News and Developments (Citizens for Safe Technology)

Poll Question: Are you concerned about Wi-Fi's potential health risks?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

CBC: posted February 21, 2012 (240 comments)"Public board sides with Health Canada, Ontario premier "Dave Miller says the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board trusts Health Canada's belief that Wi-Fi is not a cause for concern. (CBC) "The man behind the public board's plan to wire the schools is siding with Health Canada. He also said most parents are excited by the prospect of their children using wireless internet to learn. "Mostly, we are hearing calls about when are we going to get this installed, and how come it hasn't been done by now," said Dave Miller, manager of business and learning technologies at the school board. They ask, "How come I'm not ahead of the other guy?"

Ottawa school board's Wi-Fi plan scares parents (CBC)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Conflicting reports from WHO, Health Canada leave parents in the dark"Some west Ottawa parents are speaking out about their concerns with wireless internet connections in their children's school, saying not enough is known about long-term exposure to Wi-Fi . . . "Our children should be dissecting rats, they shouldn't be functioning as lab rats," Van Hees said, "And this constitutes as a massive experiment on children." "Jessica Van Hees says children are being put at risk by schools that have Wi-Fi. (CBC) "About one-third of schools at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board are already equipped for Wi-Fi, but the plan is to have all schools, including portables, ready by the end of 2012. Semple and Van Hees Both say their school has not informed them about installing Wi-Fi, which is set for March. "There is conflicting information about whether exposure to radio frequencies from a wireless internet connection is a health hazard. "A World Health Organization report from May 2011 indicates the frequencies may be linked to some forms of cancer. In December, Health Canada updated its website to acknowledge the alternative viewpoint from international agencies but insists more research is needed and Wi-Fi is no cause for concern . . .

Poll Question: Do you think Wi-Fi should be banned at schools because of suspected health concerns?

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

"A Catholic teachers association looks to ban WiFi. What's next? Coffee?"The Globe and Mail: Posted February 20, 2012Intro: "The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association has called for schools to stop installing Wi-Fi because it poses a "potential health and safety risk" to staff and students. "Let's hope that the science being taught in our schools is a lot better than the "scientific" reports that teachers are producing for each other . . . "That's because the OECTA Wi-Fi study, entitled "A position regarding the use of Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation, including WiFi, in the workplace," is a disturbing mix of fear-mongering, false assumptions and twisted logic. Where to begin . . . Poll Choices: No, that's ridiculous, just look at the science Yes, it's important to be cautious with our children's health Maybe, if new damning evidence emerges WiFi radiation? Teachers need to worry about more important things

Poll Question: Does Wi-Fi in schools worry you?

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Ottawa School Board's Wi-Fi Plan Scares Parents - Huffington PostFirst Posted February 21, 2012 Intro: "Some west Ottawa parents are speaking out about their concerns with wireless internet connections in their children's school, saying not enough is known about long-term exposure to Wi-Fi . . .

Privacy and Cybersecurity

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

New CRS Report on Smart Meter Data: News on Science, Technology, Law and Society"Summary: Fueled by stimulus funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), electric utilities have accelerated their deployment of smart meters to millions of homes across the United States with help from the Department of Energy's Smart Grid Investment Grant program. As the meters multiply, so do issues concerning the privacy and security of the data collected by the new technology. "This Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) promises to increase energy efficiency, bolster electric power grid reliability, and facilitate demand response, among other benefits. However, to fulfill these ends, smart meters must record near-real time data on consumer electricity usage and transmit the data to utilities over great distances via communications networks that serve the smart grid. "Detailed electricity usage data offers a window into the lives of people inside of a home by revealing what individual appliances they are using, and the transmission of the data potentially subjects this information to interception or theft by unauthorized third parties or hackers . . .

Report a Problem

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Coalition to Stop Smart MetersREPORT A PROBLEM "The Coalition to Stop Smart Meters is asking everyone who is experiencing any problems during the installation of a smart meter or after having a smart meter installed to contact them at: coordinator1@stopsmartmetersbc.ca "The problems can be related to any issue such as: - Intimidation, threats, bullying, harassment by Corix installers or BC Hydro - Increased utility bills - Damage to appliances, meters or property - Interference with home or medical equipment - Health. Health effects most often reported in other jurisdictions include, but are not limited to: Tinnitus or Ringing in the ears, Palpitations, Tachycardia, Arrhythmia, Headaches, Dizziness, and Sleep disturbance "It is important that all problems be reported in detail, with date of installation of the smart meter, and the date when problems occurred, began or were first noticed. Such data could be useful for legal redress . . . BILL INCREASE TELL YOUR STORY TO B.C. NEWSPAPERS

'Cancer' mast finally comes down in Spain

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Benajarafe vs Vodafone"THEY have long feared that a mobile phone mast has been causing cancer in their village. Now the residents of Benajarafe have scored a massive victory by having it removed. "After a two year battle, Vodafone has been ordered to take down the controversial transmitter. "The locals are adamant that the mast, which stands just metres from their houses was the reason for a high incidence of recent cancer deaths. "Of the nearly 400 residents there have been a staggering 50 cases of cancer with more than 30 people dying in recent years. "Many others claim to have been suffering from insomnia, headaches, depression and memory disorders due to the mast . . .

WiFi in Schools: Dr. George Carlo (Video)

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Canadian government is 'muzzling its scientists'

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

The issue applies to Environment Canada, Health Canada and beyond"You have a government that is micromanaging the message, obsessively. It seems to vet everything that goes out to the media" Margaret Muro, Canadian Science Journalist ". . . It's so hard to get hold of scientists that a lot of my colleagues have given up," she explained. "Ms Munro cited another example of research published in another leading scientific journal, Nature, that was published last October. "An international team including several scientists from the government agency, Environment Canada, set out details of a hole that appeared in the ozone layer above the Arctic. "Ms Munro said she had called one of the scientists involved who she had dealt with several times in the past. He agreed to speak to her, but said that he had been told that her request had to be put to government media relations officials in Ottawa. "So I phoned up Ottawa and they just said no you can't talk to the guy. A couple of weeks later, he was available but by then the story had been done. So they take them out of the news cycle," she said. "Ms Munro also claims that journalists were denied access to scientists working for the government agency Health Canada last year, when there was concern about radiation levels reaching the country's western coast from Japan following the explosion at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Ultimately, journalists obtained the information they sought from European agencies. "The Postmedia News journalist obtained documents relating to interview requests using Canada's equivalent of the Freedom of Information Act. She said the documents show interview requests move up what she describes as an "increasingly thick layer of media managers, media strategists, deputy ministers, then go up to the Privy Council Office, which decides 'yes' or 'no'" . . . "The government has never explained what the process is. They just imposed these changes and they expected us to sit back and take it," she explained. "Professor Andrew Weaver believes that the media protocol is being used by the Canadian government to "instruct scientists to deliver a certain message, thereby taking the heat out of controversial topics". He added: "You can't have an informed discussion if the science isn't allowed to be communicated. Public relations message number one is that you have to set the conversation. You don't want to have a conversation on someone else's terms. And this is now being applied to science on discussions about oil sands, climate and salmon."

Democracy Denied: The Smart Meter Story

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

two-hour Seminar February 29 in VancouverThis two-hour seminar is an opportunity for information and discussion on the subject of Smart Meters.3586 West 4th Avenue in VancouverWednesday, February 29th at 7pm

Teachers making Wi-Fi waves

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA) to shelve the usage of Wi-Fi in schools pending more research into wireless technology"Concerns about microwave radiation related to Wi-Fi usage in schools has many parents asking questions regarding long term effects on their children's health. "Wireless sensitivity is like a peanut allergy you can't see. "For the people who have it, it's hell. But for everybody else, you're just ruining a really good sandwich. "And, until 45,000 teachers brought it back to the forefront Monday, most had dismissed the effects of invisible airwaves outright. "However, the recent outcry by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA) to shelve the usage of Wi-Fi in schools pending more research into wireless technology is causing headaches for many administrators. Much like the headaches, dizziness, nausea, vertigo, racing heart, memory loss and skin rash that parents of children who attend school with Wi- Fi available are claiming their children suffer. "Parents of children at Mountainview have been very vocal about the issue, after several children exhibited similiar symptoms. However, the board has resisted calls to remove the school's Wi- Fi system. "The Catholic teachers' call for a moratorium on wireless Internet follows a warning from the World Health Organization in May. The WHO's cancer centre called for more research into the potential dangers of Wi-Fi, noting all radiation from wireless devices could be carcinogenic . . .Rationale for the Workplace

Anti-Bullying Day - Join us!

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Calling on B.C. Residents by Coalition to Stop "Smart" MetersWednesday, February 29th is Anti-Bullying Day. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Your local BC Hydro Office or Service Centre Christy Clark says "The only way we will defeat bullying is if we stand together united and say, "No matter who you are, no matter what side of the aisle you may sit on, bullying is not acceptable." To find information in your area, contact stopsmartmetersbc@gmail.com or find us on Facebook (Stop Smart Meters in BC)

http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2011/11/24/clark-on-verge-of-province-wide-anti-bullying-plan/

Promises and Laws being broken by Hydro and Corix

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Coalition to Stop "Smart" Meters (two-sided flyer)"We will not force you to have a Smart Meter" say B.C. Hydro Reps. 1) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom guarantees me the right to liberty to make important personal choices. 2) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom guarantees me the right to life, liberty and security. 3) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom guarantees me the right to security from unreasonable search and seizure. 4) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom guarantees me the right to respect for my private life, to non-disclosure of confidential information. 5) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees my right to well-being. 6) The Trespass Act of British Columbia - BC 462. 7) The Human Rights Code protects persons from being harassed or discriminated against, and from retaliation should they complain.

Maple Ridge council calls for choice on Smart Meters

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Moratorium Request Update "Maple Ridge residents, along with all other British Columbians, should have a choice whether or not they want one of B.C. Hydro's smart meters installed on their homes. "Maple Ridge council voted Tuesday to send a letter to B.C. Hydro urging the provincial power utility to respect citizens right to opt out of the controversial $900 million project to replace the province's 1.8 million power meters . . . "There is a strong suggestion these devices are harmful," Bell said at Tuesday's council meeting. "Some may argue that [cell phones and microwaves] are used daily and emit the same frequencies in larger doses, but I want to point out the public makes choices in regards to ... those items. "An earlier motion by Bell to call on B.C. Hydro for a complete moratorium on smart meter installation until there is further research into the health effects of the wireless devices was voted down 6-1, with only Bell voting in favour. "Bell added there are potential security risks from implementing a wireless network from hackers, as well. Her claims of possible health risks from the devices were largely dismissed by the other councillors. "Coun. Cheryl Ashlie said the motion wasn't well thought out, and that if the District takes a stand on smart meters as wireless devices, it would logically have to extend that policy to ban the wireless devices it requires its own staff to use. "We issue cell phones, we have fire and police who use [wireless radios], so we would have to extend the moratorium if we believe there are [health concerns]," Ashlie said. "Once you open that door you have to be prepared to argue it wholly, and I don't think we want to go down that road . . .

Human Rights Complaint (redacted)

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal, February 10, 2012Citizens for Safe Technology Society, Una St. Clair and others v. B.C. Hydro-and-Corix Utilities Case Number 9854

Parties
Nature of Complaint
The Class
Class v. Group
Identified Class members
The Disability
Remedy requested
An effective means of addressing discrimination
Interpretive principles
WSC Conditions
Class definition
Common issues
Success for one is success for all
Is the proposed representative appropriate and adequate
No conflict of interest
Complaint is in the interests of the Class Authorization
The right to opt out
Prima facie determination of the propriety of the representative
Complaint
Alternative to dismissal
Amendments to the Complaint

911 My Bronte Fire Station (Video)

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Cell Towers in Residential Neighbourhoods are Dangerous

Smart Meter radiation shown on HF35C analysis instrument in Nanaimo BC (Video)

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

This refutes BC Hydro's claim that the meters are only transmitting for a few minutes

Doctor's Information Package

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Addressed to Medical Professionals. Useful to all.Also available on this website: Advice about how to obtain a letter from your medical doctor"Dear Medical Professional: "Your patient has asked us for support in providing you with information regarding the possible health risks from non-thermal microwave radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, recently reclassified by the WHO/IARC as a Class 2B, possible human carcinogen. "This WHO risk category also includes lead, DDT, chloroform, and dioxane, and is relevant to all wireless devices emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, including cordless phones, cell phones, IPads, Wi-Fi routers, wireless games, baby monitors, and smart meters . . ."Many doctors have already given medical advice to their patients by way of a medical letter or note on a prescription form stating that the patient should avoid, for medical reasons, living in a residence or residential complex at which a wireless meter is operating in order to maintain their health or avoid aggravating a medical condition. This medical advice stating the health condition and advising the patient that they should avoid ongoing exposure to wireless radiofrequency and smart meter emissions will allow your patient to participate in the Human Rights Action currently underway. We are hopeful that the individual's right to protect their health as advised by their medical doctor will be upheld by the Human Rights Tribunal, and this forced exposure within their own home to undesirable microwave radiofrequency emissions will be replaced with reasonable and respectful accommodation by BC Hydro . . . "Information categories contained in this package:

Microwave Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation - General
Smart Meters
Interference with medical devices (Smart Meters Risk)
Children
EHS/ES - Electrosensitivity
Diabetes
Heart
Tinnitus / Microwave Hearing
Sleep and Insomnia
Infertility / Sperm Damage
Cell Towers - Applicable to constant low-level exposures
Cell Phones
Published Articles
BEES - This section included due to potential impacts on human health from loss of bees and pollination
Lawsuits, Scientific Statements and Letters

O.E.C.T.A. position regarding Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation, including Wi-Fi, in the Workplace

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) Provincial Health and Safety CommitteeA position regarding the use of Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation, including WiFi, in the Workplace Researched and presented by the OECTA Provincial Health and Safety Committee January 2012 There are growing health and safety concerns regarding the widespread use of technology, such as cellular phones and wireless computer networking (Wi-Fi), which produce non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. It is estimated that at least 3 per cent of the population has an environmental sensitivity to the radiation that is emitted by these devices and, as a result, experience serious immediate physical/biological effects when exposed. As has been the case with other known societal health and safety issues, such as exposure to cigarette smoke or asbestos, the health effects of unprecedented long term exposure to this radiation may not be known for some time. Widespread use of, or exposure to, wireless communication devices and WiFi technology in Ontario schools, can be positioned as a potential workplace hazard. This paper examines what is currently known about the impact of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, reviews the implications it can have for Ontario schools, including OECTA members, and makes recommendations to the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association on the issue.

Table of Contents

Introduction
What is Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation?
Health Canada's Position
The World Health Organization and Other Jurisdictions
Exposure Increases with Use
Effects From Exposure
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity
Environmental Sensitivity is a Disability
Role of the Joint Health and Safety Committee
Hazard Control and Prudent Avoidance
Summary
Recommendations
Appendix - Occupational Health and Safety Act

No, Your Patient Is Not Crazy

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Radiofrequency Sickness: Symptoms, Causes, Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Treatment"Radiofrequency sickness results from overexposure to radiofrequency radiation. Radiofrequency sickness is not a disease. It is an environmentally induced functional impairment. Radiofrequency sickness has real and disabling consequences......Our current safety regulations are not designed to protect people from the non-thermal hazards posed by wireless devices and transmitting meters... ...Microwave and radiofrequency radiation are now being associated with attention deficit disorder, autism, sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, SIDS, epilepsy and chronic pain, as well as asthma, diabetes, malignant melanoma, breast cancer, and other illnesses that have become increasingly more common..."

Opt Out from BC Hydro? (Video)

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Do you have the right to refuse BC Hydro's smart meters?

New! Another document to post next to your analogue electrical utility meter

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

An additional effort to halt the installation of a wireless smart meterSOME DETAILS REGARDING THE DOCUMENT: 1. By adding this notice to your analogue meter and door(s), additional security should be provided. 2. Sign the document (Use an indelible pen. Sun bleaches . . .) as B.C. Hydro has, in the past, said "it wasn't signed" and thus they do not have to abide by the notice. We are working to eliminate each excuse to help ensure the highest probability that you do not receive a wireless smart meter. 3. Some people are choosing to physically secure their analogue meters while still allowing the meter to be read as was agreed to in the original contract with B.C. Hydro. You will have to decide whether or not this is something you want to do. 4. If you have put up other signs, documents and letters, leave them as they could add more clout to the evidence of your intent. Be sure to photograph the measures you have taken and keep copies of all you can. 5. With this new document, the groundwork is laid so that if they do install a smart meter against your signed instructions, then there can be serious repercussions put into action.

CKNW Radio Interview on topic of Smart Meters

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Features CST Executive Director, Una St.Clair on health issues and moreThe World Today on CKWN 980AM, 30 January 2012, John McComb speaks to Una St. Clair to try to pin down just what these safety issues might be and is there reason for concern?

The problem with Smart Grids

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

B. Blake Levitt and Chellis Glendinning -March 18, 2011"How is it that so many intelligent, inside-the-beltway environmentalists are buying into an eco-health-safety-finance debacle with the potential to increase energy consumption, endanger the environment, harm public health, diminish privacy, make the national utility grid more insecure, cause job losses, and make energy markets more speculative? Answer: by not doing their homework. Welcome to the Smart Grid -- a government-funded money machine capable of intruding into every aspect of our lives. ...On the surface, Smart Grids sound 'green' -- with promises of saving energy, creating new power-line corridors run on wind and solar, way-stations to power-up electric vehicles, energy-efficient upgrades to an aging power infrastructure, and real-time customer knowledge of electricity use. ...But few who actually study how these new systems function want anything to do with them. Other than those who stand to make enormous profits and the physicists or engineers who dream up such stuff, Smart Grids are giving knowledgeable people the willies . . ."

PG&E Will Offer Analog Meters for Opt-Out

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

CPUC rules that only one option will be available for opting out"The California Public Utility Commission ruled today that Pacific Gas & Electric customers that do not want smart meters could pay to have an analog meter. The long-awaited vote is being watched by other states, although California is not the first to formalize its smart meter opt-out plans..."

Common Knowledge by Jeffry Fawcett, PhD

Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 PST

"making the health damage caused by wireless technologies common knowledge""...Last week, the Health Officer of Santa Cruz County California submitted a report to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors reporting on the health risks of SmartMeters. The report finds that the scientific literature on health effects from wireless technologies supports the continued moratorium on SmartMeter installations on public health grounds. The Santa Cruz report is not a watershed event in the way that the US Surgeon Generals 1964 report on smoking was. Nevertheless, it is continued progress in making the health damage caused by wireless technologies common knowledge..."

Brain tumour increase in Denmark by 40% between 2001-2010

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Tumours in brain and nervous system are increasing"Tumours in brain and nervous system are increasing in Denmark according to the latest report from Danish Cancer Registry. The increase is seen both in men and women. Among men the number of brain tumours have increased by 40% between 2001 and 2010 (per 100 000 inhabitants, age standardised) and among women by 29%..."

FACTS ABOUT SMART METERS (FLYER) Updated February, 2012

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

TWO PAGE FACTS SHEET that can be posted/distributed to increase public awarenessFACTS about Smart Meters: mandated to be installed on your home without your consent. What Every Citizen has the Right to Know . . .

Cell Phone Report

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

A report on cell phones by Environment & Human Health published January 2012What are the potential health issues associated with cellular telephone use? Whether it's the increased use of cell phones by children, or the overall increase in cell phone use by adults, human exposure to electromagnetic radiation is happening in ways never dreamed of before. Very young children are using them, teenagers live on them--and some even sleep with them on their pillows, as cell phones are often used as alarm clocks...

Cell Phone Report Calls for More Responsible Management to Protect Children and Pregnant Women

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

A review of a report calling for more responsible management to protect children and pregnant womenEnvironment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI) today released a new report calling for tougher standards to regulate cellular technologies--especially for children and pregnant women. North Haven, Conn. (PRWEB) February 01, 2012 -- Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI) is releasing a new report calling for tougher standards to regulate cellular technologies--especially for children and pregnant women. This report is the first part of a project researching the health effects of cell phone use. EHHI has reviewed hundreds of peer-reviewed studies that have examined the potential health threats associated with cellular device use, along with the regulatory standards that have been adopted by the U.S. and other nations. This report provides the context for the second section of the project: an animal study designed to investigate the health effects on offspring of cell phone exposures during pregnancy...

Cancer mast finally comes down in Spain

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Residents of Benajarafe score a massive victory"...Of the nearly 400 residents there have been a staggering 50 cases of cancer with more than 30 people dying in recent years. Many others claim to have been suffering from insomnia, headaches, depression and memory disorders due to the mast..."

Every 3 to 30 Seconds

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

SDG&E Manager admits Smart Meters transmit thousands of times per dayBEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RESPONSE OF SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY (U 902 E) ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE'S RULING SEEKING CLARIFICATION This document contains 11 questions with responses for clarification and references a SDG&E (a San Diego major utility) Smart Meter Program Manager admitting that transmissions are, on average, 1,268 times/day (less than every minute) or as much as 25,916 times/day, which is once every 3 seconds. The average of 97% of the meters is less than 2,500 times in a day, which is about every 30 seconds...see page 6.

Wi-Fi Radiation Levels in Classrooms Exceed Levels Near Cell Towers

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Kawartha Safe Technology Initiative (KSTI) Update on WiFi in Schools"Kawartha Safe Technology Initiative (KSTI) provide an update on the issue and concerns surrounding Wi-Fi in their local schools. KSTI strongly opposed the planned implementation of Wi-Fi in schools since we first became aware of the plan in June 2010. Despite parental protests, and written warnings from medical experts, the KPR District School Board (KPR) forged ahead and installed Wi-Fi in all schools . . . A recent KSTI investigation has revealed that Wi-Fi radiation levels in many KPR classrooms exceed radiation levels recorded within 100m of large cell towers.This is very concerning due to the fact that numerous health studies indicate higher incidences of poor health in people who live within 400 m of a large cell tower . . ."

Questions for B.C. Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Kendall

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

A comprehensive letter of inquiry regarding electromagnetic radiation, health and smart meters"Dear Dr. Kendall, "With regard to the wireless smart meters' microwave emissions, I would appreciate your responses to the following questions. We appreciate that this will be no small task, but beg your indulgence on this very important topic: Does external electromagnetic radiation induce changes in cellular functions in human bodies? . . ."Please state the minimum radio wave/microwave electromagnetic energy exposure (in u watts/cm2) at which excitable human biological tissue can be stimulated . . ."Qualified medical doctors and scientists around the globe are calling for stricter regulations and/or a moratorium on wireless technology. Please state your position as to which ones, and why, you would not support any of the resolutions/appeals/reports (39 listed since 1998) . . ."Obviously, for your role as a consultant to B.C. Hydro with respect to the safety of wireless smart meters, you must have expertise in this subject. Please provide any peer-reviewed studies or papers on this subject that you have reviewed or published on this technology . . ." See the attached letter for the 27 questions that have been asked of Dr. Kendall in order to explain his support of BC Hydro's choice of wireless transmitters in their Smart Meter program.

Urgent News: Press Conference announced for Monday, 30 January 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

New documents cast serious doubt on Provincial Health Officer's claims that smart meters are safeIn collaboration with the Coalition to Stop Smart Meters, the directors of StopSmartMeters.ca will be holding a press conference and will deliver two documents to the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Perry Kendall. The press conference will take place on: Monday Jan. 30 at 12.30 pm at the offices of Dr. Kendall: 1515 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC V8W 3C8. The documents for delivery include:The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) letter to the California Public Utilities Commission calling for a halt to wireless smart meter installations on all houses and schools. Santa Cruz Administrative Office letter, re: Ordinance Imposing Temporary Moratorium on Installation of SmartMeters, containing a report written by Dr. Namkung, the Public Health Officer for the County of Santa Cruz stating that "FCC guidelines are irrelevant and cannot be used for any claims of Smart Meter safety".

Support for complaint brought by Andrea Collins, CST under Section 47 of the Utilities Commission Act regarding BC Hydro's SMI program

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

COPE 378 Letter to the BC Utilities Commission"...COPE 378 has concluded that the economic and operational justifications advanced by BC Hydro for the huge investment required to implement SMI ring hollow, and that any expenditures in excess of the bare minimum required in order to remain compliant with the Regulation should be disallowed by the Commission, as instances of throwing good money after bad. In fact, the entire undertaking has the appearance of a project in search of a rationale. With respect to any features or capabilities which are not shielded from regulatory oversight by the Clean Energy Act, we submit that Hydro bears the onus of proof that the net result is a prudent expenditure of ratepayer money and is in the public interest..."

Smart Meter Opt-Out Programs Spread Across North America

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Chartwell's latest industry report

"To defuse opposition from smart meter foes and allow utility companies to move forward with grid modernization plans, utility leaders may have to consider creating smart meter opt-out programs...In addition to detailing which opt-out programs seem to be getting the most support, the report discusses the positive impact on customer satisfaction when utilities offer customers options, regardless of where they fall in the smart grid debate..."

Radiation Protection in Conflict with Science

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

A Documentation: Effects of Wireless Communication Technologies, a Brochure SeriesIn this brochure from the Competence Initiative for the Protection of Humanity, Environment and Democracy, there are 4 parts that speak to a problem identified, in the German Council of Science and Humanities Report (2006) on the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, i.e. the appointment policy of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection that contradicts it's founding mandate as the majority of staff, officials and employees, lack sufficient scientific background thereby posing risk to the protection of public health. To rectify the problem leading positions are "placed in the hands of scientists who openly or covertly work together with the industry." Part I: A Campaign to destroy scientific findingsPart II: Scientific flaws in the German Telecommunication Research ProgramPart III: Deceiving politicians and the public with wrong advicePart IV: The questionable treatment of citizens and their rightsOutlook and concluding questions

Santa Cruz Administrative Office Ordinance Imposing Temporary Moratorium on Installation of SmartMeters

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Time needed to educate CPUC on concerns and allow for study of impacts from SmartMeter technology"Given the broad concern about SmartMeter technology and your Board's desire to go on record, this offce and County Counsel believe that notwithstanding the enforcement challenges, that it is in the best interest of public health, safety, and welfare for your Board to adopt the attached ordinance (Attachment A) implementing a temporary moratorium on the installation of SmartMeters in or on any home, apartment, condominium or business within the unincorporated area of the County. The purpose of the moratorium is to allow additional time to educate the CPUC about these concerns and allow time for adequate study of the impacts resulting from the SmartMeter technology..."See also EMF Safety Network: Public Health Official Report on Smart Meters.

CST Calls Upon Medical Experts Across BC to Protect Their Patients

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

PRESS RELEASE, January 25, 2012PRESS RELEASE"Citizens for Safe Technology Society (CST) has launched a Human Rights action against BC Hydro requesting accommodation of individuals refusing a wireless smart meter for health reasons. These are persons with a variety of health concerns ranging from cancer to heart problems, from seizures to electrosensitivity, and who have medical letters from their doctors requesting BC Hydro accommodate their health conditions by allowing an analogue meter to remain. "On January 19, 2012, The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) officially stated its opposition and request for an immediate moratorium on the installation of wireless "smart meters" based on a scientific assessment of the current medical literature. Their letter states, "Chronic exposure to wireless radiofrequency radiation is a preventable environmental hazard that is sufficiently well documented to warrant immediate preventative public health action." The AAEM confirms that public health standards are inadequate and obsolete and cannot be used to protect the public from chronic, low intensity radiation exposures that raise credible questions about genetic and cellular effects, hormonal effects, male fertility, blood/brain barrier damage and increase in certain types of cancers. The AAEM warn that children are at heightened risk for "altered brain development, and impaired learning and behaviour" from such wireless exposure. http://aaemonline.org/images/CaliforniaPublicUtilitiesCommission.pdf "CST agrees with the AAEM that physicians have an obligation to urge precaution when sufficient scientific and medical evidence suggests health risks which may negatively impact the health of vulnerable individuals and groups, and potentially affect large populations, as is the case with BC Hydro's wireless "Smart Meter Program." "CST calls upon physicians and medical experts in BC to support public health and the Human Rights action by recommending an immediate moratorium on "smart meter" installation until these serious public health issues are resolved. We ask that they support patients seeking relief from involuntary and forced exposure to wireless "smart meter" emissions within their homes by requesting that BC Hydro accommodate them with an analogue meter, without additional cost or penalty. http://citizensforsafetechnology.org/Doctors-Information-Package-for-medical-conditions-connected-with-EHS,77,1766 "The emissions given off by wireless "smart meters" have been classified by the World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Possible Human Carcinogen. Una St.Clair Executive Director, una@citizensforsafetechnology.org

American Academy of Environmental Medicine adopts Resolution against wireless smart meters

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

AAEM Letter to Public Utilities Commission of the State of CaliforniaPhysician's Group (American Academy of Environmental Medicine) adopts Resolution against wireless smart metersJanuary 23, 2012The American Academy of Environmental Medicine has adopted a resolution calling for a halt to wireless smart meters.This represents the first national physician's group to look in-depth at wireless health risks; and to advise the public and decision-makers about preventative public health actions that are necessary. Please distribute to those who may be interested.Cindy SageSage AssociatesAttached letter states, in part:"The Board of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine opposes the installation of wireless "smart meters" in homes and schools based on a scientific assessment of the current medical literature (references available on request). Chronic exposure to wireless radiofrequency radiation is a preventable environmental hazard that is sufficiently well documented to warrant immediate preventative public health action. "As representatives of physician specialists in the field of environmental medicine, we have an obligation to urge precaution when sufficient scientific and medical evidence suggests health risks which can potentially affect large populations. The literature raises serious concern regarding the levels of radio frequency . . . or extremely low frequency (ELF - 300Hz) exposures produced by "smart meters" to warrant an immediate and complete moratorium on their use and deployment until further study can be performed . . . "We consider a moratorium on installation of wireless "smart meters" to be an issue of the highest importance."Hence, we call for:

An immediate moratorium on "smart meter" installation until these serious public health issues are resolved. Continuing with their installation would be extremely irresponsible.
Modify the revised proposed decision to include hearings on health impact in the second proceedings, along with cost evaluation and community wide opt out.
Provide immediate relief to those requesting it and restore the analog meters. Members of the Board American Academy of Environmental Medicine.

Alberta Safe Schools Facebook Page and Petition (NEW)

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Citizens can access the Safe Schools petition from here.Select the welcome page on left to view videos and read useful information about Wi-Fi. "Unfortunately the Edmonton Public School board along with other school districts, have mandated that Wi-Fi will be installed in 100% of their sites and have not given parents Freedom Of Choice should they not want their child/children exposed to Wi-Fi. Edmonton Public Schools is providing no options for Wi-Fi free sites. Most school sites utilize Wi-Fi that is emitting microwave pulsed radiation during the entire school day."Access petition via website, or use this direct link to the Alberta Safe Schools Petition to speak for our right to choose a Wi-Fi free school environment for our children.

