introduced to market with no pre-market safety testing by the FDA or the FCC. Senator Shields believes that Oregon is obligated to do what it can to protect its citizens from the potential hazards of cell phone use and that legislation is needed after comparing conflicting quotes from the FCC and FDA websites and cell phone manuals.

FCC and FDA WEBSITE AS OF OCT, 2010

FCC: “The Commission has stressed repeatedly that it is not a health and safety agency and would defer to the judgment of these expert agencies with respect to determining appropriate levels of safe exposure to RF energy.” …..“There is no federally developed national standard for safe levels of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) energy”

FDA: “Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer products such as mobile phones before marketing…”

Health warnings from Motorola and Blackberry manuals

1. Use hands-free if available and keep the Blackberry at least .98 in. from your body, “INCLUDING THE ABDOMEN OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND THE LOWER ABDOMEN OF TEENAGERS”
2. A few animal studies, however, have suggested that low levels of RF could accelerate the development of cancer in laboratory animals. In one study, mice genetically altered to be predisposed to developing one type of cancer developed more than twice as many such cancers when they were exposed to RF energy compared to controls.”
3. “When 20 types of tumors were considered separately however, an association was found between mobile phone use and one rare type of glioma, neuroepithelliomatous tumors”
4. “None of these tests showed any effect of the RF except for the micronucleus assay, which detects structural effects on the genetic material. The cells in this assay showed changes after exposure to simulated cell phone radiation”
5. “Some people who have used mobile phones have been diagnosed with brain cancer.”
6. “When tumors did exist in certain locations, however, they were more likely to be on the side of the head where the mobile phone was used.

What’s that humming in your pants – or lower abdomen?

Most of us are familiar with the controversy over cell phones and risk of brain cancer. The message that texting is safer than talking is starting to sink in especially with the younger generation.  However,  few people understand that as long as the cell phone is turned on and in your “pocket or bra”, instead of your brain – it’s irradiating your reproductive organs every few minutes.

If someone needs to reach me – here I am.

How does your cell phone company know where you are? Your cell phone regularly sends out a VERY powerful blast of radiation (up to a few miles) to notify the nearby cell towers of your location.  At least once in every 5 minutes, your cell phone and the closest towers act like a GPS system and they triangulate your position.  If someone tries to reach you on your cell phone, your cell phone provider knows where you are located because they have a record of you that was stored from you last “check in” a few minutes ago and it routes the call to the towers nearest to you.

So – depending on how many minute intervals you have set your phone to fetch your email messages and how often your phone checks in to the closest towers – you could be irradiating your body every few minutes for at least 10 seconds. If you keep your phone in your pocket, you are giving your vital reproductive organs a large dose of microwaves. If you keep it on your hip in a holster – your pancreas is getting radiated. If it’s in your bra – or seat belt holster – you are radiating your breasts and heart. The only way to shut off the radiation is to put it in “airplane mode”  or  TURN IT OFF!

The iPhone radiates your body every  5 minutes  - turn on airplane mode to stop this from happening.

Infertility and cancer is on the rise.

Testicular cancer for 15 – 35 year old men is now the highest age group for this cancer-not old men. Infertility clinics are a booming business. Why is the media focus on brain cancer and cell phones? The rates of prostate cancer  and breast cancer started to climb in the mid 1980′s – roughly the same time wireless cordless and cell phones were commercially introduced . Prostate cancer affects one in 7 men and breast cancer one in 9 women.

Why are there no studies comparing testicular and prostate cancer rates and cell phone use? I can only assume it is – don’t look and you won’t find…or is it – don’t tell what you have found….

January 18, 2011.  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder and many of the symptoms overlap with electrohypersensitivity (EHS).  Indeed some individuals with EHS may be misdiagnosed with MS and some may have both “diseases.”

In a study we conducted a few years ago, we found that some people diagnosed with MS improved when power quality was improved in their home environment. Subjects documented better sleep, more energy, clarity of thought, improved balance and motor coordination, better mood among other symptoms.   Changes were documented within a matter of days and weeks. However, not everyone who participated in this study noticed benefits.

One might expect that people who have a compromised nervous system and an impaired immune system may be particularly vulnerable to electromagnetic energy.  MS patients have both.  The myelin sheath around nerves cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged and this is believed to be an autoimmune response.

More research needs to be done in this area to determine what percent of the MS population is electrically hypersensitive and what frequencies they may be responding to.  By reducing their exposure to radio frequency  radiation and other forms of electrosmog and by practicing good electromagnetic hygiene they may be able to get relief from their symptoms and some may be able to delay, halt or reverse the progression of this disease.

Here are some tips on how to practice good electromagnetic hygiene.

1.  replace cordless phone with corded phone

2.  replace WiFi with ethernet cable for computer

3.  use cellphone as little as possible & only in speaker mode

4.  do NOT use compact fluorescent light bulbs

5.  do NOT use electric blankets or water beds

6.  keep alarm clock radios at least 2 meters from bed

7.  measure radio frequency in your home & install radio frequency-reflecting window film or fabric to shield from external sources

8.  measure dirty electricity in your home & install filters if values are above 50 GS units.

