California (finally) moves to protect against electrical pollution

Dr. Weeks’ Comment: I’m from the government and I am here to help you… but to be clear, I’ll be offering too little too late. Well intended? Perhaps. In the pocket in Telecommunications industry? Indubitably.

Why too little? Because the government had the draft and the science clarifying the risk to citizens exceeded the precautionary principle where precaution is applied for the public safety when outcomes are uncertain. WIFI and Cell phone usage is the largest biological experiment on humans ever and the subject are neither fully informed nor are they freely consenting.

Why too late? Because the findings were presented oh…. 8 YEARS AGO!

Imagine the brain cancers which could have been prevented…

 

I’ve warned my patients and readers about electrical pollution for over a decade.

Do you mind if I WIFI?

 

“Can you hear me now?”

 

 

 

 

California Issues Cell Phone Radiation Warnings

 

Electromagnetic Radiation Safety, December 13, 2017

Today the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a press release to announce their long-awaited cell phone warning document. The document forewarns the public about health risks from exposure to cell phone radiation and provides tips on how to reduce exposure.

This document originally prepared in 2009 by health professionals within the CDPH Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control underwent numerous revisions but was never published by CDPH until now.

In March of this year, the Sacramento Superior Court ordered the CDPH to release the draft documents to Dr. Joel Moskowitz, the plaintiff in a law suit filed under the California Public Records Act by the Environmental Law Clinic at UC Berkeley Law and the First Amendment Project.

To comply with the court order, CDPH released 27 versions of the document and reimbursed legal expenses. The most recent draft, dated January, 2015, contained a bold watermark, “Draft and Not for Public Release” and a footnote, “Document released pursuant to Moskowitz v. CDPH, Sac. Super. Ct. No. 34-2016-80002358.”

In July, the California Brain Tumor Association held a demonstration in Sacramento outside of CDPH to call for the public release of the cell phone warning document.

The safety recommendations in the document released today by CDPH are similar to those issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in May, 2015.

The preponderance of the research indicates that cell phone radiation poses a major risk to health. The recommendations of state and federal health agencies have not kept up with the research. The Federal Communications Commission, the agency responsible for regulating cell phones, relies on industry-generated guidance that is two decades old. More than 230 scientists who have published peer-reviewed research on electromagnetic fields and health have signed a petition calling on all nations to adopt stronger regulations and disclosure to the public about the health risks of electromagnetic fields.

For the history of this document and the public records lawsuit see http://bit.ly/CDPHsafer.

 

CDPH Press Release

 

CDPH Issues Guidelines on How to Reduce Exposure to Radiofrequency Energy from Cell Phones

 

Date: December 13, 2017

Number: 17-086
Contact: Corey Egel | 916.440.7259 | CDPHpress@cdph.ca.gov ​

SACRAMENTO – As smartphone use continues to increase in the U.S., especially among children, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today issued guidance for individuals and families who want to decrease their exposure to the radio frequency energy emitted from cell phones. Although the scientific community has not reached a consensus on the risks of cell phone use, research suggests long-term, high use may impact human health.

“Although the science is still evolving, there are concerns among some public health professionals and members of the public regarding long-term, high use exposure to the energy emitted by cell phones,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “We know that simple steps, such as not keeping your phone in your pocket and moving it away from your bed at night, can help reduce exposure for both children and adults.”

Cell phones emit radio frequency energy when they send and receive signals to and from cell towers, and some scientists and public health officials believe this energy may impact human health.

Meanwhile, cell phone use in the U.S. has increased dramatically in recent years. About 95 percent of Americans own a cell phone, and 12 percent rely on their smartphones for everyday Internet access. In addition, the average age when children get their first phone is now just 10 years old, and a majority of young people keep their phones on or near them most of the day and while they sleep.

“Children’s brains develop through the teenage years and may be more affected by cell phone use,” said Dr. Smith. “Parents should consider reducing the time their children use cell phones and encourage them to turn the devices off at night.”

The new CDPH guidance includes practical steps both adults and children could take to reduce exposure to radio frequency energy from cell phones. That includes:

  • Keeping the phone away from the body
  • Reducing cell phone use when the signal is weak
  • Reducing the use of cell phones to stream audio or video, or to download or upload large files
  • Keeping the phone away from the bed at night
  • Removing headsets when not on a call
  • Avoiding products that claim to block radio frequency energy. These products may actually increase your exposure.

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR17-086.aspx

 

CDPH Cell Phone Warning Document

 

State of California. “How to Reduce Exposure to Radiofrequency Energy from Cell Phones.” Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, California Department of Public Health. December 2017.

http://bit.ly/CDPHguidance

Related posts on EMR Safety

Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., Director
Center for Family and Community Health
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley

 

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