Lawsuit against Sebastopol 4G cell tower

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Lawsuit filed by EMF Safety Network"On January 11, the EMF Safety Network filed a lawsuit in California Superior Court against the City of Sebastopol, Verizon, and Crown Castle alleging the City's decision to approve a 4G cell tower expansion was in violation of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). According to the Sebastopol attorney, the city has a "hold harmless" clause in their contract with Verizon which requires Verizon to pay for all litigation costs related to the cell tower. "Sebastopol is located adjacent to an internationally recognized wetlands preserve, the Laguna De Santa Rosa. The City filed a CEQA exemption for the project stating there would be "negligible or no expansion of use", calling it a "minor alteration." EMF Safety Network lawyer Rose Zoia argued their exemption claims were false. The addition of 3 and 4 G panels to the cell tower will add significant radio frequency (RF) exposure to the downtown area and extend nine miles into the Laguna. "Sebastopol's Telecommunications Ordinance states, " No telecommunications facility shall be sited such that its presence threatens the health and safety of migratory birds." . . .

Why Are Cell Phones Using the Wrong Safety Standards?

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Children Using Cell Phones May be Exposed to Double the FCC's RF Exposure Limit"Over 5 billion people worldwide, about 80 percent of the world's population, now has a cell phone. "In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) determines maximum allowed exposures from cell phone radiation, a determination that has the potential to impact public health on a massive scale, especially in light of increasing evidence that exposure to such radiation may cause cancer, brain changes and other health problems. "That the FCC is in charge of this regulation is in and of itself perplexing, considering the FCC states: " ... the FCC's primary jurisdiction does not lie in the health and safety area, and it must rely on other agencies and organizations for guidance in these matters." "Well, according to a new report by Om Gandhi, PhD, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Utah and colleagues, "Exposure Limits: The Underestimation of absorbed cell phone radiation, especially in children," the FCC standards are based on a one-size-fits-all-model that seriously underestimates RF exposures to those most vulnerable, including children...."

Aurora School Removes Wi-Fi to Protect Children's Health

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

School heeds warnings of potential for harm from Wi-Fi systems"Another school has removed its Wifi, following warnings that the system emits potentially harmful microwave radiation. "Schools are in the business of helping children, not hurting them so we shouldn't be taking chances," said Brenda Glashan, principal of the Aurora Montessori School, a private elementary school of 350 students north of Toronto...."

Nanaimo co-housing residents block smart-meter installation

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Pacific Gardens residents turn installers away twice..."Pacific Gardens residents said they are concerned about possible health issues claimed to be associated with smart meters, but also do not want to feel bullied into accepting something they do not want."...

PG&E smart meter opt-out could be analog

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

California Public Utilities Commission revises smart meter opt-out plan"In what looks like a major victory for consumer advocates, the California Public Utilities Commission has revised its own revision of Pacific Gas & Electric's smart meter opt-out plan to allow those who don't want to have the digital meters to keep or go back to their old analog devices. The commission has also put on hold a decision about how to allocate the costs of the opt-out between customers and utility shareholders until more information on the actual costs of the program can be collected. The PUC issued the revised ruling late last week, after pushing back a vote on the issue from its Jan. 12 meeting to Feb. 1."...

UW Scientist Henry Lai Makes Waves in the Cell Phone Industry

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Researcher comments on efforts to discredit his work and the important consideration of study funding.UW scientist Dr. Henry Lai never set out to link cell phones to cancer, but his workand efforts to discredit himsuggest that he was on to something. Ironically, with funding for independent research virtually nonexistent, we may never know for sure. Lai's frustration with the increasing body of contradictory research led him to do an analysis in 2006 of the available studies on cell phone radiation between 1990 and 2006, and where their funding came from. What he found was that 50 percent of the 326 studies showed a biological effect from radio-frequency radiation and 50 percent did not. But when he filtered the studies into two stacksthose funded by the wireless industry and those funded independentlyLai discovered industry-funded studies were 30 percent likely to find an effect, as opposed to 70 percent of the independent studies. Lai says that, while his findings highlight the crucial role industry funding plays in scientific research, the 50-50 split alone should be cause for concern. "Even if you accept all the industry studies, you still end up with 50-50," he says. "How could 50 percent all be garbage? People always start with the statement 'Hundreds of studies have been done on this topic, and no effect has been found,' but this is a very misleading statement. [The statements] come out from the cell phone industry, and people just use it, like the American Cancer Society. People haven't even gone in to look at the real studies and look at the effects that people have reported. This really worries me, because people come out and say things without the facts."

Mesh Collectors 'Itron Smart Grid Cell Router'

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

B.C. Hydro/Telus in Richmond and LangleyMesh Collectors being installed for Smart Grid Photos taken January, 2012 in Richmond and Langley B.C.

Resistance to smart meters high: CST

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Group claims intimidation tactics used to further BC Hydro's wireless initiative"B.C. Hydro claims that only one per cent of its customers have balked at the installation of smart meters - but don't tell that to Una St. Clair, executive director of Citizens For Safe Technology, or White Rock CST supporters Linda Ewart, Tanesa Kiso and Barry Belec. "The latter feel, from conversations with residents, that opposition to the wireless meters is higher than Hydro would like people to believe. "If I were to go around my neighbourhood and speak to most of the people, pretty much 100 per cent are opposed to a number of issues around smart meters and the mandatory nature of their installation," said Belec . . .

Cardiac Effects of Natural and Artificial EMR

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Dr. Neil Cherry, Lincoln University, New Zealand 16/12/02

An important 2002 report containing information about the cardiac effects (arrhythmia, hypertension, blood pressure fluctuations . . . ) of cell phones and Wi-Fi on young people.

Abstract:"The heart is a muscular organ whose regular coordinated contraction, called a heart beat, is regulated by an electrical pulse that initiates a cascade of calcium ions that carry the message into all the heart cells to initiate the contraction of the heart beat. Therefore it is biologically plausible that natural and artificial electromagnetic fields will interfere with the heart activity. It has been shown that external ELF fields cause altered calcium-concentrations in neurons and heart cells. Altered blood pressure is associated with the Schumann Resonance signal, along with its modulation of human heart disease and mortality rates in a homeostatic manner. Electrical and electronic workers, radio/TV workers are shown to have increased risks of heart disease and mortality. We all live in electromagnetic fields which act to contribute to increase the rate of cardiac disease and death. A new high risk factor is the usage of a cellphone. Cellphones have been shown to interfere with electronic pacemakers. Therefore it is very reasonable that they will interfere with biological pacemakers, that is, our hearts. The use of a cellphone is associated with significant increase of blood pressure. This is a symptom of hypertension and shows that there is a cardiac risk factor. This risk factor is strongly confirmed in the context of the Schumann Resonance signal effects, electrical workers effects and altered cardiac functions in radio, TV and radar exposed workers . . .

ADVICE about How to Obtain a Letter from your Medical Doctor

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

UPDATE for CST Application to the BC HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNALCST's "Doctor's Information Package" is now ready to use. Citizens for Safe Technology Society has made application to the BC Human Rights Tribunal to represent all those with medical conditions who feel disadvantaged by the forced exposure within their own home or residential complex to wireless emissions beyond their control from Smart Meters. The following "Advice about How to Obtain a Letter from Your Medical Doctor" explains how to use the "Doctor's Information Package" most effectively. The information in the package can be used to help doctors understand the issue more fully. The resulting letter can then be used as part of CST's application to the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Once you have received a medical letter from your doctor explaining your condition and advising that you avoid smart meter emissions, please scan and send it by e-mail to Una St.Clair, CST, at una@citizensforsafetechnology.org or fax to 1-866-824-8865. Any further queries, such as a mailing address if you wish to mail your letter, can be addressed to Una St.Clair at una@citizensforsafetechnology.org. This two-page introduction contains the following:

Instructions on how to use this package
Suggestions for wording to be used by your doctor
Contact information

ADVICE about How to Obtain a Letter from your Medical Doctor

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Instructions on how to use this package
Suggestions for wording to be used by your doctor
Contact information

Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation and Numbers of EHS

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Olle Johansson, Experimental Dermatology, Karolinska Institutet"The Present risk of electromagnetic fields, such as mobile phone radiation, is scientifically untenable. In the official assessments from the World Health Organization (WHO) of the modern, man-made electromagnetic fields' health risks, epidemiology (the study of health-event, health-characteristic, or health-determinant patterns in a society) has had a strongly dominant position. "From the point of view of theory of science it is not justifiable to establish safety mainly on epidemiology because this is a so-called "soft" approach with significant weaknesses that prevent reliable risk assessment. There are many examples of how epidemiological methods have lead to wrong conclusions . . .

Children and Mobile Phones - The health of the following generations is in danger

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (2008)"For the first time in history, we face a situation when most children and teenagers in the world are continuously exposed to the potentially adverse influence of the electromagnetic fields (EMF) from mobile phones. "Electromagnetic field is an important biotropic factor, affecting not just a human health in general, but also the processes of the higher nervous activity, including behavior and thinking. Radiation directly affects human brain when people use mobile phones. "Despite the recommendations, listed in the Sanitary Rules of the Ministry of Health, which insist that persons under 18 years should not use mobile phones . . . children and teenagers became the target group for the marketing the mobile communications. "The current safety standards for exposure to microwaves from the mobile phones have been developed for the adults and don't consider the characteristic features of the children's organism. The WHO considers the protection of the children's health from possible negative influence of the EMF of the mobile phones as a highest priority task. This problem has also been confirmed by the Scientific Committee of the European Commission, by national authorities of the European and Asian countries, by participants of the International scientific conferences on biological effects of the EMF. . .

Freiburger Appeal - October 2002

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Over 2000 highly-qualified and concerned healthcare specialists have signed this Appeal

Out of great concern for the health of our fellow human beings do we - as established physicians of all fields, especially that of environmental medicine - turn to the medical establishment and those in public health and political domains, as well as to the public . . .

" . . . Above all, we are, as doctors, the advocates for our patients. In the interest of all those concerned, whose basic right to life and freedom from bodily harm is currently being put at stake, we appeal to those in the spheres of politics and public health. Please support the following demands with your influence:

New health-friendly communications techniques, given independent risk assessments before their introduction and, as immediate measures and transitional steps:

Stricter safety limits and major reduction of sender output and HFMR pollution on a justifiable scale, especially in areas of sleep and convalescence

A say on the part of local citizens and communities regarding the placing of antennae (which in a democracy should be taken for granted)

Education of the public, especially of mobile telephone users, regarding the health risks of electromagnetic fields

Ban on mobile telephone use by small children, and restrictions on use by adolescents

Ban on mobile telephone use and digital cordless (DECT) telephones in pre-schools, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, events halls, public buildings and vehicles (as with the ban on smoking)

Mobile telephone and HFMR-free zones (as with auto-free areas)

Revision of DECT standards for cordless telephones with the goal of reducing radiation intensity and limiting actual use time, as well as avoiding the biologically critical HFMR pulsation

Industry-independent research, finally with the inclusion of amply available critical research results and our medical observations

BC Hydro Smart Meter Radio Signal Analysis Findings Report: Response Letters

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Curtis Bennett: letters to and from B.C. Energy Minister Rich Coleman

"Mr. Coleman and others,

"I have just received a report written by Robert Stirling of Protocol Data Services titled "BC Hydro Smart Meter Radio Signal Analysis Findings Report" and the link is provided here. http://www.cbc.ca/bc/news/bc-120109-smart-metres-report.pdf Our media professionals have contacted CBC BC to respond in kind.

"With respect for the reporting professional's credentials, his reporting is incomplete and therefore inaccurate. None of his reporting incorporated the mechanism linking the frequencies to adverse health effects being reported through Health Canada and by expert witness at the request of Canadian Parliament's Standing Committee on Health. Did you even inform this professional the application of law changed because his reporting would have reflected that? . . .

Smart Meter Removal Has Begun - U.S.

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

"California's Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) has quietly begun replacing Smart Meters with analog meters for citizens reporting adverse health effects. Consumer rights and other groups demanded immediately that their wireless devices be removed from their homes. "Recently, the California Public Utilities Commission President Michael Peevey assured customers that the utility "will provide for you to go back to the analog meter if that's your choice.""The problem is that most Americans have no idea how damaging these smart meters are and an even larger group of Americans have never heard of it or see it as a contribution to "save" the planet because that is how these meters were sold to the public. "The tired rhetoric said that the smart grid and smart meters save the planet from doom and gloom, reduce waste by cutting your electricity at peak usage, eliminates the reader who must go to each home to calculate their monthly consumption, reduces your carbon footprint, and it will make the planet "green." The reality is very far from the disingenuous promises. "Californians' electric bills have almost tripled and lawsuits ensued. Marylanders swelter without electricity six hours at the peak of summer and almost freeze six hours in the dead of winter. An analog meter user who insisted on keeping it has to pay $35 each month to have his meter read by the power company. Thousands of customers across the country are having severe health issues from radiation that are not being addressed. "Millions are having issues with the power company selling wireless data collected from their homes via smart meters to third parties. Anybody with a handheld device can capture information from your home and sell it to a third party. The utility company knows if you are home, if you are away, if you are on vacation, which lights are turned on, which appliances, which computers, TVs, and other devices in your home . . .

Stop Smart Meters: The Film - TRAILER (Video)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

a film by the people

Increased Risk of Brain Tumours with High Radio Frequency Exposure

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Cardis: Another Interphone Study"January 6, 2012. It is turning out not to be a good year for mobile phone users and for the naysayers who are trying to convince everyone that mobile phones are safe. "The long-awaited Cardis study, published January 2, 2012 in Occupational Environmental Medicine, concludes that there is an increased risk of glioma (a type of brain tumor) in long-term mobile phone users with high RF (radio frequency) exposure and a lower risk for meningioma (a tumor of the membrane surrounding the brain). Indeed the risk for meningiomas was statistically significant in one analysis (after 7-years for group with highest exposure that included 21 cases and 51 controls). "This study, unlike other studies, attempted to estimate the amount of radiation at the site of the tumour. " . . . "Tumours were located primarily in the part of the brain receiving the maximum RF exposure. While there are many types of potential errors in this type of work, the results agree with previous studies showing an increased risk of tumours on the side of the head receiving the greatest RF exposure for heavy mobile phone users. "This study included data from five countries-Australia, Canada, France, Israel and New Zealand-and, in this line-up, Canada faired the worst for gliomas (statistically significant increased risk of 248%) and New Zealand faired the worst for meningiomas (452% increased risk marginally insignificant at p=0.05) . . .

Federal Lawsuit Filed Against City of Naperville, Illinois regarding Smart Meters (Video)

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Naperville Smart Meter Awareness

Support for stopping smart meters swells at grassroots level

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Trail Daily Times, B.C."Concerns about health risks and human rights complaints associated with smart meters have galvanized a local group to take action. "Cliff Paluck with the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative said BC Hydro's plan to replace all analog electrical meters with digital smart meters is utilizing harmful technology, and the group is now calling for a moratorium on the installation.[The legal team is working with the "Coalition to Stop Smart Meters", the province wide group, as well as the Citizens for Safe Technology Society. We are happy to have support from Kamloops and anywhere else as this is a major undertaking. The cease and desist complaint was filed December 22, charging that Hydro has overstepped the authority given to it under the Clean Energy Act. Nowhere was Hydro given approval to install wireless transmitters on people's homes, and neither was it given authority to install a Zigbee chip which is capable of gathering and transmitting personal data not needed for billing purposes. Please check the website www.stopsmartmetersbc.ca, and donate to keep our legal battle going. This is major and we encourage all to help fight this undemocratic, dangerous and invasive program.]"Representing over 100 people in the cooperative, Paluck said there were many people who felt the province's Crown corporation had not done its due diligence on the health effects of smart meters. "This needs to be stopped," he said. "There are harmful side effects from the electro-magnetic radiation being emitted by the meters, 24-7." "According to studies from around the world -- the University at Albany, Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Trent University in Peterborough, Ont. -- roughly 35 per cent of the population will have adverse reactions to the meters, Paluck said. Further, six per cent of the population is very sensitive to electro-magnetic radiation . . ."Those interested in joining the Kootenay Chapter of concerned citizens, you can contact Cliff Payluck here.

Microwave Exposure Limits

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

300MHz-300GHz in uW/cm2 (microwatts/cm2) Comparisons and Links300MHz-300GHz in uW/cm2 (microwatts/cm2)

Canada, USA
China, Russia, Italy, France (Paris), Poland Hungary
Switzerland / Switzerland Precautionary Limit for Sensitive Areas (Children, Elderly, Medically-challenged)
Belgium (Brussels, Wallonia, Flanders), Bulgaria, Luxembourg
Lichtenstein
Austria (Salzburg) Indoor-Outdoor
Cosmic Background

Smart Meter Near Top of List for Dumb Ideas

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

"...stop legislatures from voting against our interest...""In California, there are over 10 million of them, in South Florida, millions more. They have started popping up all over the country and in some areas people are unaware that they are there. In many cases, they are right outside your door and sometimes within feet of where you sleep. They are called SmartMeters, put there by the power company without your permission, emitting Radio-Frequency Radiation (RFR). This Non-thermal Microwave Radiation is switched on 24/7 and thousands of residents have reported getting sick, with headaches being the most frequent complaint. What to do? . . ."Hirsch said the state legislatures requested an independent analysis, but CCST [California Council on Science and Technology] only produced testimony from the same group that did the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) review, professing the science safe. Hirsch's study claims the commutative radiation of a SmartMeter is as much as 100 times that of a cell phone.""Health Impacts of Radio Frequency from Smart Meters"

Building the Body Electric

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Electrical signals tell cells what to be . . ."Eyes can be grown in a frog's gut by changing cells' electrical properties Inducing just the right electrical state in cells can lead to eye growth anywhere on the body, the team reports online December 7 in Development... "The new eye-growing work shows that during development of an animal, electrical signals tell cells what to be when they grow up... "Biological electricity has mostly been ignored except by scientists studying nerves and muscles, but the unexpected findings in the new study may encourage other biologists to think about how electrical properties influence development. "The thing about this that is so cool is that the eye is thought of as the epitome of a complex structure," Coffman says. "The fact that a narrow range of voltage is enough to specify an eye is kind of amazing."

Conflict Minerals Project Documentary Film (Video)

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Media don't pander to us

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Peace Arch News Two Letters to the EditorFrom Letter One:"Please read the independent research, not industry-based research. There is a vast difference. "Our schools, parks and homes are being flooded with this technology from an unregulated industry. "Just because it is widespread doesn't make it right or safe. We choose to have technology in our home that is wired not wireless. "Our mayors had the courage to stand up and vote yes for a moratorium on smart meters and it is being ignored. Do we live in a democracy or a corpocracy? "There are many reasons to be concerned. Health. Cost. Privacy. "As far as I can see no one is pandering to wireless-tech opponents. Quite the opposite; wireless "smart" meters are being forced onto every home in B.C., whether we like it or not . . . From Letter Two:"Pander" Definition: "to gratify or indulge." Wireless tech "opponents" are neither gratified nor indulged in the Peace Arch News. "Listening, thinking, being open to respectful, balanced debate and participating in solutions is not pandering. In all fairness, we need editors, publishers and citizens who aren't afraid to go there. "There are pressing reasons for sober second thought about wireless technology. Yet, because of the Canadian tendency to trust and comply, most of us are oblivious to its personal and social effects . . .

Smart Water Meter Standards (Video)

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Topic heating up around the country

Another volley fired at B.C. Hydro's smart meters

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

"BC Hydro is nearly a third of the way through its smart meter installation, but that hasn't deterred a network of opponents from initiating legal manoeuvres to halt the controversial $930 million project. "The latest volley in the battle was fired on Friday by the B.C. arm of Citizens for Safe Technology (CST), which filed a complaint to commission under the Utilities Commission Act. "The organization is arguing that the wireless component of the smart meter program goes beyond the scope of an exemption granted to the utility by the provincial Clean Energy Act. That act permitted BC Hydro's smart meter plan to go ahead without certification from the B.C. Utilities Commission to ensure the project was deemed convenient and necessary for the public. "But the Clean Energy Act didn't specify if smart meters could be wireless, said David Aaron, a lawyer for CST, noting "that's the component which raises the health concerns." "The complaint by CST should provoke the provincial utilities commission to re-engage its role as a regulator of BC Hydro, said Una St. Clair, CST executive director. The commission should be monitoring BC Hydro to ensure that the utility's activities don't harm the public interest, she said, adding that "signed" supporters of the organized resistance around B.C. could number around 20,000 . . .

BCUC Complaint under Section 47 of the Utilities Commission Act

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Re Andrea Collins, the Citizens for Safe Technology Society and British Columbia Hydro and Power AuthorityFrom David M. Aaron, Barrister and Solicitor Dear Sirs / Mesdames: I am legal counsel for Andrea Collins and the Citizens for Safe Technology Society ("the Complainants") and I am authorized to file this complaint on their behalf against the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority ("BC Hydro"). A. Overview B. Legislative Background C. The Wireless System D. The Domestic Interface System E. The Complainants F. Standing G. Remedy H. Preliminary Submissions on the Section 45(1) Analysis I. Human Health and Wellness J. Environmental Integrity K. Individual Privacy and Civil Liberties L. Fiscal Responsibility of B.C. HydroView Press ReleaseView COPE 378 Letter

Press Release: Citizens' Group Seeks Injunction Against Smart Meter Program

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Engagement of BCUC's administrative function as regulator of BC Hydro in accordance with the rule of law

A complaint has been filed under Section 47 of the Utilities Commission Act requesting an injunctive freeze on the wireless component of the Smart Meter Program without delay. This action is being taken to engage the Commission's administrative function as a regulator of BC Hydro in accordance with the rule of law; only by operation of the rule of law can the public interest in health, security, privacy and safety be factored into Smart Meter Program decisions.

Up until now, the Commission as a regulator has been left out and, with that, any consideration of the public interest has been eliminated from BC Hydro's decision. The action taken is about preserving the regulatory oversight and democratic process we uphold under the rule of law in British Columbia. BC Hydro cannot be allowed to act with impunity, without regard to the public interest, on a matter that raises serious concerns with respect to human health, environmental integrity, individual privacy and civil liberties.

The Clean Energy Act purports to excuse BC Hydro from having to obtain a BCUC issued Certificate of "public convenience and necessity" but not with respect to the wireless and snooping components of the Smart Meter Program. The Commission is requested to issue relief on an urgent and interim basis, without hearing and without delay, so as to effectively freeze any and all activity being carried out by BC Hydro in contravention of section 45(1) of the Utilities Commission Act. Any delay in the issuance of the relief sought will allow BC Hydro to continue with unauthorized expenditures associated with the Unauthorized Extensions. This Action is taken to preserve and give weight to the public interest with regard to the deployment of the Smart Meter Program in British Columbia.

Media Contacts

David M. Aaron, Barrister & SolicitorTel: 250.551.6840 Fax: 866.685.7376

Sharon Noble, CST Legal Liaison, - dsnoble@shaw.ca, Tel: (619)628-1947

Una St.Clair, CST Executive Director, - una@citizensforsafetechnology.org

View Complaint issued by David M. Aaron on behalf of complainants

PG&E offers to let customers keep analog, mechanical meters

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

"PG&E's new proposal will now go to the California Public Utilities Commission, which could vote on it as early as next month.""After months of protests by consumers worried that PG&E SmartMeters are negatively impacting their health, PG&E extended a big olive branch Monday, saying for the first time that customers should be able to keep their traditional analog meters. "We need to listen to our customers," PG&E CEO said Anthony Earley in an interview. "Why should we be fighting with our own customers over something like this?" "PG&E's new proposal will now go to the California Public Utilities Commission, which could vote on it as early as next month . . . "Consumer advocates said the change of heart was long overdue. "This is definitely progress," said Mindy Spatt of the consumer advocacy group TURN. "It is too bad they forced the meters on so many people before coming to the conclusion that customers should have a choice, which is what customers have been asking for all along."

As Doctors Use More Devices, Potential for Distraction Grows

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

New York Times - Health"Hospitals and doctors' offices, hoping to curb medical error, have invested heavily to put computers, smartphones and other devices into the hands of medical staff for instant access to patient data, drug information and case studies. "But like many cures, this solution has come with an unintended side effect: doctors and nurses can be focused on the screen and not the patient, even during moments of critical care. And they are not always doing work; examples include a neurosurgeon making personal calls during an operation, a nurse checking airfares during surgery and a poll showing that half of technicians running bypass machines had admitted texting during a procedure . . . "It is not, unfortunately, uncommon to see them doing any number of things with that computer beyond patient care," Dr. Luczycki said, including checking e-mail and studying or entering logs on a separate case. He said that when he was in training, he was admonished to not even study a textbook in surgery, so he could focus on the rhythm and subtleties of the procedures. "When he uses computers in the intensive care unit, he regularly sees what his colleagues were doing before him. "Amazon, Gmail, I've seen all sorts of shopping, I've seen eBay," he said. "You name it, I've seen it . . . "

SmartMeter ShutOffs - Santa Cruz Board questions PG&E representative (Video)

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

In response to recent power shut-offs in California

WindSong residents say 'no, thanks' to smart meters

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

WindSong Cohousing is a strata of 34 homeowners in Langley, B.C.Other homeowners are saying "No, thanks" too . . ."Installers who arrived on Monday and Wednesday were politely turned away by residents of WindSong, a community of 34 townhomes nestled in six acres of forested land and gardens in Walnut Grove . . . "If necessary, WindSong will give BC Hydro and Corix Utilities the name and address of the lawyer working with Citizens For Safe Technology, who will talk to them if they want to pursue this matter further" . . . "A petition with more than 15,000 signatures was presented in the Legislature on Nov. 24. Thousands of residents across the province want the installation program halted. They also want the oversight for the $1 billion expenditure to go through the B.C. Utilities Commission review and public hearings. "An Initiative Petition has been started, following the lines of the successful anti-HST petition. "St. Clair said that the meters are not CSA or UL approved, and are being installed by unlicensed people who are not electricians, which could void insurance if fires resulted from faulty installation . . .

Smart meters made us ill, says resident (Frankston, Victoria Australia)

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Jemena is a unique Australian infrastructure company that builds, owns and maintains a combination of major electricity, gas and water assets" . . . Rosemary's doctor has written a letter asking the company to remove the meter but Rosemary said Jemena had stopped returning her phone calls. "California is now uninstalling smart meters as too many people have been made sick by them. Unless we can fix the problem, we may have to sell the house as we cannot live like this. My house is ruined, it is unliveable. My home was my refuge." "Last month, five Victorian smart meter installers, including Jemena, issued a joint statement saying distributors remained confident the meters were safe. "A Jemena spokesman did not return the Weekly's calls before deadline."

Kamloops residents protest smart meters

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Video interviews with Brian Thiesen (Interior Smart Meter Awareness) and Gerhard Krolow, ElectricianA group of concerned Kamloops residents gathered outside the BC Hydro offices this weekend - and their message was clear. Smart meters are bad for your health - and they want them banned. However BC Hydro has said the meters are not health hazards, and meet the strictest standards in the world. They invite anyone to check out their website for more information. Yet, several municipalities around the province have banned the use of smart meters - but Kamloops is not one of them. In fact - the city's plan is to have meters installed around town by the end of next year.

Where Have All the Analogs Gone?

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

"The analog electrical meter: the long-lived workhorse of the residential customer's electrical system--safe, generally reliable, simple, mechanical. It is something many of us never gave much thought to, until something happened along to replace it, that was everything the analog was not... "The "smart" meter has shown itself to be dangerous, unhealthy, unreliable, complex beyond usefulness, and vulnerably electronic, rather than mechanical. Also, its life span is only half that of an analog meter. We never knew what we had till it was (mostly) gone. "Many of us want them back, or are holding onto the one we have for dear life. For those fighting to get an analog restored to their homes, one of the stock answers that PG&E gives when groups or individuals is: "We have no analog meters." Or, "No one makes analog meters anymore." "So, after installing millions of "smart" meters, replacing analog meters both old and new, one has to ask PG&E: Where did all those analog meters GO? . . .

Saltspring residents to smart meters: Stay off our island

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Global BC editorial- The Province"Saltspring Islanders are organizing to stop B.C. Hydro smart meters from being installed on their homes. "I won't let them take my meter," island resident Andrea Collins told The Province. "End of story -- they're not having my [analog] meter. . . "People are taking their own measures to prevent their existing meters from being tampered with, including encasing them in lockboxes," he said. "Hydro is installing the high-tech devices across B.C. in order to comply with the Clean Energy Act, at a cost of $1 billion. Up to 6,000 smart meters are being installed across B.C. every day, although pockets of opposition are digging in to try to change the government's mind. "Energy Minister Rich Coleman said his government is listening and turning around opposition when they hear about it. "We have a number of people who do reject them, but not many," Coleman said Thursday. "Out of the 1.8 million smart meters to be installed, he projects only 3,000 customers will have voiced concerns by December 2012, when the program is complete. "About 50 per cent of the people who initially reject them, once they get a better understanding, they take them," said Coleman, noting 430,000 smart meters have already been installed. There's no going back, he said . . .

Press Release from Stop Smart Meters

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Corix lays claim to analogue meters as of December 15, 2011

December 7, 2011

McGinnis, spokesperson of StopSmartMeters.ca is calling for BC Hydro to instruct Corix, the installers of the new smart meters, not to dispose of the existing analogue electrical power meters.

Come Dec. 15, Corix has announced it will commence to dispose of all the analogue meters it has collected while installing the new so-called smart meters.

"As each fully functional and dependable analogue meter is disposed of a little piece of democracy is lost," claims McGinnis.

"One by one as the analogue meters are replaced by a microwave emitting surveillance device, our rights and our freedoms are being stolen," claims McGinnis.

"It is a crime perpetrated every day that could eventually be reenacted 1.8 million times on all the apartments, homes and businesses in BC," states McGinnis

"There seems to be an undue haste to get rid of the analogue meters," claims McGinnis.

"I think that Hydro and Corix will be relieved to have the existing meters removed from the province so that BCer's will have no option but to stay with the new wireless hydro meters," states McGinnis.

"There have been many of reports of adverse health effects associated with exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from smart meters in other jurisdictions," claims McGinnis.

McGinnis puts BC Hydro on notice, "Just be aware BC Hydro, that the wireless meters can also be removed as easily as they were installed and there may come a day when the people of this province will demand this through an initiative vote."

StopSmartMeters.ca is preparing for an initiative petition campaign as laid out under the Recall and Referendum Act of BC. If successful an Initiative vote could be allowed by the Chief Electoral Officer that could lead to the elimination of the smart meter program in BC.

Contact: Walt McGinnis walterm@stopsmartmeters.ca 250 652 2554.

News Flash! "Operation Sane Meters"

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

North Bay Ontario, Canada"Concerned home owners in North Bay, Ontario are planning a protest called "Operation Sane Meters" in which they are purchasing safe analogue meter kits to swap out North Bay Hydro's toxic radiation emitting/privacy intrusion smart meters, in protest of property rights, health, and privacy, in their own homes. Please join us & help take action. Spread the word! "Watch for updates, and for the event date to be broadcast on the net. "Contact: SmartMetersKill@SmartMeterskill.com for info and support "We're all in the microwave oven! Lets pull the plug on them, and take back our homes!"

