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OPEN LETTER of Complaint to the Guardian from the EM Radiation Research Trust against the Guardian Articles on 5G with the headline: “5G confirmed safe by radiation watchdog: No scientific evidence that technology poses threat to human health, say experts"

Viernes 8 de mayo de 2020 · 18987 lecturas

From Eileen O’Connor & Susan Foster

Contact Eileen O’Connor Email: eileen@radiationresearch.org

7th May, 2020

OPEN LETTER of Complaint to the Guardian from the EM Radiation Research Trust sent via email:

For the attention of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), the Guardian Readers’ Editor Elisabeth Ribbans, Technology Editor Alex Hern, and other interested parties.

Complaint against the Guardian Articles on 5G with the headline: “5G confirmed safe by radiation watchdog: No scientific evidence that technology poses threat to human health, say experts"https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/mar/12/5g-safe-radiation-watchdog-health

The Guardian is in breach with the Editors’ Code in dealing with responsible, balanced reporting containing truth and accuracy. Radiation Research Trust Director Eileen O’Connor and U.S. Adviser, Radiation Research Trust Susan Foster are calling on the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) to handle this complaint and to conduct an investigation into the conduct of Mr. Alex Hern and into the editorial standards and compliance.

What is the Radiation Research Trust?

The UK Radiation Research Trust (RRT) is an independent charitable trust. The aim of the organisation is to provide the facts about electro-magnetic radiation and our health and to inform and educate the public about the risks of electromagnetic radiation from mobile telephones and wireless communication systems.

The EM Radiation Research Trust is raising a complaint with regards to the Guardian’s featured articles on 5G after receiving a number of criticisms from concerned citizens, physicians and scientists who believe that the whitewashing of 5G is putting the public at risk. The failure of Alex Hern and The Guardian to take the following facts into account when reporting on not only a brand-new generation of wireless, but an entirely different wireless infrastructure that brings phone masts literally to people’s front doorsteps, results in dangerous and false reassurances to their readers. Further, it is a blatant affront to the truth. The RRT takes the strongest possible exception to these unsubstantiated and false claims of safety for 5G.

In the last two months, we have seen more of the same reporting and a failure to inform readers on the science that is readily available to Mr. Hern. It is highly irresponsible to provide a one-sided biased opinion. 4G and the generations of wireless prior were proven to cause harm. Mr. Hern ignores these facts and chooses instead to offer 23 million monthly Guardian readers a false sense of security believing 5G is safe. There was only one problem with reassurance from Mr. Hern. It was not true. In “5G confirmed safe by radiation watchdog”, Mr. Hern based his confirmation of safety on the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Hearn refers to ICNIRP as “the German-based scientific body that assesses the health risks of radio broadcasts”.

The Guardian article mentions the current ICNIRP exposure limits “provide protection against all scientifically substantiated adverse health effects” and quotes ICNIRP chair Dr. Eric von Rongen as hoping “the updated guidelines [which provide no change at all from previous guidelines] will help put people at ease.”

5G will increase exposure levels and we already have decades of peer-reviewed published research on 2G, 3G & 4G with deep cause for concern regarding the fact that radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and microwave-based technologies cause harm. Premarket safety testing was not done and post-market research confirms this technology is not safe.

Let’s take a closer look at ICNIRP and uncover the facts.

In truth, the ICNIRP guidelines are deeply flawed and obsolete. The guidelines are set by a small, non-governmental organization of invitation-only, unelected private members who set guidelines for thermal heating for short term acute exposures only. We feel the last part of the sentence bears repeating for emphasis: ICNIRP sets guidelines for thermal heating for short term, acute exposures only. That means ICNIRP is only concerned whether or not 5G causes burns, heatstroke, or shocks. What is profoundly misleading about that ICNIRP guidelines is that when the general public thinks about health concerns from a phone mast/cell tower, they are not thinking shocks and heatstroke. The general public’s concern related to RF radiation have to do with cancer, immune suppression, neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, birth defects and infertility. When a Guardian reader finds reassurance in Alex Hern’s words that the evidence that 5G is safe is "overwhelming", it might also be advisable that The Guardian mention ICNIRP’s timeframe for testing.

