Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from various wireless devices has increased dramatically with the advancement of technology. One of the most vulnerable organs to the RF-EMR is the testes. This is due to the fact that testicular tissues are more susceptible to oxidative stress due to a high rate of cell division and mitochondrial oxygen consumption. As a result of extensive cell proliferation, replication errors occur, resulting in DNA fragmentation in the sperm. While high oxygen consumption increases the level of oxidative phosphorylation by-products (free radicals) in the mitochondria. Furthermore, due to its inability to effectively dissipate excess heat, testes are also susceptible to thermal effects from RF-EMR exposure. As a result, people are concerned about its impact on male reproductive function. The aim of this article was to conduct a review of literature on the effects of RF-EMR emitted by wireless devices on male reproductive hormones in experimental animals and humans. According to the findings of the studies, RF-EMR emitted by mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices can cause testosterone reduction. However, the effect on gonadotrophic hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) is inconclusive. These findings were influenced by several factors, which can influence energy absorption and the biological effect of RF-EMR. The effect of RF-EMR in the majority of animal and human studies appeared to be related to the duration of mobile phone use. Thus, limiting the use of wireless devices is recommended.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.732420/full

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Simple Summary

To increase the probability of reunions occurring between owners and lost pets, tracking devices are applied to pets. The pet’s position is determined by satellites (e.g., GPS) and transmitted by radio frequencies (RFs) to a mobile phone. In this study, the health risks from exposure to radio frequencies emitted by radios, TVs, mobile networks, indoor devices (e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth), mobile phones, and in the use of such tracking devices were investigated. The radiation exposure was found to be well below international limit values, which means that adverse health effects are unlikely to occur. The risk of high exposure of pets is mainly caused by indoor RF-emitting devices, such as WLAN devices. This exposure can be limited through a reduction in the exposure time and an increase in the distance between the animal and the RF-emitting device. Even though the exposure of pets to total radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) levels was found to be below the limit values—and, therefore, not a health risk—recommendations are given for the use of tracking devices and to limit the exposure to indoor devices.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/9/2721/htm

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Abstract

Presently, there is a rise in the use of mobile phones, laptops, and wireless internet technologies such as Wi-Fi and 5G routers/modems across the globe; these devices emit a considerable amount of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) which could interact with the male reproductive system either by thermal or nonthermal mechanisms. The aim of this review was to examine the effects of mobile phone use on male fertility. Related studies that reported on the effects of EMR from mobile phones on male fertility from 2003 to 2020 were evaluated. PubMed database was used. The Medical Subject Heading system was used to extract relevant research studies from PubMed. Based on the outcomes of both human and animal studies analyzed in this review, animal and human spermatozoa exposed to EMR emitted by mobile phones had reduced motility, structural anomalies, and increased oxidative stress due to overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Scrotal hyperthermia and increased oxidative stress might be the key mechanisms through which EMR affects male fertility. However, these negative effects appear to be associated with the duration of mobile phone use.

Excerpt

Recent findings from human experimentation

Long-term exposure to EMR emitted by mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices, might play a role in male infertility because of an increased production of ROS in exposed cells [Figures ​[Figures22–​-55].[16]

https://europepmc.org/article/MED/33311902

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(An extended working paper)

Abstract
Digital wireless technologies increasingly employ radiofrequency non-ionizing radiation (NIR/RFR) for wireless communication. Early wireless technology innovation focused on military, aviation, and telecommunication applications, such as radar and microwave communications. However, the 1980s saw the rollout of commercial consumer-oriented wireless cellular telecommunications systems. While concerns on adverse health effects from exposure to RFR emerged in the military-industrial context in the 1950s, it was not until the early 1990s that there was an institutional response to calls for health and safety protection guidelines. Unfortunately, these guidelines were based on NIR/RFR thermal risks only—the science and technology experts ignored and dismissed a considerable body of research finding adverse health effects from non-thermal exposures. By 2020, that body of research had grown considerably. Yet, for reasons that are unclear to concerned scientists, guidelines from the 1990s remain unchanged. This study conducts a path constitution analysis (PCA) and a retrospective ethical risk analysis (eRA) to help foster an understanding of how historical guidelines were arrived at and why they remain immutable to change. The study finds potentially unethical behaviour in a variety of institutional and organisational actors, the consequence of which is a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of adults and children.