Buyer Beware, RF Appliance Warning

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Letter from Cindy Sage (M.A.) is Science and Public Policy Advisor for the EMF Safety Network, Co-Editor Bioinitiative Report"This is a personal story. We just purchased a new Bosch washer and dryer - for delivery next week. Sam Milham [author, MD,MPH, "Dirty Electricity"] happened to call this morning and said the following: "I've just tested a home with an oven and dishwasher that had continuously radiating RF from internal power transmitters." He could verify the RF signal was continuous, and only stopped when he threw the circuit breakers for those appliances (turned off the electricity to them). He could say with certainty the RF signal came from the appliances, because the signal was strongest at the appliance and attenuated with distance. "We have been told that these power transmitters will - in the future - be placed on appliances to monitor and report their energy usage to a wireless smart meter. Further, they should only be giving off RF pulses (the signal) very infrequently . . . "Well, these appliance power transmitters are, in at least some cases, transmitting CONTINUOUSLY . . . "Bosch customer service confirmed that both the washer and dryer we have on order contain power transmitters. They cannot be 'deactivated'. We cancelled our order this morning.

WINDSONG says "NO WIRELESS SMART METERS"

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

WindSong Cohousing is a strata of 34 homeowners in Langley, B.C."WindSong wants metering option that is proven to be safe for families, homes and pocketbooks" "Does anyone actually want a wireless smart meter for their home?" was the question that was asked at WindSong's community strata meeting in October. When everyone in the room realized that no one actually did, the unanimous decision became obvious and the issue closed after a few monthly strata meetings discussing wireless smart meters. WindSong Cohousing, a strata of 34 homeowners became the first townhouse complex in BC on October 19th, 2011 to collectively say no to BC Hydro and refuse the installer, Corix Utilities and not install wireless smart meters on their homes. The reasons behind this refusal are primarily based on the future impacts of compounded electromagnetic radiation on family health, known worldwide billing problems, fire safety hazards, privacy issues and the imposition of wireless smart meters without the informed consent of BC homeowners. That decision was tested Monday, December 5th when a Corix installer arrived at WindSong's door to install wireless smart meters. Residents informed him of WindSong's decision not to accept the installation. He then called his supervisor and was immediately redirected to another job location . . .

Are Tablets and Smartphones Good Gifts For Kids?

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Things to consider when buying for the holidays . . ." . . . "The standard for cell phones has been developed based on old science, old models and old assumptions about how we use cell phones, and that's why they need to change and protect our children and grandchildren," said Dr. Devra Davis, EHT founder and Healthy Child Healthy Word Advisory Board member. Read the Fine Print for "Pocket Gifts." Dr. Davis also calls parents' attention to another tablet fine print warning that states, "a small percentage of people may be susceptible to blackouts or seizures (even if they have never had one before) when exposed to flashing lights or light patterns such as when playing games or watching videos." "Consumers can find this and more on the tablet safety pamphlet. "Whoever wrote this probably had in mind the adult who can fork over $400 to $500 for the iPad," advises Dr. Davis. "Yet nowadays, even babies and toddlers are learning to read from wired devices and falling asleep to white noise played from phones placed under their pillows. A child's brain, healthy or otherwise, is cased in a thinner skull; that's why they absorb more microwave radiation. The brains of children with learning problems, autism or other neurological disorders may be more vulnerable to damage than those of their healthy friends and family members . . ."

Wi-Max to Blanket Cities and Towns (SHAW)

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Shaw Regional Manager, Greig Skulland 604-629-3344Everywhere you go, in every town, in every park, on every beach, in every neighbourhood, you will be under great big Cisco Wi-Fi/Wi-Max routers. That's Shaw's great plan. Even in the little towns, like Enderby, and Merritt, and 100 Mile House. The person to call is Shaw Regional Manager, Greig Skulland 604-629-3344 Tell him and his representatives you HATE the Wi-Max vision (High frequency Wi-Fi in streets and parks) and you plan on joining a class action lawsuit against them. They will be destroying your personal rights to safety on the streets, in your home, with your kids, in the parks. These emissions are a Class 2B carcinogen risk and they are flooding every neighbourhood with them. Shaw is stating they are regulated and allowed to do this by Industry Canada. This is a lie. Wi-Fi is unregulated and the only thing Industry Canada regulates are the components of the devices, which are manufactured to standards. Industry Canada does nothing about health risks, and Health Canada, which should protect us, is lobbied and funded by wireless industry "customers." They are now putting up the routers everywhere, in all towns and cities, for Shaw customers. That means that Telus will also want to do the same thing, and Rogers, and others . . . resulting in even more radiation. Phone Shaw Regional Manager, Greig Skulland 604-629-3344. Tell him you don't like the plans, that the public haven't been consulted, that this is dangerous, that you will even cancel your Shaw account if necessary. There is no defense for unleashing a risk on the whole public, beaming radiation upon all living things, everywhere. Right now they are rolling out Wi-Max in White Rock, Surrey, Victoria, Vancouver, Langley . . . all across the Lower Mainland as far as we can tell. We are also hearing reports from the Okanagan that they are setting up the system there as well. Una St.Clair Executive Director Citizens for Safe Technology Society www.citizensforsafetechnology.org

PETITION ALERT! PLEASE SIGN ONE TIME ONLY!

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

We need NEW NAMES on the same petitionONE TIME ONLY, please SIGN the Petition calling for a Moratorium on Smart Meters We are currently underway with our "WE LOVE DEMOCRACY" petition signatures campaign, which will be brought to the Victoria Legislature on VALENTINE'S DAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2012. N.B. The Petition is the same one as presented by John Horgan on November 24th. We are ADDING SIGNATURES to that same ongoing petition. We are building on the signatures we already have, not starting anything new. Because there is no built-in block for your computer address on this petition form, MORE THAN ONE MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY CAN SIGN from the same computer. Kids count, and wives, husbands, family, significant others . . . A good way to add fresh names to the petition. And if every person who has signed asks two or three new people in their neighbourhood or workplace, and they do the same, our goal is reachable. This is the link to give to others: Petition Page https://cstorg.wufoo.com/reports/smart-meter-petition/On Valentine's Day 2012, let's show them "WE LOVE DEMOCRACY, NOT SMART METERS!" Thanks to all!Una

Electrical installations by unqualified personnel

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Letter from licensed electrician to the Chief Electrical Inspector, Province of B.C.To the Chief Electrical InspectorProvince of B.C.Dear Sir: "I am a licensed electrician with many years experience in residential and commercial work. After viewing the CHEK news report Dec 2, 2011 about the smart meter fire in Nanaimo, I was appalled. Should any experienced electrician look at the closeup pictures of the meter base shown on the news clip, it is obvious that the one knife connection on the load side of the meter base is sprung way out to the right. This would have resulted in a bad connection with the meter thus causing the resultant fire. Had this meter base been observed by a licensed electrician doing the installation of the new meter, he or she would have been required by regulation to not proceed until the problem was rectified. Admittedly the problem may not have been visually apparent, but for the clip to be bent out that far the installer must have then used considerable force to get the meter in place, thus mutilating the connection. "Ted Olynyk, spokesman for B.C.Hydro, was far too quick to blame faulty wiring in the home for the resulting problem. I would guess that Mr. Olynyk is not an electrician, for if he was, he would know that the problem originated with the installation of the new meter, and that was what caused the bad connection. Were it otherwise, such a poor connection would have resulted in problems within the home soon after the original analogue meter was installed. "Were I an inspector looking into this electrical fault that may have resulted in loss of life and extreme damage to property, I would first look at the result of having workers doing piece work as fast as they can in order to make more money. That coupled with the fact that they are not electricians and thus have no license on the line for their incompetence, I could only conclude that it is their employer who is ultimately responsible, not the homeowner. "Mr. Olynyk says that this sort of thing will happen on rare occasions. Is he or his employer willing to take full responsibility for any loss of life or damage to property where the originating problem is with the meter base or the meter? The installer, as their representative, is or should be required to insure that the meter base is in a safe working condition prior to installation of the new equipment. "Had these meters been installed by B.C. Hydro employees (licensed electricians) through attrition and in new installations, these problems would not be so severe, or probably would not happen at all. An electrician, once aware of an electrical safety problem, is required to fix it or report it to a higher authority. This falls in the same category as you in the Safety Branch. "I am therefore asking, now that you are aware of it, that you address this problem and not allow a public relations officer for B.C.Hydro to decide the homeowners' responsibilities for electrical work done by B.C.Hydro. Alan MacKinnonNanaimo

Wi-Fi in Schools is Safe. True or False? (Video)

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Dr. Magda Havas

ALERT: Europe Bans X-Ray Body Scanners Used at U.S. Airports

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Dr. Mercola"On November 14, 2011 the European Commission banned X-ray body scanners that use "backscatter" technology from airports. "The scanners, which are still in use in the United States, project X-ray beams onto your body using ionizing radiation to create a detailed reflection of your body that is displayed on a monitor viewed by a remotely located officer. "Ionizing radiation causes DNA damage that can lead to cancer, and its effects are cumulative. "This means that every time you pass through an X-ray scanner, your risk of developing cancer, and other unintended adverse effects, increases. "Ever since the machines were introduced, concerns over both privacy and public health have been voiced, which is why the European Commission's decision to take a proactive stance by using alternative scanners to protect their citizens' health is likely to bring the issue front and center once again.

Why Did Europe Ban X-Ray Body Scanners?
Are We Being Lied to About the Scanners' Radiation Levels?
Radiation Technologies Can Malfunction.
Radiation from Scanner Beams Concentrates on Your Skin.
How to Identify the Two Types of Body Scanners.
Tips for Reducing Your Cumulative Radiation Load While Flying.

Story at-a-glance:

The European Commission has banned X-ray body scanners that use "backscatter" radiation technology from airports, "in order to not risk jeopardizing citizens' health and safety" - but they are still in use in the United States.

Backscatter X-ray scanners expose your body to ionizing radiation, which causes cumulative DNA damage that can lead to cancer.

Because the scanners' X-ray beams are concentrated on your skin, not distributed throughout the volume of your entire body, there is concern that the dose to your skin could be dangerously high.

The former Homeland Security chief and co-author of the PATRIOT Act, Michael Chertoff, is one of the primary promoters of full-body scanners, and is a paid consultant for the companies that sell them.

You always have the right to opt-out of X-ray body scanners while traveling and can choose to have a pat-down instead; if enough people choose to opt-out, it may prompt the scanners to be removed from U.S. airports.

Class Action Suit Seeks to Limit Smart Meter Use

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

California's Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)"California's Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is again coming under fire for its use of wireless-equipped smart meters, this time in the form of a class action lawsuit. "The lawsuit, filed by Northern California electromagnetic radiation consulting firm Wilner & Associates, lists ten grievances ranging from alleged misrepresentation of radio frequency (RF) levels emitted by the meters to alleged unlawful use of property. The filing also claims PG&E has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by allegedly ignoring the rights of customers who suffer from medical symptoms they believe are caused by electromagnetic radiation from the meters . . .

How To Defend Against Smart Meters

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

William Thomas - "Denial is not an option.""Electromagnetic pollution (EMF) may be the most significant form of pollution human activity has produced in this century!" -Dr. Andrew Weil "Radio frequencies... will have deleterious medical effects to people... according to a large body of scientific literature. Babies and children will be particularly sensitive to the mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of the radio frequency radiation." -Dr. Helen Caldicott "Ben Franklin may have discovered electricity, but it is the man who invented the meter who made the money." -former US Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren

Replacing A Smart Meter With A Safe Analog Meter (U.S.) (Video)

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Addressed to Americans. Canadians pay attention . . .

Frequent Fliers: How Big a Concern Is Backscatter Body Scan Radiation? (Video)

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

PBS NEWSHOUR editorial

NASA: Electromagnetic Field Interactions with the Human Body: Observed Effects and Theories

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Archive: Original document prepared for Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt Maryland by Dr. Jeremy K. Raines (1981)This is an important document. It shows NASA had all details of health effects at these frequencies years, even decades ago. This is about as independent as it can get. Ladies and Gentlemen, the cat was out of the bag in the 1970's. Governments, Authorities and Industries have been trying to stuff it back in ever since . . .

Author: Jeremy K. Raines, Ph.D., P.E.

Ph.D., Electromagnetics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.

M.S., Applied Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

B.S., Electrical Science & Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA

Registered Professional Engineer, State of Maryland, P.E. No. 9594

Professional Societies: IEEE (Senior Member), Association of Federal Communication Consulting Engineers (President, 1983-84), American Physical Society.

Technical Honor Societies: Tau Beta Pi (general engineering), Eta Kappa Nu (electrical engineering, MIT Chapter President, 1968-69), sigma Xi (scientific research), Mu Alpha Theta (mathematics)

Introduction:"This is a report of what is known today concerning non-ionizing electromagnetic field interactions with the human body. Emphasis here is simultaneously on the two adjectives "non-ionizing' and "human" and in that respect the report is probably unique. In the past, while much was being written about certain electromagnetic waves (e.g. gamma, X, and cosmic rays) called ionizing radiation, it was generally assumed that others, called NIR (non-ionizing radiation) had no effects besides rather obvious ones, which were either avoidable or controllable, such as heating and electric shock. More recently, this assumption has been reconsidered, but the resulting studies are overwhelmingly concerned with the effects of NIR not on humans but on plants, lower animals, and isolated organic substances. A small fraction do concern humans, however. If these human-related studies were collected together, and supplemented by interviews and other sources of information, what new and greater degree of understanding would result? This is the chief question which the report attempts to address . . .

Concerns over B.C. Hydro's smart meters keep coming

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Matthew Burrows December 01, 2011The provincial NDP energy critic believes the "significant anxiety in the community" over B.C. Hydro's smart meters has eclipsed public anger over the harmonized sales tax.

"I've received over 5,000 emails since sometime in June, more than any other issue I've dealt with in six years," John Horgan, Juan de Fuca NDP MLA, told the Georgia Straight by phone. "I tabled a petition with 15,000-odd names last week. I am not a doctor. [Provincial health officer] Perry Kendall says there's no health consequences. Others have a different point of view."

(photo) NDP energy critic John Horgan wants the government to suspend the installation of smart meters until the B.C. Utilities Commission does a review.

Last week, the Straight reported that Walt McGinnis, from the group StopSmartMeters.ca, is calling for an initiative vote like the referendum in which the public voted to scrap the HST. Horgan said public awareness of smart meters is not widespread enough yet to make such a move viable in this case.

"I have called for the government to suspend the installation of the smart meters until the B.C. Utilities Commission can review the program to ensure that it's cost-effective, it will achieve its objectives, and allow an opportunity for those who have concerns about health and privacy to have a public place to take those concerns," Horgan said.

When the B.C. Liberal government mandated the installation of 1.8 million smart meters by December 2012, under the 2010 Clean Energy Act, it was a "mistake" to exempt it from BCUC scrutiny, Horgan added. The "second mistake" the government made was ignoring public concerns, he noted.

"What I know for sure is, whether people have actual health impacts or not, they are certainly having health impacts with the anxiety of these things being installed," Horgan claimed. "It's clear on the faces of the people that come and see me. It's clear in the appeals in the emails. So you'd have to be pretty hardhearted to not pause and listen to people, and that [not listening] seems to be what Mr. [Rich] Coleman is doing."

Energy and Mines Minister Rich Coleman did not respond to several messages left by the Straight.

John Cummins, leader of the B.C. Conservative Party, told the Straight he favours a moratorium on the smart meters, even though he has one on the side of his new home in Langley and has suffered no adverse health impacts.

"I would like to see the thing ended," Cummins said by phone. "If we had been in government, this project would not have gone ahead. My view is that it's a huge expense, one that Hydro can't afford, given its debt, and I am wondering how they are going to pay for this stuff at the end of the day."

Cindy Verschoor, B.C. Hydro spokesperson for the smart-meter program, told the Straight that 370,000 of the devices have been installed provincewide to date.

"The meters are safe," Verschoor said by phone. "We've just completed independent testing of the meters. They use the same technology...it's radio frequency similar to your TV or radio. The total transmission time of the meters--that has been independently recorded in our independent testing results--is 2.734 seconds per day [per one-watt meter]."

Verschoor repeated the claim that exposure to the smart meter for its 20-year life span would equal the radio-frequency exposure of one 30-minute phone call.

"That is simple mathematics, again," Verschoor said. "It's an engineering equation. It's not a big secret. It's a fact."

However, Verschoor did not have the information to back up her claim "in front of her". By press time, she had still not explained how the utility reached that conclusion. Verschoor said she did not know how many smart meters were uninstalled following public complaints during or after installation.

For Horgan, the buck stops with Coleman.

"And you know what the problem there is?" Horgan added. "I am in opposition and he's the Minister of...Everything. So if you want to know why they are doing it, you should ask him."

Georgia Straight article online

Fire from Smart Meter News (Video)

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Nanaimo house experiences a fire and other strange events after the new Smart Meter was installed.

Residents taking steps to prevent smart meter installation

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Olynyk, B.C. Manager of Community Relations for Vancouver Island, has said that under no circumstances would Corix installers proceed with a smart meter if a homeowner informs them not to, whether by signage or in person.

People are leaving notes and even barricading the devices

by Matthew Gauk December 01, 2011Kim Goldberg hopes that a metal strap, a piece of plywood and some screws will keep her old hydro meter where it is.

The Nanaimo woman has barricaded her analog meter in anticipation of the changeover to smart meters and has told Corix Utilities installers to keep away.

"I've also posted my signage and sent the relevant letters to B.C. Hydro and to Corix," Goldberg said Wednesday.

"But the reason I went to the extent to post a barricade is that all over Vancouver Island and beyond there are cases of Corix installers ignoring the posted signs, even when they're placed right beside the meter, and I just didn't want to take any chance."

Dave Aune of Cedar recently put up a sign on his analog meter expressing his wish to not participate in the new system, but said a Corix installer put in a smart meter anyway.

He said that two days after he received a notice in the mail, he saw a Corix employee walking away from his neighbour's house.

"I didn't realize he had done mine. I looked over and I saw the neighbour's. And the next day I realized he'd done mine, too. It only takes a minute to do them, it's a clip in and clip out thing," said Aune. "My sign is still hanging there."

Aune's is concerned the new smart meters are an unnecessary expense, that they will put meter-readers out of work, and that the installation is an invasion of property.

Goldberg's main worry is what she sees a possible health hazard created by the meter's wireless connectivity.

Ted Olynyk, B.C. Hydro manager of community relations for Vancouver Island, said utility company would work with customers who refuse smart meter installation on an individual basis.

"We'd call them up and go through concerns. . . . Some may have issues regarding privacy, some may have issues with radio frequency. There's a lot of misinformation out there," said Olynyk, who wasn't familiar with Aune's case.

Olynyk said that under no circumstances would Corix installers proceed with a smart meter if a homeowner informs them not to, whether by signage or in person.

He also stressed the importance of keeping meters accessible for safety reasons.

canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=30cee056-886c-4e97-a4e4-273a98633e89

Warning: High Frequency

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Christopher Ketcham: Earth Island Journal - Winter 2012(Related Christopher Ketcham Article: Warning: Your Cell Phone May be Hazardous to Your Health, February, 2010)"Consider this story: It's January 1990, during the pioneer build-out of mobile phone service. A cell tower goes up 800 feet from the house of Alison Rall, in Mansfield, Ohio, where she and her husband run a 160-acre dairy farm. The first thing the Rall family notices is that the ducks on their land lay eggs that don't hatch. That spring there are no ducklings. "By the fall of 1990, the cattle herd that pastures near the tower is sick. The animals are thin, their ribs are showing, their coats growing rough, and their behavior is weird - they're agitated, nervous. Soon the cows are miscarrying, and so are the goats. Many of the animals that gestate are born deformed. There are goats with webbed necks, goats with front legs shorter than their rear legs. One calf in the womb has a tumor the size of a basketball, another carries a tumor three feet in diameter, big enough that he won't pass through the birth canal. Rall and the local veterinarian finally cut open the mother to get the creature out alive. The vet records the nightmare in her log: "I've never seen anything like this in my entire practice... All of [this] I feel was a result of the cellular tower." "Within six months, Rall's three young children begin suffering bizarre skin rashes, raised red "hot spots." The kids are hit with waves of hyperactivity; the youngest child sometimes spins in circles, whirling madly. The girls lose hair. Rall is soon pregnant with a fourth child, but she can't gain weight. Her son is born with birth defects - brittle bones, neurological problems - that fit no specific syndrome. Her other children, conceived prior to the arrival of the tower, had been born healthy. "Desperate to understand what is happening to her family and her farm, Rall contacts the Environmental Protection Agency. She ends up talking to an EPA scientist named Carl Blackman, an expert on the biological effects of radiation from electromagnetic fields (EMFs) - the kind of radiofrequency EMFs (RF-EMFs) by which all wireless technology operates, including not just cell towers and cell phones but wi-fi hubs and wi-fi-capable computers, "smart" utility meters, and even cordless home phones. "With my government cap on, I'm supposed to tell you you're perfectly safe," Blackman tells her. "With my civilian cap on, I have to tell you to consider leaving." "Blackman's warning casts a pall on the family. When Rall contacts the cell phone company operating the tower, they tell her there is "no possibility whatsoever" that the tower is the source of her ills. "You're probably in the safest place in America," the company representative tells her. "The Ralls abandoned the farm on Christmas Day of 1992 and never re-sold it, unwilling to subject others to the horrors they had experienced. Within weeks of fleeing to land they owned in Michigan, the children recovered their health, and so did the herd. "We are now exposed to electromagnetic radio frequencies 24 hours a day. Welcome to the largest human experiment ever. "Not a single one of the half-dozen scientists I spoke to could explain what had happened on the Rall farm . . .

Smart meter program meant to herd people

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

B.C. Local News, Nanaimo"I am deeply disappointed in how our government has dealt with the smart meter program. "B.C. Hydro first advertised that we, the people, would not have to phone in if our hydro went out. "Hydro has a monitoring system complete with its own satellite communication that is independent of the Internet that monitors all main distribution. They are well aware of when hydro goes out. They also stated it would curb hydro theft. Hydro theft is done before the meter so a new meter will not prevent this. "The latest advertising states the meters will educate us as to how to save and reduce consumption. "It sure will. When they have completed the installation process, you can bank on a shift in billing to reflect consumption during peak hours . . .

Steamed about smart meters

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

B.C. Local News, Kamloops"BC Hydro's Fiona Taylor can "suggest" all she likes that smart meters are safe, but the fact remains the so-called studies BC Hydro is basing its safety claims on are grossly misleading and intentionally designed for this purpose. "When teaching children graphing in grade school, one of the first lessons learned is that you must not compare different units of measure on the same graph. "BC Hydro's talking heads must have been absent for that lesson because that is exactly the method used in their regurgitated claim that 20 years of radiation from a smart meter equals a 30-minute cellphone call . . ."

Electrosmog in the Environment (Switzerland)

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape (SAEFL) June 2005"Electricity supply systems, electrical appliances and a wide range of transmitters for various wireless applications generate non-ionising radiation (commonly referred to as "electrosmog") that can be harmful to our health, depending on its intensity. With its Ordinance relating to Protection from Non-Ionising Radiation, the Federal Council introduced a legal instrument to protect the population against the harmful effects of electrosmog. "This brochure describes the main sources of electrosmog, assesses the associated risks, identifies existing gaps in research and suggests ways in which we can reduce our own level of exposure."

Brian Stein - Full Electromagnetic Sensitivity Lecture (Part 2 of 2) (Video)

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

United Kingdom

Brian Stein - Full Electromagnetic Sensitivity Lecture (Part 1 of 2) (Video)

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

United Kingdom

Corix to dispose of Analog Meters once and for all - Press Release

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Another premature decision by BC Hydro? Includes LETTER SENT TO HYDRO and PREMIER ("Read on").PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate RELEASE "Corix to dispose of Analog Meters once and for all" "There are thousands of analog meters being stored by B.C. Hydro that they plan to dispose of before mid-December of this year."Vicki Lightfoot of the Merritt chapter of the coalition to stop smart meters is calling on Premier Clark, and B.C. Hydro to not destroy these meters so that the option to switch back to analog meter is still available to all B.C. Hydro customers. "Two families in British Columbia are on record as having their smart meter replaced back to analog meter after complaining to B.C. Hydro about adverse health reactions after the smart meter was unknowingly installed on their homes. According to B.C. Hydro spokesperson, Dag Sharman, this will no longer be an option after mid-December of this year because B.C. Hydro will no longer be storing the analog meters. Asked by Lightfoot what B.C. Hydro plans to do with the meters, Mr. Sharman replied that he did not know. "A close look at the agreement between B.C. Hydro and the company contracted to install the meters, Corix, has revealed that the Provincial Government is giving Corix our analog meters as of mid-December of this year. "Vicki Lightfoot, member of the Merritt chapter of the coalition against smart meters, has submitted a letter to Premier Clark, Energy Minister Rich Coleman, and B.C. Hydro board members requesting that they keep the meters until such time as each British Columbian has had the option of keeping their smart meter or not. "Lightfoot contends that the World Health Organization's ruling in May of this year to classify radiation emitted from such devices as wireless meters as a class 2-b potential carcinogen, came after Hydro's decision to go ahead with the wireless meter program. Given that the radiation emitted from the smart meter is now a class 2-b carcinogen, the public has a human right to decline additional exposure to the electro-magnetic radiation emitted from Hydro's smart meters."

Defend and Protect your Analogue Meter

Sat, 7 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Collection of 8 signs to choose fromThis list contains a menu of choices to announce your intention NOT to have a "Smart Meter" on your property. Take your pick . . . Protect with "Ziploc" bag or laminate. Attach sign(s) and letter on or beside your analogue meter, being careful that dials are still visible. Take photograph and keep as proof. Attention Corix! No Trespassing Sign with space to record address, name and dateLetter/Sign to post on your "old" (non-wireless} analogue meter. States reasons for refusal."Do Not Remove this analogue meter" To deter installer from changing to Smart or Digital ("pre-smart")"Stop! Do Not Install" COPE stop sign (with space to record address, name and date)Sign "My Legal Right" black and yellow for public displaySign "My Human Right" black and yellow for public displaySign "My Democratic Right" black and yellow for public displaySign "No Smart Meter" Five reasons not to install a wireless meter

Presentation of 15,528 petition signatures to BC Minister of Energy (Video)

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Smart Meter Moratorium requests from BC citizens. Video includes statements from Una St Clair

BC Legislature- Smart Meters (Video)

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

unedited clip of exchange between Minster of Finance/Deputy Premier the Hon. Kevin Falcon, NDP Energy Critic John Horgan, and Minister of Energy and Mines the Hon. Rich Coleman

Activists want referendum on B.C. Hydro smart meters

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

Georgia Straight POLL included. Please sign! Do you think B.C. should hold a referendum on B.C. Hydro's smart meters?" . . . Critics such as McGinnis claim that there are too many "weaknesses" to the smart-meter program, not least relating to possible health impacts. "[B.C. Energy and Mines Minister] Rich Coleman is saying that 20 years' exposure to the radiation emitted from a smart meter is the same as a 30-minute [cell] phone call," McGinnis said. "Now, what we've been asking B.C. Hydro is for their research for their data to support that claim. They haven't supplied us with it, and that's because there isn't any. There is no research to support that claim." "The same claim is made on B.C. Hydro's own website in the section explaining smart meters. B.C. Hydro claims smart meters will save taxpayers $70 million in lower rates over the next three years, and "$1.6 billion in avoided costs and increased efficiencies over the next 20 years". "Coleman and B.C. Hydro smart-meter-program spokesperson Cindy Verschoor did not respond to calls by deadline . . ."

BC Hydro's smart meter installers lie to residents, then call police (Video)

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Merritt, B.C.

Smart Meter opponents don't phase energy minister

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

CKNW News"A small protest at the legislature today by opponents of BC Hydro's Smart Meters. "Sharon Noble called for donations for possible legal action against the program including a human rights complaint or an initiative drive to force a referendum. "And we can't compete with it [BC Hydro's huge expenditures on advertising] now support our legal action support the initiative and we are going to stop this undemocratic and dangerous program." "Meanwhile Energy Minister Rich Coleman says Smart Meter opponents can learn to love the controversial devices. "Coleman says only a few hundred people have so far refused to accept Smart Meters at their homes. "Well what we're going to do is we'll educate those folks over time, our objective is to go through and put in, install the smart meters as we can, we'll have about half a million done by the end of December, so when that's completed we've got 1.8 million to do, we keep going back and educating, in most cases where we've had people that have said no, once they've learned about 'em, they've come back and taken 'em." "Protesters presented a 13,000 name petition against the Smart Meters at the legislature today citing health and privacy concerns."

Stop Smart Meter Signatures to BC Legislature (Video)

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

oral question period: Kevin Falcon (Minister of Finance), John Horgan (NDP Energy Critic), Rich Coleman (Minister of Energy and Mines)

Gingrich warns EMP greatest strategic threat to U.S.

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Claims it 'would literally destroy country's capacity to function' This piece about "EMP's" is pertinent to "EMF's," as humans are electrical beings. Disease and death by a thousand cuts, or a single burst. It's all a matter of scale. "WASHINGTON - In the Republican presidential debate Tuesday on CNN, presidential candidate and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich announced a threat to U.S. national security that no other candidate has discussed and that commentators described as "out of the box" until they researched it for themselves. "The potential threat Gingrich referred to was an electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, attack that "would literally destroy the country's capacity to function." Gingrich pointed out that no one is talking about the potential for such an attack to cripple America's critical infrastructure. "Business Insider said that "at first, we thought Gingrich had been playing too many video games, but after looking into it, it turns out EMP attacks are actually real and pretty damn scary." "The CNN debate was sponsored by two conservative Washington-based think tanks, the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation. "An EMP is generated from a nuclear bomb explosion in the atmosphere. It is a pulse of energy that is produced from the explosion . . ."

Smart Meter Petitions presented, Referendum Initiative Announced (Video)

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

CHEK News

Coalition to Stop Smart Meters

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

News Coverage, Information and UpdatesSmart Meter Action Centralstopsmartmetersbc.ca

Referendum Initiative Announced - Press Conference

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Coalition to Stop "Smart" MetersFirst Video: Walt McGinnis and Steve Satow of "stopsmartmeters.ca" formally and publicly launch the referendum initiative against the BC Liberal's and BC Hydro's Smart Meters campaign at this press conference. Second Video: Una St.Clair and Sharon Noble of the Coalition to Stop Smart Meters present the signatures to John Horgan on the steps of the BC Legislature.

Smart Meter REFERENDUM INITIATIVE ANNOUNCEMENT (Video)

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

stopsmartmeters.ca announces referendum initiative - Press Conference 1

New Facebook Page: "Alberta Safe Schools" COMING SOON!

