A court in Bresica (Northern Italy) has judged that a brain tumour of an employee was caused by use of a cordless (DECT) and/or mobile phone in the workplace. The individual has been awarded an 80% disability pension and the employer has to pay court costs. Employees in Italy can now insist that employers supply corded phones and they can advise their employer that they will be legally liable for future damages should they insist on the use of a cordless phone. Further information.
Open letter about the compulsory use of mobile phones and other wireless technologies in the classroom (UK). Please pass on the letter (page 1) and the links page (page 2) to schools.
Wi-Fi in schools
Recent years have seen a huge increase in the number of UK schools installing wireless computer networks (Wi-Fi, WLAN), wireless white boards, and similar devices. Schools are being encouraged to use 'smart' and 'mobile' technologies (BECTA).
Wireless systems offer freedom to move around the school with laptops/hand-held computers and are easier and sometimes cheaper to install than wired networks. Schools have invested money in the technologies, pupils like them and they have become a part of school culture.
However, schools, parents and staff are often unaware of the enormous number of scientific studies now published which suggest that mobile and wireless technologies which emit microwave radiation may pose a health risk, especially to children. The science is published in scientific journals, often only available to subscribers. The concerns of scientists and scientific studies are not always communicated to the public. Thus schools rely upon the statements about the use of wireless technologies in schools made by the UK Health Protection Agency and BECTA.
This web site aims to provide more information about the science (Scientific Research and Health Issues for Schools), about International Concerns and the Precautionary Approach which some people are now taking with regard to these technologies. The hope is for this information to become more widely known, so that parents and schools will be better equipped to make informed decisions about which technologies schools should be choosing for children and teenagers to use. For a 'quick look' see Key points for schools.
A safe place for children 
Most children have to attend school. Home tutoring is rarely a practical option, and it fails to provide the social education that is gained by being part of a large group.
Schools need to provide safe environments for all children, irrespective of their susceptibilities to different diseases or genetic make ups.
Children deserve a safe environment to learn, play, develop and thrive. Many households now use some form of mobile or wireless technology, and this is their choice. Others have chosen not to use wireless technologies where there are wired alternatives. In school children have no choice about their exposure. Schools therefore have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for all children whilst in their care.
'The Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection emphasize ultimate urgency to defend children's health from the influence of the electromagnetic fields of the mobile communication systems. We appeal to the government authorities, to the entire society to pay closest attention to this coming threat and to take adequate measures in order to prevent negative consequences to the future generation's health. ... It is our professional obligation not to let damage the children's health by inactivity'. (2008, See International Concerns).
David Carpenter, MD, Director of the Institute for Health and the Environment, School of Public Health, University of Albany, New York, has said 'Based on the existing science, many public health experts believe it is possible we will face an epidemic of cancers in the future resulting from uncontrolled use of cell phones and increased population exposure to Wi-Fi and other wireless devices. Thus it is important that all of us, and especially children, restrict our use of cell phones, limit exposure to background levels of Wi-Fi, and that government and industry discover ways in which to allow use of wireless devices without such elevated risk of serious disease. We need to educate decision-makers that 'business as usual' is unacceptable. The importance of this public health issue can not be underestimated'.
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