Wi-fi and Wi-max: Why You Shouldn't Use Them
news.omega
St. Catharines Standard
Copyright © 2007, St. Catharines Standard
4 / 11 - Tuesday, April 24, 2007
*_Shock to canines leads to anguish for blind couple_*
Painful zap from walking near power transformer impairs Seeing Eye dogs
and forces one to be retired
Source: TIFFANY MAYER, STANDARD STAFF
Section: Local Page: A3
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/acnews/press/blind_articles.php?blind=72
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Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wi-fi and Wi-max - Why You Shouldn't Use Them
http://php53024.blogspot.com/2008/08/wi-fi-and-wi-max-why-you-shouldnt-use.html
The hot new craze in Internet access is Wi-Fi and its soon-to-be big
brother Wi-Max. Wi-Fi is a wireless connection that allows users to
access the Internet without the computer being connected to a cable. And
yes, it's very convenient. Imagine walking from the sofa to the bedroom
with your laptop and never loosing your connection. Imagine the freedom
and flexibility afforded schools and office workers. No more ugly
bothersome cables to tie you down. You're free to roam the Internet with
your fingers while roaming your home, school or office with your feet.
Freedom to move and freedom to surf. Perfect for the individual who is
on the go and up to date with the latest technology. You can even have
free Internet access at your local coffee shop. Same for airports. What
a great idea. Or is it?
*What exactly is Wi-Fi?* Wi-Fi is a common term that stands for
'wireless fidelity.' It simply means that a computer can access the
Internet without wires or cables. In other words, it allows one to have
a wireless connection to the Internet. It's like taking a cell phone
base station and placing it in your home, schoolroom or office area.
Wi-Fi is basically the same type of connection as used to operate a cell
phone. It's a product of convenience as it allows one to access the
Internet with a desktop or laptop computer without the need for
connecting cables. Moving from room to room with a laptop computer and
no cables is a nice convenience although it certainly isn't a necessity.
*How does Wi-Fi work?* Wi-Fi is really very similar to your cell phone.
Radio signals are transmitted from the computer or Bluetooth device to a
wireless router, sometimes called a wireless access point (WAP) or
wireless local area network (WLAN). The router then sends the signal to
the Internet through a cable modem. So this router or wireless access
point is really the device responsible for transmitting the harmful
radio waves. Any number of computers or devices can be configured to
connect to one wireless router to make Internet connections. The
workable distance is about a range of 300 feet or more from the wireless
access point while most distances for good connections are maintained at
about 100 feet. And, of course there are many variables that can affect
this connection. Laptop computers and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
are the most common devices utilizing Wi-Fi technology.
*Wi-Fi Emits Radio Frequencies* Wireless connections emit radio
frequency signals, or radiation, just like cell phones, cell phone
towers and other wireless devices. Wi-Fi usually transmits its signal at
frequencies in the range of 2.4GHz to 5 GHz. Cordless phones often
transmit in the 2.4GHz to 5 GHz range, too, and this often causes the
cordless phone to interfere with a wireless internet connection to a
nearby computer. The Wi-Fi frequency is considerably higher than the
frequencies used for cell phones which operate in the 850 MHz to1900 MHz
range. This higher frequency allows more data to be carried. However, as
we'll see later, it is not the frequency of the signal that does the
damage to our health. So the higher Wi-Fi frequency isn't really the
issue at all when it comes to health considerations.
*Wi-Fi Hotspots Now In Schools* Wi-Fi has become popular in the home,
office, the airport and coffee shops. Many cities are now installing
"hot spots" where one can take a laptop computer and freely access the
Internet over the provided network. This is what is known as a "hot
spot." It's a place to make a wireless connection to the Internet. And
they are springing up everywhere. Entire cities are becoming wireless
allowing one to connect to the Internet from anywhere in the city. And
due to the ease of convenience Wi-Fi connections in schools are now
becoming quite popular, too. No longer are computers hard-wired to a
connection in a classroom. Connections are now virtual and allow the
user, student or teacher, the freedom to connect anywhere in the school
without the burden of being restricted by cable connections.
