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Europe would like to return to the dark ages by proposing a ban on mobile technology in areas frequented by children, as well as “the creation of wave-free areas not covered by the wireless network.”
The odd proposal dubbed “The potential dangers of electromagnetic fields and their effect on the environment,” says the potential health effects of telecommunications and mobile telephony appear to be “more or less potentially harmful” to plants, animals and humans. It recommends revising current threshold values of absorption, while encouraging all member states of the European Union (EU) to “take all reasonable measures to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields.” And by reasonable, the proposal is advocating a ban on Wi-Fi and cell usage in schools.
“One must respect the precautionary principle,” warns the report adding, “waiting for high levels of scientific and clinical proof can lead to very high health and economic costs, as was the case in the past with asbestos, leaded petrol and tobacco.” Yes, you read that correctly, the European Parliamentary Assembly (EPA) is equating wireless with asbestos.
Not satisfied with equating wireless signals to the most carcinogenic fibers known to man, the report feels the need to take it a step further and assert that the exposure of children and young people to cellular waves increases the risk of head tumors. Despite the fact that it provides no solid scientific proof for such a claim.
All proof –and logic – aside, the EPA is proposing “information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of potentially harmful long-term biological effects on the environment and on human health, especially targeting children, teenagers and young people of reproductive age.” Scaremonger much, Europe?
The proposal also calls for “the creation of wave-free areas not covered by the wireless network,” suggesting that schools should fall under these cellular black holes.
This all sounds horribly backwards, and crippling for education and the economy as a whole, but wait, Europe claims it has a solution!
“Encourage research to develop telecommunication based on other technologies which are just as efficient but have less negative effects on the environment and health.” Ah, yes, of course, and those are…? Typical, Europe, solving problems with hypothetical solutions that have yet to be invented and which don’t exist as options. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Luckily, what Europe lacks in concrete solutions, it can make up for in warning signage, with the EPA demanding the introduction of [Sic]: “clear labelling indicating the presence of microwaves or electromagnetic fields, the transmitting power or the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the device and any health risks connected with its use.” – Yes, we can see it now: ‘Warning: Do not use a cell phone while pregnant,’ ‘phoning people can reduce your sperm count,’ ‘texting causes tumors’. The cigarette industry will be thrilled to have company.
And while many schools have succumbed to a smoking corner – which the EPA has apparently not seen fit to sniff at – mobile technology and wireless Internet are apparently a much greater danger to our precious youth.
“Ban all mobile phones, DECT phones or WiFi or WLAN systems from classrooms and schools,” reads article 8.3.2.
It’s not just schools and public places that should worry about a forced wireless blackout either.
“Mobile telephony and ever more sophisticated wireless telecommunication applications have not only been taken on board in professional spheres but have also quite literally invaded our private life,” warns the report adding, “This affects even very young children, at home, at school, on transport, etc.”
Article 8.2 “concerning the private use of mobile phones, DECT phones, WiFi, WLAN and WIMAX for computers and other wireless devices such as baby phones,” advocates “preventive thresholds for levels of long-term exposure to microwaves in all indoor areas.” It’s for your own good, goddamit. And while we’re at it, you can’t smoke or drink at home either. Ok, you can, but cell phone use is a no-no. Sheesh!
More concretely speaking, the EPA – which advises the members of the Council of Europe – wants to limit signals to 0.6 volts per meter, initially, and in the medium term to reduce it to 0.2 volts per meter.
It’s bad news for tower builders too with article 8.4.4 stipulating that sites of any new GSM, UMTS, WiFi or WIMAX antennas be determined “not solely according to the operators’ interests but in consultation with local and regional government officials, local residents and associations of concerned citizens.” Because Europe loves to make things bureaucratic to the point of impossible, and cripple development with red tape.
“These initiatives are mostly directed against the installation of relay antenna stations, above all close to schools, nurseries, hospitals or other institutions caring for children or vulnerable individuals, and also increasingly challenge other aspects of wireless telecommunication such as WiFi in schools for example,” reads the report.
Indeed, Europe would rather see its economy and development levels falter than the theoretical health of its children, noting, “The precautionary principle and the right to a healthy environment, particularly on behalf of children and future generations, must be key factors in all economic, technological and social development of society.”
In that case, we would also recommend the banning of school dinners (just ask Jamie Oliver about their effects on children’s health), TVs (we have it on reliable info that they rot the brain), cars (because they pollute) and long distance flights, which cause more radiation in the environment than any number of cell towers put together.
Indeed, Europe should probably go all out and build one of those sci-fi force-fields around itself and disconnect from the modern world entirely. Because banning phones in schools does not stop signals from penetrating buildings. Frankly we’re amazed whoever wrote the report managed to submit it with a straight face. Then again, the report self-confesses to paying heed to “early warning” scientists – read, nutty professors.
We can only imagine how many billions of euros will be spent setting up exploratory committees and fact finding groups to add weight to the proposal, as the European Union desperately attempts to carve out a niche of relevance by undertaking this colossal waste of time and money in a pathetic attempt to return to the 1980s. Why not bring back food stamps and the blitz while you’re at it?
Congratulations Europe…you bunch of luddites.