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

NB: Postponement of launch dateSOON the Alberta branch of Citizens for Safe Technology (CST Alberta) will be launching their Facebook page, "Alberta Safe Schools" (http://www.facebook.com/albertasafeschools), and their petition "Freedom of Choice for Safe Schools." We encourage all Albertans to visit their Facebook page and begin signing the petition when it is launched, which will hopefully be soon.Thanks from CST Alberta!

Thousands of British Columbians say "No" to Smart Meters

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Press Release and Media Advisory for immediate release November 23, 2011

Press Release November 23, 2011media advisoryTHOUSANDS OF BRITISH COLUMBIANS SAY "NO" TO SMART METERS

The Liberal Government and BC Hydro state that only a small number of people are concerned about the Wireless Smart Meters being forced upon them without consent. This is not accurate. Within one week, thousands of signatures have been gathered on a Petition organized by Citizens for Safe Technology Society demanding a moratorium and full independent review of BC Hydro's Wireless Smart Meter program.

To date, over 13,000 Petitioners are refusing the forced installation of Wireless Smart Meters, or demanding these same meters be removed for reasons of health, cost, privacy, security and safety. The Petition (both online and hard copies) will be presented to the Legislature on November 24, 2011, by John Horgan, NDP Opposition, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources critic, MLA for Juan de Fuca.

How long will the Liberal Government and BC Hydro show such callous disregard for democracy and human rights? British Columbians refuse to accept the Government decree that they no longer have the right to choose to protect their health or the health of their families in their own homes. Wireless Smart Meters emit radiofrequency electromagnetic fields which were classified by the World Health Organization as possible to cause human cancer on May 31, 2011. Further, exposure to wireless emissions can exacerbete existing health conditions, and cause electrohypersensitivity, a physical health condition which can rob young and old of health and quality of life. The only remedy for this environmentally triggered health condition is to avoid wireless exposures wherever possible, and most importantly, within one's own home.

Further, British Columbians are determined to protect their privacy and security by refusing to allow devices that disclose personal electricity use and behaviour patterns, which are also vulnerable to unauthorized intrusion. This is no longer a simple electricity meter, but a complex multiple channel radiofrequency transmitter surveillance device.

Reports are now being received of sudden onset ill health triggered by exposure to Wireless Smart Meters, most commonly headaches, insomnia, heart irregularities, dizziness and nausea. Further, we are aware of two situations where the Wireless Smart Meters have been removed and analogue meters replaced by BC Hydro due to residents' complaints of ill health.

Questions need to be asked about the actions of the Liberal Government and BC Hydro, our sole provider of electricity, which amount to intimidation in their attempts to force customers to forego their democratic and human rights to health, privacy, security and safety.

Citizens can continue to vote for a Wireless Smart Meter program moratorium at www.citizensforsafetechnology.org

PetitionCST and the Coalition to Stop Smart Meters in BC, www.stopsmartmetersbc.ca, are now working with legal counsel formulating legal and human rights solutions.

Media Contact: Una St. Clair, una@citizensforsafetechnology.org

Fiona Taylor Interview re Smart Meter Program November 2011 (Video)

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

BC Hydro's 'Smart' Meters: Confronting Corix

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Arthur Topham- Quesnel Cariboo Sentinel" . . . About a week ago in the early morning while upstairs in my office working I heard a vehicle coming up my driveway. I live in the small village of Cottonwood along the Barkerville Hwy approximately 26 km east of Quesnel, B.C. When I glanced out the window I could see that it was a pickup truck that I didn't recognize and so I quickly went downstairs and out the front door. By the time I reached the doorway a man had turned his truck around and was standing behind it. As I walked out on the porch I could tell that it wasn't the man from Glad. I knew immediately from what he held in his hand that it was the man from Corix! . . .

Finding New Ways to Keep Tabs on People

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

A Wall Street Journal video interviewThe global market for off-the-shelf surveillance technology has taken off in the decade since 9/11. WSJ's Jennifer Valentino-DeVries explains some of the new methods governments and law enforcement are using to monitor people.

Mobile Communications - The Cause for the Global Disappearance of the Bees

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

a tri-fold brochure from The World Foundation for Natural Science"If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man has not more than four years to live; no more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more humanity!" credited to Albert Einstein* Download first to print

Deal opens India's exploding wireless market to B.C.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

News Release: Office of the PremierNEW DELHI, INDIA - Wavefront, Canada's Vancouver-based wireless centre of excellence for commercialization and research started with a $5-million investment by the B.C. government, has signed an agreement with the Cellular Operators Association of India that will facilitate and accelerate the flow of bilateral wireless business, Premier Christy Clark announced today. "India has over 601 million active mobile subscribers generating US $38.2 billion in revenues, and has the highest subscriber growth rate in the world. It is the world's second-largest wireless market in terms of mobile connections. The COAI represents India's major cellular operators, infrastructure and service providers. The two organizations will work together to develop and promote strategic business and partnering opportunities. "This is a tremendous opportunity for technology and service providers in B.C. - and the rest of Canada - to tap into the world's fastest-growing wireless market that will continue its rapid expansion due to the huge growth in India's middle class," Premier Clark said. "Our government's $5-million investment in Wavefront's Vancouver facilities has already provided early-stage wireless companies with comprehensive research and commercialization support to boost B.C.'s world-class industry. Now Wavefront's agreement with COAI has opened the doors for these startup firms to make connections in India and deals of their own that will benefit the industry in both jurisdictions . . ."

Will Thomas's thoughts about so-called Smart Meters

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Promoting confusion instead of clarity? Response to uninformed statements by John Helliwell"I am concerned to see one of our trustees forwarding an uninformed email regarding smart meters from Mr. John Helliwell. Passing on unqualified opinions does not aid this discussion, and may actually endanger our community's health and civil rights - not to mention wallets held hostage to BC Hydro's rising rates. "Presenting unsubstantiated opinions does not provide "balance" to wireless technology health warnings and specific bans coming from Israel, the UK and every major European government. Or calls for a smart meter moratorium by every BC municipality. "It only adds "noise" to this crucial conversation. By promoting confusion instead of clarity, such irresponsible statements could lead to actual physical harm among this email's recipients, who might be ready to take as fact the uninformed opinions that they want to hear. "People are reporting intense headaches, brainfog, insomnia and chronic flu- like symptoms - classic low-level RF complaints - within days of smart meters being installed on homes. Over 2,500 people have phoned California's Pacific Gas & Electric with health problems." -Blake Levitt LET'S HAVE A REAL DEBATE "A more useful response to the more than 2,000 studies showing the harmful effects of Radio Frequency (RF)/microwave pollution would be just one peer-reviewed scientific study showing that smart meters will not harm humans and other creatures exposed to continuous pulsed radiation . . ."

New Russian Research on Cell Phones and Children

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Radiation's Effect on Cognitive and Other Functions in Children: Psychophysiological Indicators for Child Users of Mobile Communications Devices1) Overview of Present State of the Problem and 2) Results of 4-Year Monitoring of Cognitive, Memory and Other Functions in 196 Children Ages 7-12 who used Mobile Communications DevicesRussian researchers affiliated with the Russian Academy of Sciences yesterday published two studies in Radiation Biology. Radiation Ecology. 2011. Volume 51, No.5, p.611-623 that describe the effects of mobile phone radiation exposure on children's bodies, showing that children's bodies are more sensitive than adults, and showing an increased number of phonemic perception disorders, abatement of efficiency, reduced indicators for the arbitrary and semantic memory, and increased fatigue. A steady decline of the parameters over 4 years from high values to bottom standards has been found.

Canadian children drugged in record numbers

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Atypical antipsychotics lead to complications"So many Canadian children are taking the drugs known as atypical antipsychotics that doctors are being asked to watch for major complications - including dramatic weight gain, tremors, and abnormal face and jaw movements. "Once reserved for schizophrenia and mania in adults, one antipsychotic alone, risperidone, was recommended by Canadian-office-based doctors for children 17 and younger a total of 340,670 times in 2010 - a near-doubling since 2006 - according to data provided to Postmedia News from prescription-drug tracking firm IMS Brogan. "The increase in prescriptions for children as young as six is raising concerns that the drugs are being overused. "Some experts say too little is known about the effects on a child's cognitive, social and physical development, and that the side effects may set children up for serious health problems later in life. "These concerns were the driving force behind the creation of the world's first clinic to help children cope with the side effects of such medications at BC Children's Hospital in April . . ."

Wi-Fi in Schools Part 2: The Health Risks of RF Microwave Radiation (Video)

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Paris tackles radiation from the roofs

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Paris's 186 current cellular towers may soon be removed."The Mayor of Paris has halted construction of additional cellular phone towers to the city's roofs this week, according to Le Monde. The City established a pact in 2003 with mobile service providers to allow certain companies to construct cellular towers on municipal buildings within stated limits. The decision to stop construction of the towers coincides with the end of the city's contract with the mobile service companies . . . "Despite the uncertainty of any imminent health risks, the 186 current cellular towers which spike the skyline of Paris may soon be removed."

Wi-Fi Laptop Emits More Microwave Radiation Than Cell Phone (Video)

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Short demonstration, with clear commentary, of cell phone and Wi-Fi laptop in common locations in rural Vermont

Untested Science - "Fracking"

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

"Hydraulic Fracturing" in Western Canada - Global News Carolyn Jarvis, Anne Hainsworth on 16x9Industrial practices that damage our ecosystem and all living things most definitely are "harmful technologies." This report sheds light on "Fracking" and its effects on our planet. Also demonstrated are the misleading information and outright lies that are presented to the public in order to continue these practices. In this video, BC Energy Minister Rich Coleman, also responsible for mandating wireless smart meters without any public process, is shown openly lying to the public when assuring parliament that there would be an extensive consultation before any contracts for Fracking were ever signed. Just 2 months later a 23 year long water license was granted to company Talisman Energy for 10 million liters of water every day from Williston Lake without any public input. Coleman states in an interview with Carolyn Jarvis he misspoke when he said he would consult with the public first. Clearly Mr. Coleman forgets who he is working for . . . "There is an energy revolution underway thousands of meters below our feet. A new method of extracting vast reserves of natural gas that were previously thought inaccessible is in full swing. It's called fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, and its lead to a boom in gas production across western Canada. But this new technique is also raising serious environmental red flags. In France, 'fracking' has been banned. In Quebec and New Jersey there are moratoriums in place. So is this the answer to our energy woes or a risky unproven science? "How hydraulic fracturing works: "Fracking is not new to the oil and gas industry but recent technical advancements have made it possible to access previously inaccessible gas deposits held in rock formations thousands of meters below the surface. "It's done be forcing water, sand and a chemical mixture down the drilling pipe under extreme pressure. The fractures or cracks in the rock allow the gas to rise to the surface . . ."

Mobile phone health risks: the case for action to protect children

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

MobileWiseMobileWise is a UK charity, raising awareness of mobile phone health issues, and promoting action to protect public health. More information can be found at www.mobilewise.org"The substantial body of evidence highlighted in this report suggests that mobile phone use may be linked with a range of important health problems. These include, but are not limited to, brain tumours and the evidence has serious implications for public health. Although further research is needed, it makes sense to err on the side of caution in the meantime. The long induction period for brain tumours and some of the other possible health effects means that it could take many years to fully understand the risks. We know from our experience with smoking and asbestos that waiting for certainty of harm is a dangerous policy. Even now we do not have a complete picture of those risks, despite many decades of scientific study. We have an opportunity now to promote safety measures, mindful of the benefits of mobile phone technology but reflecting the potentially serious risks, particularly for children. This report does much to elucidate the scientific evidence and policy issues. It is now incumbent on all of us engaged in the task of protecting public health to help ensure the public is provided with the information and guidance it needs to minimise its risks. Kevin O'Neill FRCS (SN) Consultant Neurosurgeon, Charing Cross Hospital, LondonContains:Executive SummaryReview of Scientific EvidenceSummary Findings:

Cancer and other Tumours
Damage to Fertility and Reproduction
Damage to Biological Processes
Vulnerability of Children

Policy Issues

Current Public Policy and Corporate Behaviour
Implications and Options
Recommendations

Appendix of Scientific Papers

Headaches from Cellular Telephones: Are They Real and What Are the Implications?

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

commentary by Allen Frey: blood-brain barrier, dopamine-opiate systems of the brain (1998)"There have been numerous recent reports of headaches occurring in association with the use of hand-held cellular telephones. Are these reported headaches real? Are they due to emissions from telephones? There is reason to believe that the answer is "yes" to both questions. There are several lines of evidence to support this conclusion. First, headaches as a consequence of exposure to low intensity microwaves were reported in the literature 30 years ago. These were observed during the course of microwave hearing research before there were cellular telephones. Second, the blood-brain barrier appears to be involved in headaches, and low intensity microwave energy exposure affects the barrier. Third, the dopamine-opiate systems of the brain appear to be involved in headaches, and low intensity electromagnetic energy exposure aficts those systems. In all three lines of research, the microwave energy used was approximately the same- in frequencies, modulations, and incident energies- as those emitted by present day cellular telephones. Could the current reports of headaches be the canary in the coal mine, warning of biologically significant effects? Key word brain, cellular telephones, electromagnetic fields, eye, hazards, headaches . . ."

Confidence Crisis shakes W.H.O.

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Lack of money and the link to pharmaceutical industries biggest problems

The very powerful UN agency, the World Health Organization (WHO), has fallen into an acute crisis. Lack of money and the connections with the pharmaceutical industry are the major problems. As the influx of money decreases, employees' positions are terminated. As well, the handling of the swine flu has made the trust to wither down. Greater transparency is an important requirement for the future.

In Swedish:

http://www.svd.se/nyheter/utrikes/fortroendekris-skakar-who_6613586.svd

"UN agencies mighty World Health Organization (WHO) has fallen into acute crisis. The influx of money decreases, employee termination and the handling of swine flu have been entrusted to rage. Greater transparency is an important requirement. "For three days this week discussed the WHO's Executive Board, Executive Council, the WHO's vulnerable position in a special emergency meeting of the 34 member states in Geneva . . ."The acute economic crisis has meant that so far 300 of the approximately 2400 employees at the WHO headquarters in Geneva terminated. And more are there to be, there are whispers in the corridors. "Several proposals for change is therefore about efficiency and better control over the economy. The report is a catalog of desirable future visions: the WHO to be controlled more effectively, the Board's power to grow, collaboration within WHO and with the various countries will be strengthened, control over money and the entire operation in gear paperwork more efficient and even long pointless debate posts stopped. "But you can hardly change the WHO overnight, all agree. A long process of change awaits. But the most enthusiastic talk of turning point, a major turning point, a historical turning point . . ."

Smart Meters- a dangerous undertaking

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

Heeding the Law of Unintended Consequences . . . Letter to B.C. Premier Christy Clark"For decades I have done research and volunteer work in the highest inhabitable regions of the world - the Peruvian Andes. With Yachaq-Runa, an NGO of volunteers which I founded in Cusco in 1992, we do health campaigns and cooperate with the indigenous people on environmentally sustainable projects - solar light, solar hot water, reforestation, health clinics, and many more. [more about Inge here.] "I am very much concerned about the health of the people on this planet, especially the poorest and most vulnerable in developing countries. Given your hazardous "Smart Meter" project I realize more than ever how vulnerable one can be also in a so-called "developed" country, which calls itself a democracy. Your smart meter project goes directly counter to Part 2, Division 1, Section 12 of the BC Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act. After promoting the health of people living between 4000 and 5000 meters a.s.l. in the Andes for almost 30 years, I must now interrupt this important work in order to fight for my own health and that of my family and other British Columbians courtesy of the B.C. government . . . "Ms. Clark I know it was not you who came up with the idea of the smart meter, a very bad idea, which only a drunk driver could embrace. But why do you continue with this hazard? Will you allow for smart meters to be put into kindergartens, schools and hospitals? For goodness sakes, tell me where people who are sensitive to radio frequency radiation are supposed to go when they get even sicker? In fact, the soup of microwave radiation we have created affects all people, even if they do not realize it immediately. What will happen to people who already had or have cancer, MS or other serious diseases and whose immune system is failing? Who will be responsible for an ever-increasing wave of disease? How many separate hospitals without smart meters will you build for them? Dr. Havas has shown that the longer we are exposed to radiation, the less radiation we will be able to tolerate. When the radiation smog caused by cell phone towers, Wi-Fi in schools, planes, etc. and smart meters on every house increases even more, there may be few people free from symptoms. Remember that in front of every store or public building there are reserved parking spots for disabled people, special elevators etc. How will you make life easier for people with electromagnetic sensitivity? Please consider these enormous problems VERY FAST before it is too late and smart meters and other radiation-emitting devices endanger your entire province . . . "Please reconsider what your smart meter project does to the health and well being of British Columbians, to animals and all of nature. Our planet is on the verge of being destroyed by humanity's irresponsible actions. Canada's weak regulations and laws about the environment do not reflect the wisdom and vision your citizens deserve. Instead of using a billion dollars on disease-causing smart meters, why don't you make sure that British Columbians can use this money to work on alternative energy projects. Such projects not only preserve our environment but also provide much needed work as seen in other countries. "Ms. Clark, I hope you honor the democratic rights of your citizens. If you do, then stop your destructive "Smart Meter" project and reinstall all the analogue meters to British Columbians. Instruct ALL your people about the damage radio frequency radiation causes, so they can protect and defend themselves. Or would you rather see even more people suffer and die a horrible death from cancer? You have a very big responsibility on YOUR shoulders. Think about it before it is too late . . ."Dr. Magda Havas from Trent University http://vimeo.com/8283238 http://www.watershedsentinel.ca. excellent information on the serious effects of radiation on the health of humans, animals and our environment.Postscript from Inge: After having spent seventeen days in our house with the smart meter, with headaches and dizziness, the emergency truck of BC Hydro stopped below our house and to our great surprise, an analog meter was re-installed. The young man who exchanged it also opposes the program and said to me: "If you think you have troubles now, just wait until the entire grid is activated. That will really be something." He is worried about his children.We do not know exactly why the meter had been exchanged. We made a lot of fuss, and we told BC Hydro that we get pulsating sounds from the smart meter and loud sounds coming from the kitchen, especially the refrigerator. I also have a letter from our family physician about sensitivity to radiation. One or all of these reasons may have led to the exchange.

Smart Meter Opposition Appeals to High Court (U.S.)

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Law Court appeal filed this week at PUC - Maine Smart Meter decision appealed to High Court

For Immediate Release 11/4/2011

Smart Meter Opposition Appeals to High CourtLaw Court Appeal Filed This Week at PUC

Contact: Ed Friedman, Lead Plaintiff: 666-3372 edfomb@comcast.net

Bruce McGlauflin, Attorney for the Plaintiffs: 775-0200 bmcglauflin@pmhlegal.com

As part of a rapidly rising international tide of smart meter opposition, Maine privacy and safety advocates have appealed a Public Utilities Commission dismissal of their earlier complaint which had raised concerns about safety, privacy, security, trespass and constitutional violations related to the meters. In dismissing the complaint, the PUC stated all of the issues had been adequately investigated and resolved in its previous proceedings, referred to as the Opt-Out Investigation. The notice of appeal to Maine's Supreme Judicial Court was filed October 31 by attorney Bruce McGlauflin of the Portland firm Petruccelli, Haddow & Martin, LLP representing the Appellants.

The questions raised on appeal include whether the safety, privacy and other concerns raised in the complaint were fully and adequately addressed and decided correctly by the Commission in its previous Opt-Out Investigation, and, whether the PUC has satisfied its Legislative mandate to "ensure safe, reasonable and adequate service." In one of the Opt-Out Investigation Orders dated January 7, 2011, the PUC stated: "We make no determination on the merits of health, safety...or which federal or state agency has the jurisdiction to make these determinations." In an Order dated June 22, 2011, the PUC reiterated that it "is making no determination on the merits of the health, safety, privacy or security concerns with respect to wireless Smart Meters."

When operational, the smart meter system will work as a "mesh network" of individual meters wirelessly communicating with one another to relay customer power usage and personal data to Central Maine Power. Privacy concerns are high on the list for many electricity consumers. The National Institute for Standards and Technology and Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is among the more established entities to recognize potential privacy concerns including detailed consumer profiling that could be obtained from smart meter data.

"More and more experts consider smart meter radiation to be a toxics issue equivalent to second-hand smoke", said Kathleen McGee, former director of the Maine Toxics Action Coalition. "Our issue with the PUC is quite simple, in order for them to meet their statutory obligation to ensure safe and reasonable service; they need to first make a determination on these issues of concern. In order to do this, they need to fully evaluate the science and hear from the public, both of which they have repeatedly refused to do."

In one of its Op-Out Investigation rulings, the PUC allowed electricity consumers to Opt Out of the smart meter program and retain their old analog meter but it also required these consumers to pay Central Maine Power Company an initial fee of $40 plus a $12 monthly fee for this option. "Endangerment, immoral, illegal, unethical, irresponsible or just plain wrong; call it what you will, but when citizens are ordered by the PUC to pay-up in order to avoid real or perceived harms to health and privacy, this is the antithesis of good government. In fact, it's good government gone very, very bad," said Ed Friedman, lead Plaintiff in the case.

Shortly after the PUC issued their first Order in the Opt-Out Investigation, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO/IARC) issued a report that identified as a "possible carcinogen" the type of non-ionizing radiation emitted by smart meters, cell phones and other wireless devices. This puts smart meter radiation in the same category used by WHO/IARC for identifying other potential carcinogens, such as DDT, benzofuran, chlordane, chloroform, 4,4'-Diaminodiphenyl ether, diesel fuel, 2,6 Dinitrotoluene, gasoline, lead, Polybrominated biphenyls, styrene, Toluene diisocyanates, and 4-Vinylcyclohexene.

"Concerns about the new technology are only increasing and Congressional hearings have been called for," says Friedman, "It will be some time before this issue is settled. Meanwhile, we encourage ratepayers not to sanction this uncontrolled and PUC - mandated experiment on their health and constitutional rights, but instead to keep their existing (electro-mechanical) meters and not pay the extra fee. That sends a clear message to CMP and the PUC."

Shaw, Cisco to build Wi-Fi super network in major cities

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PDT

"The service is aimed at the fastgrowing mobile-device market that is seeing people tune into Wi-Fi networks from their smart phones, tablet computers and other devices. "Rather than providing coverage at a limited number of hot spots such as coffee shops and other businesses, the Shaw Wi-Fi network, which is being built in collaboration with Cisco, will attempt to provide seamless coverage over broader areas, such as along rapid-transit lines, throughout stadiums, in parks, or along busy urban streets. "The challenge will be to build them [wireless access points] where our customers are," Bissonnette said, adding that they could be anywhere from small arenas where parents take their kids to play hockey to shopping centres in Surrey. "Bissonnette said the Vancouver coverage will extend throughout the Lower Mainland and, after the initial network is in place, the company will continue to expand on it, filling in areas where there is demand . . ."

BC Hydro and Corix Threaten Customers

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Green Party press release re Smart Meter conflicts"The Green Party of BC is calling on the BC Liberal government to instruct BC Hydro and by extension Corix Utilities to stop using threats and intimidation related to the Smart Meter program. Members of the public are contacting BC Greens about both BC Hydro and Corix. People who oppose the installation of Smart Meters on their homes and businesses report the Corix installers telling them that if they refuse a Smart Meter . . ."

Neighbourhood Alert Newsletter: Smart Meters

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Tri-fold brochure (to print and distribute locally, fold in thirds, one sheet, two sides)"Dear Neighbours, "You have probably heard that Wireless Smart Meters are being rolled out across B.C., although you may not know this is causing serious public concern. On September 30, 2011, the Union of BC Municipalities, (all the mayors and council members of BC), voted for a complete moratorium on the rollout of wireless smart meters until questions regarding health, privacy and cost could be analysed under public scrutiny. The Liberals said they didn't care, and are ignoring all requests from the people for democratic choice. Rich Coleman and Christy Clark have both stated that if you don't want a wireless meter on your house, you will need to pay to move it elsewhere on your property, go "off grid," or leave the province . . . "This tri-fold newsletter/brochure, one sheet back to back, is designed to print out and distribute. It will alert friends and neighbours to the "Smart Meter" installations that are taking place in local communities throughout BC. In an attempt to outpace opposition, Hydro's Corix installers are working rapidly to install Smart Meters before the majority of us know what is happening. Then, either on the brink of installation, or after the fact, people are asking in a panic, "What can we do?" Regardless of whether or not we live in houses, apartments, condominiums, town homes or care facilities, there ARE things we can do, in our neighbourhoods. Definitely, they are better done before the fact than after, but even after the fact there are things that can be done in the longer term.Hopefully, this newsletter brochure can be a springboard to action. It can help initiate conversation and awareness on the subject of wireless Smart Meters and answer questions that many people are beginning to have about these devices and the "Smart" grid that will follow. If you use it as a tool, there is a space for you to write your contact information if you wish. First we have to learn the facts and recognize the spin that BC Hydro is using to promote this unsafe technology. Then we need to talk to each other and decide what we can do, together. Many hands make light work, and two heads are better than one . . . Best distributed with the No Trespassing Sign and printed, hands-on copy of Non-Consent Letter to Hydro.

Dispatches from the urban meter wars

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Resistance to BC Hydro's smart meters still seems strong, but it's hard to tell who's winning."A BC Hydro rep gave a presentation at a recent meeting about energy conservation initiatives. Unbidden, he began by letting us know, "One thing we're not going to discuss today is smart meters." ". . . Suffice to say the meeting was filled with people very supportive of energy conservation. "When the BC Hydro rep inadvertently mentioned smart meters some minutes later, he interrupted himself: "Let's not go there." "When his PowerPoint slide about smart meters popped up, he jumped to the next slide. He wasn't even going to try to make the case for them to this knowledgeable group. "As we received this in polite silence, it began to sink in for all of us, I think, just how deeply damaging the Liberal "slam smart meters down their throats" campaign has been for BC Hydro's reputation . . ."

Approach your local council NOW.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

or run for the off-grid hillsLocal councils need to take steps to defend the health, safety and human rights of their constituents. They need to represent the people in their ridings, and people need to speak up for their rights. According to Bill 23-2008 of the British Columbia Public Health Act, section 83 (1), Section 83 (1), a municipality must take action when it learns of something that could be harmful to its residents. It must notify the Minister of Health or take immediate action. We can't say it strongly enough: Approach local councils NOW, and demand safe neighbourhoods!If you don't, the change we need won't happen.

PG&E Begins Removing 'Smart' Meters due to Health Effects

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Widening Call for Immediate Return of Analogs; Disconnection of "Mesh Wireless Networks"SANTA CRUZ, CA"Just as PG&E enters the final phase of its deployment of wireless "smart" meters in California, the largest of the state's Investor Owned Utilities (IOU's) has reversed course, quietly beginning to replace the 'smart' meters of those reporting health impacts with the old trusty analog version. Consumer rights and health groups immediately seized on the news, demanding that millions of Californians unhappy with their new wireless meters get their analogs returned immediately at no cost . . ."

Smart meters will be Hydro's cash cow

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Michael Smythe, The Province"Add this to the growing mountain of evidence that B.C. Hydro will one day flip a switch at head office and turn your new smart meter into a miniature tax-collection machine: "Hydro is maxing out its credit card with something called "deferred expenses," according to a report Thursday from the auditor-general . . . "When you pin him down, Coleman says there will be no time-of-use billing for now - you know, before an election - but he won't rule it out in the future. "And isn't it interesting that Hydro's own manager of the smart-meter program seems so gung-ho for time-of-use billing? "It's a clear slam-dunk," Gary Murphy gushed to Globe and Mail reporter Ian Bailey. And Hydro customers will be the ones getting slammed! "But time-of-use billing is just one reason why opposition is growing against smart meters. "Some people worry about the health risks from microwaves. Others worry about privacy breaches. "Hydro can't figure out how to handle the backlash. They recently softened their message that the smart meters are mandatory for all Hydro customers. "If they don't want us to install a smart meter, we're not installing a smart meter," said Hydro vice-president Greg Reimer, adding that the corporation will "talk" to those customers instead. "If you're one of those reluctant people who refuse a smart meter, send me an email. I'd love to know how your "talk" goes with our debtridden utility."

Canadian Radiation Safety Council WEBSITE

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Canadians working against involuntary exposure to microwave and radiofrequency radiation, and other forms of electromagnetic pollution.Smart Meters, Wi-Fi, News, Sources, Resources, Government, Press Releases

Aspen Decline

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

International Journal of Forestry Research article on the adverse influence of RF on trembling aspen seedlings (2010)"Numerous incidents of aspen decline have been recorded in North America over the past half century, and incidents of very rapid mortality of aspen clones have been observed in Colorado since 2004. The radio frequency (RF) environment of the earth has undergone major changes in the past two centuries due to the development and use of electricity in power and communications applications, and the anthropogenic RF background continues to increase in intensity and complexity. "This study suggests that the RF background may have strong adverse effects on growth rate and fall anthocyanin production in aspen, and may be an underlying factor in aspen decline."

Former BC Premier Bill Vander Zalm Talks About Smart Meters (Video)

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

ICTV Victoria

Evidence that Electromagnetic Radiation is Genotoxic: Neil Cherry 2000

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

The implications for the epidemiology of cancer and cardiac, neurological and reproductive effectsFor presentations in May to NZ Parliament and June 2000 in Italy, Austria, Ireland and at the European Parliament in Brussels. "Our frame of reference determines what we look at and how we look. And as a consequence, this determines what we find." Burke J, The Day the Universe Changed, 1985. "The way we perceive things determines how we make decisions. To move from picturing ourselves as physical beings to biological beings significantly changes our view of health and fitness. Too much exercise and oxygen free radicals really damage our cells. To move from biological to bioelectrical incorporates intelligence and emotion and leads to a radically fundamental change in our way of seeing things that it forms the basis of a new paradigm. Principles of Approach: This paper attempts to follow basic classical scientific principles to counter the dismissive and biased approach of industry and many government and international authorities, including the WHO and ICNIRP. The principles found to be important are that biology reveals that brains, hearts and cells use electromagnetic signals, charged ions, voltage-gated ion channels, ion regulated gap junctions, all of which can be interfered with by external electromagnetic fields in subtle but vital ways in relation to health. A primary physical principle of resonant absorption explains why external and internal signals that share the same part of the spectrum, resonantly exchange energy at levels well below the thermal threshold. This is also true for radio and TV receivers. It involves tuned circuits and resonant absorption . . ."

Foes of wireless meters seek choice - Kamloops, B.C.

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Imposing smart meters is wrong, crowd told at public forum"People should have a right to choose whether to accept a health risk, a principal somehow forgotten in the rush to install wireless meters, an audience was told at a public meeting Monday night. "Smart meters are part of a wider process occurring at every level of government, where your right to make a decision about what happens to your body is being taken away," said Shawn Buckley, a Kamloops constitutional lawyer who often deals with consumer rights. "About 150 people attended the gathering, the first public meeting held on the controversial issue, to hear arguments against the devices. No one at the meeting spoke in support of the technology. "Smart meters record consumption and communicate the information to utilities through use of two-way wireless radio transmission. The City is using the technology for its water-metering program as B.C. Hydro has them installed for electrical use. Fortis is also planning to install smart meters for gas consumption. "Buckley drew a contrast between the involuntary imposition of wireless technology and the overzealous application of the law prohibiting raw milk. The rejection of water meters in Kamloops by referendum, only to have them imposed by law, is another example of what he calls "the democratic deficit . . ."