PDF:

https://www.emfsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Wireless-Technologies-Ethical-Risk-Analysis-Working-Paper-2021.pdf

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4IR technologies include: artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, advanced biotechnology, robotics, the Internet of Things, blockchain, speedy connectivity in the form of 5G and Wi-Fi 6, and 3D printing. 5G is an integral technology that will be necessary for these to fulfil their potential within the 4IR.  

2019: According to Wits University, 5G is seen as the key technology of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), which is changing the way we live, work, play and consume services. The 4IR is a key focus for the future growth and development of South Africa’s economy. Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research at Wits: “The skills, knowledge, innovation and creativity would be the cornerstones for development in the 4IR.” The free training is provided by Huawei South Africa. https://www.wits.ac.za/news/latest-news/research-news/2019/2019-05/first-5g-training-in-sa-for-ict-postgrads-at-wits.html

In 2019 Minister of basic education Angie Motshekga announced that Ms Zora, an artificial intelligence-based educational platform, will be rolled out across South African schools to support the introduction of the coding and robotics curriculum.

Motshekga reaffirmed the importance of fourth industrial revolution skills and the role of the new online platform in the new curriculum: “It is critical that we implement science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) platforms now to empower students at an early stage to be responsive to the demands of the changing world.”

“The new curriculum will provide learners with an understanding of coding and robotics while developing their skills and competencies to prepare them for the future workplace. Hence, this important partnership with Africa Teen Geeks in launching Ms Zora.”

Motshekga told ITWeb that Ms Zora would assist teachers to effectively integrate technology into subject areas, while increasing access to the quality of education for all South African pupils, regardless of their location, proficiency level and socioeconomic circumstances.

The e-learning platform, unveiled at the announcement of the 2019 National Senior Certificate Results at Vodacom World, in Midrand, is a robotics and coding software tool aimed at empowering school pupils across all grades to develop and improve their 21 century skills by serving as both a teacher’s assistant and a personal tutor to the learner. https://www.itweb.co.za/content/xnklOvzbQP2v4Ymz

In February 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa (in the State of the Nation Address) said that the government will introduce Coding and Robotics in Grades R to 3, in 200 schools – with a plan to implement it fully by 2022.

https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/government-introducing-coding-robotics-grades-r-3

A critical evaluation of SA’s education system points to the following challenges relating to readiness for 4IR: https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/371/193213.html

• Current school curriculum does not equip learners with the right skills or education for the 4IR.

• Computer science skills are at the centre of this revolution, however, very few primary and high school learners have access to computers. Some learners reach Grade 12 without ever interacting with a computer.

• Access to fast and reliable internet is a national problem, while for those who can access the internet, this is a costly exercise.

• Coding an important technical skill for future jobs is not part of the curriculum. This is an important skill even for students who take up non-technical subjects.

My Broadband: Government’s plan to teach coding and AI at South African schools

Bradley Prior 23 September 2020: https://mybroadband.co.za/news/government/368663-governments-plan-to-teach-coding-and-ai-at-south-african-schools.html?utm_source=newsletter

“A major long-term infrastructure funding programme for schools is needed, with attention to mobile and other wireless network infrastructure, at sufficient levels of connectivity to make online access meaningful in educational terms.”

To achieve this, the DCDT said that the government needs to foster well-structured and well-designed public-private partnerships and the necessary asset funding partnership regulations will need to be prepared specifically for digital infrastructure.

“Opportunities for infrastructure funding partnerships can be formulated through Treasury Regulations, through the proposed Digital Development Fund, and through other infrastructure funding initiatives, such as SIP15,” said the DCDT.

National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper of 2016 » National Digital and Future Skills Strategy South Africa National Gazettes, No. 43730 of 23 September, 2020,

EMFSA:

In order to achieve the required digital infrastructure many more similar towers will be needed.

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06/30/2020

Auto translated from French. Source: https://www.anfr.fr/index.php?id=425&no_cache=1&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews_preview%5D=1450

The obligation to inform the consumer regarding the specific absorption rate (SAR) is extended, from July 1, 2020, to all radio equipment emitting more than 20 mW and intended to be used near the body. This obligation was previously limited only to mobile telephones. The national agency of frequencies (ANFR) will reinforce the information of the users and will proceed to the control of these devices.