ICNIRP’s latest paper published May 2020 repeatedly highlights the fact that 6 minutes is the normal time frame to a small area of the body, plus a 30-minute window for whole-body exposure in assessing any health effects associated with thermal effects to the flesh area of the body. The Guardian is, therefore, supporting safety claims for everyone exposed to 5G based on the fact that the public will not feel any heating effects during a 6 minute exposure. The public will be exposed to this form of radiation 24/7 for a lifetime, not 6 minutes. The ICNIRP standards are woefully inadequate in offering any form of protection in the real world, real-life settings for public long term exposure and especially children.

Louis Slesin, editor of Microwave News, is a highly rational, well-balanced, and respected authority on bio-effects of non-ionizing radiation issued a recent report about ICNIRP saying “The Lies Must Stop Disband ICNIRP.’ The Microwave News report mentions ICNIRP’s chairman Eric van Rongen’s recent PowerPoint presentation containing a slide stating, “There is no evidence from all [this] scientific information for the induction of cancer by radiofrequency fields.” Microwave News highlights the fact that this is a lie. Slesin said: “Van Rongen and the other members of ICNIRP should go to the nearest blackboard and write 100 times: The U.S. National Toxicology Program has found “clear evidence” that exposure to RF radiation can lead to cancer.” Microwave News also called for ICNIRP to be disbanded and said it’s time to clean the house. The Radiation Research Trust joins Louis Slesin and the many voices throughout the world to call TIME on ICNIRP. The lies must stop. https://microwavenews.com/news-center/time-clean-house

Independent doctors and scientists have called for action to better protect the public.

The Guardian ignores biological mechanisms including the pulsating and amplitude modulation of the frequencies used for transmission that are known to be more biologically active. Alex Hern and the Guardian ignore and exclude many research publications and scientific reviews as well as hundreds of doctors and scientists who are experts in this field including:

1) The International EMF Scientist Appeal to the United Nations (www.emfscientist.org)

2) Rejection of the current ICNIRP guidelines for not being protective of health (www.emfcall.org)

3) Halting the 5G rollout until adequate safety studies have been done (www.5Gappeal.eu)

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. – A prominent voice from across the pond joins the UK EM Radiation Research Trust in criticising The Guardian.

The Radiation Research Trust welcomes support from Robert F. Kennedy Jr and Dafna Tachover of the Children’s Health Defense (CHD), a US-based non-profit that seeks through its 5G program to protect not only children but citizens of all ages from harmful radiation exposures. Here is a statement received directly from CHD in support of this letter of complaint to the Guardian.

“Robert F. Kennedy, Jr Chairman of CHD, and Dafna Tachover, Director of CHD’s 5G & Wireless Harms project support the UK EM Radiation Research Trust in their call on the UK Government to defend the rights and health of UK citizens and especially children from Big Telecom’s scheme to roll out 5G. The harms of radio-frequencies and microwaves based technologies have been proven scientifically and the harms are existing and widespread. We work daily with those who have been injured from this technology including from 5G small cell installations. The UK’s ICNIRP based guidelines, just like the US’s FCC, are decades obsolete and false. ICNIRP is an industry shell and its scientists are tainted as has been confirmed by Courts”.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. recently called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson and political leaders asking them to protect those who have been harmed already by this radiation and prevent further harm. He added: “We must stop the uncontrolled proliferation of wireless technology and the on-going deployment of 5G, which will exponentially increase exposure to this harmful radiation and consequently, the sickness of children and adults and the ecosystem.”

Many school children, parents, and teachers have also taken exception to the First News article that featured in a UK school newspaper recently. The EM Radiation Research Trust, RRT, has lodged a formal complaint with the newspaper and with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The letter is supported by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the US Children’s Health Defense which may be downloaded at: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/news/rfk-jr-joins-em-radiation-research-trust-in-calling-upon-uk-prime-minister-to-halt-5g-deployment/

In addition, Anthony B. Miller, MD, FRCP. Professor Emeritus, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada raises deep concerns in a powerful letter sent to Gavin St Pier Esq, Chief Minister, The States of Guernsey. Dr. Miller said: “5G IS NOT STAND ALONE – it will operate and interface with other (including 3G and 4G) frequencies and modulations to enable diverse devices under continual development for the ’Internet of Things’, driverless vehicles and more.” Anthony Miller provides a stark reminder saying: “Beginning with radar during World War II, human exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) and associated technologies has grown more than 100,000-fold.” This powerful letter is available to download via the Environmental Health Trust (EHT): https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Prof-Antony-B-Miller-5g-Statement-for-Guernsey.pdf

The Guardian article relies solely on ICNIRP’s stamp of approval for 5G but fails to mention an important fact regarding the official classification for this technology. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a sub-group of the World Health Organization with its role to monitor and identify global causes of cancer, classified the entire RF-EMF spectrum as a 2B "Possible Human" carcinogen. We would like to reinforce the fact that members of IARC, with collective judgment, found scientific consensus in reaching this decision. The vote to classify everything on the RF-EMF spectrum as a possible human carcinogen was nearly unanimous: 29 to 1. Download report here: https://www.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr208_E.pdf

The Guardian has misled suggesting there is no scientific concern.