9.  ask utility to install “wired” smart meter (not wireless)

10. do not live in a home within 100 m of transmission lines or within 400 m of cell phone antennas

Click  here for peer-reviewed publication:  Havas. M.  2006. Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity:  Biological Effects of Dirty Electricity with Emphasis on Diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis.  Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 25:259-268.

Youtube video on “Multiple Sclerosis and Dirty Electricity” coming soon.

December 2, 2010.  Pick of the Week #18:  Effect of Microwaves on the Central Nervous System, German Translation, 1965.

Bergman, W.  1965.  The effect of Microwaves on the Central Nervous System.  Translation from the German for Research and Scientific Laboratory, Ford Motor Company by the Technical Library Research Service.  82 pp.

ABSTRACT

The autonomic nervous system is affected by the microwaves of the centimeter wavelength band. These waves affect circulation, respiration, temperature control, water balance, albumin and sugar concentration in the cerebro-spinal fluid, hydrogen ion concentration, EEG. GSR, sleep, conscious awareness, etc. Depending on the applied dosage, these waves stimulate the sympathetic or parasympathetic system. Very small dosages produce analgesic effects; however, very large dosages are fatal. An undamped or modulated frequency is more effective than damped waves. The biological effect of these waves results from the resonance absorption in the ganglia. There are indications that only higher harmonics, and not the fundamental frequency, produce biological effects. The shielding of the test subject by metal screens increases these effects; however, magnetic fields remove them. Higher harmonics producing these biological effects have physical properties which are similar to those of the bio-electrical energy generated by the human body. The mechanism of hypnosis is explained by the transmission of this energy.

Contents

Introduction

I.    Influencing the central nervous system by short waves as well as by high-frequency currents

1.    Influence on the motor and sensory nerves

2.    Influence on circulation and respiration

3.    Influence on the EEG

4.    Influence on temperature control

5.    Influence on the water balance

6.    Influence on abduction phenomena

7.    Influence on sleep

8.    Influence on conscious awareness

9.    General influence of the short electromagnetic waves on the central nervous system

10.    Chemical-physical effects of short waves

11.    Interpretation of the process with different forms of application of short waves

12. Dosage

13.    Summary

II.    Electrical processes in the human body and its environment

1.    Electrical phenomena in the human body as well as in its environment as a function of the emotional state

2.    Electrical phenomena in the human body and its environment during muscular contractions

3.    Amplification of electrical phenomena in the human body and its environment by artificial means

4.    Resonance phenomena in the transmission of nerve energy in the human body and its environment

5.    Physical characteristics of the energy generated by the human body as well as by various inorganic and organic compounds

6.    Summary

III.    Absorption of electromagnetic energy in ganglion cells

1.    Relation of absorption to the emotional state of the person

2.     Resonance absorption

3.    Relation of absorption to the frequency of the high-frequency energy acting on the human body

4.    “Filtration” of the higher harmonic of the fundamental frequency influencing the ganglion cells

5.    Summary

Bibliography

INTRODUCTION

The present study demonstrates that short electromagnetic waves can have an extensive influence on the central nervous system. This involves a direct influence of high-frequency energy on the autonomic nervous system and the influence on the somatic nervous system takes place by the control of its readiness to function from the vegetative sphere. Such a process otherwise takes place only under hypnosis.

The human body has been found to be the generator of a wave energy which is propagated in the surrounding atmosphere in the form of electromagnetic waves. In its transmission to other persons, this energy influences the central nervous system in a manner similar to short electromagnetic waves. The hypothesis used for an explanation of suggestion is based on the transmission of this wave energy. It has been found that neither the entire electromagnetic field of a short-wave transmitter nor the entire electrical field in the environment of the human body can influence the central nervous system. Rather, the central nervous system is influenced by certain wave components contained in the electromagnetic waves generated by a short-wave transmitter as well as in the electrical field surrounding the human body. Since these Wave components of short electromagnetic waves as well as those of the electrical field around the human body exhibit similar physical characteristics and exert similar influences on the central nervous system, it can be assumed that the same energy is involved in both cases. The possibility results to produce the energy which is effective in hypnosis by engineering methods. In this connection, the development of the instruments which are to produce this energy is to be based on guidelines which differ fundamentally from those presently utilized in the development of transmitters for short-wave diathermy.

In short-wave diathermy as it is used today, the heat generated in the patient is primarily utilized. The development of short-wave transmitters consequently followed the design of highly efficient instruments which produced a maximum heat generation in the patient. It was found that heat produces an effect opposite to that of the energy which influences the central nervous system. Consequently, the effective action of the energy influencing the central nervous system is considerably reduced by the heat formed in the patient. A further attenuation of the energy influencing the central nervous system was produced by the introduction of oscillators which generate undamped oscillations. For undamped waves produce much less prominent reactions of the central nervous system than damped waves or pulses. The introduction of transmitters built on this basis for short-wave diathermy together with the new dosage method which I have proposed and which is based on the principle of measuring the reaction of the autonomic nervous system to the electromagnetic energy absorbed by the body. will provide the practising physician with a new effective instrument permitting the treatment of patients by direct stimulation of the central nervous system.

