World-News

17/01/2007

TETRA, mobile comms mast, mobile comms health risk Researchers from the University of Essex are to carry out a two year study to establish if there are any short term health effects from exposure to TETRA mobile radio masts. The move follows the recent completion of the largest ever scientific study of the health effects of conventional and 3G mobile phone masts, carried out at the University’s Electromagnetics and Health Laboratory. The study tested 176 people under carefully controlled conditions and the results are due to be published later this year. The project, which has won £265,624 of funding from the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research programme, will examine the effect of the electromagnetic fields emitted by the TETRA system on up to 264 volunteers. Because TETRA is used by the emergency services, the researchers hope to recruit participants from these services. If you would like to volunteer, contact ehstudy@essex.ac.uk or call 01206 873784.

Author Graham Pitcher

Supporting Information

http://www.essex.ac.uk/psychology/EHS/

© Findlay Publications Ltd 2007

http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/article/index.aspx?articleid=khoIiLjhFYLbXq6vVGTr9JvIHEyXTVhFYZmheslex9EA

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The Essex MTHR study has returned results to volunteers and reports later this year.

Somehow it seem it is worth another £265k to see if there are any "short-term health effects" of TETRA. Good.

All they need now is volunteers.

For more see http://www.tetrawatch.net/main/news.php


Andy


From Mast Sanity/Mast Network

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http://freepage.twoday.net/search?q=Hypersensitivity
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Hypersensitivity

San Francisco Chronicle

01/16/07

A cell phone in the front pocket of a Vallejo man’s pants spontaneously combusted, quickly ignited his clothes and left the man with second- and third-degree burns across at least half his body, according to investigators. Luis Picaso, 59, was apparently sleeping on a white, all-plastic lawn chair in his room late Saturday night and was awakened as he was ablaze, said Vallejo Fire Department investigator and spokesman Bill Tweedy. By the time authorities arrived shortly before midnight, Picaso was on the floor of the bathroom. He was in stable condition Sunday, Tweedy said Monday night. The plastic lawn chair — a petroleum product causing a high-heat fire — had melted. Picaso’s soccer jersey — made of quick-burning nylon — was almost completely burned away...

http://tinyurl.com/yhtm96


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Council on Wireless Technology Impacts
Citizens and professionals concerned about responsible use of electromagnetic radiation
936-B Seventh Street, #206, Novato, California 94945
http://www.energyfields.org/

For Immediate Release

January 15, 2007
Contact: Rebekah Azen
505-424-9475
rebekah(et)cybermesa.com


LIBRARY DIRECTOR RESIGNS BECAUSE OF WIFI

A Library Director at a college in Santa Fe, NM left her position due to wireless internet (WiFi) in the library. Rebekah Zablud Azen, MLIS, resigned from her position at Quimby Memorial Library, Southwestern College, on December 16th, 2006 after administrators refused to discuss the issue.

"I don't feel that I should have to jeopardize my health to secure or maintain employment, but allowing oneself to be irradiated is fast becoming a condition of employment for librarians. I just said no."

B. Blake Levitt, a medical journalist who has been researching the biological affects of nonionizing radiation since the late '70's, and author of: Electromagnetic Fields: A Consumer's Guide to the Issues and How to Protect Ourselves, and Cell Towers: Wireless Convenience? or Environmental Hazard? wrote, "Once considered safe environments/professions, librarians and teachers are now in high risk professions."

Azen is not the first librarian to express opposition or leave her position because of WiFi. In Santa Fe, four librarians recently signed a petition against WiFi in the public libraries, while several others objected to WiFi but were afraid to speak out. There is a librarian on the west coast that has been told not to discuss this issue by library administration and a report of two librarians who moved to rural towns and left the profession.

The proliferation of wireless technologies is a growing and serious public health hazard, says Azen. "There is no evidence proving safety and an abundance of evidence demonstrating biological harm to living systems. Anyone who cares to look into the vast body of research that has been conducted over the past 80 years will find that the weight of evidence points to harm. The only sensible response is precaution."

