International Policy Actions on Wireless by Governments, Authorities and Schools

Here’s another great list from EHTrust.org.

INTERNATIONAL PRECAUTIONARY ACTIONS

by Governments, Authorities and Schools.

Governments and health authorities around the world are taking action to minimize citizen’s exposure to wireless radiation.

Download this information as a PDF by clicking Here.

Schools Worldwide are Removing the WiFi

2014: Portland Waldorf School, Portland Oregon,USA, WiFi removed.

2014: Meeting House Montessori, Braintree Massachusetts, USA, WiFi replaced with ethernet.

2014: Ghent, Finland, Wi-fi banned from pre-schools and day care.

2014: UPPER Sturt Primary School, Australia “No WIFI” LOW EMF Policy

2014: The St. Augustine School in Italy turned off Wifi and goes back to Wires.

2013 Winlaw Elementary School, B.C. Canada turned off WiFi.

2013 Te Horo Primary School New Zealand Replaced WIFI with cable-based internet.

2013 Kootenay Lakes District School Board BC (One school without Wi-Fi)

2013 Blaise-Cendrars High School, Switzerland. Teachers vote to remove WiFi.

2012 Kivioja primary school in Ylivieska Finland bans phones and minimizes Wireless.

2012: Halton Waldorf, in Burlington Vermont: Remaining free of Wireless Radiation

2011 City of Lakes Waldorf School, WiFi taken out. Minneapolis, Minnesota USA

2011 Aurora School in Ontario removed Wifi and replaced with hardwired.

2011 North Cariboo Christian School in Quesnel, B.C., removed Wi-fi .

2011 Pretty River Academy in Ontario no WiFi.

2011 Wayside Academy, Peterborough, Ontario no Wi Fi.

2010 Surrey, BC Roots and Wings Montessori removed Wi-Fi.

2010 Ontario St. Vincent Euphrasia elementary school: Parents voted to turn off Wi-Fi.

2009 HEROUVILLE-SAINT-CLAIR wi-fi networks removed.

Governments and Health Authorities are Taking Action

France: National Legislation and the National Agency for Health, Food and Environmental Safety (ANSES).

2015 Law passed: WiFi banned from nursery schools, Wifi must be be turned off in elementary schools when not in use, Cellphone advertisements must recommend headsets to reduce exposure to brain.
2011 French Cell Phone Statute: Merchants must display SAR Radiation levels for different phone models, all phones must be sold with a headset, cell phone ads aimed at children younger than 14 are banned and phones made for children under 6 are banned.

2013 ANSES Report recommends hands free phones, SAR labeling, and “limiting the population’s exposure to radiofrequencies… especially for children and intensive users, and controlling the overall exposure that results from relay antennas.”
The French National Library along with other libraries in Paris, and a number of universities have removed all Wi-Fi networks.
Herouville-Saint-Clair has removed all Wi-Fi equipment installed in municipal buildings.

Belgium: Federal Public Health Regulations on March 2013 due to Health Concerns for Children.

Phones designed for children under 7 years old are prohibited from sale.
Total Advertising Ban on cell phones aimed at children younger than 14.
Mandatory Radiation SAR levels must be available for consumers at point of sale.
Warning label on phones: “Think about your health – use your mobile phone moderately, make your calls wearing an earpiece and choose a set with a lower SAR value.”
Recommendations include use of hands-free methods to keep the phone away from the body such as text messaging and not making calls when the signal is weak, such as in elevator/vehicle.
Ghent Municipality: Wireless internet is banned from spaces that cater to children between 0 and three: preschools and daycares to reduce exposure to microwave radiation.

Spain: The Parliament of Navarra voted to urge removal of WIFI in schools and to apply the precautionary principle in relation to exposure limits to electromagnetic fields whose boundaries have become “obsolete”.

The Parliament voted to adopt a resolution which calls to implement the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe resolution 1815 of 2011, which recommends to “review the scientific basis for the standards of exposure to electromagnetic fields” and ” set thresholds for levels of preventive long-term exposure in all indoor areas not exceeding 0.6 volts per meter “.

Australia: In 2013 the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency issued Fact Sheet 14: titled How to Reduce exposure from mobile phones and other wireless devices.

Reduce the risk from WiFi devices by “keeping them at a distance, for example placing the wireless router away from where people spend time”, and “reducing the amount of time you use them”.
“ARPANSA recommends that parents encourage their children to limit their exposure.”

