Wifi in schools – helpful information from the Safe Schools Information Technology Alliance (SSITA)

 

SSITA has just sent the following letter out to Head Teachers. We thought that other people might be interested – and that you might like to use it for any school with which you are connected if you too are concerned about the use of wifi in schools. We have also saved it as a pdf if you want to forward it to any relevant schools. See below.

For more on the science behind the concern about the use of wifi in schools, see Dr Andrew Goldsworthy's article here.

 

Dear Head Teacher,


Many current educational initiatives promote the use of Wi-Fi and mobile communication devices in class. Our organisation would like to make you aware of some information which may be vitally important to you in terms of the health and safety of children and staff.

Health Protection Agency Report (April 2012)

The Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR) has produced a report on behalf of the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) entitled 'Health Effects from Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields'.

The HPA state, "The report finds that although a substantial amount of research has been conducted, there is no convincing evidence that radiofrequency field exposure below internationally agreed guideline levels (which are applied in the UK) causes health effects in adults or children."

However, the conclusions do not accurately represent the science presented within the report. For example, 78% (18/23) of the male fertility studies listed found decreased measures of male fertility or damage to sperm from radiofrequency field exposure. In addition, many relevant studies were omitted. For further information click here.

Professor Dariusz Leszczynski (Finnish Radiation Protection Authority) has called the report biased and misleading. To read more click here.

Medical Statements, Classifications and Resolutions

At the International Childhood Cancer Conference, Dr Annie Sasco, MD and Professor Dariusz Leszczynski both said that they supported a classification of radiofrequency fields as probably carcinogenic to humans (Class 2A). They are currently classified as 2B, possibly carcinogenic, but this is often a first step towards the higher classification of 2A (see here).

Medical organisations have been voicing their concerns, with the American Academy of Environmental Medicine speaking out about wireless smart meters in schools and calling for a precautionary approach to wireless technologies For more click here.

The Austrian Medical Association is opposed to the use of mobile phones or Wi-Fi in schools and has recently called for wireless smart meters not to be used in Austria. The Swiss Doctors for Environmental Protection have also recently called for caution with respect to wireless technologies. Read more here.

Dr. Peter Kálin states 'From the medical point of view, it is urgent to apply the precautionary principle for mobile telephony, Wi-Fi, power lines, etc.'

A Call for Safe Environments in Schools

The Safe Schools IT Alliance (SSITA); are asking schools to safeguard pupils by using wired ICT connections, as called for in the Council of Europe Resolution 1815 in 2011.

Thank you.
SSITA

Call: 0121 704 9988 or visit us online www.ssita.org.uk

BCM SSITA London WC1N 3XX

Click here for pdf version which can be downloaded and forwarded to schools.

 

Click here for more articles

 

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