Smart Meter Fight (Video)

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Townhome Owner in stand off with BC Hydro - CTV News

Wi-Fi Health Hazard for Students (Video)

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

The Hazards of Wi-Fi in our Schools - full of research, information and workable solutions September 29, 2011

Robert Bateman discusses health and Smart Meters Part 1 of 2 (Video)

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

ICTV Victoria

Robert Bateman discusses the lack of choice regarding Smart Meters Part 2 of 2 (Video)

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

ICTV Victoria

B.C. bill could open up your private information

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Proposed changes would radically alter freedom-of-information law

Installation of Smart Meters an infringement of Canadian Rights

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Letter to the editor from a Quesnel health care practitioner"I am deeply concerned about the people and all biological systems that inhabit this community and province; as well as other areas that have had Smart Meters imposed upon it. As a health care practitioner who has utilized electro-magnetic (EMF) technology for the provision of health care since 2006, I, as well as many clients/patients, can attest to the affect that even extremely short (1/100 sec), small amperage EMF pulses can have on human beings and living systems. In controlled settings, biofeedback systems utilize EMF pulses that are precise, specific frequencies which are calibrated and harmonized to only provide health enhancement. Such a biofeedback system is default set to disallow any frequency that could potentially be harmful to the client/patient through specifically calibrating the biofeedback system to that client . . . "Knowing that the EMF of a Smart Meter will penetrate my home, I perceive the potential installation of a Smart Meter on my property against my wishes as an infringement on my rights as a Canadian citizen to live the way in which I choose as a means to protect my own health. "Thus I fully intend to stand up for my rights as a Canadian citizen and will do everything in my power to prevent the mandatory installation of a Smart Meter on my property and on the properties of the citizens of this community and the province . . ."

B.C. Hydro's smart meters rile the skeptics

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Georgia Straight report"Vancouver pharmacist Harlan Lahti was very upset. While he was working at his shop on October 17, a B.C. Hydro crew arrived. The workers were going to install the controversial new smart meters in his business's building. "Convinced about the health risks posed by the radiation given off by these devices, Lahti tried to stop them. But he was bluntly told that he either got a new meter or his power would be cut off. "They're not even giving people a choice," Lahti fumed on the phone. Earlier that day, he happened to be on the line with the Georgia Straight, feeling quite relieved that he still had his old meter at home. He was actually planning to write B.C. Hydro to say that he didn't want a new one installed in his home. "B.C. Hydro is in the midst of installing 1.8 million new meters in homes and businesses across the province. These are designed to monitor energy use in real time, and to electronically transmit recorded data several times a day to the utility company. "Lahti is one of many who are not comforted by assurances from the Crown corporation, and authorities like provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall, that the technology is safe. "It's a very pulsing frequency that goes from very low to very high...very strong bursts," Lahti said of smart-meter emissions. "This is extremely disruptive to the human energetic system. Some people are very sensitive to it. . . ."

British Medical Journal's Upcoming Cell Phone Study Deeply Flawed

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Environmental Health Trust and Other Experts Expose Major Flaws in New Danish Study Claiming No Significant Cancer Risks from Cell Phone Use."The new report misrepresents risk of brain tumors for the very same reason the original Danish study was previously criticized. Removing more than 300,000 cell phone users who were business users from the analysis (almost 30% of the original group), defining as a user anyone making one call a week for 6 months, and ignoring the fact that phone calls were more expensive and shorter years ago, reduces the group's average exposure and makes it very unlikely to find any evidence of increased risk. "Secondly, the report analyzed the rates of brain tumors that occurred between 1990-2007 in those who began using cellphones after 1987, compared to those who were non-subscribers when the study started. This also understates risk, because most of those who began as 'non-subscribers' to cell phone service (i.e. the 'controls' at the time the cohort was collected) became cell phone users later on, and accumulated almost as many years (on average per person) as the 'exposed' subscribers. Hence, the comparison to the population not contained in the subscriber sample is a comparison between two exposed groups. When Michael Kundi and colleagues from the Medical University of Vienna mathematically corrected for this concern in the earlier Danish study, they found a significantly increased risk for brain tumors. "Cell phone users who began using cell phones after 1995 and those under the age of 30 were not considered 'subscribers' in the study (as with the business users and pay-as-you go users), thus significantly diluting the results and underestimating the risk. "An accompanying editorial on the study by Anders Albom, notes several design limits of this study and repeats a concern raised about this problem in 2005, where he noted: "Not being able to include corporate users, likely to be among the earliest and heaviest users of mobile phones, also weakens the statistical power of the study." "Finally, and importantly, the current, updated Danish study being published today in fact did find increased risk, even though the study is currently being promoted to the media as if it did not . . ."

David Cobb steps down

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

David Cobb is current president and CEO of BC Hydro. He is leaving after 18 months on the job."BC Hydro President and CEO Dave Cobb is leaving the huge crown corporation after fewer than 18 months on the job. "Mr. Cobb, who was John Furlong's right-hand man during preparation and staging of the 2010 Winter Olympics, has presided over an operation that was criticized this summer by an government-appointed panel for excessive salaries and large planned rate increases. "In a statement, Hydro chair Dan Doyle announced Wednesday that Mr. Cobb was departing to take "a senior position" with the Jim Pattison Group. "Mr. Cobb will remain with Hydro until November 30 "to ensure a smooth transition" to his replacement, the statement said . . . "His departure comes at a time when Hydro is at a turning point in its future, with the provincial government wanting changes on many levels. The changes will result in hundreds of job losses at a time when demand for increased power capacity in the future could be fuelled by numerous large, energy-related projects in northwestern B.C. "Mr. Cobb's departure follows months of public dispute between the government and the utility over proposed increases in electricity rates, and the need to slash costs . . ."

FAQ - Stop Smart Meters!

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Frequently asked Questions and Answers re "Smart Meters" (Source is California US, but applicable to all)

Please consider that this post hails from California and therefore some references, such as those to PG&E correspondence, will not apply to Canada. However, most of the information is applicable to Smart Meters no matter where they are being deployed. The effects, issues and information will be the same, or very similiar, and strategies used in one location can be considered when mapping out an action plan in other areas. "We are happy today to officially launch our new FAQ section which attempts to answer the many questions that reasonable people have when faced with the unreasonableness of 'smart' meter installations being pushed by their government and utility. We hope it will be an ongoing project, informing people about the issue and why it matters and, most importantly, helping everyone become aware of our rights and how to defend them.

"How did the FAQ come about? For many months, we here at Stop Smart Meters! have been inundated with people sending us questions: "How do I stop them installing this meter?" "How do I get them to remove this meter that is making me sick?" and many more. As a relatively new organization with a limited budget and staff time, we have been struggling to reply to the thousands of e-mails we've been receiving from those all over the US and abroad. If you have sent us an e-mail and not heard back, we apologize. Try the FAQ and if you can't find an answer to your question feel free to e-mail us again. There is also a Links page.

"The FAQ is not perfect, and as a work in progress, we welcome any suggested changes or additions. This is a community resource and knowledge base and we encourage people to contribute their insights and wisdom. We are often asked for local contacts in places other than California, so if you would like to be listed in the Contacts Database, please let us know.

"If you find this resource useful and want to help us keep fighting wireless smart meter mesh networks currently being installed in areas not aware of the dangers, please donate to us today. We are able to continue our work through the generosity of hundreds of people around the world. And we thank you. -SSM!"

Paris tackles radiation from the roofs

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

news report from France

"PARIS - The Mayor of Paris has halted construction of additional cellular phone towers to the city's roofs this week, according to Le Monde. The City established a pact in 2003 with mobile service providers to allow certain companies to construct cellular towers on municipal buildings within stated limits. The decision to stop construction of the towers coincides with the end of the city's contract with the mobile service companies.

"Paris is the only city in France to have an agreement with cell phone companies which limits the exposure of electromagnetic waves to two volts per meter over 24 hours. The mayor has accused the French Telecom Federation of allowing exposures of up to 15 volts per meter, levels that some reports deem unhealthy.

"The European Environmental Agency reported in 2007 that health risks are associated with electromagnetic waves, though the threshold of a "dangerous" level remains highly contested worldwide. Some advocacy groups like Ecoforum, based in the south of France, insist that levels above 1.5 volts per meter pose health risks. In a public test at the beginning of this month in Marseille, Ecoforum's president, Hugo Espinoza, tested emissions with a smart phone that registered eight volts per meter.

"Despite the uncertainty of any imminent health risks, the 186 current cellular towers which spike the skyline of Paris may soon be removed . . ."

New study shows cell phones exceed FCC exposure limits by as much as double for children

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Press Release - Environmental Health Trust"A scholarly article on cell phone safety published online October 17, 2011, in the journal Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine reports the finding that cell phones used in the shirt or pants pocket exceed FCC exposure guidelines and that children absorb twice as much microwave radiation from phones as do adults. "The paper, titled "Exposure Limits: The underestimation of absorbed cell phone radiation, especially in children," notes that the industry-designed process for evaluating microwave radiation from phones results in children absorbing twice the cellphone radiation to their heads, up to triple in their brain's hippocampus and hypothalamus, greater absorption in their eyes, and as much as 10 times more in their bone marrow when compared to adults . . ."Click here to a view a summary of the paper

Health Canada warnings on cell phones need to be clearer and widely heard

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Open letter Contributed by Carol Hughes, MP Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing"In the summer of 2010 I wrote about a group of parents in Collingwood who were fighting to have Wi-Fi, taken out of their children's school. I heard their story while sitting as a member of a parliamentary committee investigating the safety of the microwave radiation emitted by wireless devices like cell phones and modems. "The committee heard contradictory evidence and warnings from scientists, groups and individuals. There were claims that Canada's code that regulates the limit of radiation any device can emit was not strict enough - Health Canada officials disputed this. "Much has changed in the story since that column . . ."

REMOVAL LETTER: for Hydro Wireless Smart Meters Already Installed

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Form letter to send to BC Hydro and its affiliates to remove a smart meter from your home or businessB.C. Hydro is in the process of installing wireless "smart" meters on 99% of homes and businesses in the province of British Columbia, with a target completion date of December, 2012. Many believe and assert they have done so without due diligence or public education, using "implied consent" as their reason to proceed without permission of the people of B.C. This form letter is for those who have had a chance to learn more about the negative effects of living and/or working in the vicinity of wireless smart meters, who do not accept the risk this involves, and who wish to officially register their opposition in the form of a demand for removal of the wireless smart meter, and the re-installation of a wired, analogue meter.NB You will need to download it in order to copy and paste it into your own email, and fill in your information before sending.It would be a good idea to also register your situation with your mayor and council. Address finder here.If you do NOT already have a wireless "smart meter?" After posting (ASAP) a sign with your address, name and date, on your meter and on your door, you can send the original Letter of Non-consent to register your wish to keep your analogue meter after posting your intention to.

Via electronic mail to: smartmeters@bchydro.com and info.utilities@corix.com

Also via Canada Post to: BC Hydro,Smart Meter Specialist Department6911 Southpoint Drive, Burnaby BC, V3N 4X8

Attention B.C. Hydro, Corix Utilities and agents and/or assignees thereof:

Re: DEMAND FOR REMOVAL of any wireless Smart Meter at my Residence/Workplace AND RE-INSTALLATION of Analogue/Wired Meter

Dated: _______________, 201__ B.C. Hydro Account # on bill_____________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

Please accept this as your official notice from this date forward of my absolute demand for the removal of any wireless Smart Meter installed on my Residence / Workplace AND for the re-installation, at BC Hydro's expense, of a wired, analogue meter on my home or premises at

full address ________________________________________________________

Take notice that B.C. Hydro, Corix Utilities and /or agents and assignees thereof did not have my authorization, permission or consent to enter my property, business or premises for the purpose of replacing my previous meter with a new wireless Smart Meter.

Your action of installing this device on my property or residence is constituted as trespass and a violation of rights afforded to me as a citizen of Canada.

I refuse your wireless Smart Meter on the grounds that it has the capability of being a surveillance system, used by you or other parties, which could violate my right to privacy. Also: My fundamental democratic right to protect my health from a possible carcinogen, specifically radiofrequency electromagnetic fields emitted by your wireless Smart Meter, supersedes any right you have to install a wireless Smart Meter on my property.

You only have authorization to attend at my property for the purpose of reinstalling a non-wireless analogue meter, and reading it manually.

Name in full ________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Copy (Cc) to

Liberal BC Leader Christy Clark, Minister of Energy Rich Coleman, NDP Energy Critic John Horgan, BC Chief Medical Officer Perry Kendall, NDP Deputy Health Critic Sue Hammell, Green Party Federal Leader Elizabeth May, Minister of Health, Mike de Jong, NDP Health Critic Mike Farnworth, NDP BC Leader Adrian Dix, Green Party BC Leader Jane Sterk, BCRefed Leader Ingrid Voigt

premier@gov.bc.ca, rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca, john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca, perry.kendall@gov.bc.ca, sue.hammell.mla@leg.bc.ca, elizabeth.may@greenparty.ca, mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca, mike.farnworth.mla@leg.bc.ca, adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca, leader@greenparty.bc.ca, ingridrefed@gmail.com

This letter format can be accessed, downloaded, cut and pasted into your own email from:citizensforsafetechnology.org (Smart Meter Action Kit under "REMOVAL LETTER")

On the run from radio frequencies

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Maclean's Magazine: Some Canadians go to great lengths to escape waves of radiation from electronics that are considered harmless"As the mother of two young girls, Samantha Boutet does what she believes is necessary to protect her family. That's why, with the spread of radio frequencies from increasingly common wireless technology, Boutet is a refugee in her own land. The naturopathic doctor and her two daughters are relocating more than 600 km east of their home in Maple Ridge, B.C., to a small cabin in a remote valley in B.C.'s Kootenay mountains. "The decision was spurred by a series of health problems affecting her older daughter, Amelia, which started in Grade 4. For more than a year, Amelia suffered from deep headaches, nagging nausea, inexplicable muscle soreness, tingling extremities, and insomnia, Boutet says. Eventually, after visiting a number of specialists, the family doctor diagnosed Amelia with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), a medical condition that involves a range of non-specific symptoms attributed to electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs), much like those described by sufferers of multiple-chemical sensitivity, another environmental illness believed to be caused by low-level exposure to chemicals. "I felt really bad because her body was telling her there was something wrong, and I was telling her there couldn't be, and I couldn't understand why she was behaving the way she was," says Boutet . . ."

Liberals' dumb response to smart-meter opposition could prove their Waterloo

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Opinion Vancouver Sun"Smart meters emerge as a policy Waterloo for the Liberals and could become nails in Premier Christy Clark's political coffin. "You'd think the Liberals would have learned something on their stumbling retreat from the Moscow of the Harmonized Sales Tax, what with Bill Vander Zalm's and Chris Delaney's take-no-prisoners referendum and recall campaigns so fresh in their memories. "It seems not . . ."

A Right To Know? Not If the Wireless Industry Has its Way

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

educational information and the way it is communicated to the public

"San Francisco passed a landmark ordinance earlier this year, which mandates that information about RF radiation exposure, a WHO class 2B carcinogen, be present at all cell-phone retail sites in the city, and given to buyers. If such an ordinance were passed to inform people about their exposure to RF from "smart" meters, what might the poster look like...?

The SF cell-phone right-to-know ordinance was put into effect on Sept. 30, with retailers to be given about three weeks to get into compliance. However, only a few days passed before the CTIA embarked on a lawsuit to stop the city instituting the ordinance. The grounds? Infringement of the wireless industry's freedom of speech . . .

Information is the greater part of education--context and the tools of analysis making up the rest. But to start with information is crucial . . ."

Autism and Electromagnetic Waves

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

How TV sets, computers and cell phone technology may be altering children's brains and contributing to autism"Mirror neurons are cells fired by the brain when we perform various tasks. They also fire when we watch someone else doing a task. Scientists think that they contribute to learning by imitation, development of language and the neural basis of empathy. For instance, if you see someone crying you feel empathy for them because you know that you feel upset when you cry. "Recent evidence suggests a link between autism and the human mirror neuron system. I argue that temporal disruption from the environment may play a role in the observed mirror neuron dysfunction, leading in turn to the pattern of deficits associated with autism. I suggest that the developing nervous system of an infant may be particularly prone to temporal noise that can interfere with the initial calibration of brain networks. The most likely source of temporal noise in the environment is artificially generated electromagnetic radiation . . ."

"Wi-Fi Refugees" moving to Green Bank, West Virginia (VIDEO)

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

escaping electromagnetic radiation - A massive radiotelescope prohibits any mainstream electronics from being used nearby"Tranquil Pocahontas County is not where Diane Schou planned to end up. "It's difficult for me to know that it's an affliction that anybody can share with anyone," she says. "Anyone can get this." "Schou and her husband were farmers in Iowa. When a cell phone tower was built near their home she says her problems started . . . "We told him about the cell tower and his reaction was, 'Move.'" "While not a formal diagnosis in America, electromagnetic sensitivity is recognized in several European countries. And last May, the World Health Organization classified it as a possible carcinogen. "I would call myself a refugee/fugitive and I would say it's 'electromagnetic radiation fugitive,'" she says. "She's found peace and health in West Virginia. Inside the "National Radio Quiet Zone," a 13-thousand square mile piece of land free from most radio signals. Inside it are Covington, Clifton Forge, Lexington and Buena Vista. But even more restrictive is the ten mile radius around a massive radiotelescope that maps outer space . . ."

Stop Wireless Smart Meters - One Step Up The Ladder (Video)

Sun, 9 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Interview with Una St. Clair re UBCM vote to support a moratorium on Smart Meters in BC. September 30, 2011

Plenty of questions surround move to smart meters

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Thirteen and counting . . .For those of you who think smart meters are a good thing, or those who know little about them, educate yourselves and consider:

1. Right off the top, it is going to cost taxpayers $1 billion to replace the present analog meters that are perfectly fine. This money would be better spent on education, health care or job creation.

2. With former premier Gordon Campbell's Energy Act, the B.C. Utilities Commission has not been allowed to review and approve a business plan.

3. Concerned taxpayers have not been allowed public hearings.

4. These are wireless digital transmitters that can, 24/7, invade our privacy and collect all kinds of data that can be sold to anyone.

5. Hackers will be able obtain data, such as whether we are home or not.

6. This radio frequency radiation cannot be turned off, unlike our cell phones or wifi transmitters.

7. People with health problems or electro hypersensitivity are being made sick or sicker.

8. No energy is conserved by this meter. It only reports usage like an analog meter.

9. Provinces like Ontario are finding that consumer bills are climbing by as much as 150 per cent.

10. B.C. Hydro had the choice to use hard wired smart meters, but it chose wireless. Why?

11. Citizens of the Netherlands protested so vehemently smart meters were abandoned.

12. Education is the only way to learn to conserve energy.

13. Finally, ask yourselves: Who is behind this global effort to create a global electrical grid?

Canada won't issue Wi-Fi warning: Health Minister

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Health Minister Aglukkaq"OTTAWA - Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq says more research is needed before Canada considers issuing an alert on the possible risks linked to wireless Internet. "In May, the World Health Organization's cancer arm classified all radiation emitted by wireless devices -including cellphones, Wi-Fi and baby monitors - as possibly carcinogenic. "Health Canada issued new advice on mobile phones Tuesday and advised parents to encourage kids under 18 to cap their cellphone use, but the agency maintains wireless Internet technology is completely "safe." "Wi-Fi is quite different than cellphones," said Aglukkaq . . ."A growing number of Canadian students and teachers are convinced wireless Internet at school causes headaches, nausea, muscle weakness. They want to see the technology removed from educational settings."

Steve Jobs, Apple co-founder, dies at 56

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

The GuardianThe mastermind behind an empire that has revolutionised personal computing, telephony and music, dies in California. "Fifty six years of age seems very young to die, for a very intelligent person, with vast riches and access to the world's best medical care! "So what environmental toxin was he exposed to, that may have caused his early demise? "Could it have been strong microwave radiation from his Apple wireless computers? "Or strong microwave radiation from his Apple I-Phones? "Or a living environment filled with microwave radiation from Wi-Fi and cell phone antennas etc? "Much scientific research indicates that microwave radiation is causing significant cancer increases to persons exposed. "Is Steve Jobs death an early predictor of what will happen to millions of intelligent citizens who have become hopelessly hooked on wireless technologies? "How many other people who are exposed to radiation from Apple wireless devices will also suffer long illnesses from cancer and an early death?" Martin Weatherall WEEP

Sleeping Mamma Wakes!

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

fledgling smart meter activist in Orange County, CaliforniaMaureen Homan is a "sleeping mamma" who's just woken up to the "smart" meter invasion where she and her family live, in Orange County CA. But she's got herself and others organized the way only a mamma can do! She's just started up a website: www.StopOCSmartMeters.com. And she's found out what many of us know--you have to get out and talk to your neighbors and friends. "I've never [done] any of this sort of thing before. But when you tick off the sleeping mamma.... We have a core group of a few people who are spreading the word quickly. SCE is deploying (am I in a war?) at a rate of 3000 per day. I think everyone senses the urgency to get the word out. "My mother put a book about "smart" meters on my desk about 6 months ago and I thought it was just another one of her crazy causes. Then I got the notice in the mail from SCE saying that they were coming here in the next few weeks. Concern turned to panic when I started reading what you folks were going through and realizing the validity behind the protests.

BC Smart Meter Moratorium Announcement (Video)

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Councillor Philippe Lucas describes voting process at the UBCM

Scientists played down brain tumour risks in children.

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Manipulation of research regarding mobile phones and cancer risks"A new industry-sponsored study on brain tumour risks in children who use mobile phones was presented to the media in July 2011. The press-release claimed that the results were "reassuring" whereas the study itself indicated an increased risk. Apart from playing down the results, there is evidence that the scientists also manipulated the research in order to underestimate the risks, especially of cordless phones . . . "Cefalo might have been designed to play down risks, but instead of challenging the findings of the international Interphone group and the Swedish Hardell group, it reconfirms them. These studies made IARC, the cancer research agency of the World Health Organisation, classify mobile phone radiation as "possibly carcinogenic" in May 2011. "There is now more than enough evidence for an application of the precautionary principle according to the International EMF Alliance, a public interest NGO representing some 60 grassroots organisations advocating for a regulation and a reduction of electro-pollution. - The irrational "zero-risk" interpretation of the Cefalo scientists creates doubts and could postpone preventive measures and cause unnecessary suffering. Mobile phone use has increased massively among children and teenagers the last decade, and even a small increase of brain tumour risks is of great concern, says Alex Swinkels, IEMFA board member . . ."

CEFALO FACTS

Sample: Cefalo included 352 children aged 7-19 who were diagnosed with a brain tumour, in the period 2004-

2008 in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland, and 646 controls.

Results: Almost all tables indicate an increased risk. The risk was 36% higher for children and adolescents who

used mobile phones regularly. (OR 1,36, CI 0,92-2,02). The risk was amplified by a longer latency time and was

more than twice as high (+115%) for children for whom the longest time had elapsed since they received their first

mobile phone subscription. (OR 2,15, CI 1,07-4,29).

Statistical significance: The odds ratio (OR) measures the odds of an event occurring in a group compared to a

control group. Positive results are considered to be statistically significant when the entire confidence interval (CI)

is above 1. The doubled risk mentioned above is thus significant.

Funding: Partly financed by the industry funded Swiss Research Foundation on Mobile communication

Resolution to UBCM Regarding Smart Meters

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Passed September 30, 2011

Resolution presented by the City of Colwood

Passed at the UBCM's Annual Conference on September 30, 2011

City of Colwood

RESOLUTION TO UNION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA MUNICIPALITIES

REGARDING BC HYDRO WIRELESS SMART METERS

Moved by Councillor Cullington

Seconded Councillor Tucknott

Whereas significant and serious health, privacy and other concerns have been identified regarding the installation of wireless smart meters in British Columbia and

Whereas BC Hydro is proceeding with its program to install wireless smart meters in British Columbia although it recognizes there is active discussion and ongoing research into the possible health and environmental effects related to radio frequency signals and it is aware the World Health Organization has called for further investigation on this matter in its press release issued on May 31, 2011:

Therefore be it resolved that a moratorium be placed on the mandatory installation of wireless smart meters until the major issues and problems identified regarding wireless smart meters are independently assessed and acceptable alternatives can be made available at no added cost to the consumer.

CARRIED

Democracy Wins at the UBCM

Sat, 1 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Press Release from CST"The BC Liberals' attempts to silence the growing Smart Meter controversy have failed at the Union of BC Municipalities convention with delegates voting for a province-wide moratorium. Could the heavy-handed, dictatorial edicts of Rich Coleman and the Liberals have actually prompted this clear vote for democracy, pushing back this denial of democratic process, denial of human rights, and denial of the freedoms and liberties enshrined in our Canadian Charter? "This is, of course, not the first time the Liberals have attempted to force an unacceptable political position onto BC residents without consent or due process. The dust has hardly even begun to settle from the HST fiasco. But it is obvious that the BC Liberals have long held total disregard for the citizens, and pay little heed to our wishes and concerns except when they want our vote . . ."Resolution passed September 30, 2011

Mayors call for freeze on smart meter rollout at UBCM

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Union of British Columbia Municipalities"Energy giant B.C. Hydro will continue outfitting its customers with wireless smart meters despite a unanimous vote by delegates at the Union of B.C. Municipalities for a moratorium on the mandatory instalment of the devices. "Municipal politicians voted 55 per cent on Friday in favour of putting a halt to Hydro's Smart Metering Program until the major issues associated with the $930 [million] project can be addressed. "The smart meters have proved one of the hot-button issues at this year's annual meeting of mayor and councillors, with critics raising the alarm over such issues as the potential health impacts, cost and efficiency of having them attached to their homes. "Many critics also expressed anger over having the devices imposed on them with little or no consultation. Hydro has already installed 100,000 smart meters and intends to hand one to each of its 1.8 million customers . . ."

UBCM Convention: Hydro Smart Meter Controversy Update

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Union of British Columbia Municipalities - Vancouver Convention CentreCitizens concerned about BC Hydro's Smart Metering Program are a presence this week at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention being held at the Vancouver Convention Centre September 26 to September 30. "As a major sponsor at the UBCM convention, B.C. Hydro is taking this opportunity to promote Smart Meters to all local government representatives in B.C. For Hydro executives, this province's wireless metered future is a foregone conclusion, and questions and alternative insights are not their concern. It also seems they are backed by Liberal Minister of Energy Rich Coleman. Despite a scheduled vote this coming Thursday to determine whether or not municipalities will back a province-wide moratorium, he has forcefully stated that no one will be exempt from wireless smart meters under any circumstances, and that the only choice for people who don't want to be part of the program is to go 'OFF GRID' . . . "

BC Hydro won't be dissuaded on smart meters: Rich Coleman

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Government not interested in Smart Meter safety concerns"BC Hydro will proceed with its smart meter program regardless of growing municipal government opposition, Energy Minister Rich Coleman said Tuesday. "As local government officials at the Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention grilled BC Hydro officials over why the utility is proceeding with the controversial $930-million infrastructure upgrade program despite concerns from residents, Coleman said the program is here to stay. "We continue what we are supposed to do, and that is to install smart meters in British Columbia," he said. "We have already made the investment, we've already passed the legislation in the Clean Energy Act. We have invested [as much as] $400 million so far and a resolution [by the UBCM] is not going to stop us." " . . . B.C. residents won't be allowed to opt out of the program or use non-smart meter equipment, although BC Hydro is willing to consider moving the meters elsewhere on a property. "We continue to have a dialogue with those folks and we are trying to answer all their questions," he said. "We are not in a place where we are ready to throw the gauntlet down and play hardball." "Wendy Bales, a director for the Fraser Valley Regional District, said some of her constituents are so angry and worried they are considering "going off the grid" by installing their own power generation equipment. "Under questioning from Saanich Coun. Leif Wergeland, Murphy acknowledged BC Hydro never consulted with the public before buying the meters. He said the province's Clean Energy Act mandated that the utility begin the modernization program . . ."

No Wi-Fi for the French National Library

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

September 2011- Wi-Fi and the French National Library, all unions on the same wavelength"Today, on Friday 23 September 2011, at the time of the Hygiene and Safety Committee of the Francois Mitterrand vote took place on the project to rollout Wi-Fi . . . "The French Unions (CFDT, CGT and FSU) voted unanimously against this project, thus in compliance with the Precautionary Principle and in favour of equality for everyone with regard to access to Library services."

To avoid breast cancer, take that cellphone out of your bra

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Devra DavisSo . . . October is "Breast Cancer Awareness Month." What's missing?"For many young women today, tucking cellphones in the bra has become a cool, hip way to have simple access to these essential devices. They can jog, drive, shop or sit in darkened movie theaters, quickly responding to tingled vibrations at their breast. Most of us have no idea that cellphones are two-way microwave radios that should not be kept directly on the body. "As the month of breast cancer awareness, October finds the media packed with warnings about the disease. What's missing from this welcome public attention is the fact that the ways some people are using their phones today could increase their risk of developing breast cancer and other diseases. A cellphone's microwave radiation seeps directly into soft fatty tissue of the breast. That's not a good thing. "Someone wise once said that there is no cure for stupidity, but ignorance can be cured with knowledge. I sure hope this is the case . . ."

Is Wi-Fi health hazard for students?

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

York Region, Ontario"York Region's public school board may be getting top marks for being at the forefront of digital learning, but a growing number of parents are wishing educators would take it a little slower. "They are concerned that wireless technology may be harming their children's health and have organized a seminar to explore the topic next week. "All of York Region's public schools are connected wirelessly and the board is recognized as a leader in move to bring digital technology into the classroom. "But not everyone thinks that's smart. "It goes against our rights as parents," says Richmond Hill parent Lynnette Haralampopoulos. "We try to have a safe environment for our kids and do what we can at home to remove things that can cause cancer but they have no choice; they have to be in school." "Ms Haralampopoulos, and other parents in the region, are reverting to plug-in technology and circulating a "non-consent form" to be submitted to schools when parents don't want their kids using wireless computers or to be exposed to them in the school . . ."

Coalition to Stop "Smart" Meters (CDN)

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

British Columbia, CanadaWe are a non-partisan Coalition to Stop "Smart" Meters, consisting of British Columbia residents, businesses and organizations dedicated to ensuring that the upgrading of the provincial utility infrastructure (electric, water, gas) proceeds in a manner that protects jobs, democracy, privacy, security, safety, rights, health and the environment, while also preventing the downloading of unnecessary costs to taxpayers.

