[2A & 2B Carcinogens – Aluminum Window Screen Shielding from Smart Meters RF ElectroSmog – BCCDC – Blue Light / Melatonin (Eyes, Sleep) – Brain Tumours (Acoustic Neuroma, Glioma) – Cell Phones – Cell Towers – Colin Murray – Doctor Paul Heroux – EHS – EMFs – EMR – Fibre Optics – Hard-wired Internet – Health Canada Safety Code 6 – Hospitals – IARC – International EMF Scientist Appeal – Norm Ryder Letter to WorkSafeBC, Adam Olsen, Adrian Dix, Al Johnson, Andrew Weaver, Harry Bains, Perry Kendall, Trevor Hughes – OHSR Occupational Health & Safety Regulation – Privacy – Radiation Institute of Canada – Rooftop Workers – Schools – Security – Studies – Thyroid / Zinc – Wi-Fi WPA2 Protocol – Wireless Devices | Victoria, BC – Canada] & (audio) & (videos)
1) An interesting report sent in by a member about the effects of electromagnetic fields from computers having an effect on the thyroid. It was found that zinc improved the thyroid function. Some studies have shown that reduced thyroid hormone can result in increases in free radicals.
(click on photos to enlarge)
Thyroid Hormone Indices in Computer Workers with Emphasis on the Role of Zinc Supplementation
“In conclusion, EMFs may have deleterious effects on thyroid gland activity. It is advised to include thyroid function tests in periodic medical examination of computer workers. Zinc supplementation may ameliorate the thyroid gland activity in such workers.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4908750/
2) A reminder that there are proven health effects to exposure to blue light from computers, monitors, etc. Melatonin production is reduced, eyes are strained, for example. I highly recommend installing a free program https://justgetflux.com/ . It will ask where you live and adjust the light, adding a pink tint, when the sun goes down. My eyes are very sensitive, so I have said that I live in Newfoundland which results in my computer monitor’s screen going pinkish mid-afternoon. The tint is hardly noticeable yet reduces dramatically the blue light that is harmful.
http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/blue-light.htm
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side
[Night Shift for Mac Users – https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT207513]
3) The US press interviewed Dr. Paul Heroux outside the US Supreme Court. He wants to encourage industry to stop increasing RF electrosmog by implementing better, faster, cheaper technology – fiber optic cable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCW3l4TgC9U&feature=em-uploademail (1:51 minutes)
4) The concern is high about the RF emitted by smeters but, in most cases, most of the RF that is entering the home is from neighbours’ smeters. Smeters emit RF outward toward the next smeter or collector. Here is a simple, inexpensive way to help shield a home.
Blocking Smart Meter Radiation From Next Door
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFI63QLMQRs (51 seconds)
5) “The Geek Squad” is recommending using hard wired internet access instead of Wi-Fi to protect privacy of computers.
6) Below is a letter to WorkSafe BC from one of our members, who was injured by radiation while working for the provincial government, and WorkSafeBC’s response. Remember that, according to law, no worker should be exposed to a 2B carcinogen if there is a reasonable alternative. This applies to everything EXCEPT MICROWAVE RADIATION.
Letters:
October 12, 2017
Dear Mr. Ryder:
Re: WorkSafeBC Regulation Part 5.19 Designated Substances
Thank you for your letter of September 25th detailing your concerns and commentary regarding the IARC 2B classification and ongoing research into potential health issues around radio frequency exposure.
The Risk Analysis Unit at WorkSafeBC has profiled radiation, and particularly Electromagnetic Radio Frequency, in our risk registry and continues to review new unbiased peer-reviewed documentation through national and international sources. We continuously assess new research papers from across the world to monitor scientific reviews, analysis and findings. Additional medical papers are also reviewed through our Occupational Disease Working Committee.
The most reliable information we have to date is that the major health issues from exposure to radio frequency radiation are related to thermal effects (e.g., body heating). We are also aware that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified radiofrequency and microwave radiation as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) based on an increased risk for two types of tumours (glioma and acoustic neuroma).
The classification is under discussion in the broader scientific community however we revise our standards in line with Health Canada and the BC Centre for Disease Control. The OHSR currently mandates that a worker’s exposure to non-ionizing radiofrequency radiation not exceed the exposure limits specified in Health Canada Safety Code 6, Limits of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in the Frequency Range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz. Safety Code 6 was recently updated in 2015. Health Canada has also produced a 2015 version of their Technical Guide for Interpretation and Compliance Assessment of Health Canada’s Radiofrequency Exposure Guidelines.
In June 2017, ten WorkSafeBC personnel completed the radiation training provided by the Radiation Institute of Canada. This builds a stronger foundation and capacity across the province to provide consulting and enforcement services for situations where worker exposures are possible or being exceeded.
When we met last year in Victoria, I indicated that we would be monitoring the scientific research and working with building owners and landlords to develop better awareness and controls around access, barriers and signage. This work is ongoing, however no change will be made to the regulation until the recognized authorities amend the classification and increased requirements need to be implemented. Accordingly, our Bulletins would be updated in line with any changes to regulation, guidelines or standards.