October 22, 2010.  New study by Dr. Magda Havas and colleagues in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Oncology Library Vol. 5, 2010 shows that radiation from a digital cordless phone base station affects the heart in a double-blind provocation study.

Click HERE to view the study.

According to this research, some individuals are hypersensitive to microwave radiation and respond when they are exposed to levels well below federal guidelines (5 microW/cm2 or 0.5% of guidelines in Canada & U.S.). During real time monitoring of the heart some individuals experienced an  irregular heart rate or a rapid heart rate that occurred only during provocation and not during sham exposure (when the radiation was off).  This  is the first study showing such dramatic and repeatable results.

The sympathetic nervous system up regulated and the parasympathetic nervous system down regulated during exposure, which is the typical “flight-or-fight” stress response. Feelings of anxiety as well as pain or pressure in the chest were associated with the rapid or irregular heart beat among some of the participants tested.

This test is objective and directly measures the heart’s response to radiation and is unlike subjective testing, where scientists ask individuals if they know whether a device is turned on or off and then determine their “sensitivity” based on perception of exposure, which is just that perception and NOT sensitivity.

It clearly documents that some individuals are hypersensitive to specific frequencies and supports complaints people have when they are exposed to radiation,  including a racing or fluttering heart, pain or pressure in the chest, and feelings of anxiety that resemble the onset of a heart attack.

Recent reports that students in some Collingwood Ontario schools are experiencing these symptoms when they are exposed to WiFi in the classroom, leads one to ask whether those symptoms are due to the pulsed microwave radiation generated by the WiFi base stations.

The cordless phone base station beacon signal, used in the present study, operates at the same frequency as WiFi in schools, namely a pulsed digital signal at 2.4 GHz.  If this radiation can affect the adult heart it could be affecting the heart of children as well.

Heart complaints are becoming increasingly common in society and at least some of these complaints may be related to our increasing exposure to radiation from wireless devices as documented for the first time in this study.

View the videos below to see the methods that were used in the study. (Note the video title and narration specify  that a DECT phone base station was used.  In Europe – DECT technology utilizes 1.9 gigahertz and in North America 2.4 gigahertz is commonly used.  We used a 2.4 gigahertz digital portable phone base station that was always sending it’s beacon signal similar to DECT phones for this study.  Read reference material and view videos below)

View a video from a TV program that used this method to test for electrosensitivity using a 2.4 gigahertz WiFi base station.

The video below demonstrates how microwave radiation is used  for wireless devices that are found in your home.

______________________________

Eur. J. Oncol. Library, Vol. 5, 28 pp.

Provocation Study using Heart Rate Variability shows Radiation from 2.4 GHz Cordless Phone affects Autonomic Nervous System

Magda Havas, Jeffrey Marrongelle, Bernard Pollner, Elizabeth Kelley, Camilla R.G. Rees, Lisa Tully

IN:  Non-Thermal Effects and Mechanisms of Interaction Between Electromagnetic Fields and Living Matter.  Giuliani, L. and M. Soffritti (Eds). 2010.  An ICEMS Monograph, Ramazzini Institute. Eur. J. Oncol. Library Vol 5:  273-300.

Abstract

Purpose: The effect of pulsed microwave radiation on heart rate variability (HRV) was tested in a double blind study. Method: Twenty-five subjects in Colorado between the ages of 37 to 79 completed an electrohypersensitivity (EHS) questionnaire. After recording their orthostatic HRV, we did continuous real-time monitoring of HRV in a provocation study, where supine subjects were exposed for 3-minute intervals to radiation generated by a pulsed cordless phone at 2.4 GHz or to sham exposure.

Results: Questionnaire: Based on self-assessments, participants classified themselves as extremely electrically sensitive (24%), moderately (16%), slightly (16%), not sensitive (8%) or with no opinion (36%) about their sensitivity. The top 10 symptoms experienced by those claiming to be sensitive include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, eye problems, sleep disorder, feeling unwell, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, chronic fatigue, and heart palpitations. The five most common objects allegedly causing sensitivity were fluorescent lights, antennas, cell phones, Wi-Fi, and cordless phones.

Provocation Experiment: Forty percent of the subjects experienced some changes in their HRV attributable to MW radiation. For some the response was extreme (tachycardia), for others moderate to mild (changes in SNS and/or PSNS). and for some there was no observable reaction either because of high adaptive capacity or because of systemic neurovegetative exhaustion.

Conclusions: Orthostatic HRV combined with provocation testing may provide a diagnostic test for some EHS sufferers when they are exposed to electromagnetic emitting devices. This is the first study that documents immediate and dramatic changes in both HR and HRV associated with MW exposure at levels well below (0.5%) federal guidelines in Canada and the United States (1000 microW/cm2).