Scientists: the use of wireless networks in schools and kindergartens is dangerous to children's health

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

On February 24, 2017, Reykvjavik hosted an international conference entitled “Children, time spent in front of screens, and radiation from wireless devices”, which was attended by experts in electromagnetic radiation, oncologists, educators and a number of other specialists.

As a result of the conference, the participants, among them doctors of medical and technical sciences, signed an open appeal to the authorities and administrations of schools around the world. More than a hundred signatures were left under the appeal.

Below we provide a translation of the text:

Reykjavik Address on Wireless Technology in Schools

We, the undersigned, are concerned about the health and development of our children in schools where wireless technology is used to teach. Numerous scientific studies have shown significant medical risk from prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the radio frequency range (RF EMR) from wireless devices and networks at levels even significantly lower than those recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. We call on the authorities to take responsibility for the health and well-being of our children in the future.

In May 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (IARC is an intergovernmental organization within the WHO structure of the United Nations with headquarters in Lyon, France. It is engaged in epidemiology and research into the causes of cancer - translator's note) classified RF EMR as a group 2B carcinogen. that is, "probably carcinogenic" to humans. Since then, there have been other scientific studies on the effects of radio frequency radiation on humans, animals, and biological materials, which have supported the conclusion that radio frequency radiation is associated with an increased risk of cancer, especially brain tumors. A number of laboratory studies have identified mechanistic factors that affect the likelihood of developing cancer, including oxidative stress, decreased expression of messenger RNA, and single-stranded DNA strand breaks. The IARC classification of carcinogenic factors includes all sources of radio frequency radiation. Exposures from cell phone base stations, WiFi hotspots, smartphones, laptops and tablets can be prolonged, in school and at home.

For children, the risk may be exacerbated by the accumulation effect over the course of life. Developing and immature cells can also be more sensitive to the effects of EMR. No health care organization has established a safe level of radiation, so we have no confidence in safety.

In addition to the risk of developing cancer, radio frequency radiation may also affect the blood-brain barrier, opening the way to the brain for toxic molecules, damaging neurons in the hippocampus (the brain's memory center), increasing or decreasing the expression of essential proteins in the brain involved in metabolism, the response to stress and neuroprotection, and also affects the level of neurotransmitters. Sperm exposed to Wi-Fi were more likely to have head defects and DNA damage. Radiofrequency radiation can increase oxidative stress in cells and lead to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased ability to repair single- and double-stranded DNA breaks.

Research has also identified cognitive impairments that affect learning and memory. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's PISA Study of Educational Achievements in Reading and Math shows declining results in the countries that have invested the most in school computers. Known risks and side effects include multitasking, spending too much time in front of a computer screen, leaving less time for social contacts and physical activity with the risk of neck and back pain, overweight, problems with sleep; and addiction to information technology (IT). These risks are in stark contrast to the often-reported but largely unproven credible benefits.

We ask school leaders in all countries to become aware of the potential risks of exposure to radio frequency radiation to a growing and developing child. Supporting wired technologies in education is a safer solution than the potentially harmful effects of wireless radiation. We ask you to comply with ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and Council of Europe Resolution 1815 and take all reasonable steps to reduce exposure to radio frequency radiation.

Code of Practice for Schools on Kids and Wireless:

• Avoid wireless networking in preschool, kindergarten and school environments.
• In each classroom, the teacher is advised to use a straight-through wired cable in class.
• Give preference to wired telephones for staff in preschool, kindergarten and schools.
• In schools, prioritize wired internet and printers, and turn off Wi-Fi settings on all equipment.
• Give preference to laptops and tablets that can be connected to the Internet using a cable.
• Students should not be allowed to use mobile phones in schools. Either they can leave them at home, or the teacher can collect them off before their first morning lesson.

Children, time in front of screens and radiation from wireless devices - International Conference in Reykjavik on February 24, 2017.

RVS commentary

There are still many blank spots in the question of the causes of cancer. However, many factors are known that influence the appearance of malignant tumors, both natural and artificial.

A cancerous tumor is a consequence of a malfunction in the mechanism of cell reproduction, as a result of which it begins to divide uncontrollably. It is believed that for this, the cell must receive certain damage in the mechanism responsible for cell reproduction. This can be external influences, such as electromagnetic radiation of high enough energy to cause damage.

Previously, it was believed that such properties are possessed by radio waves of the "hard" part of the spectrum: ultraviolet radiation (why it is recommended to sunbathe with caution), X-rays, gamma radiation. However, now it is already known about the carcinogenic properties of "ordinary" radio waves. In this case, an essential role is played, of course, by the power of the radio emission source. Suffice it to recall the microwave ovens - "microwave ovens", which are now widely used in everyday life.

The frequency of microwave radiation is comparable to the frequency at which the transmitter of a mobile phone operates, but the power is usually several times higher - 300-1000 watts compared to 1-2 watts for a phone. Thus, there is no direct harm when using a mobile phone (in the form of "brain boiling"), but the likelihood of damage remains.

There is clearly not enough information about how high the probability of such harm is. For obvious reasons, mobile phone manufacturers and telecom operators are not interested in research, the result of which may be a complete or partial rejection of their products and services. So it remains to issue recommendations aimed at reducing the likelihood of possible harm by reducing the time of exposure to radio emissions from mobile phones and reducing the radiation intensity: in particular, for this it is enough to keep the phone away from the body, for example, using a headset during a call.