On/Off Switches for WiFi Routers and Protocol for the Use of Wireless Devices
Be it resolved that BCCPAC calls on Boards of Education:
1. to provide on/off switches to WiFi routers; and
2. to establish a protocol of use that
(i) WiFi routers and WiFi/3G functions of computers/laptops/tablets are to be turned on only when they are needed for access to the internet via the wireless network; and
(ii) Bluetooth function is to be turned on only if it is needed for accessing other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
3. to observe safety warnings and follow safety instructions in the user manual of iPad by reducing the duration of use under wireless mode and keeping the iPads away from the students' bodies.
Note:
1. and 2.(i) are for schools in which WiFi has been installed.
2.(i) and 2.(ii) are for all schools with computers, laptops and tablets that have WiFi/3G/Bluetooth functions.
3. is for schools in which iPads are used.
Rationale:
1. To reduce energy consumption:
(a) Currently all WiFi routers are left on 24/7 whether the wireless internet is accessed or not. Beacon signals from wireless routers pulse continuously and cause unnecessary consumption of energy during hours when their service is not required. Providing on/off switches to routers - similar to on/off switches for lighting - is a simple way to conserve energy on an ongoing basis.
(b) For desktop computers, laptops and tablets, when the WiFi/Bluetooth/3G functions are turned on, even if the user is not accessing the Internet or other Bluetooth devices, the radiofrequency signals of these functions are emitted continuously by the computers/laptops/tablets. This is a drain to the power supply with no practical benefit. Even when the computers/laptops/tablets are on standby mode, the WiFi/Bluetooth/3G signals don't stop until these functions are turned off. Providing a protocol to have the WiFi/Bluetooth/3G functions turned off when they are not needed is a good practice for energy conservation.
http://youtu.be/snt2uaQd_Ps
2. To reduce exposure to radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation:
(a) (2011) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified "Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields...emitted by wireless communication devices" as Type 2B Possible Carcinogen (possible cancer risk to humans). The WHO report concluded that "additional research is important" and advised the public, particularly young adults and children, to "take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure". This classification includes WiFi radiation.
http://www.iarc.fr/en/media- centre/pr/2011/pdfs/pr208_E.pdf
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php
http://tinyurl.com/7fync2w
http://goo.gl/77ztt3.
(b) (2011) Health Canada “encourages parents to reduce children's RF (radiofrequency) exposure... since children are typically more sensitive" and "there is currently a lack of scientific information regarding the potential health impacts of cell phones on children".
http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2011/13548a-eng.php
(c) (2012) The American Academy of Paediatrics - 60,000 Paediatricians and Paediatric Surgeons: "The differences in bone density and the amount of fluid in a child’s brain compared to an adult’s brain could allow children to absorb greater quantities of RF energy deeper into their brains than adults... the current exposure limits may not reflect the latest research on RF energy".http://citizensforsafetechnology.org/Letter-from-the-American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-to-USCongress,24,2818
(d) (2012-2013) The American Academy of Environmental Medicine: "Adverse health effects, such as learning disabilities, altered immune responses, headaches, etc. from wireless radio frequency fields do exist and are well documented in the scientific literature." "In September 2010, the Journal of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine ‐ Fertility and Sterility reported that only four hours of exposure to a standard laptop using WiFi caused DNA damage to human sperm." "Multiple studies correlate radiofrequency exposure with diseases such as cancer, neurological disease, reproductive disorders, immune dysfunction, and electromagnetic hypersensitivity... The fact that radiofrequency exposure causes neurological damage has been documented repeatedly... Other neurological and cognitive disorders such as headaches, dizziness, tremors, decreased memory and attention, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, decreased reaction times, sleep disturbances and visual disruptions have been reported to be statistically significant in multiple epidemiological studies with radiofrequency exposure occurring non-locally.” http://aaemonline.org/wifischool.html
http://aaemonline.org/images/LettertoLAUSD.pdf
http://aaemonline.org/emf_rf_position.html
(e) (2013) United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), representing over 40,000 teachers and other workers in LAUSD adopted a resolution that "UTLA will adopt by current National NEA Policy for Environmentally Safe Schools which states that all employees and stakeholders should be informed when there are changes in their exposure to environmental hazards including electromagnetic radiation and that all stakeholders and the public should be notified of any actual and potential hazards. UTLA will advocate for technological solutions that maintain technology upgrades while not increasing employees exposure to electromagnetic radiation."
(f) (2013) The BC Teachers' Federation adopted a resolution at their AGM: "The BCTF supports members who are suffering from Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity by ensuring that their medical needs are accommodated in the workplace". Electromagnetic Hypersensitive teachers and students will benefit from an overall reduction of unnecessary RF exposure in schools.