Defense Intelligence: Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation in Eurasian Communist Countries

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Prepared by US Army Medical Intelligence and Information Agency Office of the Surgeon General 1975"The purpose of this review is to provide information necessary to assess human vulnerability, protection materials, and methods applicable to military operations. The study provides insight on the current research capabilities of these countries. Information on trends is presented when feasible and supportable. "The study discusses the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation in the radio and microwave ranges (up through 300,000 megahertz). It is not within the realm of this study to provide detailed descriptions of every laboratory experiment. Such data have been purposely omitted in favour of an analytical approach. An attempt has been made to identify the principal areas of research and to discuss the significance of experimental results. "The information reported in this study has been drawn from scientific, medical, and military journals, intelligence reports, magazines, news items, books, and other publications. The information cut-off date for this study was 1 October 1975 . . ." Report contains: Biological Significance of Radiowaves and Microwaves

Blood
Cardiovascular System
Cells
Central Nervous System
Digestive System
Glands
Metabolism
Reproduction
Visual Systems
Internal Sound Perception
Miscellaneous Observations
Discussion of Research Methodologies
Safety Precautions and Standards
Trends, Conclusions and Forecast
Information Gaps
Data Handling
Distribution List

Moratorium Requests from Municipal Councils re Smart Meters in B.C.

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Response to B.C. Public Health Act: Bill 23-2008 section 83 (1)

Smart Meter Moratorium Motion Tally List Current Tally: 32 Congratulations and welcome, Maple Ridge, #32!news report

For links to help organize your own delegation request for a moratorium in your community, begin here.A growing number of responsive and proactive B.C. Municipal and City Councils are passing motions for moratoriums on mandatory installation of B.C. Hydro's wireless "Smart" Meters as follows:

"According to Bill 23-2008 of the British Columbia Public Health Act, section 83

(1) a municipality must take action when it learns of something that could be harmful to its residents. It must notify the Minister of Health or take immediate action. At its June 27 Council meeting, the City of Colwood, B.C. passed a motion to write to the Minister of Health and, due to the potential for wireless smart meters to cause harm or to compromise security, request a moratorium on mandatory installations of wireless meters. The Council also requested that concerned residents be offered safer alternatives at no cost to them."

B.C. Councils who have considered the above request, and voted in favour of it:
Alert Bay
Central Saanich
Colwood
District of Highlands
Duncan
Invermere
Islands Trust (Gulf Islands and Bowen Island)
Ladysmith
Lake Cowichan
Langley Township
Maple Ridge
Merritt
Metchosin
Nanaimo
New Denver
North Cowichan
North Saanich
North Vancouver City
Oliver
Parksville
Powell River
Qualicum Beach
Regional District of Nanaimo
Richmond
Saanich District
Sechelt
Silverton
Sunshine Coast Regional District
Surrey
Tofino
Victoria
White Rock

To be continued . . .

UBCM All Delegates Letter re Rights and Freedoms

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

The Right and Freedom to Refuse a Wireless Smart Meter on personal property"We make note that there is serious disagreement between BC Hydro and thousands of private homeowners who refuse installation of Wireless Smart Meters upon their properties, and who are requesting the choice of either a complete opt out or a wired Smart Meter, without punitive cost or penalty. Further, we note that the BC Clean Energy Act and Regulations have no mandate to install Wireless Smart Meters and believe that this arbitrary decision is being forced on every B.C. citizen without authority . . ."

PRESS RELEASE: UBCM DELEGATES REQUESTED TO PROTECT PUBLIC

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Union of BC Municipalities will be asked to support BC Hydro's Smart Meter Initiative

Wi-Fi in Schools Part 1: Testing for Microwave Radiation Dangers in the Classroom (Video)

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

background, balanced overview, testing demonstration with reference points at Calais School in Vermont

Ignoring the effects of electrosmog: unsafe, unwise, and expensive!

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Press Release - Magda Havas

Press Release: September 19, 2011

Ignoring the effects of electrosmog is unsafe, unwise, and expensive!

Cancer, diabetes, mental illness, heart disease and respiratory disease linked to electrosmog exposure!

Shocking statistics:

" . . . five leading chronic diseases-cancer, diabetes, mental illness, heart disease, and respiratory disease-could reach $47 trillion over the next 20 years, according to a study by the World Economic Forum (WEF)."The number of deaths attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) could reach 53 million per year by 2030, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)

source: Reuters, Chronic disease to cost $47 trillion by 2030: WEF, By Kate Kelland LONDON | Sun Sep 18, 2011 5:50pm EDT, http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/18/us-disease-chronic-costs-idUSTRE78H2IY20110918/

We now have more than 40 years of scientific research linking these chronic diseases to radio frequency radiation (RFR) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by electronic devices and wireless technology.

In a recent 2009 publication, Historical evidence that electrification caused the 20th century epidemic of "diseases of civilization," Dr. Sam Milham found a higher rate in cardiovascular diseases, malignant diseases (cancer), diabetes, and suicide (mental illness)--in urban centers that had electricity, as compared with rural communities that were not fully electrified.

link: http://www.magdahavas.com/2009/12/04/electrification-caused-diseases-of-civilization/

In 1972, Dr. Zory Glaser summarized the biological effects of radio frequency radiation and noted among those effects heart disease, blood sugar problems, psychological disorders, and cancers. Results were published in a Naval Medical Research Institute publication.

link: http://www.magdahavas.com/2010/07/05/pick-of-the-week-1-more-than-2000-documents-prior-to-1972-on-bioeffects-of-radio-frequency-radiation/

Cancer: The World Health Organization classified both low-frequency electromagnetic fields and radio frequency radiation as a Class 2B Carcinogen--possibly carcinogenic to humans.

link: http://www.magdahavas.com/2011/06/05/may-2011-a-month-in-review/

Diabetes: In addition to Type 1 (childhood onset) and Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes, another form, Type 3 diabetes, has been documented. Levels of blood sugar in Type 3 diabetics can spike or fall within a matter of minutes, depending on exposure to RFR. Some brittle diabetics (those who have difficulty regulating their blood sugar) may fall into this category.

link: http://www.magdahavas.com/2010/03/22/diabetes-and-electrosensitivity/

Mental Illness: Mental illness takes many forms. Depression and anxiety disorders and increases in suicide rates have been associated with exposure to electrosmog in both occupational settings (electric utility workers) and residential environments.

link: http://www.emfs.info/The+Science/abstracts/Suicide+and+depression/

Heart Disease: Early studies with radar workers document cardiovascular dysfunction. In 1970, Healer stated: "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." Recent studies show abnormal heart activity when people are exposed to radiation from a cordless phone.

link: http://www.magdahavas.com/2011/03/06/pick-of-the-week-24-microwave-radiation-affects-the-heart/

Respiratory Disease: Asthma, especially among children, is increasing. Li and co-workers (2011) reported a connection between maternal magnetic field exposure during pregnancy and asthma in offspring. Studies show an increase in asthma for those who live near power lines (Beale et al., 2001).

link: http://www.microwavenews.com/Asthma.Li.html http://www.emrpolicy.org/review/06_havasde_schls.pdf http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=542337929245324;res=IELHEA

Our exposure to RFR is increasing and, unless we reduce our exposure, more people are going to become chronically ill. The strain on families, finances, and hospitals will not subside unless the causes of these diseases are recognized and eliminated. We can no longer apply a bandage to stop a hemorrhage. By reducing exposure to RFR fewer people will become ill and those who are sensitive to this radiation will have the opportunity to recover. For more information, contact Dr. Magda Havas, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada, mhavas@trentu.ca, 1-705-748-1011 ext 7882.

Beware of That Which is Not Discussed

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

United Nations meeting follow-up letter from Susan Foster and Olle Johansson"As the United Nations meets in London yesterday and today to assess the global impact of the five leading chronic diseases--cancer, diabetes, mental illness, heart disease, and respiratory disease-- there is a glaring omission in the environmental risks not being analyzed for impacts on health and economy. That omission is the massive explosion and intrusion of wireless technology into every facet of life. "Even without factoring in the proven biological effects of RF (microwave) radiation, the World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates the health costs for the above five diseases could reach $47 trillion over the next 20 years . . . "Wireless technology is an identified risk causing ill health in all five areas addressed by the WEF-- cancer, diabetes, mental illness and respiratory disease-- carrying potential for huge economic and almost incalculable global impacts, growing in danger and in tandem with the wireless infrastructure rollout throughout the world. Until the World Economic Forum addresses this elephant in the room, any prediction for a troubling outlook will be a euphemism."

Hudak pledges to axe mandatory smart meter program

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Tim Hudak is Progressive Conservative Leader in Ontario, CanadaTORONTO -- Ontario Tory leader Tim Hudak says mandatory smart meters are dumb. He says if he's elected premier on Oct. 6 he will axe the program that forces seniors to do their laundry in the middle of the night . . ."

ATTENTION! CORIX: No Trespassing Sign

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

to be attached to 'regular' analogue (non-wireless) meter to alert Smart Meter installerThis sign is designed to be mounted on or beside your non-wireless, analogue meter, if you are lucky enough to still have one. There is a line on which to print the address of the building in question. Also a welcome at the bottom for the analogue meter reader:N.B. Do not forget to write your name and address onto this no trespassing sign, and the date you posted it. If you don't do that, Corix may rip it down and proceed with the installation. A photo of the meter with the sign is also a good idea . . .ATTENTION CORIX Smart Meter Installer for BC HYDRONO TRESPASSINGDO NOT INSTALL SMART METER HERETHIS IS NOTICE OF MY REFUSAL TO ACCEPT A SMART METER AT THIS ADDRESSMany people are taking the step of "enclosing" their analogue meters, protecting them from removal, while still making sure that the necessary ID tags and consumption information remain clearly visible and intact.

ALERT: Reply to Hydro * Updated January 10, 2011

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Form reply letter to send to BC Hydro and its affiliates re Smart Metering Program. Referral to legal and other representatives working on your behalf.This letter can be sent to Hydro and its affiliates if they say, by phone or in writing, that you must meet with them, or accept the smart meter against your request. It can be cut and pasted from this page into your own email, or from the download at the bottom. E-mail addresses for Cc are also at the bottom of the letter.Also available: ALERT: LETTER OF NON-CONSENT FOR HYDRO (SMART METER)smartmeters@bchydro.com and info.utilities@corix.com

BC Hydro Smart Meter Specialist Department Date:___________________

6911 Southpoint Drive,

Burnaby, B.C. V3N 4X8

Attention: Mr. Charles Reid, Mr. Gary Murphy, Ms. Cindy Verschoor, BC Hydro, Corix Utilities and /or assignees thereof:

Dear Messrs. Reid, Murphy, Ms. Verschoor, BC Hydro Smart Meter Team, and Corix Utilities:

Re: B.C. Hydro Account # _________ Address: ___________________________________________

I wrote to B.C. Hydro to give clear notice that I am refusing to allow the installation of a Wireless "Smart Meter" on my property. I made it clear in my communication that I am refusing to have my privacy rights violated. I also made it clear that my decision to refuse a Wireless Smart Meter is also to protect my health and the health of my family.

You wrote back on behalf of B.C. Hydro, which serves as an acknowledgement of B.C. Hydro's receipt of my notice of refusal.

In your reply you create fictitious hoops for me to jump through to exercise my rights. You make it clear that I must fill out a form and meet with a B.C. Hydro representative, and if I do not, my current meter will be exchanged with a Wireless Smart Meter. Therefore, you are saying that I must comply with the conditions created in your letter before I can exercise: my right to privacy, my right to protect my health and the health of my family and my property rights.

There is no basis in law for nullifying a clear and unambiguous exercise of rights by imposing fictitious conditions that do not exist in law.

CONTRARY TO YOUR ASSERTIONS, ANY FAILURE OR REFUSAL BY ME TO ENGAGE IN CONSULTATION WITH B.C. HYDRO OR ITS AGENTS CANNOT AND WILL NOT REVOKE OR NULLIFY MY REFUSAL OF CONSENT TO THE INSTALLATION OF A WIRELESS SMART METER ON MY PROPERTY OR PREMISES.

The B.C. Hydro Smart Metering Program and your letter raise some very troubling ethical issues. Electricity is an essential service that we cannot live without. We have only one electricity provider and so are locked into this essential service. Now the sole provider is imposing, without consent, Wireless Smart Meters in our homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods. I have the following questions for B.C. Hydro:

1. Why do the residents of B.C. have no say in whether they want to protect their privacy by refusing to allow devices that disclose personal details, such as their electricity use patterns; information the police currently need a warrant to obtain?

2. We, who have written to B.C. Hydro refusing Wireless Smart Meters, are legitimately concerned about the potential health consequences of the manmade, pulsed microwave radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by these devices. Have we reached a time in B.C. when individuals, in an effort to protect their personal health and the health of their families, can no longer choose to avoid perceived dangers in their very homes?

3. Are we at a place in B.C. where we have no choice but to allow our neighbourhoods to be contaminated by manmade, pulsed microwave radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitting constantly at street level from multiple Wireless Smart Meters and wireless infrastructure; to have no choice but to have our children play in streets and communities where their little bodies are subjected to a soup of manmade, pulsed microwave radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation which we believe poses health risks and concerns us greatly as parents and caring people?

4. B.C. Hydro is a monopoly, owned by the public. Is it appropriate for corporations like BC Hydro to impose fictitious conditions on customers who wish to register refusal of a new Wireless Smart Meter? Is it appropriate for our utility company to intimidate customers in attempts to force them to forego their rights to health, privacy and the welfare of their families?

5. What law or regulation gives B.C. Hydro the right to place a two-way radiofrequency telecommunications device on my home without my permission?
The B.C. Clean Energy Act is being touted as a the authority for B.C. Hydro to install Smart Meters. Nowhere in that Act or the regulations is there any mandate to install Wireless Smart Meters. There is no reason that B.C. cannot provide its citizens with Wired Smart Meters, as do Idaho or Italy. The B.C. Government has not mandated Wireless Smart Meters in its legislation or in its regulations. That arbitrary decision is being forced on every B.C. household and business without authority.

I insist that B.C. Hydro reconsider its Wireless Smart Metering Program. Fair and reasonable accommodation, without undue financial costs and penalties, must be made for those who, like me, will not allow a Wireless Smart Meter to be installed. I am not willing to meet with B.C. Hydro, in part because I am worried about being intimidated and not taken seriously.

Executive members of the Coalition to Stop Smart Meters are willing to meet with B.C. Hydro on my behalf to address my concerns.

If you would like to set up an appointment to meet with these representatives, please send written notice of such request to Sharon Noble at dsnoble@shaw.ca and Una St. Clair at una@citizensforsfetechnology.org with a copy to me. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Full Name

Full address

Copy (Cc) to

Corix Utilities, Liberal BC Leader Christy Clark, Minister of Energy Rich Coleman, NDP Energy Critic John Horgan, BC Chief Medical Officer Perry Kendall, NDP Deputy Health Critic Sue Hammell, Green Party Federal Leader Elizabeth May, Minister of Health, Mike de Jong, NDP Health Critic Mike Farnworth, NDP BC Leader Adrian Dix, Green Party BC Leader Jane Sterk

info.utilities@corix.com, premier@gov.bc.ca, rich.coleman.mla@leg.bc.ca, john.horgan.mla@leg.bc.ca, perry.kendall@gov.bc.ca, sue.hammell.mla@leg.bc.ca, elizabeth.may@greenparty.ca, mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca, mike.farnworth.mla@leg.bc.ca, adrian.dix.mla@leg.bc.ca, leader@greenparty.bc.ca

Copy also to your local Mayor and Council

Smart Meter Opposition Grows

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Maine U.S."Further opposition to smart meters grew early this week when 19 CMP ratepayers filed a formal complaint against Central Maine Power (CMP) and the Maine Public Utility Commission (PUC). While the 23 page complaint touches on many negative aspects of the meters, it focuses most on recent evidence regarding adverse health effects and electronic privacy issues. "In May, after ruling on earlier complaints, the PUC ordered customers be allowed to Opt Out and retain their old meter but also required ratepayers to pay CMP $40 initially plus a $12 monthly fee for this option. Many customers, including the current complainants, feel this is nothing more than extortion, citing The Hobbs Act which defines the term as "the obtaining of property from another, with his consent, induced by wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear, or under color of official right" to support their claim. "There is plenty not to like about smart meters-harmful effects on wildlife, adverse health effects, electronic trespass and privacy issues, interruption with other wireless devices and over-billing" said lead complainant Ed Friedman, whose Grandfather defended clients against illegal wiretaps in the 1950's and 1960's. "With customer safety at the core of the PUC mission, they can't, with any good conscience or legitimate legal standing, extort payment from ratepayers choosing to minimize exposure to meter problems . . ."

Ontario School Replaces Wi-Fi with Wired Internet

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Pretty River Academy, Collingwood"Another school has decided not to play Russian roulette with the health of students and staff. "Pretty River Academy, a private school in Collingwood, Ontario, with 150 students attending kindergarten to Grade 12 replaced wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) with wired ethernet before the start of the 2011 academic year. "This school follows in the footsteps of other schools that have replaced Wi-Fi or that refused to have it installed in the first place. "Students and teachers were encouraged to do research on the best technology for the school and they decided wired internet access was superior to wireless for all sorts of reasons, including health issues . . ."

Ontario school cuts Wi-Fi over safety concerns

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Pretty River Academy, Collingwood"A private school in Ontario has cut its wireless Internet network over concerns that the technology causes health issues in students. Pretty River Academy in Collingwood, Ont., a private school with 150 students attending kindergarten to Grade 12, is the first Ontario school to remove Wi-Fi from campus. "The school's old Wi-Fi system was taken out over the summer and replaced with Ethernet connections ahead of the first day of the school year. In May the World Health Organization said radio frequency radiation from WiFi and cell phones posed a similar health threat to DDT, lead and car exhaust. "Principal Roberta Murray-Hirst says the new hard-wired Internet system is actually faster than their previous system and gives teachers control over when students can go online . . ."Hear the hour-long interview and phone-in at this link.

Smart Grid Security Inadequate (Video)

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

CIA Director calls Smart grid "stupid" due to security problems - USA

Hypersensitivity becomes a new cause of permanent disability

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Labour Court in Madrid declared electromagnetic hypersensitivity as new cause of permanent disability of a college professor and therefore entitled to permanent disability pension for this condition - May 23, 2011Hypersensitivity to the waves produced by mobile phones becomes a new cause of permanent disability. News of Forensic Medicine and Law, News of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Disability News. "Spain, September 2011 - This has been ruled by the Labour Court to declare Madrid 24 permanent incapacitation of a college professor who suffered from chronic fatigue and environmental and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. The ruling is unique in this regard and make a precedent for future conditions related to hypersensitivity to these waves. The verdict was issued on 23 May and gave the teachers 100% of his base salary, which amounted to 1640.80 euros. "Team Assessment of the Social Security disability (EVI), recognized in clinical diagnosis: chronic fatigue syndrome, celiac disease, fibromyalgia syndrome and environmental electromagnetic hypersensitivity, yet they dismissed the patient's disability. "The Labour Court in Madrid again puts into question the criteria for the granting of this degree by the provincial leadership of the national institute, and recognizes the rights of the applicant stating that presents enormous problems for the performance of their tasks " with appropriate level of professionalism and performance." "Legal Medical Group would like to echo this statement pioneer in the defense of those who are entitled to a permanent disability pension, and upholds the spirit of not giving any circumstances for lost, when there is sufficient medical and legal basis. Legal Medical Group is a pioneer in the defense of those who apply for disability, accident or illness, advising them from a technical point of view, medical and legal since 1978."

Coalition to Stop "Smart" Meters

Mon, 5 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Committed to a full review of the current "Smart" Meter ProgramLet's Take a Second Look

Who We Are
Concerns
Coalition Goals
Founding Coalition Members
Coalition Supporters

Special Note: We support organizations and groups calling for immediate moratorium on Independent Power Producers who sell power to BC Hydro at three to four times the going rate. These prices are outrageously high, are subsidized by the taxpayer and are unsustainable.

'Kicked in the Teeth' at BC Hydro -The Tyee

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Workers in the trenches say mass job cuts would create more havoc than savingsTwo weeks have passed since the Clark government called upon BC Hydro to save money by cutting as many as 1,200 jobs. The study making the recommendation, titled "Review of BC Hydro," triggered immediate outraged response from unions representing BC Hydro workers. Missing from the conversation so far have been people who go to work every day inside BC Hydro. Five of those workers spoke with The Tyee about what they think is wrong with BC Hydro, the government report and the news coverage of it all so far. From these conversations emerged a picture of a workforce wracked by uncertainty about how many jobs will actually be axed and confusion about where the fat supposedly lies in their ranks. They warned that contracting out jobs will create false sav- ings, cripple planning and eventually reduce BC Hydro to bare bones. And they cited what they said were the biggest threats to BC Hydro and its ratepayers -- a billion dollar Smart Meter program and high priced contracts with private power producers locked in by order of the BC Liberal government. If the workers interviewed by The Tyee are typical, morale is plummeting inside BC Hydro as employees feel victim- ized and belittled in media coverage flowing from the review.

Neuronal Damage and Possible Physical Mechanisms made by Man

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

The Mammalian Brain in the Electromagnetic Fields Designed by Man with Special Reference to Blood-Brain Barrier Function"Life on earth was formed during billions of years, exposed to, and shaped by the original physical forces such as gravitation, cosmic irradiation, atmospheric electric fields and the terrestrial magnetism. The Schumann resonances at 7.4 Hz are an example of oscillations possibly important for life. "The existing organisms are created to function in harmony with these forces. However, in the late 19th century mankind introduced the use of electricity, in the early 20th century long-wave radio and in the 1940-ies short-wave radio. High frequency RF was introduced in the 50-ies as FM and television and during the very last decades, microwaves of the modern communication society spread around the world. Today, however, one third of the world's population is owner of the microwave-producing mobile phones and an even larger number is exposed to the cordless RF emitting systems. To what extent are all living organisms affected by these, almost everywhere present radio frequency fields? And what will be the effects of many years of continuing exposure? . . . "It is our generation who invented the microwave emitters. We now have an imperative obligation to further investigate the links between EMF and biology in order to prevent the possible detrimental effects of the microwaves. The concept of solitons as active in membranes and RNA-transcription may be one key to open new paths in the search -- a search which must be an imperative not only for researchers but also for states and organisations world-wide . . ."

Getting a Read on Smart Meters

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Talk of the Town - Focus Magazine September 2011"Smart meters won't endanger health or privacy, and will conserve energy, reduce theft, and produce cost savings. Or so BC Hydro tells us. But is there a hidden agenda driving what may be a billion-dollar boondoggle?" "One exchange at BC Hydro's tense public meeting in Victoria in March was emblematic of the debates about smart meters. Asked about the health dangers of smart meters' wireless electromagnetic fields (EMF), BC Hydro consultant Dr John Blatherwick explained they'd rarely be transmitting, anyway: "Those things will be [operating] for one minute [per day] on average, up to a maximum of three [minutes]." "BC Hydro has said the same, but coming from a former Vancouver chief medical officer, this reassurance carried weight. However, Walter McGinnis, an electrician who retrofits homes to reduce EMFs, said the meters actually communicate constantly, but in energy micro-bursts. He claimed BC Hydro was using sleight of hand to disguise that--like claiming a strobe light flashing on for 0.05 seconds every half second is techni- cally only "on" for six minutes per hour. "I have tested it," said McGinnis. "The meter does transmit all day every day." "I can't debate that with you," returned Blatherwick. "I do not know the specifics." . . .

Hydro customers protest against installation of smart meters

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Victoria, BC Canada"With smart meters rolling out across the province, some households are taking active steps to block the change at their homes. However, B.C. Hydro maintains there is no other option and that every house will have its old meter changed to the new Wi-Fi meters. "The hydro company has dealt with only a "very small number of folks who have had issues with smart meters," said Gary Murphy, B.C. Hydro's chief project officer for smart meters. About 900 customers, of the province's 1.8 million, have asked not to have their meters changed. "Customers who call with concerns are addressed on a per-customer basis, said Murphy, who says there is no "do not install" list. Yet, "the installation of meters to these customers' homes has been delayed," he said . . ."Hydro's assertion that a "very small number of folks . . . have issues with smart meters" is a downplaying of the fact that thousands of British Columbians have voiced their opposition to these meters. That is an indication that there are many more who are opposed who don't have the time, patience or confidence to write letters, or argue with Hydro. MLA John Horgan has received 3500 messages to his office alone with concerns about smart meter installations. CST's petitions have signatures approaching 2000. Thirteen municipalities in BC have requested moratoriums on installation of smart meters, and this number is growing. The B.C. Office of Privacy Commission is looking into problems regarding privacy issues and Ombudspersons are pursuing complaints to their department. This is happening in direct response to Hydro's unwillingness to communicate in a constructive, organized and collaborative way with those concerned. People aren't looking for open houses and barbeques. They are asking for input and answers. They are asking for options. They are asking for time. They are asking for respect. That the BC Hydro Smart Metering Program Team would say for the media that there are 900 persons with "issues" is an obvious misrepresentation the very real opposition that these meters are causing. If Hydro is only aware of 900 persons, they might do well to begin communicating with more customers, and make that list that they have, as yet, not made.

Cell Phones and Head Blemishes in Adolescents: Is it Melanoma?

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Dr. Magda Havas"A hair stylist in Toronto noticed discolourations on the scalp of adolescents. The marks were often in the temporal lobe near the ear although some were on the top or back of the head. Since most of the blemishes were covered by hair they were difficult to see. "Most, if not all of these students, had their own mobile phone. They were between the ages of 8 and 13. Most likely they comb their own hair or visit a hair stylist who may or may not notice these blemishes. "Blemishes on the scalp may be innocuous (moles, birth marks, irritated hair follicles, insect bites, and scratches) or they may be the first signs of a malignant tumor (melanoma). The message for parents is to check their children for head blemishes and to notify their family doctors if any resemble melanomas. This is especially important if your child uses a mobile phone . . ."

W.H.O. refuses to include leading expert's evidence

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

First offered in April 2005Not much new since then, as reputable research is still being ignored by governments who don't want to acknowledge or give credibility to any kind of "inconvenient truth." The following article contains more links to studies and research."Professor Olle Johansson, a leading world expert into electrical hypersensitivity, attended the October 2004 World Health Organisation "Workshop on EMF Hypersensitivity" in Prague. The organisers have refused to include his formal reservation in the summary of the workshop. This is a shame, especially as the reservation in question is both informative and enlightening, and we have therefore decided to show it in full with the kind consent of Professor Johansson himself: . . ."

Success in Cedar!

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

moratorium on Smart Meters and local siting protocols for cell towers"Thank you for such a large showing of support at last night's Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) meeting. It worked! The Board passed both motions we were seeking regarding the TELUS tower in Cedar . . . "As an added bonus, the Board also passed a moratorium on the installation of smart meters in the RDN until they could gather further information. Health concerns of cell towers are very related to health concerns of smart meters. It was synergistic that these two topics were discussed in the same meeting. I know both topics are very important to many people . . ."

Richmond Smart Meter - RF demo (Video)

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

RF readings while a newly installed Smart Meter transmits to its collection antenna

Victoria debates Smart Meters, while 1600 are installed (Video)

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

"A" News, Victoria B.C.

Smart Meters operating in Richmond, B.C.

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

photo images and map - EMR Health Alliance of BC"Just south of the intersection of Westminister Highway and Number One Road in Richmond, BC, there are a handful of homes with BC Hydro wireless smart meters in operation. People who are sensitive to wireless devices (EHS) photographed the antenna that was installed to collect the data from these homes . . . "Photos in this link help to see the difference between a "regular" digital meter and a "Smart Meter." FYI

The butchering of BC Hydro

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Jim Quail"On one level, the B.C. government's new Review of BC Hydro marks an about-face by the Liberals under Christy Clark, calling quits to Gordon Campbell's fantasyland of a "green energy powerhouse." On a deeper level, however, it represents a deepening of the Campbell agenda to privatize the public utility. Campbell's fantasy was that we'd become massive exporters of clean electricity mined from our rivers and wind, sold at a premium into the power-hungry California market. This represented a major shift in the mandate of BC Hydro. "From its inception, BC Hydro's mission was to provide safe, reliable, low-cost electricity to British Columbians. Campbell changed this: Hydro was to become a booster and sales agent for private sector electrical generation corporations. This role was given such priority that the government was happy to sacrifice affordability. That's because Hydro's customers would be forced to underwrite the profitability of the private electrical industry . . . "Enter the Review. A committee of deputy ministers was thrown together in April, and issued its report to the cabinet in June. It was released to the public early this August. This whirlwind venture had only one real goal: to help the government survive the next election in the face of public furor about the surge in electric rates -- a surge that critics (including the undersigned) had warned of ever since the government adopted its buy high/sell low strategy (code-named "electricity self-sufficiency"). And a hasty job it was -- apparently working backward to try to end up with politically-palatable rates, identifying everything that might be thrown overboard to keep the Liberal ship afloat."

Smart Meters: Separating Fact from Fiction

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

Commonly Made Statements: What's the Real Story? (September 13, 2011)Updated and Revised September 13, 2011When asked about the impacts that "Smart Meters" will have on B.C., representatives of Hydro have a standard set of responses-- a scripted "mantra" intended to justify their decision to install these meters. In form letters and interviews, advertisements and news reports, the statements are repeated and repeated again. To explain their inaccuracies and clarify facts is a highly repetitive exercise, problematic when Hydro representatives and government officials make the same false statements over time, and when reports in the mainstream media continue to present these inaccuracies as truth. The following collection of "Frequently Asked Questions and Statements made about Microwave/ Radiofrequency Radiation" contains information that helps to separate the fact from the fiction. Hopefully it will answer any questions regarding "Smart Meters": their safety and their health effects, their costs and impacts on B.C. and beyond.

How to Properly Read a Scientific Paper - Reporting the Truth

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Sample Study: Mobile Phone Use and Brain Tumors in Children and Adolescents: A Multicenter Case-Control StudyFalse or biased press coverage of scientific findings seems to plague journalism these days. What follows is a basic 2-page primer for lay people and journalists to avoid the possible pitfalls of reporting on Scientific findings. The tendency to report an existing opinion without first understanding how scientific findings are presented is tempting. Quicker and easier. However, much understanding can be gained by taking a little time to look between the lines. Reporting Scientific FindingsClick here for pdf of sample study."If you want to know what is really happening with cell phones and cancer - you need to learn how to read between the lines. That is what scientists do. They go beyond the abstract and read the document. They examine the results and compare their own conclusions to those of the authors'. Some authors who are dealing with controversial, contentious, politically charged issues or those who have a bias-financial or otherwise-may deemphasize a finding to minimize backlash directed at them or their study. But, if the authors are honest, the document will provide the truth-sometimes buried between the lines-for other scientists to find. The truth is out there. You just need to learn how to find it . . ."