Yours sincerely,
Colin Murray
Senior Manager, Risk Analysis Unit
Worker and Employer Services Division
Tel: 604 207-1491
= = =
September 25, 2017
Dear WorkSafeBC CEO, President, Vice Presidents, Leadership Team, Hon. Minister of Health Adrian Dix, Mr. Trevor Hughes, Dr. Perry Kendall, Mr. Adam Olsen, Dr. Andrew Weaver, Hon. Minister Harry Bains, Mr. Al Johnson
Re: WorkSafeBC Regulation Part 5.19 Designated Substances
The regulation states
(1) If a substance identified as any of the following is present in the workplace, the employer must replace it, if practicable, with a material which reduces the risk to workers :
(a) ACGIH A1 or A2, or IARC 1, 2A or 2B carcinogen; In 2010 the IARC classified Radio Frequency including Cell Phones as a group 2B Carcinogen. Many scientists around the world (over 230 and increasing representing 41 nations) support an appeal lead by Dr. Blank of Victoria to the United Nations calling for the UN to:
Address the global public health concerns related to exposure to cell phones, power lines, electrical appliances, wireless devices, wireless utility meters and wireless infrastructure in residential homes, schools, communities and businesses.
Why are we being subjected to increasing levels of radiation throughout workplaces and our environment?
Many of the scientists are calling for the IARC to raise the classification to a 2A or a 1 classification at the IARC. These scientists represent thousands of peer reviewed papers on the subject. This mass of collective wisdom of many scientists that have made extensive study of the topic are concerned with what could be considered increasing levels of a biological agent or toxin that causes an adverse health effect. Why is WorkSafeBC, the MoH not taking immediate steps to reduce this hazard and protect the health and safety of all including workers in this ?
Recently via a FOI request to the Ministry of Health for the scientific papers they are studying or reviewing on this, both the Ministry and the Provincial Health Officer office quickly responded they had no papers on the subject. How can the Ministry of Health be on top of this Issue and be reviewing the information when they have no peer reviewed scientific documents on the subject? Would a similar FOI request to WorkSafe BC produce a similar quantity of documents?
I note a recent independent report, done at the request of the BCCDC, noted WorkSafe does not have the expertise to deal with radiation issues. Would a similar report on the capacities of the Ministry of Health produce a similar assessment? Since the report to the BCCDC, have they continued to expand their knowledge and ability to inform government agencies on the hazards of radiation, has WorkSafe acquired the ability to deal with Electromagnetic radiation matters? I have diligently tried to find answers these agencies have improved their knowledge in this field, unfortunately they have worse than not improved, resources in these areas and appear to be less than a few years ago. Is my assessment correct?
A number of peer reviewed papers from scientists free of conflict of interest have been published in the last few years. Has WorkSafeBC or the MoH studied or even reviewed these papers? Considering the response to my FOI request to the MoH, neither WorkSafe nor the Ministry have made an effort to acquire and understand the papers.
I also remind WorkSafeBC that well over a year ago WorkSafeBC staff promised me sometime during “2016 Q3” they would have regulations protecting rooftop workers from exposure radiation as well as appropriate warnings published. A search of the WorkSafe site does not reveal any such change in the regulations nor the printed advisories (WorkSafe Bulletin 14-7 & 14-8 are only “teasers warnings”) Am I to assume that WorkSafe employees have a difficult time conveying accurate and honest information to the public?
The levels of radiation I have experienced in hospitals and schools is a particular concern as these places have a significant number of vulnerable and at risk people as well as a workforce that is constantly exposed to a level of radiation that the functionality of which could easily be replaced by wired connections which are more stable, secure, faster and economical as they require less maintenance. It was during an “extended” stay in a hospital to deal with my radiation caused brain tumour I first identified my Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Symptoms caused by hospital generated environment wide radiation. The cell towers virtually immediately outside my window beaming radiation significantly contributed to my extended stay and was the cause of the significantly elevated costs.
The problems re rooftop workers is a particular concern after a manager of a company that maintains transmitters sites told me of buildings throughout the province he will not allow workers to access when the transmitters are on, even when wearing full protection, due to the radiation – (the so-called acceptable levels of radiation for these workers as informed workers is significantly higher than uninformed workers such as roofers, etc.). Fortunately this manager takes the responsibility to check the site and protect his workers in the absence of WorkSafeBC, but what about the uninformed rooftop worker. Or the residents in the apartment who are subjected to the radiation for many hours a day and even during rest and recuperation period otherwise known as sleep (radiation is particularly noted for its effects on melatonin).
Unfortunately I am reminded every day all of the negative health effects a single exposure of the level the manager was referring to, effects that are disturbingly similar to the health issues noted by many of the scientists that have supported the UN appeal. Given the location and type of apartment, it would not be surprising if 1 or more MLA uses the building as a temporary residence while in Victoria.
Yes, I have spent years trying to have the Ministries of Labour and Health, including the crown corporations and other entities, deal with these concerns; I expect a timely and competent response (comments from a medical doctor that can not even get the units to express radiation correct, let alone make the effort to determine if his numerical number referring the level of radiation is correct, can not be considered competent) from each of you or I will have to assume you do not have concern or interest in public and worker safety. I will assume that your lack of a competent and timely response as confirmation of your lack of concern in matters related to electromagnetic radiation.
Sincerely
Norm Ryder
Sharon Noble
Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters
“An activist is someone who cannot help but fight for something. That person is not usually motivated by a need for power, or money, or fame, but in fact driven slightly mad by some injustice, some cruelty, some unfairness – So much so that he or she is compelled by some moral engine to act to make it better.”
~ Eve Ensler