*Why Wireless Connections Are Harmful* There are two potentially harmful
mechanisms in which Wi-Fi users, including school children, may be
harmed. The first mechanism involves the exposure to radiation from the
distance or proximity of the user to the computer monitor. This form of
exposure originates from the electromagnetic field being given off by
the monitor itself and has nothing to do with the wireless connection.
Electromagnetic radiation is given off by the computer screen regardless
of whether the connection is wired or wireless. Any and all computer
screens produce electromagnetic radiation. These electromagnetic fields
can be substantial in strength and can reach levels much higher than the
1 milligauss (1 mG) threshold level of exposure recommended by experts
as being safe. Such a field can easily be measured with an inexpensive
instrument called a gauss meter.
The second mechanism of harm comes from the radiation or radio wave
itself. The wireless signal, oscillating at 2.4 to 5 GHz, moves much too
fast for the body to recognize. So this wave isn't doing the damage.
However, anytime any data or information is transmitted, say through our
voice, through text messages or through the sending of information, the
data is packaged and "piggy-backed" onto the first wave. This creates a
second carrier wave and this wave is called the information-carrying
radio wave, or ICRW. It is the information-carrying radio wave that is
producing the harm. Here's how this happens. This second carrier wave,
or ICRW, oscillates in a much lower Hertz (Hz) range that is easily
recognized by the body. When the ICRW comes in contact with the body the
body recognizes this wave and responds to it as if this carrier wave
were some type of foreign invader. When this happens certain physiologic
changes occur which are very significant. First, at the cellular level,
the cell membrane becomes hard and inflexible. This occurs because the
active transport channels shut down as the cell goes into a protection
mode. This hardening effect of the cell membrane also causes the cell to
lose its permeability, meaning needed nutrients can't get inside the
cell where they are needed. In other words, the cell doesn't get nourished.
Conversely, since the cell membrane is hardened and less permeable, the
toxins and free radicals that build up inside the cell, as a natural
part of our daily metabolism, can't get out. The buildup of toxins and
free radicals inside the cell causes other problems. These toxic
products damage the mitochondria in the cell. If you'll remember from
biology class the mitochondria are where energy for the body is
produced. When this energy-producing process is damaged the cell begins
to lose its ability to function.
In addition, cells lose their ability to communicate with one another.
When one cell can't communicate with another cell and messages don't get
sent or received the body can't respond properly to any type of stress,
injury, or invasion. Furthermore, the DNA inside the cell becomes
damaged. Fragments of DNA break off and form something called
micronuclei. Micronuclei are precursors to cancer formation. And when
enough energy is lost and when enough malnourishment occurs the cell
eventually becomes dysfunctional and dies. When enough cells die the
tissues are affected. When enough tissue is affected organs become
damaged and don't work properly. And the cascade of damaging events
begin that can lead to a multitude of symptoms and failure of the body's
defense mechanisms to act appropriately.
*The Wi-Fi Problem* Think of Wi-Fi this way. It's really nothing more
than a small version of a cell phone tower placed in the classroom or
office. Or, it could be similar to having a cordless phone in your home
with multiple handsets throughout the house. The base station is the
access point and all the peripheral phones connect with it wirelessly.
The radio frequency radiation being emitted is the same. The
information-carrying radio wave is being transmitted continuously 24
hours a day. The connections from the computers and other wireless
devices throughout the school, office or home to the wireless access
points cause any user around them, (children, teacher, staff, etc.) to
be continuously exposed. Everyone in the building is caught in the
crossfire of the continual access to the wireless access points. Even
non-users are exposed because of the blanketing effect of these wireless
access points throughout the building. So no one escapes the exposure.
In understanding the danger of Wi-Fi we must remember that it is not the
type of device, in this case a wireless access point or router that is
important. Rather it is the type of radio frequency radio waves that are
being produced by the device that are significant. Whether from a
wireless router, a cell phone, a cell phone tower, or personal digital
assistant (PDA), electromagnetic frequencies are produced by all these
devices. We must look at the technology being used by these devices and
not the device itself as the problem. This should be the primary concern
as we evaluate their safety, particularly in the classroom.