Italy: The Italian Supreme Court ruled a man’s brain tumor was caused by his cell phone use in 2012. The National Institute for Workmen’s Compensation must compensate a worker with head tumor due to cell use. Finland: The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority issued recommendations for children which include: favoring text messages, parents limiting duration and amount of calls,the use of hands free devices, avoiding calls in a low reception area and keeping the phone away from the body.

“With children, we have reason to be especially careful, because there is not enough research on children’s mobile phone use”, according to STUK research director Sisko Salomaa.

Israel: The Israeli Ministry Of Education has issued guidelines limiting WiFi and cell phone use in schools.

Preschool through 2nd grade have banned the use of wireless networks.
A hard wired direct cable connection is required if the teacher has a computer in the class.
The Israeli Supreme Court ordered the Israeli government to reply on ceasing Wifi installations
In third and fourth grade class internet is restricted to 3 hours per week.
The Education Ministry has instructed all schools to perform radiation tests.
Israel’s Minister of Health Rabi Litzman stated that he supports a ban on Wi-Fi in schools.

Switzerland:The Governing Council of Thurgau Canton 2008 “The Governing Council recommends for schools to forgo the use of wireless networks when the structural makeup of a given school building allows for a wired network.“

Germany: The German Federal Ministry for Radiation Protection states,”supplementary precautionary measures such as wired cable alternatives are to be preferred to the WLAN system.”

Bavaria:The State Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs: “For precautionary reasons the Federal Office for Radiation Protection recommends for schools that if a wireless network is used to place its components in suitable locations and to prefer the use of wired network solutions whenever possible.” In 2007 Parliament recommendation to all schools to not install wireless LAN networks.

Frankfurt: “In Frankfurt’s schools there will be no wireless networks in the short or mid term. The Local Education Authority did not wish to conduct a “large scale human experiment,” said Michael Damian, spokesperson of the Head of the School Department Jutta Ebeling.

Austria: “The official advice of the Public Health Department of the Salzburg Region is not to use WLAN and DECT in Schools or Kindergartens.” -Gerd Oberfeld, MD.

The Austrian Medical Society has issued cell phone safety guidelines stating that cell phones should be used for as short of a time as possible and that children under 16 should not use cell phones at all. They also state that wireless LAN leads to high microwave exposure.

United Kingdom: The UK National Health Service offers specific Recommendations for children and cell phones as “children are thought to be at higher risk of health implications”.

“Children should only use mobile phones for essential purposes and keep all calls short. “
For the public they have “recommendations to help lower any potential long-term risks” which include keeping calls short, keep phone away from the body on standby mode, only use it when the reception is strong and use a phone with an external antenna.

European Environment Agency: “All reasonable measures to be taken to reduce exposures to electromagnetic fields, especially radiofrequencies from mobile phones and particularly the exposures to children and young adults. Current exposure limits to be reconsidered.”

India: 2012 The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued EMF guidelines with new Exposure Limits lowered to 1/10 of the ICNIRP level, SAR labeling on phones.

Official guidelines for cell phone use include: Headsets, Speakerphones, limiting cell use, increasing distance from devices, and choosing landlines.

2013: Supreme Court of India upheld the High Court of the State of Rajasthan decision to remove all cell towers from the vicinity of schools, hospitals and playgrounds because of radiation “hazardous to life.”
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has an EMF webpage
Zilla Parishad orders removal of all cellphone towers near schools citing exposure to “harmful radiation”.

Russia:The Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection has repeatedly warned about electromagnetic radiation impacts on children and recommended WiFi not be used in schools.

“Thus, for the first time in the human history, children using mobile telecommunications along with the adult population are included into the health risk group due to the RF EMF exposure.”
“In children, the amount of so-called stem cells is larger than in adults and the stem cells were shown to be the most sensitive to RF EMF exposure.”
“It is reasonable to set limits on mobile telecommunications use by children and adolescents, including ban on all types of advertisement of mobile telecommunications for children.”
Decision of Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection 2008, “Children and Mobile Phones: The Health of the Following Generations is in Danger”

Canada: Health Canada offers “Practical Advice” on reducing exposure to wireless radiation.

