A group of 500 environmental campaigners has started legal proceedings against France’s four mobile networks, reports Capital. The court action aims to enforce the application of the precautionary principle to the deployment of 5G services. In practice, this requires an assessment of the possible risks that 5G could pose to health and the environment. To this end, the activist group is requesting an expert report based on evidence collected from 5G pilots currently taking place across France. 

Read more at https://www.telecompaper.com/news/french-operators-face-court-action-against-5g-from-environmental-activists–1340302?fbclid=IwAR1fAh-eLloo3qF1pemawBTZzU_9Kt5K5RUBvDHjS9jLiAtqwxTVsPXPE-s

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11 Finnish medical doctors have started a petition demanding the halt of 5G technology. They also suggest that the Finnish government starts to prepare for a new radiation legislation based on biological effects and the precautionary principle. The petition is to be sent to the Finnish parlament if a sufficient number of citizens — 50,000 — sign it.

Auto-translated from Finnish:

Content of the initiative

As the signatories of the initiative, we demand that Parliament take appropriate measures to stop the introduction of 5G technology in Finland. In addition, we propose that the current government begin to prepare new radiation legislation that will also protect citizens and nature from the long-term effects of radio frequency radiation from wireless technology. This law would be based on the biological effects observed in studies and the precautionary principle.

In Switzerland, Slovenia, Brussels and many other regions, the deployment of the 5G network has been suspended until adequate health risks have been identified.

Numerous peer-reviewed studies have found that radio frequency radiation from wireless technology has adverse biological and health effects. They have occurred even though the radiation has fallen below the applicable radiation limit values.

With this citizens’ initiative, we call on decision-makers to become thoroughly acquainted with research into the health and environmental effects of radiation caused by wireless technology. The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority and the current radiation legislation are based on a scientifically outdated paradigm about the effects of radio frequency radiation.

Reasoning

According to statistics, Finland uses the most wireless networks in the world. The prevalence of wireless technology has led to an exponential increase in radiation power densities in recent decades. High-power base station radiation from previous mobile network technologies (2G, 3G, 4G) has been linked in studies to health problems such as insomnia, headaches, stress, and an increased risk of cancer. However, these perceived disadvantages are not taken into account in any way in decision-making.

Finnish telecom operators plan to build a 5G technology network operating at higher frequencies (26 GHz) in 2020, in addition to the existing frequencies under construction (3.5 GHz and 700 MHz). In practice, this would mean that there would no longer be places in cities and residential areas where there would be no exposure to pulsed radiation from these networks.

When building wireless networks, telecom operators can, if they wish, install transmitter masts in residential areas without the consent of the residents. In this way, citizens have no opportunity to influence the number or location of transmitter antennas and the location is not public information.

5G technology has not been pre-studied for its biological and health effects and its safety has not been sufficiently demonstrated. This is the case, for example, with the French Health Authority (ANSES). A recent report by the European Parliament highlights the need for multidisciplinary research before the introduction of the 5G network. In its statements, the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority has also indicated that more research is needed into the health effects of 5G technology. With the introduction of the 5G network, we would be able to get faster mobile network connections, but we think the risks are far too great. Cable connections guarantee non-radiated, fast and reliable access to the Internet. This arrangement is particularly important in schools for the safety of children and young people.

In countries where the authorities are familiar with and take into account biological effects, the radiation limit values ​​have been set at a lower level. This is the case in Switzerland, Italy, Russia, Belgium, China, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Ukraine, Israel and India.

A recent European Parliament report (PE 646.172 – March 2020) states: “Several studies suggest that 5G appears to be harmful to humans, plants, animals, insects and microbes and that 5G technology has not been tested in practice, prudent progress would be wise.” Council of Europe Resolution 1815 (2011) recommends: “All appropriate measures should be taken to reduce the electromagnetic exposure, in particular from mobile phones, and to protect children and adolescents in particular, as they appear to be at greatest risk of developing tumors of the head.”

In the case of pulsed microwave radiation from wireless technology, it would also be appropriate in Finland to proceed prudently and in accordance with the precautionary principle in the implementation of these networks. The precautionary principle is one of the principles of international environmental law, and the European Environment Agency (EEA) also recommends its application to radio frequency radiation.