Another important aspect of Wi-Fi exposure is that of modulation.
Modulation refers to whether or not the signal frequency is constant or
pulsed. The new digital cell phones operate on a pulsed frequency, as
does all wireless technology. Studies have shown that these pulsed
signals are a greater risk than analog, non-pulsed signals. 1
Certainly, by the addition of any type of wireless we are adding to the
burden of electropollution we are all currently exposed to. Special
consideration should be given to the additional exposure that Wi-Fi
technology would bring to those in a classroom, including the
instructors, teachers, staff and certainly students.
*Children Are More Vulnerable* Concern about the increased vulnerability
to electropollution by children has valid reasoning. Since the skull
bones of the head don't fully harden until about age 22 the skull bones
of a child's head are softer than that of an adult. A softer head bone
translates to easier penetration through the skull and into the head by
radio frequency radiation. Furthermore, the head of a child contains
more water since the brain is not fully developed. It would make sense
then that water will act as a conductor to electromagnetic radiation
increasing the possibility of even further damage. And since a child's
brain and nervous system is still developing it only stands to reason
that the potential damage would be greater since cells that are in a
growing phase are more easily damaged.
And finally, exposing children in the elementary schoolroom will add to
both the amount of electromagnetic radiation exposure and the
accumulated length of exposure over their lifetime that they will be
exposed. No one can argue that the children of today's generation will
be exposed to far greater amounts of electromagnetic radiation and will
be exposed to it for a much longer period of time than any generation
before. We simply don't know the consequences of this increased and
cumulative exposure. And it's an experiment that we shouldn't place our
children in. Why set up these networks without understanding any of the
long-term consequences? Did we not learn a lesson from the tobacco and
asbestos industries?
*Effects of WirelessRadio Frequency Radiation* Although no studies have
been done on Wi-Fi per se there is a generous amount of research that
has been carried out on cell phones, cell phone towers and masts. Since
the Wi-Fi signal is the same type of radiation (only the frequency is
different) one can assume with reasonable assurance that the effects of
exposure to Wi-Fi will follow the same pattern of exposure to cell
phones and cell phone towers.
Here's an example of what can happen. Let's say one works in a
schoolroom or office where wireless access, or Wi-Fi, is used. In other
words, we are continually exposed to a constant bombardment of
electromagnetic radiation waves. Over time, sitting or working in this
classroom or office, the cells of the body gradually loose their energy
and consequently their ability to communicate. What if the function of a
particular group of cells was to maintain the integrity of the
blood-brain barrier? The blood-brain barrier is an intricate membrane
that keeps harmful substances and toxins from contacting sensitive brain
tissue. But what if the cells of the blood-brain barrier can't
communicate or don't work any longer? The barrier would break down and
this would allow harmful substances to enter. Those substances would
then come in contact with sensitive brain cells. The result would be
injured and damaged brain cells. This is just one example of how a
particular group of cells can be adversely affected by electromagnetic
radiation. In fact, studies have shown that placing a call on cell phone
for just two minutes can disable the blood-brain barrier. 2 The same
case could be made for the immune system and any other major "system" of
the body since different cellular groups perform different functions to
keep us healthy.
There are more than a dozen studies linking an increased risk for brain
cancer and acoustic neuroma (tumor of the auditory nerve) to radio
frequency radiation from cell phones and cordless phones. 3
Even the World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about the effects
of radiofrequency radiation on children's health. In a recent WHO
publication they wrote:
"The possible adverse health effects in children associated with
radiofrequency fields have not been fully investigated."
"Because there are suggestions that RF(radio frequency) exposure may be
more hazardous for the fetus and child due to their greater
susceptibility, prudent avoidance is one approach to keeping children's
exposure as low as possible."
"Further research is needed to clarify the potential risks of ELF-EMF
and radiofrequency fields for children's health."