Current safety standards adopted by federal agencies like OSHA were developed by industry groups and are obsolete. EPA senior scientist and radiofrequency (RF) radiation expert, Norbert Hankin, wrote, "Both the NCRP (National Council on Radiation Protection) and ANSI/IEEE standards are thermally based and do not apply to chronic non-thermal exposure situations." In other words, if it doesn't "cook tissue," it is assumed to be safe. Research indicates however that low-power exposure (WiFi is "low power') has been shown to have numerous biological effects which can lead to serious health consequences, including neurological, cardiological and hormonal disorders, breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, DNA damage, cancers, diabetes and asthma. Children, to whom public libraries cater, have brains and nervous systems that are still developing; they are particularly vulnerable.

Among the many scientists, organizations, government agencies and medical societies issuing bans or precautions, Lakehead University, in Canada, prohibits WiFi on its campus; the Public Health Department in Salzburg, Austria advises against WiFi in schools; the Schools Depart-ment in Frankfurt, Germany prohibits WiFi in schools; and the Austrian Medical Association warns against wireless technologies, including WiFi. The Benevento Resolution is the most recent and comprehensive pronouncement by 31 scientists internationally.

The Benevento Resolution http://www.icems.eu/docs/Benevento_press_release.pdf states, "Based on our review of the science, biological effects can occur from exposures to both Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (ELF EMF) and Radiofrequency fields (RF EMF). More evidence has accumulated that there are adverse health effects from occupational and public exposure to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, or EMF at current exposure levels." The resolution also specifically warns against exposure to WiFi systems.

Azen is also opposed to WiFi in libraries because it creates barriers to access for people with disabilities. People with certain types of heart disease, epilepsy, and others with electromagnetic sensitivity react with pain, confusion, and neurological or cardiac symptoms and are effectively denied access to libraries with WiFi. In California alone, a 1998 survey by the California Dept. of Health Services found that 120,000 Californians were unable to work due to electromagnetic radiation. Today, this number is undoubtedly much higher due to the rapid growth of wireless technologies.

Librarians have always upheld the principle that access to libraries and information is inviolate, says Azen. "Today, this important library principle is eroding due the unquestioned acceptance of WiFi. Libraries should retain their autonomy as "wireless-free" zones. Instead of rushing to join the herd to go wireless, libraries should be building collections on this topic and educating the populace about the hazards associated with this technology."

Azen says there are other issues as well with WiFi in libraries: libraries are relinquishing their unique role by morphing into internet cafés, the provision of special services to those who have the money to afford laptops is re-igniting the digital divide, WiFi service imposes a financial and personnel drain on libraries already struggling to build collections and maintain traditional library services, and unsecured networks compromise a library's commitment to protect user privacy and confidentiality. "Social security numbers, financial records, and yes, library records, are all vulnerable in unsecured wireless networks."

Azen says that librarians need to assess technological trends wisely and ensure that the adoption of new technologies does not adversely impact public health, restrict access, undermine the treasured principles upon which we stand, or erode libraries. She says there are simple solutions to providing more computer access, such as installing wired hubs for patrons.

WiFi is the proverbial elephant in the room. We must, as a profession, begin to open up a dialog on this critical issue that is affecting libraries and librarians everywhere, says Azen.


Informant: Iris Atzmon

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Wireless library is a health hasard

I was surprised to hear the new eco flagship Jubliee library in Brighton has installed digital cordless DECT phones on every floor.

People don't seem to realise the base unit of these phones emits microwave radiation all the time whether or not one is on a call.

The levels will be higher than from a nearby phone mast - both DECT and Wi-fi use the same technology as mobile phone masts.

It is for this reason that the German Health Protection Agency issued a warning on DECT phones last year.

I was also disappointed to read that East Grinstead library are trialling Wi-fi computer access (The argus March 6).

Before these trials are put in place, those in charge should review the health implications for librarians and users.

There is evidence coming to light these systems are less than safe. The frequency is the same as used in a microwave oven.

The intensity inside the library will be the same or higher than from a phone mast outside.

The Times recently reported that schools which are also installing Wifi are having to dismantle it at the request of parents and teachers who have experienced serious adverse health effects.

Librarians in the USA are resigning over this issue. The Salzburg public health dept warns not to put Wi-fi in schools and nurseries.

There is a lot of research into the effects and many people made ill from exposure to the radiation emitted by these systems. It is possible to cable in computers for internet access. Wifi is not necessary.