Opponents Push to Stop BC Smart Meters

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Municipalities, Green Party, call for moratorium"BC Hydro began rolling out its wireless "smart" meter program in British Columbia on July 1, but opponents are still hoping they can stop it. "Anti-smart meter campaigns are gaining momentum, and at least five municipalities have applied for a moratorium after concerns were raised by residents. The B.C. Green Party has also called for the program to be cancelled. "The $930-million program will replace electric meters at every B.C. home and business with wireless smart meters by 2012--1.8 million in all . . ."

Privacy Letter

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Model letter to Privacy Commissioner for BC re: surveillance capabilities of BC Hydro 'Smart' MetersThe Information and Privacy Commission of B.C. is another important support and resource to use when challenging Smart Meters. Smart meters are used to gather very private and personal information, which companies consider as their own ("proprietary") and sell to marketing companies, insurers, and others. Even if, initially, they don't sell it, with wireless smart meters they are still putting a surveillance device in all of our homes. This is clearly an invasion of our privacy and should not be allowed. Video: A Little Too Smart The office of the Privacy Commission is receiving many calls each day from people concerned about smart meters and the issue of privacy. The Commissioner would like each of us to submit a complaint following the following protocol.

Skelton, Taintor & Abbott Wins Landmark Smart Meter Case

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Maine U.S.Category: Firm News

On behalf of several Maine residents, Skelton, Taintor & Abbott secured a landmark decision that will benefit utility customers throughout the country. Alan Stone, chair of the firm's energy law group, successfully convinced the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to find that it was an unjust and unreasonable practice for Central Maine Power Company (CMP) to refuse to permit residential and small commercial customers to opt-out of CMP's smart meter program.

Skelton, Taintor & Abbott represented a group of customers in a complaint against CMP, and convinced the MPUC to order CMP to offer customers the option of opting out of the smart meter program and retaining their existing electromagnetic meters. Stone proved that because of unresolved concerns relating to health, privacy and cyber security resulting from the installation of wireless meters on their homes, customers should have a choice concerning the installation of those meters. CMP argued vigorously that customers should not be allowed to opt out, and the MPUC found that position to be unjust and unreasonable.

The Portland Press Herald has described the decision as a "landmark" case that represents the first time any state had ordered an electric utility to permit customers the choice to opt out of a smart meter program. The case has been followed by other Public Utilities Commissions and utility experts around the country, and will serve as precedent for others in the determination of how to resolve what has become a growing debate about customer choice and smart meters.

Alan Stone is also chair of the trial practice group at Skelton, Taintor and Abbott, and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of Energy Law.

More provincial parks embracing wireless internet

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Wi-Fi available in Ont., N.S., B.C., Sask., Alta. parksTech companies score another point . . . When will it stop? Where will we not have wireless "connectivity" and wireless radiation intrusion?"It's now easier than ever to stay connected in provincial parks across Canada, but not all visitors are happy campers about it. "With wireless access available at some parks in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, visitors can enjoy the web in the wild. "We're an accommodation -- bottom line," says John Salo, southwest zone manager for Ontario Parks, the agency that oversees provincial parks. "Yes, we protect significant [environmental] areas, but we're an accommodation, and when people go to motels and hotels, they expect to have wireless internet." "Ontario Parks has decided to extend a pilot program that introduced wireless internet in Pinery Provincial Park last year. Salo says the hotspot at the park's convenience store will stay active until November. "If there's a positive response, we'll sit back and determine if it's worth it to continue," he said. . ."

Smart Grid Privacy And Security Risks Loom For Agencies

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Letter to BC's Information and Privacy Commissioner references this article"'The article below is a comprehensive and concise description of the risks to privacy and security from the impending provincial, nation-wide, and world-wide smart grid. The "smart grid gold rush" has allowed technology deployment to rush ahead of proper forethought, planning, and scientific research over a proper period of time. "'And this so-called smart grid 'gold rush' has already encountered several significant security breaches.'" "Please read this article. It covers the essentials of what thousands of British Columbians are extremely concerned about.""The smart meter program needs to be stopped. There are so many issues, including privacy and security, that were not researched properly or without prejudice. And the citizens of British Columbia were not allowed their democratic rights to give input into this enormous and costly program that will affect everyone's future. We are rushing into bankruptcy of our citizens and BC Hydro. And we are rushing into a catastrophe of enormous dimensions. "Please stop the smart meter program until you have released your report and opened this issue up for discussion with the citizens of British Columbia who are paying for this train wreck about to happen. "The citizens of British Columbia urgently need your assistance. "The effort to modernize America's electric grid is well underway, with nearly $8 billion in federal funding since 2009 and states across the country hastening to deploy everything from electronic smart meters for homes to regional sensors capable of detecting and responding to power outages. "But major privacy and security problems for the smart grid effort could be on the horizon and present a host of challenges to federal agencies, according to multiple smart grid technology and policy experts. "Funding and deployment during what some call the "smart grid gold rush" has vastly outstripped the federal government's ability to develop meaningful privacy and security standards and regulations within one of the nation's most critical infrastructures. "And efforts in Congress to put one agency, such as the Department of Homeland Security, in charge of securing the grid could add to the chaos surrounding security and privacy . . ."

Merritt man to bring smart meter fight to council

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Concerned over health effects from 'microwave sickness'Unless Vohradsky takes further steps to clarify "No Install," his attempt to "delay install" will actually amount to "implied consent" for installation at a future time of Hydro's choosing."When Merritt man Walter Vohradsky began researching the health effects from wireless technology two weeks ago, he became concerned and requested that BC Hydro put a delayed install notice on his account. But the 70-year-old was advised that he had no choice in the matter, as Section 12 of the B.C. Clean Energy Act specifies that installation of smart meters can be done without the consent of the owner. "I was advised that BC Hydro has no choice because government legislation has mandated that by Dec. 31, 2012 every household in British Columbia will have a smart meter," says Vohradsky . . . "Vohradsky says he will notify city council that they are required to "take action" regarding matters of public health and safety as outlined in Section 83 of the B.C. Public Health Act.

A Skeptic's Guide to BC Smart Meters

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

From dubious cost-effectiveness to health concerns, here are a few reasons to question them."Ben Franklin may have discovered electricity -- but it is the man who invented the meter who made the money." -- Former U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren "Does this story sound familiar? A $1-billion waste of money, taxpayers picking up an enormous tab -- for no benefit to them - and BC Liberal friends getting big contracts. "Could it be the BC Rail privatization? Or the Harmonized Sales Tax? Nope. It's a brand new one -- installing "smart meters" in the home or business of every BC Hydro customer. "And smart meters are the dumbest idea yet from a government full of them. BC Hydro claims the completely safe wireless-transmitting smart meters will save you money and the environment by letting you -- and them -- monitor electricity usage. Then you can reduce usage and shift it to off-peak hours at lower rates. That all sounds good -- but it's not accurate. Here's the flip side: smart meters will cost you $930 million up front, not reduce energy usage, not save the environment and not stop drug dealers. And they may not be safe . . ."

Langley Municipality adopts resolution to request moratorium on mandatory Wireless Smart Meters

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Two Letters to Federal and Provincial Health Ministers Aglukkag and Michael de JongAt a public council meeting July 25, 2011, the Township of Langley Council. . . adopted the following resolution: That Council send letters to both the Provincial and Federal Ministers of Health requesting a moratorium be placed on mandatory installation of wireless smart meters until independent assessments are done and wired alternative solutions are provided at no cost to customers.

ALERT: LETTER OF NON-CONSENT for SMART METER

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Refusal Letter to send ASAP to Hydro (Corix) re Smart Meter Installation - with instructions

IMPORTANT:RIGHT AWAY, to keep your analogue meter (if you are lucky enough to still have one . . .), even before you send the following letter, post theNO TRESPASSING SIGN and/or COPE STOP SIGN, or other visible deterrent for Corix, Hydro's official installer. Write your address and your name on the sign, along with the date. Secure it beside your meter AND on your front door. A photo would also help to prove it was there . . . Hydro claims they will respect letters and signs for the time being, but very often the Corix installer is not doing so . . .Also: DO NOT PHONE BC HYDRO to refuse a Smart Meter. This is no longer a wise use of your time, as Hydro simply uses it as an opportunity to promote their Smart Meter Program or convince you that you have no choice. You do have a choice. To register refusal of a B.C. Hydro wireless Smart Meter, the following letter is useful. It is not guaranteed that B.C. Hydro will not install, but it eliminates the "implied consent" argument that they are using to justify the installation of the meters without notification or permission. It is recommended that you keep copies for your files, and perhaps post one by your meter.send Via electronic mail to: smartmeters@bchydro.com and info.utilities@corix.com

Also via Canada Post to: BC Hydro,

Smart Meter Specialist Department

6911 Southpoint Drive, Burnaby BC, V3N 4X8

Attention B.C. Hydro, Corix Utilities and agents and/or assignees thereof:

Re: Refusal of Smart Meter on my Residence / Workplace

Dated: _______________, 201__ B.C. Hydro Account # on bill_____________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

Please accept this as your official notice from this date forward of my absolute refusal to allow the installation of a wireless Smart Meter on my home or premises at

full address _______________________________________________________________

Take notice that B.C. Hydro, Corix Utilities and /or agents and assignees thereof do not have my authorization, permission or consent to enter my property, business or premises for the purpose of replacing my current meter with a wireless Smart Meter.

Any attempt to install this device on my property or residence will constitute trespass and a violation of rights afforded to me as a citizen of Canada.

I refuse your wireless Smart Meter on the grounds that it has the capability of being a surveillance system, used by you or other parties, which could violate my right to privacy.

Also: my fundamental democratic right to protect my health from a possible carcinogen, specifically radiofrequency electromagnetic fields emitted by your wireless Smart Meter, supersedes any right you have to install a wireless Smart Meter on my property.

You still have authorization to attend at my property for the purpose of reading the non-wireless meter manually

Name in full ________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Copy (Cc) to

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -This letter format can be accessed, downloaded, cut and pasted into your own email from:citizensforsafetechnology.org (Smart Meter Action Kit under "Letter Alert!")

Declassified information on the Bioeffects of Selected Non-Lethal Weapons

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

United States Army Intelligence and Security Command - Freedom of Information/ Privacy Office December 2006"This addendum to the Non-lethal Technologies Worldwide study addresses in summary, some of the most often-asked questions of non-lethal weapons technology, the physiological responses observed in clinical settings of the biophysical coupling and susceptibility of personnel to non-lethal effects weapons. These results identify and validate some aspects of maturing non-lethal technologies that may likely be encountered and used as non-lethal effectors in the future, including:

Lasers and other light phenomena
Radiofrequency directed energy
Aural bioeffects . . ."

Santa Cruz Enviro Group Implicated in Covering for 'Smart' Meter Ecological Damage

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

editorial by Joshua Hart"On a recent glossy pro-smart meter flyer sent to everyone in Santa Cruz County by PG&E, "County resident" Mahlon Aldridge says cheerily, "Smart Meters are essential for achieving a sustainable energy future." "Turns out he works for Ecology Action, an environmental organization in Santa Cruz, and makes an annual six digit salary from a lucrative PG&E contract with the organization. Critics of "Smart" Meters are pointing the finger at PG&E, accusing the company of omitting key disclosures about financial ties between the energy company and Mr. Aldridge . . ."Details of Town Forum scheduled for Wednesday, August 3

Media Release: Possible Break Up of BC Hydro Being Kept Under Wraps

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Still new news to most of us . . . March 17, 2011Still news to most of us . . . Now it is falling into place: Why the rush, why the lack of oversight? "A major restructuring may be underway BC Hydro that could result in the crown corporation being broken up into several different entities, according to information obtained by the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union, Local 378 (COPE 378). "BC Hydro and its outsourced arm, Accenture, have told COPE 378 that a major restructuring is under way at Hydro that could result in further fracturing of BC Hydro through multiple outsourcing agreements. Under this restructuring, a new series of outsourcing contracts may be handed out and Accenture, which currently has the contract for about one third of BC Hydro's privatized operations, could be gone. "However, details about the restructuring--called the Long Term Sourcing Strategy, or LTSS-- are completely absent from Hydro's Rate Increase Application, which was just filed with the BC Utilities Commission. Changes of this magnitude, which could significantly impact upon hydro rates, the number of people employed at BC Hydro and its contractors, and the number of jobs located in BC, are routinely documented in filings such as these at the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC). "Accenture first told us about the big shake up at Hydro because they said they were fearful of losing the lucrative outsourcing contract they currently hold," said COPE 378 Vice President, Gwenne Farrell. "Since then we've had confirmation directly from BC Hydro that this restructuring is indeed underway, and our next step was to look for details in the BCUC filings." "Farrell noted that the anticipated restructuring is three times the scale of the 2003 Accenture outsourcing plan. Farrell further advocated that decisions which could so profoundly impact Hydro rates, or result in huge job losses, be brought under the scrutiny of the BCUC as a major change to the utility. "The BC Liberal government has sought to neuter the BCUC and remove huge decisions like this from the public eye," said Farrell. "But we may well see BC Hydro split into three or more pieces, customers could be severely impacted, rates could go even higher, and hundreds, maybe thousands of workers will certainly be affected." "It is unacceptable that BC Hydro even entertain these changes without engaging its customers who rely on BC Hydro every day, the BCUC, and their workers," Farrell added . . ."

Smart Meter Tax Machines (Video)

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Randy Hillier MPP in the Ontario Legislature

Green Party Opposes BC Hydro's New Smart Meters (Video)

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

news video with text

Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity: Evidence for a Novel Neurological Syndrome

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Just accepted by International Journal of NeuroscienceObjective: We sought direct evidence that acute exposure to environmental-strength electromagnetic fields could induce somatic reactions (EMF hypersensitivity). Methods: The subject, a female physician self-diagnosed with EMF hypersensitivity, was exposed to an average (over the head) 60-Hz electric field of 300 V/m (comparable to typical environmental-strength EMFs) during controlled provocation and behavioral studies. Results: In a double-blinded EMF provocation procedure specifically designed to minimize unintentional sensor y cues, the subject developed temporal pain, headache, muscle-twitching, and skipped hear tbeats within 100 s after initiation of EMF exposure (P < 0.05). The symptoms were caused primarily by field transitions (off-on, on-off) rather than the presence of the field, as assessed by comparing the frequency and severity of the effects of pulsed and continuous fields in relation to sham exposure. The subject had no conscious perception of the field as judged by her inability to repor t its presence more often than in the sham control. Discussion: The subject demonstrated statistically reliable somatic reactions in response to exposure to subliminal EMFs under conditions that reasonably excluded a causative role for psychological processes. Conclusion: EMF hypersensitivity can occur as a bona fide environmentally-inducible neurological syndrome.

Elizabeth May: The Twitter storm -- why I said what I said ...

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Reflections and statement regarding Press Release about "Smart" Meters and B.C. Hydro"It has been an interesting day. While doing my work on constituency matters, I tried to keep at bay a growing furor over why I had tweeted about the safety of electromagnetic radiation and Wi-Fi. I haven't been attacked with such nastiness in ages. (I used to be used to it. It was almost refreshing.) The easiest thing to do on Twitter, would, I suppose, be to wave a white flag and say "just kidding." Instead, I think the controversy has created a good teaching moment . . . "

Green Party Press Conference on Smart Meters (Video)

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Victoria, BC Canada

Media Advisory: National Energy Plan, Global Smart Grid

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Watershed Sentinel - Environmental News from British Columbia and the World"What do the National Energy Plan, smart meters, Site C, IPPs, nuclear energy in the tar sands, and BC's high voltage Northwest Transmission Line have in common? The plans for renewable energy high voltage transmission have been spun over the decades, but now large corporate players, controlling strategic committees in Washington and Ottawa, are ready to transform the continent and drain Canada of energy - oil, gas, hydro. The only public involvement is that taxpayers are expected to foot the bill. It's all wrapped up in the "Clean Energy Dialogue" about renewable energy, and nary a word about the sacrifice of wilderness. But what the National Energy Plan and the global smart grid really mean in Canada is the draining of the hinterland, and the Canadian hydro consumer, for electricity export and profit. "Now in an extensive feature in the upcoming September issue of the Watershed Sentinel, author and researcher Joyce Nelson meticulously connects the dots. What follows is a sneak peek at some of the sections. Journalists may contact the Watershed Sentinel for a full version of the story, embargoed until September 1 . . ."

High Voltage Spin and Lies
The Smart Meter
High Voltage Direct Current
The Clean Energy Dialogue
North to Alaska
Writing the National Energy Plan: GENI Meets EPIC

Greens Want Smart Meter Plug Pulled -Victoria Times Colonist

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Provincial, national parties call for public hearings, health studies"The Green Party of B.C. is calling on B.C. Hydro to shelve its $930-million smart meter program until public hearings can be held and the health effects of the wireless devices can be determined. "Leader Jane Sterk told a press conference Wednesday the party also believes people should be able to opt out of the program, which earlier this month started replacing existing meters in Prince George and Richmond. Greater Victoria residents can expect to see installations start in late summer or early fall. "People should have a right to feel safe and secure in their own homes," she said . . ."

Making Cell Towers Safe

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

What members of Congress can do and what is needed now"Congress needs to update its mandate of 1996 -15 years ago--to the FCC when Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and direct the FCC to revise and update safety regulations to protect workers and the general public against cancer and other biological effects from wireless cell phone signals emitted by both phones and the transmission antennas, disclosed by later research since 1996. "Such updating is long overdue to protect American families as well as telecom workers. Further delay is simply not acceptable."

Citations

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Laboratory and epidemiological studies from the medical/scientific literature regarding the biological effects of wireless technologyAll of the 40 reports listed below document biological effects or associations, many of them adverse or undesirable, at exposure to radio frequency radiation below the FCC guidelines for both power density (1000 microW/cm2) and specific absorption rate (0.08 W/kg). Of the 12 studies that provide power density data, 11 document effects below 41 microW/cm2 (scenario of a child using a laptop computer); 6 document effects below 6 microW/cm2 (exposure to multiple Wi-Fi antennas); and 3 document effects below 1 microW/cm2 (exposure to 1 Wi-Fi antenna) (22). People who suffer from EHS may be adversely affected by the radiation even if they are not using this technology. Users of this technology will have even higher exposure levels. Includes additionally: Research Needs, Neurological and Behavioural Evidence, Cognitive Functions, Auditory Effects, Human Subjective Effects, Immune Function, EMF's and Public Health Policy, Modulation, Melatonin Reduction, Autism and Heavy Metals, Cancer, EMF's and Children, Blood Brain Barrier Permeability, and other studies.

List of Authorities on Microwave Radiation / Study references

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Compiled by Professor Olle JohanssonProfessor Olle Johansson's list of Authorities who have studied and reported on the effects of microwave radiation.

Studies reporting biological effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) at low intensities

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Prepared by Henry Lai, Ph.D Research Professor in Bioengineering, University of Washington - compiled to January, 2003Thirty-four studies with source of literature and abstracts.

Green Party Opposes BC Hydro's New Smart Meters

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Victoria, BC CanadaThe Green Party would like a moratorium on installations until a cost benefit analysis is completed. Something many British Columbians are already lobbying for."

BC Greens say Smart Meter health concerns demand action

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Victoria BC Canada"All jurisdictions imposing blanket implementation of wireless Smart Meters face citizen backlash. Many have placed a moratorium on the installation of wireless Smart Meters pending further study. Others have cancelled their programs. "BC Greens support development of a Smart Grid, of which Smart Meters may be one small and expensive component. If we are to encourage conservation, many other things need to be in place long before a decision is made to purchase a different kind of meter. The type of meter should be the last part of the plan and only implemented if they are proven cost effective and safe . . . "The smart meter program is another example of unsupportable assumptions based on industry lobbying rather than best practices," says Jane Sterk, leader of the Green Party of BC. "Greens believe all public policy should be evidence based and founded in the Precautionary Principle. "BC Hydro's wireless smart meter program violates that principle. There are environmental, privacy and security concerns as well as the potential for adverse health risks. This is an issue that hits at the heart of democratic rights. Individuals have no ability to opt out of a program that may impact the health of those with electromagnetic sensitivity," says Sterk. "The Green Party of BC is calling on the provincial government to stop BC Hydro's implementation of wireless smart meters, to call formal public hearings on the program, to gather third party independent data on the health effects of wireless, and to put all aspects of the process under the purview of the BC Utilities Commission."

Radiofrequency Interference with Medical Devices (IEEE)

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

COMAR Technical Information StatementIEEE stands for "Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers." COMAR stands for "Committee on Man and Radiation." This article was published in Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine 17(3):111-114 (1998) "The past few years have seen increased reports that medical devices, such as pacemakers, apnea monitors, electrically powered wheelchairs, etc., have failed to operate correctly because of interference from various emitters of radiofrequency energy. This condition is called radiofrequency interference (RFI). The consequences of these failures range from inconvenience to serious injuries and death. Reasons for this problem are twofold: 1) increasing numbers of electronically controlled medical devices with inadequate electronic protection against RFI, and 2) a significant increase in the number of RF sources in the environment. Medical devices are widely used outside the hospital and may be attached to, or implanted in, patients. Portable wireless communications equipment, including cellular phones, handheld transceivers, and vehicle mounted transceivers, comprise one of the largest sources of RFI. Some medical devices are especially sensitive to the type of digital modulation that some of the wireless communications devices utilize. ". . . Technology exists to protect, or "harden," most medical devices from RF fields that are much more intense than the 3 V/m level specified in present RFI standards. Most of these techniques, including shielding, grounding and filtering, are not costly if they are incorporated into the initial design of the electronics system. "COMAR recommends that the various parties involved in the manufacture and use of RFI prone medical devices take steps to avoid serious RFI problems that may lead to safety hazards. Medical device manufacturers should design and test their products to ensure conformance with current RFI standards and educate the users of their devices about the possible symptoms of potential RFI. If there exists the possibility of RFI problems to medical devices, steps should be taken to ensure that all sources of RF energy be kept at a sufficient distance . . . INTRODUCTION "Since the early 1990s, reports of medical device failure from electromagnetic interference have increased. This is due to several factors. The number of electronically controlled medical devices has burgeoned in hospitals and other medical facilities. Newer instruments are often more sensitive to radiofrequency interference (RFI) because they incorporate low power integrated electronic circuitry that can be much more sensitive to electromagnetic fields than their electrical and electromechanical predecessors. In this document, RFI refers to radiated interference from electromagnetic fields that are coupled from a source to a medical device through the air (i.e. without connections via conductors such as wires or cables). "There has also been a significant rise in the use of electronically controlled medical devices outside the clinical environment. These devices are often used in homes, attached to patients, or implanted in their bodies. In addition, portable wireless communications equipment, such as cellular phones, handheld transceivers, and vehicle mounted transceivers, is a major source of RFI. The number of land mobile transmitters in the US alone currently exceeds 10 million and personal communications systems are burgeoning throughout the world. To an ever increasing extent, wireless communications equipment (e.g., cellular phones) is likely to be used in close proximity to medical devices without the knowledge of the patient or attending medical personnel. "Digital mobile communications systems often utilize pulsed amplitude modulation, a type of modulation, that can enhance the potential for RFI. For example, cellular telephones based on some digital technologies generate peak powers of up to 8 watts and are modulated at 2 to 217 pulses per second. This range spans the physiological frequencies of the human body, from about 0.5 Hz to several hundred Hz, that are monitored by many medical devices. This is often termed the "physiological passband." While modulation at very low frequencies is critical, this document does not address RFI from sources with very low carrier frequencies. Thus, AC power line fields (50-60 Hz) are excluded from discussion. Also excluded are transient fields, such as pulsed gradient fields from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, where most of the frequency content is below a few MHz. The frequencies discussed in this statement are in the range of 30 to 3,000 MHz . . ."

Smart Meter News on ANewsVanIsland TV channel (Video)

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

News clip, video footage from B.C. Hydro's "open house" opportunity to talk with their representatives (March 2011) and Hydro's promotional materials

Effects of Microwaves and Radiofrequency Energy on the Central Nervous System

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Allan H. Frey September 1969 - Federal Scientific and Technical Information U.S. Department of Commerce"This Symposium was organized for several reasons. One was to bring together active investigators in order to see where we stand in the state of the art. Another reason was to provide a tutorial situation for investigators who have interest in embarking upon experimentation in this area. For them the organizers wished to provide an understanding of what has been done already, why certain lines have or have not been pursued, and the problems encountered or that can be expected. It is to meet these objectives that I shall address myself. Thus, I shall briefly sketch some of the history of this area of research, outline briefly the experimentation that I have carried out, and state strongly what I believe to be critical matters that an investigator must recognize. "The last substantial group of experiments in this area were carried out in the middle and late 1950's. The results of these experiments were brought together and detailed just before and after 1960; in the four annual conferences that were called tri-service conferences. This afternoon's session is in a sense unique. There was no session on the nervous system in those conferences. Today investigation of the neural effects of RF energy is recognized as a legitimate area of investigation. But existing with this recognition is also a good deal of confusion and misunderstanding. Such confusion and misunderstanding is characteristic of scientific areas in which there is a great deal of talk and very little data collection. "Why is there so much misunderstanding and confusion and so little data collection in this area? There are four sources that have contributed to the development of this situation. We should recognize them for what they are. Then we can move on to more useful pursuits such as meaningful experimentation . . ."

The potential dangers of electromagnetic fields and their effect on the environment

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Parliamentary Assembly - Council of Europe Resolution May 27, 2011

Introduction
Background to the debate
Growing concerns in Europe
Effects on the environment: plants, insects, animals
Biological effects of electromagnetic fields in medicine
Therapeutic use of electric currents or electromagnetic waves
Technological progress and economic growth at the expense of environment and health protection
Contending forces and arguments: the dispute over the incidence of biological effects and over threshold values
Scientific studies and arguments pursued by associations and NGOs, by groupings of scientists, by the European Environment Agency and by the European Parliament
Conclusions

There Goes the Neighbourhood . . . FACTS about Smart Meters

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

What Every Citizen has the Right to Know! Comprehensive, 2-page information sheet to print and distribute (Updated November 16, 2011)This flyer is a canvassing tool designed to encourage sharing in B.C.neighbourhoods far and wide. As presented here, it is printable back to back on letter-sized paper. If needed, a "large print" version can be obtained by photocopying and enlarging onto an 11"x17" page. Also, to keep costs low, specify black ink only. A "bright" yellow is recommended for visibility, but white works perfectly well.

Egregious Court Decision: Federal court rulings favour Telecom, not persons with disabilties - New Mexico

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Letter: Arthur Firstenberg re Disabilities Act, Equal Protection, Due Process"On July 5, 2011, a federal district court judge in New Mexico ruled that the Telecommunications Act preempts the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), even if such an interpretation would "condemn a class of citizens to death because of their disability." He further ruled that the Telecommunications Act supersedes the Equal Protection Clause and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. "This decision by Judge James A. Parker goes to the essence of the conflict between wireless technology and health. But the breadth of the decision will also have implications for every person with a disability in this country, all disability organizations, and fundamental civil liberties. "What is left of the ADA if it cannot even prevent a taking of life? What is left of our constitution? . . . "The judge's ruling must be appealed to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals by August 4 . . . "We already have commitments totaling $5,000 and we previously raised an additional $975. Please respond by email telling me the amount that you can pledge towards this legal case. Donations, payable to the Cellular Phone Task Force, will be tax deductible."Notice the authorization of "Federal Bar Association WiFi" by Judge Parker in his courtroom.

Interview and discussion about B.C. Hydro's Smart Meters

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Steven Andrew (CFAX) interviews Sharon Noble (C.A.U.S.E.) and Una St. Clair (C.S.T.)This radio interview with Sharon Noble and Una St.Clair includes background information about health, safety, security, and updates about legal and local action. Phone-in callers are also included.

Bioeffects of Selected Nonlethal Weapons

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Department of the Army United States Army Intelligence and Security Command - Regraded unclassified December 13, 2006This addendum to the Nonlethal Technologies --Worldwide study addresses in summary, some of the most often asked questions of nonlethal weapons technology, the physiological responses observed in clinical settings of the biophysical coupling and susceptibility of personnel to nonlethal effects weapons. These results identify and validate some aspects of maturing nonlethal technologies that may likely be encountered or used as nonlethal effectors in the future including:

Laser and other light phenomena
Radiofrequency directed energy
Aural bioeffects.

The study of electromagnetic fields and their influence on biological systems is increasing rapidly. Much of this work is taking place because of health concerns. For example, increased concern has arisen regarding the effects of operator exposure to the electromagnetic fields associated with short-wave diathermy devices, highpower microwave ovens radar systems, magnetic resonance imaging units, etc. In addition, much concern has arisen about extremely low frequency (60 Hz power frequency) electric and magnetic fields that originate from high-voltage transmission lines, industrial equipment and residential appliances. Both occupational and residential long-term exposure have been the focus of epidemiological studies. The studies have suggested possible adverse effects on human health (e.g. cancer, reproduction, etc.). Laboratory research is still being pursued to identify possible mechanisms of interaction. However, other than thermal heating for microwave frequencies, there is no yet agreed-upon mechanism of action. . .

Incapacitating Effect: Microwave Heating
Biological Target/Normal Functions/Disease State
Mechanism to Produce the Desired Effects
Time to Onset
Duration of Effect
Tunability
Distribution of Human Sensitivities to Desired Effects
Possible Influence on Subjects
Technological Status of Generator/Aiming Device
Range
Incapacitating Effect: Disruption of Neural Control
Biological Target/Normal Functions/Disease State
Mechanism to Reproduce the Desired Effects . . .
Recovery / Safety . . .
Laser-Induced Biological Effects . . .

Interviews with Sharon Noble re BC Hydro's Smart Meters

Sat, 9 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

two radio discussions with "call in" included - July 7 and 11CKNW: Bill Good's July 7th radio interview with Sharon Noble of Citizens Against UnSafe Emissions (C.A.U.S.E.) includes Q&A with phone-in callers. Also a follow-up interview July 11th on CFAX.This is a double post, sourced from the EMRABC website. You can also hear B.C. Hydro's Fiona Taylor's responses to Mrs. Noble's interviews in the audio recordings that follow it.

Smart Meters A Little Too Smart? Personal Surveillance (Video)

Sat, 3 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

EMF Safety Network - U.S. applicable to Canada and elsewhere (Introduction by Rafe Mair)

Town council backs anti-Smart Meter stance

Mon, 4 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Lake Cowichan Gazette"BC Hydro did not do an adequate job of educating the public as to the Smart Meters they are currently installing. "That is the message mayor and council had to share, following an impassioned anti-Smart Meter presentation by Mesachie Lake resident Mary Lowther. "I'm a little concerned that BC Hydro is dumping this on us without educating us," mayor Ross Forrest said. "I think they should have started this off by sitting down with each municipality," councillor Tim McGonigle said, in agreement. "I think it's prudent to investigate all angles, both good and bad." "During her presentation, Lowther outlined several concerns around Smart Meters, including the potential for increased monthly billing; security, in that the Smart Meters can be hacked into; and radio frequencies, which she said BC Hydro may be understating the significance of . . .Council hopes to meet with BC Hydro representatives to further discuss the Smart Meters."