To improve public information and to take account of changes in consumption patterns and the appearance of new devices that may expose consumers to the airwaves, the obligation to display the SAR is extended to all radioelectric equipment whose maximum average power is more than 20 mW and intended to be used near the human body: phones, tablets, certain connected watches, wireless headsets … This obligation will thus allow consumers to choose their equipment in an informed manner. For these devices, the regulations already required measuring the SAR, but the display obligation was previously only applicable to mobile phone devices.

The SAR values ​​must appear in the instructions for use of equipment whose date of first placing on the market is later than July 1 as well as at points of sale, in the immediate vicinity of the equipment concerned. The obligation also applies in the case of free distribution and in all advertising. To ensure consumer protection, the limit value for the “limbs” SAR is set at 4 W / kg. This new value thus supplements the limits already set for the “head” and “trunk” SAR (2 W / Kg). 

As part of its mission to control public exposure to electromagnetic waves, the ANFR will therefore carry out verifications from July 2020 to ensure compliance with these new provisions. The results of the measurements will be available in an open data on the site www.data.anfr.fr.

Finally, to better understand what DAS is and what will change on July 1, the ANFR has designed videos and infographics for the general public – see https://www.anfr.fr/index.php?id=425&no_cache=1&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews_preview%5D=1450

Video in French https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzeEtapyG8o

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Below is the next in a series of Guest Blogs on BRHP. The opinions expressed in this Guest Blog are of Victor Leach himself. Publication of these opinions in BRHP does not imply that BRHP automatically agrees with or endorses these opinions. Publication of this, and other guest blogs, facilitates an open debate and free exchange of opinions on wireless technology and health.

READ ALSO BRHP’s OWN POST ON FDA 2020 REPORT:

US FDA 2020 REPORT ON CARCINOGENICITY OF RF-EMF CONTRADICTS SAFETY CLAIMS OF ICNIRP

The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of many consumer products, drugs, vaccines, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation etc. They have a responsibility to protect consumers from biotoxins, and hence this FDA review of wireless radiation.

As outlined below I believe this report is inadequate and biased in favour of industry. The following revelations that emerged from my analysis of this report in detail will explain why I have come to this conclusion.

Read more at https://betweenrockandhardplace.wordpress.com/2020/04/27/victor-leach-of-orsaa-critical-review-of-the-fda-2020-report/

The post Victor Leach of ORSAA: Critical review of the FDA 2020 Report appeared first on EMFSA.

Guide available (in French) https://www.anfr.fr/fileadmin/mediatheque/documents/expace/2020-guide-R%C3%A9glementation-DAS-FR.pdf

Background: https://www.emfsa.co.za/news/france-radio-equipment-the-display-of-the-specific-absorption-rate-sar-will-be-generalized/

The post French Agency ANFR: From July 1st 2020 SAR to be displayed on all RFR emitting equipment used in close proximity to the body appeared first on EMFSA.

Source: Eithne Dodd, The Sunday Times

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/ireland/prof-tom-butler-s-complaint-upheld-over-wi-fi-article-in-irish-times-x9fn0gjdh?fbclid=IwAR2wSYZ4rkjFdI4NfXCzI6lHtSbXsdIuBNZL0lf14UpBpwOT-kL4ZS8DHw8

The press ombudsman has upheld a complaint in relation to a New York Times article that was republished by The Irish Times last September, writes Eithne Dodd.

Headlined “Are there any real links between wireless technology and health?”, it was written by William Broad, an American science journalist who has twice shared the Pulitzer prize with colleagues.

Asked last week to comment on the fact the press ombudsman in Ireland had upheld a complaint about one of its pieces, The New York Times said: “We’re confident in the accuracy of our reporting.”

Read more at the link above.

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https://www.ptreyeslight.com/article/health-impacts-cell-towers?fbclid=IwAR1dRewXihlJ4wlAtfjN4ZLPwO7CNRUXpU2iaz2CaAwXmp21737sBnC421w

Cindy Russell, a plastic surgeon practicing in Mountain View, is the executive director of Physicians for Safe Technology. For more information, visit MDSafeTech.org.

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