Sarah Purdy
Mast Sanity
London

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EMF/EMR from Wireless Networks can lower Melatonin
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/3482006/

Health fears lead schools to dismantle wireless networks
http://freepage.twoday.net/stories/2957963/



http://freepage.twoday.net/search?q=WIFI
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=WIFI
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Benevento
http://freepage.twoday.net/search?q=Blake+Levitt
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Blake+Levitt

Michael Haines with his petition against the phone mast

More than 1,000 people have opposed plans to erect a phone mast disguised as a telegraph pole in Marston, Oxford.

Vodafone wants to put the pole in Jack Straw's Lane, near St Michael and All Angels Church, 100 yards from the site of a previous application in Marston Road.

A petition, organised by Marston resident Michael Haines, has already picked up 1,023 signatures - and he hopes to get at least 2,000 before he hands it to Oxford City Council at the end of the month.

This is not the first petition Mr Haines has run. He collected 779 signatures when he successfully opposed the earlier phone mast application in November, 2005.

Mr Haines, 66, of Croft Road, and other residents in the area do not want the 10-metre high phone mast to go up because they feel it is unsightly and the radiation from the mast could lead to health problems.

The purpose of the mast is to provide high quality 3G coverage to the Marston area of the city.

Vodafone considered the Jack Straw's Lane location to be one that will have less impact on the environment. The pole will be located on a grass verge, near a number of trees which will provide some screening for the site.

Mr Haines said: "The residents are concerned that Vodafone has put new plans in for a new phone mast.

"I have set up another petition and I have been knocking on residents' doors in the area asking that they say no to this new mast and stop it from going up.

"I have already got more signatures than the last petition, but I do hope to get at least 2,000 in total before I take it to the city council before January 31.

"Everyone has been very supportive and are only too happy to sign it."

Mr Haines hopes the council will refuse planning permission for the phone mast.

Vodafone spokesman Rob Matthews, said the current proposal took account of comments from the council and the Government inspector when they refused the earlier proposal for Marston Road.

He said: "All Vodafone's sites are designed and operated in accordance with stringent international exposure guidelines that have the formal backing of independent bodies such as the World Health Organisation."

Omega read "Base Stations, operating within strict national and international Guidelines, do not present a Health Risk?" under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/

© Copyright 2001-2007 Newsquest Media Group

http://www.oxfordmail.net/news/headlines/display.var.1122687.0.residents_oppose_plans_for_mobile_phone_mast.php

A CONTROVERSIAL phone mast has received the green light to go up in between two Winchester schools.

Mobile phone giants O2 will start building the 10m monopole and radio base station later this month after telecom sub-committee members voted unanimously in favour of the proposal.

Highways representatives had forced an initial application to be withdrawn saying the base station cabinet was on part of the pavement that was too narrow and would cause pedestrians to walk on to the road when maintenance work was carried out.
Advertisement continued...

They withdrew their objection after fresh designs were drawn up and the proposed location moved to a wider section of the pavement near the railway bridge in Andover Road.

The city council received nine letters of objection and two members of the public attended the meeting in the Jolly Farmer pub car park on Friday St Paul ward councillor Ray Pearce said he was worried about the number of masts that have gone up in Winchester recently and hoped that network providers could agree to share masts in the future.

"I'm concerned that they are popping up like mushrooms," said Cllr Pearce. Fellow ward councillor Geoffrey Bennetts said residents had expressed concerns about the proximity of the mast in relation to Peter Symonds College and Osborne School.

"Every opportunity should be explored for mast sharing," said Cllr Bennetts.

Gavin Smith, of Waldon Telecom, representing O2, told the committee the mast was needed to enhance the O2 network coverage for rail users so they didn't lose connection on their journeys. It would also enhance local coverage.

Mr Smith added negotiations to share the Vodafone mast at nearby Hunts Frozen Foods came to nothing because they couldn't get the coverage required.

Recommending approval for the application, case officer Simon Avery said: "It's the same height as existing lamp posts and would blend in with existing street furniture so it isn't visually intrusive."

Karen Barratt, a representative of the Wessex Registry of Active Masts, urged the committee to consider health risks.

She said it was an "extraordinary" and "terrible" position for a mast and thought it would make walking on the path difficult for people with pushchairs.

"It's not even serving people in Winchester but people on the trains. I find it quite amazing," she said.