For the reasons mentioned above, we demand that Parliament take appropriate action to stop the introduction of 5G technology. We propose that the new radiation legislation be based on biological effects and the precautionary principle. The law should also take into account the long-term effects of radio frequency radiation, as the current law only protects radiation from heat lasting for a few minutes. Particular attention must be paid to the effects of radiation on the most vulnerable groups, such as children.

https://www.kansalaisaloite.fi/fi/aloite/6572?fbclid=IwAR1ngnxRa_GwOvpEHdeIcKN1DMDEY7OVVzJuo3wbY5rs99yV_e3DGbV2afw

Added note by EMFSA:

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Abstract

As a case study we have measured the magnetic field from an induction loop pad designed for hearing aid assistance. The magnitude of the field was high, although well below international guidelines. We recorded values up to 70% of the recommended standard in some instances. However, in view of the many reports indicating health effects of low-level exposure, we recommend that the precautionary principle is applied when such pads are given to people who might be especially vulnerable, such as children, pregnant women and women on breast cancer medication.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27541365

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Slide credit: Darius Leszczynski

Leszczynski: presentation at the Iona College

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Leszczynski New Zealand Lectures November 2019 at the Auckland University, Nov. 19, 2019.

Source:

Leszczynski: presentation at the Auckland University

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Translated from French

The National Agency for Food Safety, Environment and Labor (ANSES) published on 21 October 2019 its opinion on the health effects related to waves emitted by mobile phones when used close to the body. The opinion does not reveal a serious and immediate danger but underlines that the results of the scientific studies published to date do not make it possible to exclude the appearance of biological effects in humans beyond certain thresholds.

In a precautionary approach, the Ministers of Ecological and Solidarity Transition, Solidarities and Health and Economy and Finance have decided to undertake the following actions, which will meet the recommendations made by ANSES. They will be conducted with the support of the National Frequency Agency (ANFR):

1 / France will ask the European Commission to reinforce the requirements for new mobile phones put on the market. As recommended by ANSES, the Government will request that the approval tests be carried out in contact with the apparatus, and not 5 mm as is currently the case, so that they are more representative of the actual exposure. users ;

2 / The ANFR will develop tools to reinforce user information:

  The mobile application “Open Barres” will be completed by the end of the year to allow each user to know the emissions of his mobile phone model;
  The recommended usage distances will also be indicated on the ANFR website (data.anfr.fr), which already mentions the distances for the telephones checked, as well as the “OpenBarres” application. On the condition of good cooperation from manufacturers, they will also be available by the end of the year.

3 / The Government will bring together major manufacturers to undertake a voluntary process to update the software of their models put on the market before the application of recent, more restrictive emission standards;
4 / Lastly, ANFR’s control of products placed on the market will be increased by 30% in 2020.

The Government also reminds users of the 6 good behaviors to adopt when using a mobile phone to reduce its exposure to radio frequencies ( www.radiofrequences.gouv.fr/les-gestion-to-limit- his-exhibition-a99.html ):

1. Use a hands-free kit
2. Emphasize text messages to communicate
3. Give priority to areas with good reception
4. Avoid keeping your phone to your ear in transport
5. Choose a mobile phone with a low SAR
6. Avoid long conversations

191025-_cp_anses

https://twitter.com/MinSoliSante/status/1187712033552306176?s=20

Press contacts

 Cabinet of Elisabeth Borne: 01 40 81 77 57 secretariat.presse-transports@transports.gouv.fr
  Cabinet of Agnès Buzyn: 01 40 56 50 49 sec.presse.solidarites-sante@sante.gouv.fr
  Cabinet of Agnès Pannier-Runacher: +33 (0) 1 53 18 44 38 press.semef@cabinets.finances.gouv.fr

SAR:

Part of the energy carried by electromagnetic waves is absorbed by the human body. To quantify this effect, the reference measurement is the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for all waves between 100 kHz and 10 GHz. SAR is expressed in watts per kilogram (W / kg).

Added note by EMFSA

French ministerial announcements: an important step in our actions to protect the health of mobile phone users

https://www.phonegatealert.org/en/french-ministerial-announcements-an-important-step-in-our-actions-to-protect-the-health-of-mobile-phone-users?fbclid=IwAR3AfUxpaWKZoSp46HVvhx4j_0spC9ahzV3hjtoO4gM6nPr1G-BeqhntStY

The post French Government Press Release – The Government is taking action to limit exposure to certain mobile phones and to better inform the public. appeared first on EMFSA.

