Experts have been warning for years that children are being endangered by being exposed to wireless radiation in schools. They may become ill while students or suffer as adults because of exposure in schools that didn’t need to happen and shouldn’t have happened. Many of us have provided scientific evidence to Ministers of Education, to School Trustees and the Public Health Officials. Teachers have asked for safe places in which to teach, yet wireless technology is used in schools throughout the province and country. This group is from the USA but, in many of their documents, simply exchange “FCC” with “Health Canada” and the information applies here. I have asked the organization for permission to use their templates and “Canadianize” them and will let you know when I receive their response. Please read the letters and documents hyperlinked in the article, and please consider sharing widely. There is power in numbers.
Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters
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Grassroots Environmental Education and Grassroots Communications are very pleased to announce the launch of the TechSafe Schools project – a multi-faceted program designed to help schools reduce exposure to RF radiation.
The TechSafe Schools project consists of a personal letter addressed to school administrators, a legal letterfrom seven prominent attorneys with experience in wireless radiation and tort litigation; a short Q&A brochure about RF radiation in schools and an invitation for school officials to attend one or more of three national webinars we will be sponsoring in early March.
Twenty-Four Canadian Groups Say: Suspend 5G Until Proven Safe Appeal to the Government of Canada “Look Before We Leap”
For Immediate Release May 14, 2020
Ottawa: Scientists and citizens groups from across Canada, including several from British Columbia, are launching an Urgent Appeal demanding the right to say “No” to 5G in their neighbourhoods. Twenty-four Canadian groups are banding together and calling for a national moratorium on the roll out of 5G until questions about its human health effects are resolved.
“This has nothing to do with Covid-19. All groups launching this Appeal condemn acts of violence such as burning antenna towers,” said one of the organizers. “The Parliamentary Health Committee has been investigating the negative health impacts of cell phones, cell towers and Wi-Fi for over a decade. So far the only assurance that it’s safe comes from the wireless companies profiting from it, but scientists disagree.”
The Appeal is also requesting that Health Canada conduct a comprehensive and rigorous assessment of the health effects of radiofrequency radiation.
“Health Canada’s 2015 guidelines for human exposure to non-ionizing radiation (Safety Code 6) were out of date before they were published, and the review process was flawed,” said Dr. Meg Sears, PhD, Chair of Ottawa based Prevent Cancer Now, one of the signatory groups. “Hundreds of peer-reviewed, published studies show that radiofrequency (RF) radiation can cause cancers, damage sperm and DNA, impair reproduction, learning and memory, and more. We should be limiting public exposure, not increasing it.”
“We have sufficient data to classify RF radiation as a Group 1, known human carcinogen, along with, for example, asbestos and tobacco smoke,” states Dr. Anthony Miller MD, Professor Emeritus of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, who worked with the International Agency for Research on Cancer on the 2011 scientific review. Dr. Miller is a signatory to the appeal.
Numerous 4G and 5G microcell antennae are appearing in neighbourhoods with no prior notice; some being placed by children’s bedrooms. This blatant disregard for potential health consequences is unCanadian and unnecessary. A safer, faster, and more environmentally friendly Internet option is available — fibre optic cables connected right to the home.
Oona McOuat of Salt Spring Island says, “COVID-19 has shown us we need dependable and affordable Internet. With the government increasing connectivity funding, and the Connected Coast bringing fibre optics to 154 BC communities, now is the perfect time to connect fibre to our homes. Rural communities like Denman, Hornby and Salt Spring islands and the Slocan Valley are exploring how to create net neutral and energy efficient community-owned fibre networks. These networks may be up to 20 times faster than wireless 5G, while offering untold financial and other benefits.”
“The proponents would prefer that we hear only about the up-side – the additional billions in purported revenues from 5G – but there is little recognition of the increased costs,” said Frank Clegg, former President of Microsoft Canada and CEO of Canadians For Safe Technology.
“Canadians deserve a full economic analysis including the unspoken increased costs to our healthcare system, which is particularly stressed right now. Also the lost productivity from adverse health effects; security and privacy breaches; increased energy consumption, damage to the environment; and risks to safety and property should be included. We are living in a different world than we were three months ago, and this is a standard cost-benefit analysis that might open the eyes of the public that is paying for it,” said Clegg.