The evidence of increased cancer risks has since been strengthened by further human studies, as well as toxicology studies in animals, which demonstrated clear evidence of tumours. The $30 million US National Toxicology Program (NTP) RF studies and the Italian Ramazzini Institute ten-year research project both found clear evidence of malignant tumours. Two different institutes with laboratories in different countries, totally independent of each other and both producing parallel consistent findings, reinforces the validity of these ground-breaking animal studies. An external peer-review panel of 11 scientists complemented the methodology of the NTP study and concluded that the results showed clear evidence of carcinogenic activity.

Clear evidence of cancer from mobile radiation from the National Toxicology Program: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/topics/cellphones/index.html

Clear evidence of cancer from mobile radiation from the Ramazzini Institute for cancer research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29530389

Despite this, the UK Government is racing ahead with 5G rollout and the involuntary irradiation of the whole UK population and news outlets such as The Guardian are making false claims of safety.

The following parts of the world have called a halt to 5G: Slovenia, Nigeria, the Kalamata City Council in Greece, Clare, Roscommon, Leitrim, Wicklow, County Laois and Sligo County Councils in Ireland, Brussels, Council of Bad Wiessee, Germany, 142 municipalities in Italy, Wells City Council in Somerset, Lampeter town council, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, West Monkton parish council, Somerset, Brighton & Hove, Devonshire, Totnes, Glastonbury, Trafford, Holland, Switzerland. Download details here: https://ehtrust.org/international-actions-to-halt-and-delay-5g/

A report written by Professor Tom Butler holds significant implications for the 5G project. The paper highlights the most recent published research and delves into past historic papers on RF-EMF radiation. Please take the time to read and understand the potential effect of electromagnetic pollution on public health and the environment. This issue has caused increased concern around the world for the future of humanity. Download the paper here: https://www.radiationresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/On-the-Clear-Evidence-of-the-Risks-to-Children-from-Smartphone-and-WiFi-Radio-Frequency-Radiation-Final-2019.pdf

We would also like to draw your attention to a very important commentary from Professor Denis L Henshaw, Fellow Collegium Ramazzini Emeritus Professor of Human Radiation Effects Atmospheric Chemistry Group School of Chemistry University of Bristol. In summary, Henshaw said: “The idea that since cell phone radio waves do not have the quantum energy to damage DNA and therefore cannot cause ill health is a fallacy. It is flawed at a number of levels, from the very physics upon which it is supposedly based, to chemistry and biology. Most of all, the idea is not born out by the tens of thousands of peer-reviewed studies reporting biological effects from exposure to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation, including those associated with radio wave frequencies used by cell phones”. Download the full commentary here: https://www.radiationresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Henshaw-Update-16-April-2020-Non-ionising-radiation-quantum-energy-fallacy-V3.pdf

5G Insurance liability rated at “high impact.

In reality, Technology Editor Hern and The Guardian have received their reassurances of "safety" related to 5G directly from the telecommunications industry as demonstrated clearly in the Guardian July, 2019 feature titled ‘How baseless fears over 5G rollout created a health scare’ with support received directly from EE’s head of technology communications, Howard Jones. ICNIRP and the telecommunications industry appear to be one and the same. A recent successful court case refused to accept evidence from ICNIRP due to members having links with industry. One group that looked carefully at this association and rejected telecom’s baseless claims of safety is the $21 billion reinsurance company Swiss Re Group - one of the world’s leading reinsurance providers. After extensive review and analysis, Swiss Re recently rated 5G as a “high impact” risk affecting property and casualty claims and refuses to insure 5G and other forms of wireless. Download the Swiss Re report here: https://www.radiationresearch.org/articles/swiss-re-rated-5g-high-impact/?fbclid=IwAR1asU6TTPcTR1uZEaswbl9hppH_3oliIKO0GoMJimoFvk4B5PsbK73Fk-4