Recommendations: 1. Limit the length of cell phone calls, 2. Replace cell phone calls with text, use “hands-free” devices and 3. Encourage children under the age of 18 to limit their cell phone usage

2015: National Bill C-648 Introduced into the House Of Commons,“An Act Respecting the Prevention of Potential Health Risks From Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation” would require manufacturers of all wireless devices to place specific health warning labels clearly on packaging, or face daily penalties /fines and/or imprisonment.

Resolution 1815: In 2011 The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe issuedThe Potential Dangers of Electromagnetic Fields and Their Effect on the Environment.
A call to European governments to “take all reasonable measures” to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields “particularly the exposure to children and young people who seem to be most at risk from head tumours.” The Resolution calls for member states to:

Implement “information campaigns about the risk of biological effects on the environment and human health, especially targeting children and young people of reproductive age. “
“Reconsider the scientific basis for the present standards on exposure to electromagnetic fields set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, which have serious limitations, and apply ALARA principles, covering both thermal effects and the athermic or biological effects of electromagnetic emissions or radiation.”

“For children in general, and particularly in schools and classrooms, give preference to wired Internet connections, and strictly regulate the use of mobile phones by schoolchildren on school premises.”

United States: Legislation has been introduced at the state and national level. Some Communities have issued proclamations, resolutions and and started initiatives to inform the public of wireless health issues.

2014 California, Berkeley: 11/18/2014 The Berkeley City Council adopted a referral to the City Manager asking the City Manager to draft a cell phone “right to know” ordinance. Once this ordinance is enacted, Berkeley will become the first city in the nation to require cell phone retailers to provide those who purchase a new phone an informational fact sheet which informs buyers to read the user manual to learn the cell phone’s minimum separation distance from the body.
2014 New York: Wireless Router Labeling in all Suffolk Public buildings:12/2014 The Suffolk County Legislature passed legislation to require all county buildings to post notices that wireless routers are in use such as, “Notice: Wireless technology in use.” The resolution, sponsored by Legis. William Spencer (a physician), warns that every wireless device emits radio frequency radiation or microwave radiation. It notes that studies “that have looked at the effects of low-level RFR radiation on human cells and DNA have been inconclusive.”

2014 Maryland, Greenbelt: The Greenbelt Maryland City Council voted unanimously on November 24, 2014 to alert citizens about the fine print warnings and possible health risks of cell phones and wireless devices, to send the FCC Chairman a letter urging the adoption of “radiation standards that will protect human health and safety.” They also voted to oppose cell towers on school grounds.

2012 Wyoming: Jackson Hole issued a Proclamation of Cell Phone Safety which cites concern over long term health effects as well as the increased risk the radiation poses to children.

2012 Florida: Pembroke Pines, passed Resolution3362 expressing the City’s “Urgent Concerns” about Wireless Radiation and Health and which encourages citizens to read their manuals and presents information on how to reduce exposure by using a headset or speakerphone. Jimmy Gonzalez, an attorney who had developed brain cancer after heavy cell use, initially petitioned the Commission. Watch the Video of his powerful testimony here.

2010 California, San Francisco: Cell Phone Radiation (How to Reduce Exposures) Webpage launched.

2010 California: Burlingame California City Council voted to include cell phone safetyguidelines in their Healthy Living in Burlingame initiative (WHO classification and consumer precautions).

2010 Maine, Portland :Mayor Mavodenes, Jr. declared October “Cell Phone Awareness Month”

Proposed Legislation

2014, City of Berkeley California City Manager and Community Health Commission initiates action for warning stickers on cell phone boxes.
2012 The Cell Phone Right to Know Act H.R. 6358 was introduced receiving strong support from many organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics. (AAP Letter here.) This legislation called for labels on mobile devices at point of sale, a comprehensive national research program to study whether exposure to wireless devices causes adverse biological effects directed by NIEHS and the EPA and exposure level regulation.
2014 The Maine LD 1013“The Wireless Information Act” passed the State Senate and House but then failed to pass the second vote. The Bill requires manufacturer’s information on radio-frequency exposure be visible on the outside of the cell phone’s product packaging.
2014 Hawaii Senate Bill SB 2571 was introduced calling for a warning label encouraging consumers to follow the enclosed product safety guidelines to reduce exposure to radiation that may be hazardous to their health.