The Appeal requests that Ottawa give local governments and their citizens proper notification and grant them a decisive say over the placement of cell towers and microcell antennas.
Webinar:
We are planning a Global Webinar which will consist of a panel of speakers covering various issues pertaining to 5G. (Panel members to be announced). The Webinar is planned for April 25th at 6:00 pm UK time. (Our apologies to Australia, New Zealand and other countries and territories where that hour is not convenient.)
Video:
Stop 5G International is producing a We Do Not Consent video that includes statements people have sent us saying why they do not consent to 5G on Earth and in space. Some of the footage we have received is superb. Many thanks to all who contributed!! A link to the video will be sent out when it’s ready.
NB: Let’s take advantage of the Online Protest Day to educate people about the advantages of safe, fast, reliable and energy efficient hard-wired connections, and to urge people to watch videos and share materials on hard-wired connections when possible.
Online events planned by others around the world….
Suggested actions for April 25th
Links to: SafeG info, PowerPoint; sample Letters to City Officials, Healthcare Providers, the Editor; Flyers; International Space Appeal; Community Kit; Comment Letter by the Advisors to the EMF Scientists Appeal; Put Your Government on Notice; Inform Environmental Organizations; Window Signs; Petitions….
(audio 29:30) More Links Between Brain Cancer and Cell Phones.Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard by talkdigitalnetwork – YouTube – April 04, 2018:
(podcast 29:08) April 4, 2018 | More Links Between Brain Cancer and Cell Phones – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard by HoweStreet.com – April 04, 2018:
The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews withSharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies:
Re: BC Hydro’s Nov. 24, 2017 response to Commission questions pertaining to S. Noble’s Smart Meter Fire Report
For ease of responding, I have cut and pasted the Commission’s questions and Mr. James’s responses and will respond directly to his statements.
Please note that neither he nor the BCUC has yet responded to charges that I made in the Fire Report that the ITRON smart meters have design flaws which result in these devices posing fire hazards to homes, putting lives at risk. It is apparent to me that BC Hydro does not wish to address the significant issues with you. This will be my last response to BC Hydro’s comments which have not been complete, accurate or responsive. Rather I hope to receive comments from the BCUC in the near future.
“1.1 Does BC Hydro still rely on external electrical contractors to install ITRON Smart Meters?
RESPONSE:
BC Hydro uses both internal and external qualified resources to install and exchange meters. All external resources are qualified “red seal electrical workers”, who have been field tested by a qualified BC Hydro Meter Technician.”
This response is not true. BC Hydro and ITRON contracted with Corix to install the smart meters. Minimal training was given to people who had no prior experience. In fact, if you review the information on incident #65 will see that a meter caught fire during a live exchange in Port Alberni. The installer reported that he had had only 8 hours of training to do the work that should be done by qualified and tested electrical workers. Damage done during the exchange might not result in a fire for many months.
1) “Please confirm the following:
1.1.1 If so, what is BC Hydro’s QA/QC process for post installation of ITRON Smart Meters?
RESPONSE:
BC Hydro’s procedure for all meter installations or exchanges is as follows: …..”
In the list of procedure performed during the installation, a major one is missing: Turn off the power source to the meter. The meter base is CSA certified (C22.2 No. 115) CSA states clearly that the certification would be voided if the Utility disconnects and reconnects the power using the meter as the switch. CSA states that the bases and the meters that are mounted into them are not intended to be used a load-making or load-breaking devices.
Live exchanges resulted in damages to homes and, more important, put the lives of untrained, inexperienced installers at risk.
2) 1.2 Does BC Hydro Meter Shop conduct QA/QC sample testing when receiving ITRON Smart Meters?
RESPONSE:
Yes. A sampling of every shipment of meters will be put through acceptance testing to ensure the shipment meets the Revenue Metering requirements, which includes measurement validation, and physical and visual inspection.
BC Hydro does testing for billing accuracy only, “Revenue Metering requirements.” No independent testing is done to ensure that the smart meters are free of defects or flaws that could cause fires, putting lives and property at risk.
3) 1.3 Has BC Hydro reviewed ITRON’s Factory Acceptance Testing processes for smart meters?
RESPONSE:
Yes. As part of the original procurement process, BC Hydro reviewed factory acceptance procedures advanced by proponents. During the SMI project implementation, BC Hydro subject matter experts attended Itron’s manufacturing facility, and reviewed testing and acceptance processes. Now, in sustainment, BC Hydro reviews the testing certification reports and documents provided by Itron to confirm contractual compliance with the specified ANSI standards prior to installing a new meter type.