The Guardian and Technology Editor Hern, Industry, and some Government officials are discriminating against the public who have a right to raise questions regarding health risks associated with 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G, etc., for us all and especially for children. The RRT is deeply concerned with the aggressive approach toward the public from Industry, some Government officials, and the media. Anyone raising concern is called alarmists, activists, campaigners, lobbyists, and pressure groups with no freedom of expression allowed. It seems clear that the media, corporations, and governments themselves are being selective with the truth. The public has not given consent and they have not been consulted and they are expected to blindly accept reassurance from the corporations who are set to benefit financially from the rollout of this technology, while promoted through the mouthpiece of the media and with support of those who are supposed to represent and protect us from harm – our public officials. It is abundantly clear that the biggest alarmists, campaigners, lobbyists, and pressure group is the Telecom companies themselves.

Finally, we would like to draw your attention to a recent paper published by the IEEE (The Institute of Electrical Engineers). The IEEE is a leading developer of international standards in the underpinnings of telecommunications. The conclusion from the IEEE recently published paper "Electromagnetic Radiation Due to Cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Technologies: How Safe Are We?" said:

“People should be made aware that the EMR from using the day to day cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth devices are harmful to human health. The levels of radiation observed in most cases such as phone calls, internet browsing on laptops and smartphones, using wireless routers and hotspots, Bluetooth smartwatches and smartphones are unsafe when compared with radiations limits determined by medical bodies. According to the current medical literature, various adverse health effects from exposure to RF EMR have been well documented. For now, wireless technologies must be avoided as much as possible. New and innovative wired solutions that provide the same level of user-friendliness should be encouraged. The intervention of government and medical bodies with the main purpose of protecting human health is of the utmost necessity to ensure good economic development without compromising the health of the population. Countries must adopt the guidelines suggested by medical bodies that take into account both the thermal and non-thermal effects of EMR. At present, all individuals must take preventive and protective measures to protect themselves from harmful EMR exposure.”

Download here: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9016183/references?fbclid=IwAR0OWTH7ozyXICArLzL6_M4hsKDsLdNrQLCEiILB3yRq6o-KSHsBopEEIFk#references

In addition, another paper by Barnes and Greenebaum from Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado and Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin‐Parkside, Kenosha, Wisconsin confirms the flawed ICNIRP failings in addressing non-ionizing EMF exposures: “Current limits for exposures to nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) are set based on relatively short‐term exposures. Long‐term exposures to weak EMF are not addressed in the current guidelines. Nevertheless, a large and growing amount of evidence indicates that long‐term exposure to weak fields can affect biological systems and might have effects on human health. If they do, the public health issues could be important because of the very large fraction of the population worldwide that is exposed." Download here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.22267

The Radiation Research Trust would like to remind The Guardian of their responsibility in reporting to the 23 million monthly readers by saying 5G is completely safe. These citizens including our children will be part of the biggest human experiment and without consent. This is against the Nuremberg Code. Principle 1 states: The voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential. https://history.nih.gov/research/downloads/nuremberg.pdf

The Radiation Research Trust calls on The Guardian to revisit the advice given to readership regarding claims of safety for 5G and to re-evaluate the evidence as a matter of urgency.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Radiation Research Trust if you would like to discuss this with us further. We look forward to hearing your response to our deep concerns.

Sincerely,

Eileen O’Connor

EM Radiation Research Trust Director

Susan Foster

U.S. Adviser, Radiation Research Trust,

Honorary Firefighter, San Diego Fire Department

Medical Writer

Copied:

Independent Press Standards Organisation

The Guardian Readers’ Editor Elisabeth Ribbans

The Guardian Technology Editor Alex Hern

The Guardian Editor in Chief Katharine Viner

Mary Ann Sieghart, Board member for Scott Trust, Journalist and senior trustee of the Kennedy Memorial Trust

Radiation Research Trust Chairman Brian Stein CBE

Dr Erica Mallery-Blythe

Dafna Tachover, Attorney and Director, USA Children’s Health Defense

Powerwatch UK, Alasdair Philips

Professor Denis Henshaw, Visiting Fellow, Institute of Environment, Health & Societies, Burnel University, David Gee

Charity Registered No. 1106304 © The EM Radiation Research Trust 2003-2004

www.radiationresearch.org