Wireless technologies are part of many people’s daily lives, but not everyone believes it’s safe to be exposed to the radiation emitted.
Kerry Crofton, executive director of Doctors for Safer Schools and author of Wireless Radiation Rescue, said there is a growing interest in wireless technologies.
Concerns have increased recently in light of an announcement made by the World Health Organization in late May, she said. The organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on findings of an increased risk of glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use.
Crofton is a member of the International EMF Alliance, has a doctorate in psychology and is a health educator with a background working in cardiac and rehabilitation and prevention programs. She’s giving a lecture at 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday (June 14) on wireless radiation at the First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo, at 595 Townsite Rd.
The lecture was arranged by Beth Henry-Yim, who heard about Crofton and wanted to learn more about the subject.
“I’m a little concerned with all the wireless stuff coming out and don’t think we’re getting informed with all the up-to-date information on wireless health effects,” she said.
Looking around her house, Henry-Yim saw several wireless devices and it made her wonder if it was affecting her family.
While cellphones are often singled out as having potential risks, there are other wireless technologies people should be aware of, said Crofton. She’ll discuss cellphones, PDAs, tablets, laptops, Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, broadcast antennas and smart meters, as well as safer alternative technologies people can use to limit their exposure.
“We’re calling all parents, grandparents and teachers to let them know what they need to know to protect what we call this digital generation,” said Crofton.
She said radiofrequency electromagnetic fields have increased cancer risks, but also affect cardiac risk, noting the fields emitted by wireless devices are different than naturally occurring electromagnetic fields.
“There are natural fields that are not so disrupted,” she said. “It’s the artificial, jagged and pulsed ones that cause the body to react.”
Cedar residents Helena Lines and Sandi Tobin, who are against a proposed Telus cell tower in their neighbourhood, said they’re pleased the presentation is taking place in Nanaimo. Tobin said many residents from the Cedar neighbourhood are attending.
“People need to know what is happening to their children and themselves,” said Tobin. “Thank goodness there are people out their studying this.”
Tickets for the event are $10, children and teens are free, and are available at the door or in advance from Island Naturals, located at 6560 Metral Dr.
For more information please go to www.radiationrescue.org.