SHARON M. WEINSTEIN, MS, RN, CRNI, FACW, FAAN

The Tech Generation...taking action

to protect our kids

Objectives

Discuss the inherent dangers associated with connectivity

Identify safety measures that parents can take to mitigate cellular damage

Describe the impact on students’ health – long and short-term

Abstract

iPad, iPhone, Droid, Tablet, Video games – are signs of the times and can we live without them? WiFi and cellular technology may be the most devastating challenge to our health and that that industry, government and consumers do not like to acknowledge. We’ll address signs and symptoms as well as corrective actions.

Sources

Cell phones

Cell towers

Cordless phones

PDA’s – Blackberry, Treo, iPhone

Wireless games (Wii)

Baby monitors

Smart Meters

WiFi and more

Scientific Evidence

“…results indicate changes in the response characteristics of the nervous system with repeated exposure, suggesting that the effects are not ‘forgotten’ after each episode of exposure”

“Neurological Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation, Dept. of Bioengineering, school of Medicine, University of Washington

Soviets scientists warn of cumulative effects of non-thermal radiation doses, including reproductive and genetic effects

All studies show increased brain tumor risk after 10 years

Malignant brain tumors – 40% increase 30 mins/day after 10 years – Interphone

Heavy cell phone use by teens show four to five times more brain tumors by late 20’s – Dr. Lennart Hardell, Sweden

Scientific Evidence

Why is it Dangerous?

It constantly transmits at full power – doesn’t decrease power when not in use

It is on 24/7

Exposure to full power microwave pulses from router every few seconds even if computer off.

Scientifically proven biologically active

Evidence of cumulative effects

Cumulative Effect

“…results indicate changes in the response characteristics of the nervous system with repeated exposure, suggesting that the effects are not ‘forgotten’ after each episode of exposure”

“Neurological Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation, Dept. of Bioengineering, school of Medicine, University of Washington

Soviets scientists warn of cumulative effects of non-thermal radiation doses, including reproductive and genetic effects

EMF Sensitivity

Electromagnetic sensitivity recognized internationally – growing health disaster

Chronic condition/disability of hyper-sensitive reactions to EMR

Can only be reversed by reducing exposure

Some people no recognizable symptoms, but does not mean they are unaffected.

Symptoms

Dizziness

Headaches

Fatigue & Anxiety

Sleep problems

Skin disorders

Tinnitus (ringing ears)

Restless leg syndrome

Thyroid disorders

Arrhythmia

Racing heart/palpitations

Digestive changes

High blood pressure

Blood sugar levels

Joint & muscle pain

Memory & concentration

difficulties

What is radiation?

The word ‘radiation’ means

Anything which ‘radiates’ on ray-like paths

Could be

Sound

Radio

Light

Infra-red light

Particles or waves emitted from the nuclei of atoms

Nuclear Radiation

How does my phone work?

Mobile Phones are ‘radio’ phones

Operating at microwave frequencies

Handset power minimized by having a network of local transmitters and receivers

Roughly hexagonal cells

Mast

• Each color represents a base station operating at a slightly different frequency

Each cell has a transmitter and receiver mast Notice the typical three way structure

Technology

Vulnerability

“The developing organs of a child are the most sensitive to any possible effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields.” –University Pittsburgh Cancer Institute

“The consequence of prolonged exposures to children, whose nervous systems continue to develop until late adolescence is unknown at this time. This could…result in diminished capacity for thinking, judgment, memory, learning and control over behavior.” – BioInitiative Report

The Risks

Electromagnetic fields are likely to penetrate the brain more deeply for children than adults…due to smaller sized brains and softer brain tissue. – University of Pittsburgh Cancer Inst

Living tissue is vulnerable to EMF within the frequency bands used by cell phones, even below the threshold of power imposed by most safety standards, notably an increase in the permeability of the blood brain barrier and increased synthesis of stress proteins.” – U of P Cancer Inst.

Waves and Matter

When an electromagnetic wave interacts with matter…

Some absorption

Some reflection

Some transmission

Summary

Electromagnetic waves interacting with matter can be

Reflected, absorbed or transmitted

What happens depends on the frequency of the electric field

the natural frequencies of the atoms and molecules

Microwaves emitted by mobile phone systems Are absorbed by human tissue

What are the risks?

Basic safety assumption is that the main effect of exposure to microwaves is thermal

Are there ‘non-thermal’ effects?

If so are they harmful?

Normal thermal vibrations are much larger than vibrations induced by microwaves emitted by mobile phones.

Electromagnetic

waves

Electricity

Heat

How it all fits together…

Atoms

What could we do?

Ban mobile phones ?

The ‘Precautionary principle’

Could there be some harm caused?

How many lives are saved by mobile phones?

Reduce mobile phone power ?

Increase the number of mobile phone masts

Reduce mast power ?

Increase the mobile phone handset power

Increase the number of masts

Ban mobile phone use while driving ?

Done: has it been effective?

Nothing ?

T A K E A C T I O N N O W !

T H A N K Y O U

What will YOU do?