Councillors support public outcry to refuse 5G until proven safe to humans and the environment.

By Dave Lewis

• 13:08, 21 OCT 2019
• UPDATED 14:30, 21 OCT 2019

Shepton Mallet will not see 5G rolled out in the foreseeable future after the council blocked the idea over apparent health concerns.

At a town development and planning meeting held on October 8 Shepton Mallet Town Council decided to delay any decision on 5G coming to the area.

The move, called a precautionary principle, was made following a presentation by five members of the public voicing their concerns over the deployment of 5G technology, which is an upgrade on mobile phone signal allowing people to achieve must faster download speeds.

Without further studies and evidence, it was agreed by the council to be ‘cautious and request evidence’ before going ahead.

Read more at:

https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/local-news/somerset-council-blocks-5g-roll-3420355?fbclid=IwAR0u8FH9dwKsIrvbvbRjcPoWCHiVZ2PbZTef9i9-7lcsnrmMJJOQpQG5Y-A

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By Olivier Pauchard

Anti-5G groups have announced their intention to launch a popular initiative to limit radiation from mobile communications technology.

The Federal Chancellery has approved the launch of an initiative titled “For a health conscious and energy-efficient mobile communications”, according to the Federal Gazette published on Tuesday. The text of the initiative requests that the limit values set by the Ordinance on Protection against Non-Ionising Radiation should not be increased.

The text wants a clear separation between indoor and outdoor use of mobile telephony and internet services. This means the power of the transmitters should be lowered so that electromagnetic radiation does not enter homes. Indoors, data would be transmitted by fibre-optic or coaxial cables and not by electromagnetic waves.

Other measures include introducing zones on public transport that prohibit the use of electronic devices. Public buildings such as schools, hospitals or old-age homes should be equipped against electromagnetic radiation. Operators planning to install new antennas or increase the power of existing ones should obtain the written consent of local residents within a 400-metre radius. People particularly sensitive to electromagnetic radiation would have free access to counselling centres.

Moratoriums

The proponents of the initiative have until April 15, 2021 to collect the 100,000 signatures needed to force a nationwide vote.

Despite numerous objections to 5G, mobile operators have begun to expand their network with the goal of offering complete coverage of Switzerland. However, several French-speaking cantons have taken precautionary measures.

Geneva, Vaud and Jura have declared a moratorium pending the conclusions of a report by the Federal Office for the Environment on the issue. At the beginning of June, Fribourg decided to make the installation of antennas subject to the granting of a building permit. Neuchâtel wants to apply the precautionary principle, while Valais has refused to introduce a moratorium.

For the full article plus a video, please see:

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/direct-democracy_opponents-of-5g-start-campaign-to-force-nationwide-vote/45299102#.XauBKKsBDSA.twitter

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/electromagnetic-smog_swiss-fear-consequences-of-5g-antennas/44854648

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Press Conference of October 1st, 2019 European Parliament Image credit https://www.phonegatealert.org

2 Oct 2019

We would like to thank MEPs Philippe Lamberts, Michèle Rivasi and Klaus Buchner of the Greens/EFA for this remarkable event organised on 1 October 2019 at the European Parliament. This allowed our President to launch an alert to the European authorities asking them to take all appropriate measures to protect mobile phone users from the health and industrial risks associated with the international Phonegate scandal, particularly at the time of the announced launch of 5G.

The presentation made by Dr Marc Arazi demonstrated, with supporting evidence, that it was no longer possible to trust the mobile phone manufacturers, who knowingly overexposed us to the waves of our mobile phones, well beyond the limits of the risks to our health.

To access the slides of the presentation please see:  https://www.phonegatealert.org/en/phonegate-dr-arazis-alert-launched-at-the-european-parliament?fbclid=IwAR3c3RqS-viFZHS9Bm04SW5KHppw2_nm3yaCPkC8KCG06LEdt7_1TM0oXjs

Some pictures of the event at the European Parliament:

All images credit https://www.phonegatealert.org/en/phonegate-dr-arazis-alert-launched-at-the-european-parliament?fbclid=IwAR3c3RqS-viFZHS9Bm04SW5KHppw2_nm3yaCPkC8KCG06LEdt7_1TM0oXjs

Group photo with MPs and speakers

Michéle Rivasi and Klaus Buchner with the speakers

Intervention of Pr Martin Pall

Working meeting with European parliamentarians

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