Newsletter October 2014

Welcome to the October 2014 edition of our online Newsletter. Please send a link to this page to as many interested persons as you wish. If any of the external webpages linked herein have been taken down, try to find another source by cutting and pasting the actual title of the article into your search bar. To assist with a fair and balanced discussion, our primary focus is upon the side of the story you may not hear from industry and their obliging government regulators. Be sure to check out all our newsletters. Taken as a whole, they form a comprehensive overview of emerging technologies, scientific findings, safety reform, and the worldwide EMR debate.

EMR Aware is a not-for-profit association based in Byron Shire on the Northcoast of NSW Australia. In addition to relaying the latest news from contacts worldwide, our group provides commentary on local issues, as well as a range of free community-oriented services. The latter include educational literature, audiovisual presentations, and a DVD containing thousands of research studies on the adverse effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR).

Festival Stall Success

Our information stall at the Living Community Festival in Mullumbimby NSW was visited by hundreds of people inquisitive about EMR. In addition to our free DVD, a new self-published brochure was distributed which offers practical solutions for minimising routine exposure when using personal devices. These apply the "precautionary principle" now endorsed by leading health experts worldwide. Due to their close proximity to the body, mobile phones, tablet PC's, Wi-Fi modems, etc. are by far the most biologically significant source of EMR. None-the-less, this potential risk is easy to manage once you know how.

http://mullumbimbycommunitygardens.org/the-living-community-festival/

Prof. Ian Lowe of Griffith University in Brisbane QLD stopped by to pick up a DVD and brochure. He is past president of the Australian Conservation Foundation, and adviser to Government agencies that set EMR safety standards. It is encouraging to see individuals of such academic standing take a genuine interest in community engagement on this subject.

Speaking of Government regulators, you can make your views known to the main one, ARPANSA, by phoning their Freecall number: 1800 022 333. They might even convince you EMR is absolutely harmless. Judging by the selective inclusion of scientific references on their website, that seems to be part of their mission.

There is mounting pressure for industry to lift its game by phasing in safer technologies. People cannot be kept in the dark forever about the numerous research studies critical of long term use, particularly relating to mobile phones. As seen from the article below, this fabric of concealment is beginning to fray around the edges. In a desperate attempt to delay the inevitable, informed citizens are now being portrayed as hyper-sensitives or scaremongers. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11519/Mobile-firms-face-lawsuits.html#ixzz3CENgZC5y

Mobile Phone Stickers

At the aforementioned festival, we noticed a number of visitors had hologram stickers, buttons, or "orgonite" wafers attached to their mobile phones. They had been assured these would shield them from the adverse health effects of microwaves. As an electronics engineer, I wish to advise this is not the case.

    

They look fascinating but do they work?

Those who distribute these products will often proffer their own version of scientific testing. On closer inspection, the results appear to be manipulated, and/or derived from unaccredited labs that cater for manufacturers of homeopathic or "New Age" type modalities. It is no surprise that the Federal Trade Commission in the USA has taken legal action against suppliers. The worst part is that users, in believing they are protected, may ignore proven methods to reduce their daily exposure, such as are described in our brochure above.

http://kickstartnews.squarespace.com/home-page/2012/11/15/cell-phone-radiation-oh-nooooo-run-for-your-lives-scam-produ.html
http://www.bbb.org/us/article/shield-yourself-from-a-cell-phone-radiation-scam-28636
http://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/2693/can-products-that-claim-to-to-reduce-electromagnetic-radiation-from-mobile-phone
http://www.electricsense.com/6648/emf-protection-scams-chips-diodes-neutralizers-pendants-amulets/
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0109-cell-phone-radiation-scams

An image search in Google for "mobile phone anti-radiation sticker" reveals the extent of this fad.

If you see a shop or market stall selling such items, you may want to politely inform them that making false and misleading claims, or selling fraudulent goods, is both unethical and an offense. Of course, some true believers insist they can "feel a difference". While charms and placebos may help alleviate justifiable worry about holding a microwave transmitter next to your brain, they will not guard against organic damage. In any event, if you try to restrict the phone's transmission in any way, it will simply pump out a stronger signal to compensate.

Council's Public Wi-Fi Proposal

Byron Shire Council continues its investigation into "free" public Wi-Fi in its major town centres. A representative from our group was invited to attend a recent roundtable to help address radiation issues. Michael Bangay, an EMR consultant based in Melbourne, participated via a phone link. His view, that there is "no evidence of health effects from EMR", reflects that of the telecom industry, and Government safety regulator ARPANSA. Not surprising since he has employment connections with both. Notwithstanding, most of Councillors present had prior knowledge to the contrary, and acknowledged that "best practice" should be adopted to minimise ambient field intensities.

Questions were raised as to whether the network should be operated by Council itself or a private concern, and how it might be funded through paid advertising to users. The two most frequently mentioned scenarios were a street-side installation in the town of Bangalow or a public hotspot at Railway Park in Byron Bay; both to be run as "trials". This would allow assessment of popularity, and how many nearby businesses might be willing to disconnect their own modems. The latter conjectural response is implicit to the tentative goal of reduction in net microwave exposure to the public. This subscribes to our Shire's "clean and green" tourist image. The outdoor hotspot approach has the advantage of providing choice to individuals of whether or not they wish to enter a Wi-Fi zone.