"Stop Smart Meter" Rally in Vancouver (Video)

Mon, 4 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Video: B.C. Hydro Downtown Vancouver June 22, 2011

HEALTH CANADA CONFUSED ABOUT W.H.O. CLASSIFICATION

Sun, 3 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

World Health Organization at odds with Health Canada?" . . . Why is it that pharmacies keep a record to ensure that people don't mix the "wrong medications," but being exposed to multiple types of radio frequency radiation is OK? "Why is it that children are given "children's aspirin" but are able to be exposed to "industrial strength Wi-Fi" in schools? "Why is it that school boards are ignoring the wishes of parents and are unwilling to provide a choice so that some kids can connect to the internet with wires rather than radio frequencies flowing through the air and through their bodies? "At the end of the article Ms Pieterson said, "Canada certainly supports WHO recommendations and the findings of IARC." Does that mean that Health Canada will now do something about radio frequency radiation in Canada or are we still waiting for "conclusive evidence?" "Health agencies do not require "conclusive evidence" to act in a "precautionary" way. Why is Health Canada protecting the wireless industry instead of the health of Canadians?"

Think twice about smart meters

Sat, 2 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Portland Daily Sun"I've been pondering why so many well intentioned conservationists have fallen in love with the huge tragedy known as the Smart Grid. I suppose that many of them hope a smart grid, with components such as smart meters will (in and of themselves) conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases. But that is not how the grid will function. Only if consumer behavior is changed, will "the grid" save energy and reduce our CO2 output. The component of the grid that is supposed to regulate energy usage is not the infrastructure, or the meter; it is you. So it's really you who needs to be smart, not "the grid". Unless utilities are able to turn our appliances on and off, which is a major privacy concern, they will not conserve energy except in miles driven by meter readers. Ironically, enabling wind and solar is touted as another grid benefit, but smart meters installed by CMP don't provide for energy generated by home customers to feed the grid. 'While smart grids may sound green, it's the wireless industry and utilities benefiting, not the environment or consumers. Very little data support consumers using less energy as a result of this billion dollar taxpayer funded program. Connecticut's Attorney General rallied against the costs of his state's smart grid after a pilot project showed no energy savings at all (www.dpuc.state.ct.us). Similar results have been reported all over the country (www.drrc.lbl.gov/Peters, S. Lutzenhiser, et. al Behavioral Economics, Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, 2009). "Consumers can only get their real time energy usage if they buy all new grid-enabled appliances. Conservationists should ask where will we put all of our "dumb" appliances, and how much will that cost? Smart appliances will connect wirelessly to smart meters so even "off" they will be "on." Many people reasonably question whether more energy consumed as a result of these "vampire" (always on) appliances. One thing is certain, our homes will become loaded with RF radiation from our neighbor's meters, and our own 15-25 appliances, enabled or not. CMP (and their third party vendors) will know when we use our dryers, when we cook, turn on the TV or shower, whether we have a hot tub, and when we leave the house. In the old days, one needed probable cause and a search warrant. This is not good news for conservation or privacy; and certainly not smart. "Most worrisome to me are the radiofrequency radiation effects. Over 2,000 smart meter health complaints have been registered at California's PUC so far. People are complaining about headaches, tinnitus, heart palpitations, insomnia, nausea and exhaustion (www.stopsmartmeters.org). Dr. Martin Blank, a professor at Columbia that studies bioelectromagnetics, is not surprised. When exposed to RF radiation, cells respond as if they are stressed, he says. These stress responses occur at all levels in our bodies, and any wireless device that uses RF radiation has the potential to create negative biological responses . . ."

Face to Face with Smart Meters: Part 2 (Video)

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

"No Smart Meter" Rally at B.C. Legislature building in Victoria, B.C.

Vancouver Rallies: Smart Meter Resistance Builds June 2011 (Video)

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Citizens Rally in Vancouver to Stop Smart Meters

Environmental and Health Concerns Associated with Compact Fluorescent Lights

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Environmental Petition submitted to the Auditor General of Canada June 2008BACKGROUND INFORMATION "With growing concern about climate change, governments around the world are looking for ways to reduce greenhouse gases and to reduce consumption of fossil fuels. One simple solution that has gained government support is phasing out energy inefficient light bulbs and replacing them with energy efficient ones. The most popular bulbs that are commercially available and affordable are compact fluorescent lights (CFL). CFL bulbs use approximately 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs and last longer. At first glance this seems like a good way to conserve energy and to protect our environment. However, there are a number of serious problems associated with CFL bulbs that need to be considered and corrected. These include mercury content, emission of UV radiation, emission of radio frequency radiation, and generation of dirty electricity. There is the additional concern that these lights are making some people ill. This includes those who suffer from migraines, skin problems, epilepsy, and electrical sensitivity . . ."

The Danger of CFL Bulbs re Energy Efficiency Regulations

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Letter to Office of Energy Efficiency, Department of Natural Resources"I am delighted that Natural Resources Canada is considering a two-year delay for banning incandescent light bulbs. "In 2008, Tom Hutchinson and I sent a petition to the Auditor General of Canada that is attached. It outlines the key problems with CFL bulbs and includes the following . . . "Canadians are attached to their incandescent light bulbs and it makes sense to use light bulbs that will add to the heating of rooms especially during the long Canadian winters. CFL technology is deeply flawed and it was a mistake for the government to tell people what type of light bulbs they should or should not use. There are alternative ways to alter choice without banning a product. I would urge the government to remove the ban all-together but extending it for an additional two years makes sense because it will give Canadians a choice with technology that is likely to be even more energy efficient without the side effects of CFL bulbs."Also available: Environmental Petition submitted to the Auditor General of Canada June 2008 entitled Environmental Health Concerns Associated with Compact Fluorescent Lights. Contains a 16 page informational summary.

Lawsuit: Man sues school district over Wi-Fi

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Portland Oregon"A local man is filing a lawsuit to try and get Portland Public Schools to take Wi-Fi connections out of the classroom. "David Morrison filed the suit in federal court this week. His daughter attends Mount Tabor Middle School, which is setup for wireless Internet. "Morrison believes it's a health hazard. The World Health Organization has classified radio frequencies and electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans. "Morrison says he's taken this to administrators, but believes his concerns are being ignored. That's why he filed the lawsuit."A spokesman for Portland Public Schools says the district is not commenting on the case, because it's an open lawsuit . . ."David Morrison is suing the Portland Oregon School District. David has been active in opposing wireless, Wi-Fi and cell phones etc. due to dangers. He sponsored an unsuccessful application to proceed with a warning label bill in the Oregon Legislature. Please spread the word if you support his cause.

Mesh Antennas and Networks

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Information updates from EMR Health Alliance of B.C.

Itron Antennas
Smart Meters -Not In Our Homes and Backyards! by "Public Exposure" Film Co-Producer Mary Beth Brangan
Stratford Ontario becomes a "Smart City" with MESH Network Assessment of Radiofrequency Microwave Radiation Emissions from Smart Meters
Smart meter company buys Mesh WiFi vendor SkyPilot

The Birds, the Bees and Electromagnetic Pollution - Dr. Andrew Goldsworthy - May 2009

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

How electromagnetic fields can disrupt both solar and magnetic bee navigation and reduce immunity to disease all in one go"Many of our birds are disappearing mysteriously from the urban environment and our bees are now under serious threat. There is increasing evidence that at least some of this is due to electromagnetic pollution such as that from cell towers, cell phones, DECT cordless phones and Wifi. It appears capable of interfering with their navigation systems and also their circadian rhythms, which in turn reduces their resistance to disease. The most probable reason is that these animals use a group of magnetically-sensitive substances called cryptochromes for magnetic and solar navigation and also to control the activity of their immune systems. "Birds are very sensitive to electromagnetic fields and some may find the electromagnetically polluted urban environment no longer tolerable. Migratory birds may also lose their sense of direction and never reach their intended destination, perhaps just falling into the sea on the way. Bees are even more under threat and are extremely important to us. Without bee pollination, there would be very few brightly colored or scented flowers in the countryside or in our gardens and many of our crops would be devastated. We would be left just with crops that are wind pollinated (mostly cereals) that do not on their own provide a healthy balanced diet, nor do they act as host to the friendly nitrogen fixing bacteria that are essential to the sustainable fertility of our soil. This may be a very heavy price to pay for our unrestricted use of cell phones and other forms of wireless communication . . ."

Immediate Opt-Out and Ban on Smart Meters

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Awareness information and rationale". . . The "smart" meters operate in mesh networks, transmitting radiation in millisecond pulses many times a minute throughout the day and night. It is continuous exposure 24/7 and the general public is not being informed of this. 'Health and safety are at issue, as well as the likelihood of problems with skyrocketing electric bills, electrical fires, privacy and security breeches, hacking, and electronic interference with other wireless equipment and medical devices. Every customer's personal usage will be known, harvested and marketed. "Ultimate success of the grid is dependent upon full compliance by us, as consumers, to purchase all new appliances that will have wireless RFID chips in them to interface from within our own homes to the smart meters. Do we really want our appliances to have wireless radiation emitting devices in them? Manufacturers, corporations and our government need to respect people's rights to have a safe, radiation free environment with our privacy fully intact. "In B.C. we are, as yet, not given a choice to opt out, even when the exposure to these microwave emitting devices will be hazardous to our health.

Technocracy Endgame: Global Smart Grid

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

The August Review - June 2011"There is a new world wide web emerging right before our eyes. It is a global energy network and, like the internet, it will change our culture, society and how we do business. More importantly, it will alter how we use, transform and exchange energy." - Terrawatts.com "The dark horse of the New World Order is not Communism, Socialism or Fascism: It is Technocracy. "The development and implementation of Smart Grid technology in the U.S. - reinventing the electrical grid with Wifi-enabled digital power meters - is proceeding at breakneck speed. Although Smart Grid is the result of years of government planning, the recent kickoff was made possible through massive "green" grants that were quietly included in President Obama's economic stimulus package starting in 2009. "These lucrative grants have drawn in a host of corporate players, from utility companies to digital meter manufacturers to control software vendors. Global companies like IBM, GE and Siemens are putting their full effort behind the "build-out" that will consolidate all of America into a single, integrated, communication-enabled electric delivery and monitoring system, collectively called Smart Grid. "Proponents of Smart Grid claim that it will empower the consumer to better manage his or her power consumption and hence, costs. The utility companies will therefore be more efficient in balancing power loads and requirements across diverse markets. "However, like carnival barkers, these Smart Grid hocksters never reveal where or how SmartGrid came into being, nor what the ultimate endgame aims to achieve; perhaps most of them have no idea either, but simply repeat the mantra as if they know what they are talking about . . ."

Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) World Health Organization Library 2006

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Proceedings International Workshop on EMF Hypersensitivity Prague, Czech Republic October 25-27, 2004FOREWORD "A WHO workshop on Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity was held in Prague on October 25-27, 2004. This meeting was arranged in collaboration with the National Reference Laboratory for Non-Ionizing Radiation, Ministry of Health, Czech Republic and was co- sponsored by the European Commission Coordinated Action EMF-NET and the Action COST 281 (Potential Health Implications from Mobile Communication Systems) within the European Framework for Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research. "Sensitivity to EMF has been given the general name "Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity" or EHS. It comprises nervous system symptoms like headache, fatigue, stress, sleep disturbances, skin symptoms like prickling, burning sensations and rashes, pain and ache in muscles and many other health problems. Whatever its cause, EHS is a real and sometimes a disabling problem for the affected persons. Their EMF exposure is generally several orders of magnitude under the limits of internationally accepted standards. The aim of the conference was to review the current state of knowledge and opinions of the conference participants and propose ways forward on this issue. "The meeting was conducted by the WHO International EMF Project as part of the scientific review process to determine biological and health effects from exposure to EMF. The purpose of these workshops is to bring together expert scientists so that established health effects and gaps in knowledge requiring further research can be identified. "EHS has been a particularly contentious issue for a number of years. There have been over 30 studies to determine if EHS symptoms are related to EMF exposure. The workshop and the papers in this proceedings provide up-to-date information on this issue. The editors thank all speakers to the workshop for their contribution to this proceeding . . ." The Editors January 2006

Dr. David Carpenter Warns of Smart Meter Dangers, Stresses Need for Analog Option (Video)

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Director of the Institute for Public Health and the Environment at the University at Albany

Transmitting Smart Meters Pose A Serious Threat To Public Health

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

They will not stop installing these meters unless complaints are filed."Transmitting smart meters are being installed nationwide on gas, water, and electrical services, driven in part by funding for the Smart Grid Program approved as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. "This is of great concern because the exposure to microwave and radiowave radiation from these meters is involuntary and continuous. The transmitting meters may not even comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) "safety" standards (see http://sagereports.com/smart-meter-rf/). However, those standards were initially designed to protect an average male from tissue heating (cooking) during a brief exposure. These standards were not designed to protect a diverse population from the non-thermal effects of continuous exposure to microwave and radiowave radiation. Therefore, these "safety" standards were not designed to protect the public from health problems under the circumstances which the meters are being used. "The transmitting meters most often being used transmit continuously, every few seconds. This is picked up by a receiver and logged by the utility. You are exposed to the transmissions from all the meters within transmitting range. The meters often have a range of over 2 miles. Thus, the exposure is continuous and the "safety" standards the meters comply with are irrelevant to the situation. Please read this letter from the Radiation Protection Division of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the limitations of the FCC standards . . ."

Stop Smart Meters! Director Arrested in Capitola Today (Video)

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

PG&E threatens installation in Santa Cruz County, as showdown with local governments looms

Letter to Dr. Perry Kendall re B.C. Hydro's Smart Meter Program

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

includes request for official opt-out procedure /response from Dr. Kendall"I understand you are a knowledgeable and influential person with an extensive background in Medicine and Health, and that your role as our Provincial Health Officer is to advise the Ministry on health issues, policies and practices. Also, to monitor the health of the people of B.C., to provide information and analyses on health issues, and to report to the public on legislation, policy and health. I would hope that this works both ways, so here I am, fulfilling my responsibility to inform you about what is vital and important to me, my family and friends regarding public health practices . . . "I would like it recorded for future reference in your files that I have my family doctor's written advisory that a wireless meter in or near my living space would be harmful to my health. I therefore choose to be one of a growing number of British Columbians who strongly wish, without penalty or prejudice, to opt-out of B.C.'s ill-conceived wireless Smart Meter Program, and to be offered alternatives that are more conducive to my welfare. ". . . I would appreciate advice as to the proper avenue and direction to opt out of B.C. Hydro's Smart Meter Program. If there is anything other than this letter that I need to present to register my official request in Victoria or elsewhere, I would appreciate receiving it. Also, if a wireless meter is installed on my property without my permission, and before satisfactory alternatives have been arranged, please advise as to the best way to have it removed and replaced with a wired meter."And Dr. Kendall's prompt response . . .

Dear _________ ,My apologies for not responding to your earlier call. I sympathize with your health issues, but my office does not deal with the Smart Meter program which is the purview of BC Hydro. I do suggest that you contact them with your request for an alternative.

Best wishes,

Perry Kendall

"Dear Dr. Kendall, "Thank-you for your prompt reply to my lengthy letter. I hope you had time to actually read it from start to finish, as it had information that isn't just within the "purview of B.C. Hydro." "I looked for the definition of "purview" and found that it actually does apply to your role as Provincial Health Officer: "purview" noun [in sing. ] the scope of the influence or concerns of something . . . a range of experience or thought: social taboos meant that little information was likely to come within the purview of women generally. "Radiofrequency radiation is a threat to public health and safety. I understand that your purview is to protect the health and safety of British Columbians. "Hydro would argue that their purview is not public health and safety. They would argue that they only need to stay within safety limits set by Health Canada and other public health authorities such as yours. These limits are woefully inadequate, but this is supposedly not the concern of Provincial Officers. Federal Officers are also unwilling to act at this time. "And so it goes, round and round, with no one addressing the big and pressing problems and issues. "Finally, the World Health Organization has ventured out of its safety zone and taken steps to address the risk of wireless technology to health, reclassifying it as a Class 2B carcinogen, most notably in the same category as DDT, lead, chloroform, diesel exhaust and others. Still, Canada, and you, are denying the importance of such a step, saying that it is insufficient to warrant concern, currently downplaying the responsibility of Government, and its impact on the decisions made by public utilities such as Hydro. "Your suggestion to contact B.C. Hydro with my request is not especially helpful, as Hydro has not been addressing this issue, despite many people with questions who have tried, for months now, to engage them in problem-solving, with options and information. Safe and reasonable alternatives to wireless connectivity are not being offered, or even discussed. "Again, I feel that it IS most definitely within your purview to ensure that B.C. Hydro does not endanger the health of citizens, or trespass on their rights and concerns when it comes to their well being. There are those who, for legitimate reasons, have difficulties arising from Hydro's initiative. They must not be discriminated against or harmed due to a mismanagement of responsibility. "I continue to request that you file my letter in your office, and use your knowledge and influence to inform Hydro about the health and safety aspect of their initiative to have 99% of British Columbians connected wirelessly to their grid, with no effort given to educating them about the risks involved."

The Truth about ITRON and B.C. Hydro Wired Connections

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

ITRON phone line options, annual reports, photos, patents"Back in March 2011, in response to groups of individuals concerned about the negative effects of the upcoming Smart Meter Program, B.C. Hydro gave assurances that, once Hydro's plans were "finalized" they would be offering help to people with legitimate concerns. People took Hydro at their word. "Since March, a growing number of citizens have been writing letters and making phone calls, contacting B.C. Hydro, sharing their health issues, asking for answers and offering information with regards to the problematic effects of wireless metering technology. To this date, there has been precious little, if any, constructive feedback or support received from Hydro . . . "There are areas in Ontario and the United States that are still using wired electric meters. In fact, today, homes in Ontario have meters collecting data and sending it via phone lines. This process makes sense. It uses a private line that is only used for this service and it is safe and secure. The filed patents for the Itron OpenWay meters actually state, as do many patents for other smart meter brands, that Itron OpenWay can use a telephone line for communications . . ."

Smart meter opponents seek public support

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Gulf Islands Driftwood"Members of Gulf Islanders for Safe Technology are continuing to build momentum in a public awareness campaign they hope will stop a network of smart meters from being installed across the province. "Protesters recently sought to gain the attention of Energy Minister Rich Coleman at a rally planned just four days before it took place outside the B.C. Legislature on June 1. GIFST spokesman Chris Anderson followed up the action with a presentation to Salt Spring's Local Trust Committee last week, citing multiple reasons why the program should not go ahead. . ."

Warning: Using a mobile phone while pregnant can seriously damage your baby

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Study of 13,000 children exposes link between use of handsets and later behavioural problems U.K. 2008May 2008"Women who use mobile phones when pregnant are more likely to give birth to children with behavioural problems, according to authoritative research. "A giant study, which surveyed more than 13,000 children, found that using the handsets just two or three times a day was enough to raise the risk of their babies developing hyperactivity and difficulties with conduct, emotions and relationships by the time they reached school age. And it adds that the likelihood is even greater if the children themselves used the phones before the age of seven. "The results of the study, the first of its kind, have taken the top scientists who conducted it by surprise. But they follow warnings against both pregnant women and children using mobiles by the official Russian radiation watchdog body, which believes that the peril they pose "is not much lower than the risk to children's health from tobacco or alcohol". "The research - at the universities of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Aarhus, Denmark - is to be published in the July issue of the journal Epidemiology and will carry particular weight because one of its authors has been sceptical that mobile phones pose a risk to health . . . "The Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection says that use of the phones by both pregnant women and children should be "limited". It concludes that children who talk on the handsets are likely to suffer from "disruption of memory, decline of attention, diminishing learning and cognitive abilities, increased irritability" in the short term, and that longer-term hazards include "depressive syndrome" and "degeneration of the nervous structures of the brain".

Mobile Phones and Head Tumours

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Mobile phones and head tumours. The discrepancies in cause-effect relationships in the epidemiological studies - how do they arise?Conclusions Our analysis of the literature studies and of the results from meta-analyses of the significant data alone shows an almost doubling of the risk of head tumours induced by long-term mobile phone use or latency.

Angelo G Levis, Nadia Minicuci, Paolo Ricci, Valerio Gennaro, Spiridione Garbisa

VANCOUVER RALLY against BC Hydro Smart Meters

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Took place on JUNE 22, 2011Smart Meters are about to move into every home and business in the province of British Columbia over the next year and many citizens are convinced these new wireless digital meters could cause serious health problems and not necessarily provide the promised financial savings. A peaceful event called "Smart Meters are Stupid" Rally took place on Wednesday June 22, 2011 at 10 a.m. outside the BC Hydro Building at 333 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC.

For further information about future rallies or the various concerns about Smart Meters:

Walter McGinnis emf@islandnet.com (250) 652-2554 EM Radiation Health Alliance of B.C. www.emrabc.ca

Chris Anderson canderson@uniserve.com (250) 537-5102 Gulf Islanders for Safe Technology www.gifst.ca

Una St. Clair una@citizensforsafetechnology.org (604) 532-1863Citizens for Safe Technology Society www.citizensforsafetechnology.org

"Cyber War" on CBC's The Current

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

radio broadcast June 14, 2011

Part Two of The Current

Cyber War - KT McFarland

We started this segment with some sound from attacks we know about. Government and corporate computer systems are under attack, possibly by hackers in the employ of hostile governments. In the U.S., the Pentagon has drawn a line in this silicon sand: a major cyber attack linked to a foreign government may be an act of war.

To help tell us what that exactly means, we were joined by KT McFarland. She has held national security posts under U.S. Presidents Nixon, Ford and Reagan. She was the Pentagon's spokesperson from 1981 until 1984. She is currently the national security analyst for Fox News. KT McFarland was in New York City this morning. Cyber War - Wesley Wark

Cyber attacks may be intrusive and damaging, but some people think they're not much different than regular, old espionage. And spying isn't usually enough to get troops on the march.

Our next guest follows this kind of security issue closely. Wesley Wark is a national security affairs expert and a professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. He was in Ottawa.

Related Links:

Interview with BC Hydro Chief Project Officer, Gary Murphy, regarding Smart Meters (Video)

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

audio interview with photo of protest outside B.C. Legislature

Key resolutions/appeals re biological effects of EMF and RF/EMR

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

International Experts' PerspectiveInternational Experts' Perspective on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Radiation"Below are some of the key resolutions/appeals released by expert scientific groups around the world since 1998 regarding the biological and health effects of both low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) associated with electricity and radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) generated by wireless devices. "Anyone who reads these cannot be left with the illusion (or delusion) that this form of energy is without adverse biological and health consequences at levels well below existing guidelines. Children are particularly vulnerable. It is irresponsible of governments to maintain the status quo in light of thousands of studies that have been published and statements by these experts . . ."

Cell Phones Aren't Good for Protozoa

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Department of Biology of Obninsk Institute of Nuclear Power - National Research Nuclear University RussiaResearchers believe that their valuable study helps estimate quantitatively how low intensity radio frequency radiation affects biological objects. Most interesting fact in this research is that experiments revealed "safe" periods of time for such an impact, which appeared to depend on energy flux density. "In our everyday life we spend a good deal of time being under influence of weak electromagnetic radiation - it can come from mobile phones or microwave ovens, for instance. Active debates about possible danger of this type of radiation take place all over the world. New facts on the subject arrive from Russian researchers . . ."

Mobile phones cause brain tumours - more evidence

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Powerwatch 10/06/2011Interphone Study leader Elisabeth Cardis and colleagues have now published a new analysis showing an increased risk of brain cancer close to where you hold a mobile phone to your head. This shows up in the data from people who have used a mobile phone for more than 7 years. The majority of malignant gliomas (the most common type that has been associated with mobile phone use) are fatal within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis, even with treatment. The new study claims to be the first to use estimates of RF energy absorbed at the centre of brain tumours as a measure of radio-frequency (RF) dose. An increased risk of glioma was seen in the 20% of users with the highest exposure.

SUMMARY OF THE MEETING AT THE W.H.O. HEADQUARTERS GENEVA, MAY 13th 2011

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

regarding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and Electrohypersensitivity (EHS)Jaume Cortes opens the intervention by raising some basic questions to address the issue of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and Electrohipersensibility (EHS).a) MCS and EHS are real health problems. b) There is evidence to confirm this statement:

Medical diagnostics.
Reports of work inspections establishing causality between exposure and disease.
There are scientific studies that confirm its existence.
There is a recognition by the European Parliament of these diseases, evidence that is provided in the dossier presented today.
There are 200 judgments in favor in Spain that support this evidence.
We are getting in Spain (economic) 'compensation' for patients.

c) We need to include these illnesses in the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD), because what makes it more difficult for legal recognition is precisely the lack of code for these diseases in the ICD.

Toronto's Wireless Water Meter Program - Promotional Information and Video May 2011

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PDT

NEPTUNE is under contract to the City of Toronto, OntarioNeptune is under contract to the City of Toronto to install wireless water meters in homes and businesses throughout the city and surrounding neighbourhoods. To prepare home owners, the video shows the in-home installation process. Instructions are given for a "clean install." "The City of Toronto is rolling out a mandatory, automated water meter program that will replace or install water meters for all customers, with more efficient and accurate automated meters. The meters, and the installation, are free... "All water meters will transmit consumption data via a transmitter, eliminating the need for city staff to enter your home in the future to obtain your water meter reading. The transmitter wire is attached to the water meter and the transmitter box is placed in a location that will ensure the best possible signal transmission. The transmitter is programmed by your installer and will only send consumption data and your serial number to the city. No other personal information is transmitted..."

Cellcom Israel Announces a Purported Class Action Filed Against the Company

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

SOURCE Cellcom Israel Ltd."NETANYA, Israel, June 7, 2011: Cellcom Israel Ltd. announced today that a purported class action lawsuit against the Company and three other cellular operators was filed in the District Court of Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, by an Israeli citizen, in connection with the allegation that the defendants mislead customers who buy accessories for carrying cellular handsets or do not disclose to them relevant data concerning radiation hazards associated with the usage of accessories for carrying cellular handsets, allegedly contrary to the cellular handsets manufacturers' instructions and warnings and the Israeli Ministry of Health' recommendations. "The total amount claimed from the Company, if the lawsuit is certified as a class action, is estimated by the plaintiff to be approximately NIS 1 billion (out of a total sum of approximately NIS 2.7 billion against all defendants), substantially all for non monetary damages . . ."

President Obama, Don't Waste Billions of Taxpayer Dollars on Your Risky WIRELESS Broadband Initiative and Wireless Smart Meter Stimulus Grants.

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

EMR Policy Institute Letter and SummaryThe same problems apply to "Smart Meters" in Canada and abroad.

BILLIONS OF TAXPAYER $$$ WASTED ON RISKY TECHNOLOGY
INFERIOR WIRELESS BROADBAND PERFORMANCE COMPARED TO FIBEROPTIC
PERSONAL FREEDOM THREATS
HEALTH RISKS
MEDICAL DEVICE MALFUNCTION RISK FROM ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE
SAFETY RISKS
PRIVACY RISKS
CYBERSECURITY RISKS
NO ENERGY SAVINGS
INCREASED CHARGES TO RATE PAYERS

Privacy Implications of Smart Meters (U.S.)

Sun, 5 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Chicago Kent Law Review"It's 1984, Orwellian time. The telescreens are everywhere, monitoring the intimate details of citizens' lives within their own homes. Big Brother is watching you. Now transport yourself to 2010. Smart meters--along with other smart devices--are being installed in homes across the country. By measuring energy consumption by appliance every fifteen minutes, they capture details on how you spend your days and nights. When you turn off the lights. When you take a shower. When you leave home. Where your electric vehicle is being charged. But who is watching you? Who has access to all this information? The electric company? Appliance manufacturers? The government? The Internet? What might they do with it? Orwell's 1984 has not come to pass, but smart meters have. This article examines the privacy implications of smart meters and explores options for protecting one of our most basic rights . . ."

A Recent History
Types of Threats to Privacy Presented by Smart Meters
Lack of Consumer Options
Current Lack of Adequate Laws and Regulations
The Fourth Amendment
Current Threats and looming Uncertainty Beg Immediate Action

W.H.O.'S NEW CLASSIFICATION OF RFR: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CANADA?

Sun, 5 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Dr. Magda Havas, PhDJune 5, 2011. "The World Health Organization classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic. What does this mean for Canadians? "After a week-long meeting in Lyon, France, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)--an arm of the World Health Organization (WHO)--classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (otherwise known as radiofrequency radiation or RFR) as a class 2B carcinogen, meaning that it is "possibly carcinogenic to humans". Lead and DDT are two examples in the same category, and both are banned for public use in Canada. "It turns out that Canada has "observer status" with the Council of Europe as outlined in the following document (click here and here) and as such we are expected to conform with the rules applicable to such agreements. The PACE meets once every quarter-year and the six delegates and/or six substitutes from Canada ARE supposed to attend. The six representatives and the six substitutes are provided here. Among the representatives are Jean Dorion (Bloc), Percy Downe (Liberal), Michael MacDonald (Conservative), Dean Del Mastro (Conservative) and Massimo Pacetti (Liberal). David Tilson (Conservative) is the chair of this committee. "What does this mean for Canadians? . . ."

W.H.O. Wireless/Cancer Link a Game Changer for Smart Meters

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

J. Hart - U.S.Make no mistake. The decision by the World Health Organization on Tuesday to classify non-ionizing radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" is an absolute game changer for our movement. This seemingly cautious statement by the world's pre-eminent health organization should ring loud alarm bells around the world. Despite backroom industry influence and widespread conservatism, the slow-to-react beast was finally forced to act- as the walls of wireless damage closed in . . ."

LightSquared wireless Internet plan concerns officials pushing GPS for aviation

Sun, 5 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Washington PostAn article from the Washington Post. Think of the implications for GPS, for emergency vehicles, airplanes, let alone our health. The system operates on the L band, and 1559 megahertz is where LightSquared's authorized bandwidth ends and the GPS band begins."The Federal Communications Commission in January issued a waiver to allow Reston-based LightSquared to develop a $14 billion broadband communications system adjacent to the bandwidth used for GPS transmissions. "Two of 21st-century America's favorite gadgets -- the smartphone and the GPS device -- are on a collision course, according to a report delivered Friday to the Federal Aviation Administration. "The report says deployment of a massive new network of towers and satellites to expand wireless communication may effectively shut down Global Positioning System devices that are at the core of a multibillion-dollar plan to revolutionize aviation. They also may affect some GPS units used by drivers, bicyclists and boaters. "The report puts the Obama administration in a Solomonesque position with two of its most cherished, ambitious and expensive initiatives. The president has promised to make Internet access available to all Americans, even as the administration has pushed airlines to invest billions to install GPS-based equipment. "The Federal Communications Commission in January issued a waiver to allow Reston-based LightSquared to develop a $14 billion broadband communications system adjacent to the bandwidth used for GPS transmissions . . ."