The San Francisco Cell Phone Right to Know Ordinance was signed in 2011 requiring cell phone retailers to distribute an educational sheet created by the San Francisco Department of Environment that explains radiofrequency emissions from cell phones and how consumers can minimize their exposure. The CTIA sued the city and settled with the City to block implementation of the Ordinance in exchange for a waiver of attorneys’ fees. The City Cell Phone Radiation Webpage remains online.

SB 932 California,HM 32, New Mexico,HB 1408 Pennsylvania, andSB 679 Oregon.

Parent Teacher Organizations Taking Action

2014 United Federation of Teachers ( teachers, nurses and professionals working in New York City).

New Wireless Radiation Webpage states, “Wireless radiation is emitted by the myriad of wireless devices we encounter every day. It was once thought to be relatively harmless. However, we now know that wireless radiation can cause non-thermal biological effects as well, including damage to cells and DNA, even at low levels.
Resources posted on their site include Dr. Moskowitz’ Reducing Your Exposure to Wireless Radiation and the BabySafe Project brochure What You Need to Know About Wireless Radiation and Your Baby. “Taking certain precautions around wireless radiation is appropriate for our most vulnerable populations, including pregnant women.”

2014 New York State Teacher’s Union NYSUT: A federation of more than 1,200 local unions.

NYSUT hosted a Webinar: Risks of wireless technologies and protecting children and staff in schools.

2013Canadian Teacher Federation’s Brief (200,000 elementary and secondary school teachers)

“CTF is concerned about the lack of definitive research regarding the adverse health effects of Wi-Fi.
“We propose a prudent approach to the use of Wi-Fi, especially where children are present.”
“We recommend an education program regarding the relative safety of Wi-Fi exposure and that appropriate resources be developed to educate the public regarding ways to avoid potential exposure risks of Wi-Fi access points and devices.”
“Pedagogical needs could be met in schools with an approach that limits exposure to Wi-Fi.”

2013 United Teachers of Los Angeles, representing 40,000 teachers and staff

Resolution passed: “I move that UTLA will abide by current National NEA Policy for Environmentally Safe Schools which states that all employees and stakeholders should be informed when there are changes in their exposure to environmental hazards including electromagnetic radiation and that all stakeholders and the public should be notified of any actual and potential hazards.”

2013Elementary Teacher’s Federation of Ontario – over 76,000 teachers

Label the location Of Wi-Fi access points.
Develop a hazard control program related to wireless microwave radiation through JHSC.

2012 The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association(45,000 Ontario teachers)

Recommends a wired infrastructure as WIFI “may present a potential Health and Safety risk or hazard in the workplace…The safety of this technology has not thoroughly been researched and therefore the precautionary principle and prudent avoidance of exposure should be practiced.”

“The National Education Association believes that all educational facilities must have healthy indoorair quality, be smoke-free, be safe from environmental and chemical hazards, and be safe from hazardouselectromagnetic fields.” Section C-19 of the NEA 2013-2014 Resolutions

2013 BC Teachers Federation adopted Wireless Resolutions and Proposed Resolutions

“The BCTF supports members who are suffering from Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity by ensuring their medical needs are accommodated in the workplace.”

Proposed Resolutions “the World Health Organization’s classification of radiofrequency/electromagnetic fields emitted by wireless devices as a 2B possible cancer risk to humans; that the BCTF ensures all teachers have the right to work in a safe environment, including the right to work in a Wi-Fi/ wireless-free environment.”
Recommendation to the Ministry of Education that school boards “begin immediate installation of on/off switches for Wi-Fi routers in schools, thereby reducing microwave radiation exposure and reducing health risks to members, and/or provide safer Ethernet cables or fibre optics”.

2013 The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) of 821 Advisory Councils representing over 500,000 parents in British Columbia passed two resolutions.

Resolution 17 “calls on each Board of Education to have one public school at each education level that is free of Wi-Fi, cordless phones and cell phones. This school will only be equipped with wired computers and wired telephones for personal, educational and administrative purposes.”

Resolution 18 calls on Boards of Education to “cease to install Wi-Fi and other wireless networks in schools where other networking technology is feasible.” passed with a clear majority.

2010 UK VOICE : The Union for Education Professionals– 20,000 members

“Voice has advocated that new Wi-Fi systems should not be installed in schools, that existing systems should be turned off when not required and that schools should consider whether they really need to use Wi-Fi, which was developed to facilitate Internet access on the move rather than to be used as a convenient alternative to cables in dedicated IT facilities.”

2010 Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association