Neurobehavioral effects of inhabitants living near a cell phone tower
base station have also been studied. The following neuropsychiatric
complaints were reported: headache (23.5%), memory changes (28.2%),
dizziness (18.8%), tremors (9.4%), depressive symptoms (21.7%), and
sleep disturbances (23.5%). 4 In addition, tests of attention and
short-term auditory memory were significantly lower in the exposed
participants than in control groups.
Obviously, people living close to cell phone towers have an increased
risk for developing neurobehavioral problems.
*Will We Medicate Our Children Unnecessarily?* If indeed neurobehavioral
symptoms are produced by radio frequency radiation and these frequencies
are continually emitted throughout our schools what might this suggest
about the abnormal behavior of students in the classroom? Might parents
be inclined and persuaded to medicate their children so that these
undesirable symptoms can be controlled? If so, how many of these
children would be medicated unnecessarily? Studies now show that the
frequencies such as that emitted by cell phones cause abnormal brain
hyperactivity. Such artificially induced hyperactivity would cause an
unnecessary risk and expense to students who would be placed on some
form of pharmaceutical intervention to aid in controlling these
symptoms. Many of the drugs used in controlling hyperactivity, such as
Ritalin, Concerta, and methylphenidate are in the amphetamine-like class
of pharmaceuticals. What a tragedy it would be to find out years later
that this form of medication was unnecessary and could have been avoided
if we would have chosen precaution over convenience.
*Learning Issues* As discussed earlier, the mechanism of harm caused by
electromagnetic frequencies occurs at the cellular level. The eventual
outcome of this harm is disruption of cell-to-cell communication. When
the disruption of cell communication occurs cells can't "talk" to each
other. When cells can't communicate cognition is affected, the ability
to learn is affected, the ability to retain information is affected, and
behavioral problems can occur.
*Makes Kids Susceptible To Other Stressors* Radiofrequency radiation is
also a stressor to the body. The mere fact that the cells of the body
react to these frequencies as discussed earlier indicates that they are
harmful. When the stress response occurs from exposure to
electromagnetic frequencies the body responds by releasing stress
proteins, also known as heat shock proteins, to minimize the ensuing
damage. The release of heat shock proteins is just one stress response
mechanism that has been identified. Other mechanisms include the
triggering of adrenal hormones like adrenaline. Continual stress is not
healthy as it can eventually fatigue the adrenal gland, suppress the
immune system, and lead to fatigue causing difficulty in concentration.
Sleep disturbances may also occur.
*Immune System Affected* Evidence also exists that radio frequencies
produced by such devices as cell phones, Wi-Fi, computers, televisions,
etc. can trigger skin reactions.5 Microwave frequencies can trigger the
release of chemicals from mast cells. Mast cells in the skin will break
open and release chemicals that cause the symptoms of allergic skin
reactions. 6 One of the chemicals released by mast cells is histamine.
Histamine is often responsible for the symptoms of allergies such as
runny nose, watery eyes, inflammation and difficulty breathing.
Histamine also constricts the airway leading to or worsening the
symptoms of asthma. It is of interest to note that the rate of asthma in
children has doubled since 1980 and asthma now affects one in 10
children. The cell phone was introduced in1983 and has seen explosive
growth in use in the last decade. Could there be a correlation between
the rising rates of asthma, an immune system problem, and the escalating
use of cell phones and wireless technology? Certainly, one could
anticipate that chronic exposure to these radio waves over time can lead
to chronic inflammatory responses.
*Electromagnetic Radiation Connected To Autism* A recent study has now
suggested a direct link between autism and electromagnetic radiation. It
appears that EMR may accelerate autistic spectrum disorders. 7 It is
noteworthy that the increasing rates of autism parallel the growth of
the cell phone and wireless industry. This appears to occur as a result
of the trapping of heavy metals within the cell and the inability of the
body to excrete the toxic metals present that are often introduced into
the body through vaccinations. Heavy metals are neurotoxic. When this
excretory process is prohibited these heavy metals, such as mercury,
lead, beryllium, and aluminum, damage nerve structures and interfere in
inter-cellular communication. This leads to neurological problems and
conditions like those found in autism spectrum disorders. This
particular study has shown that when electromagnetic radiation is
largely eliminated the efficiency of heavy metal detoxification and
removal was dramatically increased. In other words, the body was able to
excrete and eliminate heavy metals when it had not been able to do so
previously. This leads to the suggestion that (1) we need to reduce or
eliminate electromagnetic radiation from any child's environment and (2)
measures need to be taken to repair the damage that has already been
done by electromagnetic radiation. Although this study looked
specifically at autism the same case could be made for attention-deficit
disorders and related conditions.