ANSI C12 standards, which are the standards specified, pertain to accuracy and compatibility and do not address fire safety or design flaws. By continuing to refer these standards, BC Hydro is attempting to obfuscate and convince BCUC and others that they have been diligent. I maintain they have not. BC Hydro has failed to obtain a certification by a professional electrical engineer licensed by British Columbia or even Canada confirming that ITRON smart meters are safe and cannot cause fires.
4) 1.4 Has BC Hydro Engineers reviewed and accepted ITRON’s testing/commissioning reports and engineering drawings of smart meters?
RESPONSE:
Yes. Prior to installing a new meter type, a BC Hydro professional engineer reviews and accepts the testing certification reports provided by Itron which includes dimension drawings and electrical schematic interfaces.
Accepting dimension drawing and schematics is not the same as certifying the meter is safe. Did a BC Hydro professional engineer inspect an actual ITRON smart meter to the level that would have been required to certify it as being safe? Professional electrical engineers who have taken an ITRON smart meter apart and studied its components as well as the design have found it to be dangerously flawed.
Mr. Wruck, BC Hydro is failing to address the major issues that I have raised and for which I have provided evidence:
1) ITRON meters have failed and have caused fires;
2) Unqualified workers installed smart meters under unsafe conditions, potentially voiding the CSA certification of the meter bases;
3) Independent electrical engineers have identified multiple design flaws which cause ITRON smart meters to be a fire hazard;
4) No independent professional electrical engineer licensed to work in British Columbia has certified these electrical devices to be safe;
5) Regulations and laws are being broken, with smart meters being removed from fire scenes, with inadequate reporting of incidents to the proper authorities.
As I stated in my report, it is BC Utilities Commission’s responsibility to ensure that BC Hydro’s equipment is safe and that the public is not put at risk. I am awaiting BCUC’s response to my charges that it is not fulfilling its role according to the BC Utilities Commission Act.
I look forward to your review and your comments.
Regards,
Sharon Noble
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John Horgan given 29,057 Petitions re Smart Meters to present to the Legislature on March 11, 2013
(click on photos to enlarge)
The comments from BC Hydro and Len Garis are the only ones I’ve received to date. Nothing at all from Premier Horgan, Energy Minister Mungall, Transportation Minister Trevena, or any of the MLAs to whom I sent the report. It truly seems that no one wants to acknowledge that there is a problem. I realize that everyone is busy but I don’t think that is the reason no one is responding. I think they fear they will have to do something that they do not want to do. They must be in support of this expensive, dangerous, and unnecessary program now that they have the power to do something — even if the smeters might burn a few homes down and put lives at risk.
I hope you will ask them. You might ask why the ITRON meters can’t be recalled and replaced with the wired meters like Idaho has, if they won’t support getting safe, dependable, long-lived analogs which would mean putting meter readers back to work.
(audio 34:39) BC Hydro Costing Smart Meter Users $24 Million a Year?Sharon Noble – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – November 29, 2017 by talkdigitalnetwork – YouTube – November 29, 2017:
(podcast 34:17) November 29, 2017 | BC Hydro Costing Smart Meter Users $24 Million a Year? – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard – HoweStreet.com – November 29, 2017:
The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews withSharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies:
The comments provided by Mr. James and Mr. Garis are consistent with those made in response to my charges over the last 4 years. They evade and mislead. None of the critical issues that I raised in this comprehensive fire report are addressed:
1) The expert information given by independent professional engineers regarding design flaws is ignored.
2) One source and one source only is used by Mr. Garis, and that source is incomplete and erroneous in many regards.
3) Mr. Garis failed to corroborate the information in the only source he used, failing to review the raw data which was readily available to him.
4) Regulations and laws are being violated:
i) Meters are being removed from homes prior to the inspection. BC Hydro states otherwise and ignores the evidence provided by BCSA, the media and by witnesses.
ii) Fire reports are not being completed in all situations where property is damaged.
iii) Many electrical fires are not being inspected by the BC Safety Authority or the inspectors at the 9 jurisdictions.
iv) Insurance reports are not available to victims or the general public.