3. In the past few years, iPad has become a very popular device in schools across BC.
(a) The literature from the World Health Organization and Health Canada regarding the safety of WiFi only covers low-level background signals of WiFi routers from a “much greater distance" compared to cell phones. Their assurance has no provision for near-field or direct exposure to radiofrequency radiation from WiFi-enabled devices such as iPads. Just like cellphone, iPad is a radiofrequency "transmitter in close proximity" to the student's body. It is often used in the hands or on the laps (against the reproductive organs) of students.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/prod/wifi-eng.php
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs304/en/index.html
(b) The published radiation level (Specific Absorption Rate - SAR) of iPad is comparable to or higher than many cellphones. Therefore, the use of iPads should be treated with the same caution as cellphones.
· iPad's published SAR: 0.76-1.19 W/kghttp://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iPad_iOS4_Important_Product_Info.pdf
· iPhone's published SAR: 0.547-1.18 W/kg http://www.apple.com/legal/rfexposure/iphone5,1/en/
· CNET cellphone radiation chart: http://reviews.cnet.com/2719-6602_7-291-5.html
Health Canada's advice on cellphone use: ·
· Limit the length of cell phone calls
· Replace cell phone calls with text messages or use "hands-free" devices
· Encourage children under the age of 18 to limit their cell phone usagehttp://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2011/13548a-eng.php
(c) iPad's user manual contains the following safety warning which is rarely communicated to teachers and students or stated in school boards' technology policies:
"Read all safety information below and operating instructions before using iPad to avoid injury."
"Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy iPad contains radio transmitters and receivers. When on, iPad sends and receives radio frequency (RF) energy through its antenna. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® antennas are located behind the screen to the left of the Home button, and behind the Apple logo... A cellular antenna is located at the top edge of iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, when oriented with the Home button at the bottom. For optimal mobile device performance and to be sure that human exposure to RF energy does not exceed the FCC, IC, and European Union guidelines, always follow these instructions and precautions: Orient the device in portrait mode with the Home button at the bottom of the display, or in landscape mode with the cellular antenna (located under the black edge at the top of the device) away from your body or other objects... you can further limit your exposure by limiting the amount of time using iPad Wi-Fi + 3G in wireless mode, since time is a factor in how much exposure a person receives, and by placing more distance between your body and iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, since exposure level drops off dramatically with distance." http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iPad_Important_Product_Information_Guide.pdf
The user manual warns that in order not to exceed governments' radiofrequency exposure limits for humans, a user must always handle the iPad exactly as instructed. It is imperative that school boards, school administrators, teachers and parents be aware of the above warnings and ensure the safety of all students who are using iPads through the establishment of a clearly-communicated iPad safety protocol as well as vigilant supervision in the classrooms. Reduction in usage under wireless mode and placing the iPads on the tables, away from the body - instead of in the students' hands or on their laps - are recommended.
Destination:
Ministry of Education
BC School Trustees Association
BC School Superintendents’ Association
BC Principals' and Vice-Principals' Association BC Teachers' Federation Ministry of Health
BC Teachers’ Federation
Ministry of Health
2. To reduce exposure to radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation:
(a) (2011) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified "Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields...emitted by wireless communication devices" as Type 2B Possible Carcinogen (possible cancer risk to humans). The WHO report concluded that "additional research is important" and advised the public, particularly young adults and children, to "take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure". This classification includes WiFi radiation.
http://www.iarc.fr/en/media- centre/pr/2011/pdfs/pr208_E.pdf
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php
http://tinyurl.com/7fync2w
http://goo.gl/77ztt3.
(b) (2011) Health Canada “encourages parents to reduce children's RF (radiofrequency) exposure... since children are typically more sensitive" and "there is currently a lack of scientific information regarding the potential health impacts of cell phones on children".
