_____ 2016 Session

(max. of 2 requests by Nov. 24, 2015)

___x__ 2017 Session

PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR THIS REQUEST:

Schools in Oregon are outfitted with powerful microwave emitting wi-fi routers, laptop, ipads and “smart” boards.  These routers are capable of connecting a hundred computers at one time and radiation from the cell tower connecting to the router exposing children and school staff to high amounts of pulsed radio frequency microwave radiation.  This is not a problem when safe, cabled internet connections are used.

In 2011 The World Health Organization classified radiation from all wireless devices a Class 2B Carcinogen in the same group as auto exhaust, lead, chloroform and DDT.

Thousands of studies, about half from all branches of the U.S. military and N.A.S.A., have accumulated over many years confirming the harmful biological effects of microwave radiation, emitted from cell towers and wireless devices. Biological effects occur and may be harmful to children and teachers whether they feel it or not. Results from a recently completed National Institute of Health, National Toxicology Program study, confirmed radiation from cell phones, the same frequency as wi-fi routers, cause brain and heart cancer.  Children are the most vulnerable population, being twice as vulnerable as adults, and the heaviest users of wireless devices.

In June, 2016, Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society said, “the results of this study represents a paradigm shift in our understanding the effects of radiation and cancer.”

Dr. Robert Block, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012 said: —

“Children are not little adults and are disproportionately impacted by all environmental exposures, including cell phone radiation. In fact, according to the International Agency for the Research on Cancer, when used by children, the average RF (radiofrequency) energy deposition is two times higher in the brain and 10 times higher in the bone marrow of the skull, compared with mobile phone use by adults…it is essential that any new standard for cell phones or other wireless devices be based on protecting the youngest and most vulnerable populations to ensure they are safeguarded throughout their lifetimes.”

Wireless devices, including wireless routers, were never pre-market safety tested on adults or children. The FCC does not acknowledge studies on the biological effects of chronic exposure to non-ionizing radiation as other nations do including the Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. (Russian exposure standards are 100x’s lower than U.S. standards). Because our government does not protect us cities and states have begun their own reviews of science as well as actions to protect their citizens.

Despite media attention, parent advocacy and scientific studies, there has been no effort by the Department of Education or School Boards to determine whether wi-fi is safe, or to inform students, parents and school staff of the manufacturers safety information that warns to keep tablets and smart phones away from the body.  Apple warns: “Read all safety information below and operating instructions before using an iPad to avoid injury.”

Whenever there is a question of safety especially when children are concerned, educators and legislators are obligated, by their mission statements, to do everything within their power to provide a safe environment and to investigate science until safety can be assured.  We must review the science.

The Dept. of Education Website says: ”The Board will involve staff, parents, students, public health professionals, school administrators and the public in the development, implementation and periodic review and yearly update of this <wellness> policy.”

The Dept. of Education is obliged to assemble a team including educators, scientists, parents, legislators, medical professionals and students to review independently funded peer reviewed scientific studies on the biological and cognitive effects of chronic microwave exposure. The results of this review will be shared with the Senate and House Health Care Committees, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Dept. of Education, Oregon School Board Association, Oregon School Superintendents Association, Oregon PTA, and other relevant agencies.

If the results of the study find that students and teachers may be at risk, the Dept. of Education will make recommendations to the School Boards and their IT Departments regarding the need for notification to partners, education for parents and students, and possible solutions, such as replacing wireless routers with cabled internet connections like many schools have done internationally and in the U.S.

Schools should be directed to teach children about safer ways to use wireless devices, due to children’s vulnerability and high use, as they do regarding alcohol, tobacco and drugs.  Curriculum needs to be created to inform students of the dangers of microwave devices.

– Completing the Problem and the Solution statements (Parts 1 & 2, above) is the best way to ensure that the draft accomplishes your objective.  Attaching mock statutory language, without explaining the Problem and the Solution, lessens the likelihood of drafting the language correctly.

– Persons other than the legislator, legislator’s staff or committee staff must present a written note from the legislator, legislator’s staff or committee staff authorizing this request at the time the request is presented.

– This request is considered confidential unless otherwise authorized by the legislator making the request.