*Occupational Hazard For Teachers And School Staff* Children will attend
school in a particular building for a finite number of years and then
move on. For a child the length of time spent in a particular building
or location is predetermined. Therefore their exposure levels to this
form of radiation will probably change. But what about the teachers and
staff members who continue to work in the same building for many, many
years? For these workers and teachers the exposure in their building
from Wi-Fi networks and radio frequency radiation is continual. What are
the effects of this exposure after years and years of time? Will
teaching in a Wi-Fi enabled school become an occupational hazard like
that of an electrician? These are questions that must and should be
answered before, rather than after, any installation of
radiation-generating equipment is placed in service.
*Wi-Fi In European Schools* The European Environment Agency is calling
for immediate steps to be taken to reduce exposure to Wi-Fi, cell phones
and cell phone towers and masts. Recent international scientific reviews
have concluded that electromagnetic radiation safety limits are
"thousands of times too lenient" and one official British report came to
the conclusion that the development of cancer from cell phone use could
not be ruled out.
Sir William Stewart, chairman of the Health Protection Agency in the UK,
is calling for a formal investigation into the hazards of using wireless
networks in schools. He's asking that students be monitored for health
problems from the networks. Joining him in health concerns over Wi-Fi
installations in schools, the Professional Association of Teachers are
calling for the Secretary of State for Education in the UK to begin an
official inquiry into the issue.
Recently, parents of children at an English school have won a major
battle in getting a mast tower removed from their school. Parents
indicated that both students and staff complained of symptoms such as
insomnia, headaches and numbness. It seems 56 percent of children had
trouble sleeping, 54 percent developed headaches and migraines, and 46
percent reported dizziness and numbness. 86 percent of staff members had
problems sleeping, 59 percent reported headaches, and 95 percent of
staff reported fatigue and numbness. Nosebleeds, nausea, and dizziness
were also reported. 8
Dr. Gerd Oberfield, head of environmental health and medicine in the
province of Salzburg, Austria, calls the installation of Wi-Fi
"dangerous." In fact, the government in Salzburg has been advising
schools not to install Wi-Fi for well over a year now and is considering
a complete ban on Wi-Fi networks.
Stowe School in Great Britian recently removed its Wi-Fi equipment from
its building. One of its schoolmasters who had taught there for 28 years
developed headaches and nausea immediately after Wi-Fi was installed.
*International Association of Fire Fighters* In 2004, the International
Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) voiced its opinion on cell phone
towers and antennas by opposing the installation of cell phone antennas
on or near fire stations until a credible study can be done to establish
their safety. In studying the available science the IAFF found over 49
references that led them to conclude that they should oppose the
placement of cell phone antennas on fire stations. Some of the effects
that have been documented by fire fighters include slowed reaction
times, sleep deprivation, severe headaches, lack of focus, tremors, and
vertigo. 9
*What About Wi-Max* The latest development in the world of digital
communication is something called Wi-Max. Wi-Max is intended for use as
a network for large metropolitan areas. Where Wi-Fi is limited to a
range of about 100-300 feet, Wi-Max can provide broadband wireless
access up to 30 miles from fixed base stations and 3-10 miles from
mobile base stations. It's been described as Wi-Fi on steroids. It's
used in much the same way as Wi-Fi and will soon become the standard for
Internet access. Imagine the implications. Whole metropolitan cities
blanketed with Wi-Max wireless coverage. How convenient and "connected"
do we really need to be?
*Conclusion* We currently have no studies that are specific to Wi-Fi.