http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2011/13548a-eng.php
(c) (2012) The American Academy of Paediatrics - 60,000 Paediatricians and Paediatric Surgeons: "The differences in bone density and the amount of fluid in a child’s brain compared to an adult’s brain could allow children to absorb greater quantities of RF energy deeper into their brains than adults... the current exposure limits may not reflect the latest research on RF energy".http://citizensforsafetechnology.org/Letter-from-the-American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-to-USCongress,24,2818
(d) (2012-2013) The American Academy of Environmental Medicine: "Adverse health effects, such as learning disabilities, altered immune responses, headaches, etc. from wireless radio frequency fields do exist and are well documented in the scientific literature." "In September 2010, the Journal of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine ‐ Fertility and Sterility reported that only four hours of exposure to a standard laptop using WiFi caused DNA damage to human sperm." "Multiple studies correlate radiofrequency exposure with diseases such as cancer, neurological disease, reproductive disorders, immune dysfunction, and electromagnetic hypersensitivity... The fact that radiofrequency exposure causes neurological damage has been documented repeatedly... Other neurological and cognitive disorders such as headaches, dizziness, tremors, decreased memory and attention, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, decreased reaction times, sleep disturbances and visual disruptions have been reported to be statistically significant in multiple epidemiological studies with radiofrequency exposure occurring non-locally.” http://aaemonline.org/wifischool.html
http://aaemonline.org/images/LettertoLAUSD.pdf
http://aaemonline.org/emf_rf_position.html
(e) (2013) United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), representing over 40,000 teachers and other workers in LAUSD adopted a resolution that "UTLA will adopt by current National NEA Policy for Environmentally Safe Schools which states that all employees and stakeholders should be informed when there are changes in their exposure to environmental hazards including electromagnetic radiation and that all stakeholders and the public should be notified of any actual and potential hazards. UTLA will advocate for technological solutions that maintain technology upgrades while not increasing employees exposure to electromagnetic radiation."
(f) (2013) The BC Teachers' Federation adopted a resolution at their AGM: "The BCTF supports members who are suffering from Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity by ensuring that their medical needs are accommodated in the workplace". Electromagnetic Hypersensitive teachers and students will benefit from an overall reduction of unnecessary RF exposure in schools.
3. In the past few years, iPad has become a very popular device in schools across BC.
(a) The literature from the World Health Organization and Health Canada regarding the safety of WiFi only covers low-level background signals of WiFi routers from a “much greater distance" compared to cell phones. Their assurance has no provision for near-field or direct exposure to radiofrequency radiation from WiFi-enabled devices such as iPads. Just like cellphone, iPad is a radiofrequency "transmitter in close proximity" to the student's body. It is often used in the hands or on the laps (against the reproductive organs) of students.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/prod/wifi-eng.php
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs304/en/index.html
(b) The published radiation level (Specific Absorption Rate - SAR) of iPad is comparable to or higher than many cellphones. Therefore, the use of iPads should be treated with the same caution as cellphones.
· iPad's published SAR: 0.76-1.19 W/kghttp://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iPad_iOS4_Important_Product_Info.pdf
· iPhone's published SAR: 0.547-1.18 W/kg http://www.apple.com/legal/rfexposure/iphone5,1/en/
· CNET cellphone radiation chart: http://reviews.cnet.com/2719-6602_7-291-5.html
Health Canada's advice on cellphone use: ·
· Limit the length of cell phone calls
· Replace cell phone calls with text messages or use "hands-free" devices
· Encourage children under the age of 18 to limit their cell phone usagehttp://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2011/13548a-eng.php
(c) iPad's user manual contains the following safety warning which is rarely communicated to teachers and students or stated in school boards' technology policies:
"Read all safety information below and operating instructions before using iPad to avoid injury."
"Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy iPad contains radio transmitters and receivers. When on, iPad sends and receives radio frequency (RF) energy through its antenna. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® antennas are located behind the screen to the left of the Home button, and behind the Apple logo... A cellular antenna is located at the top edge of iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, when oriented with the Home button at the bottom. For optimal mobile device performance and to be sure that human exposure to RF energy does not exceed the FCC, IC, and European Union guidelines, always follow these instructions and precautions: Orient the device in portrait mode with the Home button at the bottom of the display, or in landscape mode with the cellular antenna (located under the black edge at the top of the device) away from your body or other objects... you can further limit your exposure by limiting the amount of time using iPad Wi-Fi + 3G in wireless mode, since time is a factor in how much exposure a person receives, and by placing more distance between your body and iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, since exposure level drops off dramatically with distance." http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iPad_Important_Product_Information_Guide.pdf
The user manual warns that in order not to exceed governments' radiofrequency exposure limits for humans, a user must always handle the iPad exactly as instructed. It is imperative that school boards, school administrators, teachers and parents be aware of the above warnings and ensure the safety of all students who are using iPads through the establishment of a clearly-communicated iPad safety protocol as well as vigilant supervision in the classrooms. Reduction in usage under wireless mode and placing the iPads on the tables, away from the body - instead of in the students' hands or on their laps - are recommended.
Destination:
Ministry of Education
BC School Trustees Association
BC School Superintendents’ Association
BC Principals' and Vice-Principals' Association BC Teachers' Federation Ministry of Health
BC Teachers’ Federation
Ministry of Health
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