5) Loopholes in regulations exist which allow dangerous devices and practices to put lives and property at risk.
6) There is no tracking of fires, no coordination among/between agencies, and no central authority with responsibility for oversight.
7) The public is being given false, incorrect information.
According to evidence that I obtained directly and provided in my fire report, Mr. James has been misled with regard to procedures that BC Hydro follows. It is imperative that he read the complete report, review the evidence, and consider that BC Hydro has allowed him to provide erroneous and irrelevant comments.
Mr. Wruck, I am still waiting for a response from the BCUC regarding the charges I made regarding the Commission’s failure to protect the customers of BC Hydro, which is required under the BC Utilities Commission Act. I look forward to receiving it at your earliest convenience.
Regards,
Sharon Noble
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John Horgan given 29,057 Petitions re Smart Meters to present to the Legislature on March 11, 2013
(click on photos to enlarge)
The comments from BC Hydro and Len Garis are the only ones I’ve received to date. Nothing at all from Premier Horgan, Energy Minister Mungall, Transportation Minister Trevena, or any of the MLAs to whom I sent the report. It truly seems that no one wants to acknowledge that there is a problem. I realize that everyone is busy but I don’t think that is the reason no one is responding. I think they fear they will have to do something that they do not want to do. They must be in support of this expensive, dangerous, and unnecessary program now that they have the power to do something — even if the smeters might burn a few homes down and put lives at risk.
I hope you will ask them. You might ask why the ITRON meters can’t be recalled and replaced with the wired meters like Idaho has, if they won’t support getting safe, dependable, long-lived analogs which would mean putting meter readers back to work.
(audio 21:55) Could BC Gov be Sued for Ignoring Smart Meter Fire Report?Sharon Noble – October 17, 2017 – The Goddard Report with Jim Goddard by talkdigitalnetwork – YouTube – October 17, 2017:
The Goddard Report Video Archives of Interviews withSharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters re Smart Meters and Health Issues from Wireless Technologies:
PRESS RELEASE – for immediate release September 21, 2017
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE, THERE’S FIRE BCUC fails to protect smart meter customers
The BC Utilities Commission Act says the prime reason the BC Utilities Commission exists is to ensure BC citizens receive safe and secure service. Section 25 of the Act reads:
If the commission, after a hearing held on its own motion or on complaint, finds that the service of a public utility is unreasonable, unsafe, inadequate or unreasonably discriminatory, the commission must
(a) determine what is reasonable, safe, adequate and fair service, and
(b) order the utility to provide it.http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96473_01
Sharon Noble, Director of Coalition To Stop Smart Meters, last week released a report based on three years of research into smart meter fires and failures. Noble charges that BCUC has failed to do its job. Even after BCUC received a formal complaint with evidence that public safety is being jeopardized, the Commission did nothing. BCUC neglected to order BC Hydro and FortisBC to provide “reasonable, safe, adequate and fair service”. The report asserts:
1) No agency is tracking fires;
2) Regulations and laws are being broken with impunity, e.g. meters are being removed from the fire scene, electrical inspections are not being done;
3) Reporting is haphazard at best;
4) The meter is combustible, poorly designed, with critical components uncertified by any agency to be safe;
5) BC Hydro did not perform its due diligence by having an independent electrical engineer inspect the meter for safety prior to signing the contract. Rather it accepted ITRON’s assurances;
6) Smart meters have burned, melted and caused homes to burn. BC Hydro and BCUC both deny this is happening.
Consumer Affairs recalls defective devices, such as cars and electrical appliances (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety.html). Consumer Affairs has no jurisdiction to recall defective smart meters because the meters are owned by the utility company, not by any of the consumers who are required to use them. Noble observes, “Who is watching out for us, ensuring that these devices mandated by law and installed on our homes without our permission are safe? No one.”
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Contact information for media only: Sharon Noble dsnoble@shaw.ca
2. Research documentation (2 pdfs*) Includes reports received from the Fire Commissioner, the Attorney General’s Office (JAG), the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (TRA), BC Safety Authority, BC Hydro, and victims.
The reports in these Volumes are in the same sequence as the summaries provided on the spreadsheet in Appendix W.
* The amount of documentation is extensive, therefore it is presented in two volumes:
Volume I holds reports for fires that occurred in municipality names beginning with A to M;
Volume II holds reports for municipality names beginning with N to W.