It was finally suggested to first inquire about the viability of similar schemes that have been adopted in other locales. Also discussed were the inherent bandwidth limitations of such a network which would prevent normal access to large downloads, music and videos. Mullumbimby residents may be relieved to hear that last year's initiative for Wi-Fi throughout their CBD was not discussed.

There is still no firm or costed proposal as such, but the process offers an opportunity for our community to explore methods to accommodate the proliferation of wireless technologies without necessarily accepting the acknowledged drawbacks. Some of these are described in the "open letter" below, written to Phillips Exeter Academy. http://wirelessrighttoknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Exeter-WiFi.pdf

      

Above is a tasteful pavillion-style installation. Why not take it a step further and replace the overhead light with a state-of-the-art "Li-Fi" system that utilises modulated LED lamps for data transfer in place of microwaves?

http://www.extremetech.com/computing/152740-researchers-create-3gbps-lifi-network-with-led-bulbs

Finally, here is Mr. Bangay's business website, wherein he invites correspondence by email on these topics. If you do so, consider it a foretaste of the quality of expertise you might encounter if your community ever opposes a new source of EMR. http://www.michaelbangayconsulting.com

The great experiment of microwaving the public continues unabated, as evidenced by New York City's plan to turn every phone booth into a hotspot. http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/193-14/new-york-city-issues-request-proposals-build-citywide-wi-fi-network-state-of-the-art

It looks like our own Telstra is going to follow. Do we really need our local Council to push its own network when there are so many other already available and emerging options? http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/technology/telstra-to-revamp-payphones-into-wifi-hot-spots/story-fni0bykg-1227075008995?sv=72af5fb7db78e89d31af24130df3ac4f&net_sub_uid=90295267&nk=c2f84100372fc681aa1d1f75e86aae29

Wi-Fi may be free ... but are you free from it? See "Digital Detox" below.

Wi-Fi and Children

At a time when bans and warnings are being issued by major world governments to limit the use of Wi-Fi by children, here is the bizarre response of Irish authorities to a father concerned about his son's exposure at school. He was incarcerated in a psyche ward, under forced medication, and is still there at the time of this writing. An educated and alert society would never allow this kind of human rights violation. What does this say about where technology is leading us?

http://smartmeterharm.org/2014/08/28/n-ireland-free-stephen-clarke/

Mater Hospital in Belfast Ireland.

On the opposite side of the planet, a Los Angeles teacher's request to be relocated to to a classroom without Wi-Fi was officially approved. http://parentsforasafeschool.blogspot.ca/2014/09/lausd-gives-teacher-accommodation-from_25.html

Ten reasons to ban handheld devices for children under the age of 12 years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyqYhiVawps

France bans Wif_fi in pre-schools. http://www.naturalnews.com/043695_electrosensitivity_wifi_French_government.html

Maine Children's Wireless protection Act. Impeded at every step by telecommunication hardliners. http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_124th/billpdfs/HP120701.pdf

The following article explores the question of providing adequate guidance and protection for vulnerable children. For Apple founder Steve Job's take on this dilemma, see the link further down this page. http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/left_to_their_own_devices#comments

Fly or Fry?

Thanks to industry's belief that free Wi-Fi is the universal customer drawcard, it is becoming increasing more difficult for objectors to avoid it. The latest encroachment on personal health choices is "gate-to-gate" connectivity on major airlines. If your idea of a pleasant flight does NOT include hours simmering in microwaves from the aircraft's modems and dozens of passenger devices, maybe it is time to choose your carrier more carefully ... or take a road trip to the country for your next holiday.

http://www.smh.com.au/business/aviation/qantas-virgin-get-green-light-for-inflight-gadgets-20140825-108aev.html

Happy customers on a "tech-friendly" flight.

Will manufacturers use this trend as justification to remove the "airplane mode" from their phones and tablets? Many people use this feature on a daily basis to reduce their radiation intake.

Wi-Fi saturated transport is particularly concerning due to the intensifying effect of the vehicle's metal body. In the case of an aircraft, the lens-like curvature of the fuselage imparts an added concentrating influence, particularly upon the centre isles of seating. A member of our group confirmed this by taking EMF readings onboard during a recent domestic flight. After enduring several hours in a disoriented trance-like state, the after-effects persisted for hours. Informed readers would know this type of impaired cognition, and not simple distraction, is the real reason why mobile phone use has been banned in cars.