However, when assessing the safety issue we can and should look at
technologies that are similar and relevant to Wi-Fi to draw our
conclusions. This would seem appropriate since Wi-Fi operates in the
same manner as other more heavily studies similar technology and the
basic mechanism of harm from all wireless technology is the same.
There are countless reports and studies raising caution signals about
the effects on human health from exposure to cell phone radiation, cell
phone towers, Wi-Fi, and wireless technology in general. The fact
remains that wireless technology is a potential carcinogen. So was
tobacco. So was asbestos. So were X-Rays. Like these other hazards,
which were all at one time only "potential carcinogens," wireless
technology needs further study before we decide to randomly subject
ourselves and our children to the potential harmful effects it seems to
cause. How long will we wait for these studies? Another 20 years or
more? How many lives will be adversely affected or lost while we take
the wait-and-see approach?
What can you do? Don't let your children use a cell phone. Don't live
near a cell phone tower. Don't use wireless Internet connections or
cordless phones in your home. Provide good nutrition to your children in
the form of lots of fruits and vegetables. Everyone needs lots of
antioxidants to protect themselves from the free radicals being produced
by these high levels of radiation. Good quality water is a must, too.
Get involved in your child's school. Get on the school board. Ask
questions regarding the use of Wi-Fi in the school. Object to the
installation of such equipment if and when the possibility is discussed.
School districts today are under ever-increasing financial pressures.
Healthy lease money is being provided by the wireless industry to
install cell phone antennas on school buildings. Once again, this is an
unneeded and unnecessary exposure risk for our young people. Does the
extra income provided by the wireless industry outweigh the potential
risk to our children? The studies say no and we as parents and
responsible citizens need to convey that message to our school boards
and legislators.
Two-time Nobel Prize nominee, Dr. Gerald Hyland, a physicist, had this
to say about cell phone towers. "Existing safety guidelines for cell
phone towers are completely inadequate. Quite justifiably, the public
remains skeptical of attempts by government and industry to reassure
them that all is well, particularly given the unethical way in which
they often operate symbiotically so as to promote their own vested
interests."
For more information on the health hazards of wireless technology, cell
phones, Wi-Fi, etc. visit http://www.CellphoneRadiationAlert.com
<http://www.cellphoneradiationalert.com/> For an ongoing discussion of
the latest information on the health hazards of wireless technology
visit http://www.CellphoneRadiationUSA.blogspot.com
<http://www.cellphoneradiationusa.blogspot.com/>
*References*
1. Lai, Henry. Biological Effects of Radiofrequency electromagnetic
fields. Encyclopedia of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering. G.L.
Gowlin and G. Wnek: Taylor and Francis Books, 2005.
2. Persson, Salford, Brun. Blood-brain barrier permeability in rats
expose to electromagnetic fields used in wireless communication;
Wireless Networks, Vol. 3, Issue 6, Dec. 1997; pg 455-461
3. BioInitiative Report, Aug. 31, 2007
4. Abdel-Rassoul, El-Fateh, Salem, Micheal, Farahat, El-Batanouny,
Salem. Neurobehavioral effects among inhabitants around mobile phone
base stations, Neurotoxicology, 2006, Aug. 1.
5. BioInitiative Report, Aug. 31, 2007.
6. BioInitiative Report, Aug. 31, 2007.
7. Mariea, Tamara and Carlo, George. Wireless Radiation in the Etiology
and Treatment of Autism: Clinical Observations and Mechanisms; Journal
of the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine,
August 2007.
8. Independent.co.uk. Apr 22, 2007
9. International Association of Fire Fighters, Division of Occupational
Health, Safety and Medicine. 2005
Lynn Quiring is a Registered Pharmacist, Baord Certified Clinical
Nutritionist, and holds a degree in naturopathic medicine. He also holds
diplomas in homeopathy and hormone regulation therapy. He is an expert
in cell phone radiation and EMFs and their health effects on the body.
He has practiced in natural medicine for over 10 years. He currently
owns and operates Logical Health LLC. He can be contacted by emailing to
lynnq...@msn.com <mailto:lynnq...@msn.com>
Informant: Martin Weatherall
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