Chairman of the telecom sub-committee Mike Read said the application had to be determined on "siting and appearance" and all three committee members in attendance, Anthony De Peyer, Robert Johnston and Cecily Sutton approved the application.

© Copyright 2001-2007 Newsquest Media Group

http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/hampshirechroniclenews/display.var.1114624.0.fears_fail_to_halt_phone_mast_plan.php

CONCERN has been raised in Bishop's Waltham about the proposed siting of a mobile phone mast in St Peter's Church tower.

St Peter's Parochial Church council said it had been approached with a view to a cell-phone antenna being mounted in the tower.

The proposal by QS4 Ltd - appointed by the Church of England to negotiate with mobile phone operators on behalf of all churches - is to be discussed by the church faculty, which decides on any alterations inside or outside of the church.

Pat Wilson, a member of the St Peter's Church Parochial Church Council, said she was opposed to a mast being placed in St Peter's.

She said: "I thought the church was the heart of the community and I feel it will end up a cancer of the community.

"I am a practising Christian and I feel the church should be more responsible. There is no other reason for this but financial gain."

However, as part of the consultation process, some people living nearby have raised no objections about the plans.

Paul Emmerson, churchwarden at St Peter's Church, said more people are to be encouraged to give their views to the Parochial Church Council.

Karen Barratt, a spokesman for Wessex Registry Against Masts, speaking about masts being placed in church buildings, said: "This is not uncommon.

"There are hundreds of examples of objections to masts going up on churches, and the trouble is planning legislation is pretty weak when it comes to phone masts.

"Unless people have been living on a desert island for the last 10 years, everyone knows there is a lot of concern regarding what effects phone masts have on health.

"I think it is very bad that these things can sneak through without a proper planning process that involves the public.

"In Bishop's Waltham's case, as long as the church is going to consult and be open and up front about this, it is better than some churches do."

The Rev Andy Davis, of St Peter's Church, was unavailable to comment on the plan at the time of going to press.

© Copyright 2001-2007 Newsquest Media Group

http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/hampshirechroniclenews/display.var.1114595.0.church_tower_could_house_phone_antenna.php

Mobile headaches

(from Mona Nilsson)

In the major Swedish evening newspaper, Aftonbladet, the Swesih comedian Peter Wahlbeck, writes an article in which he describes his headache from the mobile phone. He cannot use his mobile phone any longer. He also says that he has read the book of Mona Nilsson and Marica Lindblad, Spelet om 3G (The game of 3G) which changed his view of the Swedish society.

http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/debatt/story/0,2789,974100,00.html


Thanks to Mona for translating the start and end of the article, maybe someone else is ready to complete the text? This is strong stuff!

The mobile phone - a radiating way of dying?

The comedian Peter Wahlbeck (Sweden) got sick of his mobile and warns others of the risks.

Some time ago I got headace and got eye problems when talking in my mobile phone. I have felt this before and therefore always used hands-free. Nevertheless, my sensititivity has increased and I cannot use my mobile phone permanently any more.

I get headache and have connected all my incoming calls to an ordinary phone. In Stockholm, I recently met a friend who is a teatcher and he told me he had the same problem. - But it is nothing compared to my students, he said and told me about students who got tinnitus, headache, sleeping problems.

After my show at Mosebacke in November, a man came to me and gave me a book. This book will change your view of Sweden, he said. And he was right.

The book is called "The game of 3G" and is written by Mona Nilsson and Marica Lindblad.

In the book research results from scintific journals are gone throung: from Hungary, Israel, France, USA, Spain, Austria and Russia. They show unanimously that mobile phone radiation is detrimental and that the radiation from masts is dangerous for humans and the genes. Are we in Sweden in front of a threat to the health that no authority in charge is taking seriously and that the politicians, technicians and telecom industry denies?
[...]
"The former health minister Morgan Johansson should now focus on cleaning his own nest. Otherwise the former government Persson will go to history as the one who sent its people to a slow death in various radiatation induced illnesses. "


Peter Wahlbeck
43 år, comedian and author http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/debatt/story/0,2789,974100,00.html

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Animal abuse

If you hate your pet, buy it this (from Robert Riedlinger): http://www.petsmobility.com/petscell/


Informant: Iris Atzmon



http://freepage.twoday.net/search?q=Mona+Nilsson