(Under) Mining Copper

Plans are well underway to close down all hard-wired phone lines in population centres where NBN fibre optic cables have been laid. This could leave customers who are not connected to the latter directly with no substitute but to purchase a mobile phone and compatible wireless modem for home use. It appears most rural areas serviced by NBN wireless links will retain their copper networks into the immediate future. If you are unhappy about the way this roll-out is being handled, a petition to Malcolm Turnbull can be signed here. http://www.change.org/p/malcolm-turnbull-cancel-the-fixed-wireless-contract-with-ericsson

Mobile Phone Cancer Danger: Today Tonight 21-06-2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKbOpY9kHXc

http://www.publichealthwatchdog.com/berkeley-california-seeks-warning-stickers-on-cell-phones/

This group of Rosebank NSW residents are reinforcing their opposition to erection of a nearby NBN tower by obtaining individual blood tests. As the basis for possible legal action, these can be compared with similar tests conducted after the facility has been in operation. This astute methodology is supported by scientific studies that demonstrate blood cell abnormalities due to low level microwave exposure. Here is the group's Facebook page. It includes the following warning about new "security" laws that could stifle public discussion of intrastructure projects. https://www.facebook.com/RosebankNBNActionGroup.

German live blood study showing blood clumping due to EMR exposure.

NBN Tower Fight Looms. http://www.tweeddailynews.com.au/news/nbn-tower-fight-looms/2360678/

http://www.westallisnow.com/userstoriessubmitted/40808987.html

Digital Detox

There is a growing movement to escape the technological "velvet prison" that is being constructed for us. The latter plays upon our sense of isolation and inadequacy, much of which has been subliminally implanted by corporate interests. The proffered, and highly lucrative, remedy for this is a never ending stream of electronic products that promise happiness and freedom, but instead conspire to subvert our wellbeing. Our children are turning into underdeveloped, gadget-dependent drones. One solution is to willfully break the cycle, or at least demonstrate to oneself a degree of autonomy from its grasp. Reconnect with yourself and the actual world. The universe is not contained in a personal device. It is more like a "magic mirror", within which are accumulated things that are appealing but which we do not own, lack reality, and provide an exaggerated feeling of participation, control, and accomplishment.

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2014/06/why-i-end-each-week-with-a-digital-detox/

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-10-31/digital-detox-a-tech-free-retreat-for-internet-addicts

Steve Jobs was a low tech parent. Did he know something we don't? http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/11/fashion/steve-jobs-apple-was-a-low-tech-parent.html?_r=2

One tangible step toward a less energetically polluted environment could be to help support one of Australia's emerging EHS refuges. By removing the dominant influence of EMR, persons who feel affected can validate their response and make appropriate lifestyle changes. http://electroplague.com/2014/09/21/ehs-refuge-in-australia-people-needed/

There is also a group in the Nimbin NSW area who are looking for interested persons to help purchase land for a similar purpose. For further information, email: judeerose@hotmail.com

Dr Erica Mallery-Blythe of the British Society of Ecological Medicine speaking on EHS. http://vimeo.com/100623585

Get Informed - FREE Media Presentations

If anyone still needs convincing about the existence of adverse impacts of EMR, I urge you to watch this excellent and up-to-date series. It was presented by C4ST and Women's College Hospital at the Symposium on Health Issues Associated with the Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields and Microwave Radiation, held for Canadian medical doctors and health care practitioners in Toronto, 12 September 2014.

http://www.c4st.org/images/documents/symposium/Dr-Devra-Davis.pdf
http://www.c4st.org/images/documents/symposium/Dr-Hugh-Taylor.pdf
http://www.c4st.org/images/documents/symposium/Dr-Anthony-Miller.pdf
http://www.c4st.org/images/documents/symposium/Frank-Clegg.pdf
http://www.c4st.org/images/documents/symposium/Dr-Magda-Havas.pdf

You can also sign up for this free online seminar that continues until the end of the year, featuring periodic videos by acknowledged experts in this field. Many segments are already available for viewing. Highly recommended. http://emfsummit.com/

Lastly, for those of us who are diligently following the Smart Meter controversy, here is an insightful video by Deborah Tavares entitled, "Smart Meters at Oathkeepers Meeting". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5mAOyp6fRc

For additional information, this is Australia's most extensive website on the subject. http:www.//stopsmartmeters.com.au/

Sign of the Times

There is now a designated warning sign for places which have significant levels of non-ionising radiation. Print out a few and conduct an informal survey of your home or neighborhood using free software from Ekahau (see below).

It will render a detailed "heat map", generated by compiling discrete field intensity measurements taken as you walk around the affected area. The one above is of a school Wi-Fi network. Note the higher readings encountered near the circular WAP's, represented in green. The program utilises your laptop's built-in wireless modem as a receiving device. No additional hardware is needed. Walking surveys are sure to attract curiosity and ample opportunities to explain what you are doing and why. Dress well. Respect private property. Frightening people is officially frowned upon.

http://www.ekahau.com/wifidesign/ekahau-heatmapper

Request Our Free DVD

An educational DVD, compiled and regularly updated by our volunteers, is available to anyone free of charge. It contains thousands of documents, both scientific and editorial, on the biological and health impacts of all types of EMR. This is the resource you need to counter incomplete or misleading safety claims by industry reps. For further information or technical support on related topics, email us at: contact@emraware.com.

The following page of our website contains similar reading material in the form of bookmarked external web pages. These are arranged by category for convenience. http://www.emraware.com/emr_links.html

Please note, we request that our published materials not be sold or used to promote commercial products.