* Complaint based on violation of Article 34 of EMRK - WLAN radiation and health hazard distances (16/11/03)
A complaint based on violation of Article 34 of EMRK has been filed in
the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press release
14. November 2003
Buergerwelle Germany (incorporated society), Protectorate Union of the
Citizens and Initiatives for the Protection against Electrosmog: 1.
Chairman Siegfried Zwerenz, 2. Chairman Barbara Eidling, Mailing
address: Lindenweg 10, D-95643 Tirschenreuth, phone 0049-(0)9631-795736,
fax 0049-(0)9631-795734, e-mail pr@buergerwelle.de, Internet
http://www.buergerwelle.de , information phone: Barbara Eidling phone
0049-(0)8171-18898
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A complaint based on violation of Article 34 of EMRK (please see note at
end) has been filed in November in the European Court of Human Rights in
Strasbourg. It has been filed by one of our members and his wife against
the Federal Republic of Germany for violating Article 34 of EMRK in the
sentence given by the Federal Institutional Court, AZ, on the
plaintiffs' case which is identified as: 1 BvR 943/03.

The plaintiffs proved by full medical appraisals that their physical
wellbeing and overall health have been substantially impaired since the
operation of cellphone antennae which were placed on a water reservoir
in front of their dwelling. The plaintiffs have been exposed twenty four
hours a day for over three years to high frequency magnetic radiation
from these mobile phone antennas.

Despite the very detailed statement of the attorney of the complaint
leaders, Professor Dr. Klaus Kniep, Heilbronn, Germany, the BGH (see
note below) expressed in the framework of a non-admission complaint and
despite of the right for a fair procedure, that this proceeding should
not be carried on and therefore refused the chance for the evolution of
the right,. The stated legal situation is found however with a
multiplicity of cases. Therefore the revision should have been allowed
for the evolution of the right. Regrettably however neither the BGH (see
note below) nor the Federal Constitutional Court expressed themselves to
this fundamental question.

A consultant engaged by the plaintiffs to investigate the biological
impact of these radiative
emissions from the cellphone antennas concluded that the said radiative
emissions can cause disturbances and health damage in human biological
systems. The consultant's conclusions are consistent with the health
effects suffered by the plaintiffs. Despite the very detailed statement
of the plaintiffs' attorney, the BGH (see note below) decided that the
proceedings should be discontinued.

It must be pointed out that the plaintiffs have a right to live but this
right has been violated by the permanent health impairment caused by the
mobile phone antennae at the water reservoir which is in close proximity
to the plaintiffs' dwelling.

Also, the plaintiffs right to a fair procedure which is protected by
article 6 EMRK was not complied with by the federal constitutional
court. Consequently the plaintiffs are now seeking redress at the
European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Notes:
EMRK stands for „Europaeische Menschen-Rechte-Konvention” or “European
Human Rights Convention”
BGH stands for “Bundesgerichtshof” which is the Federal Supreme Court of
Germany.

Translation German/English Omega with help of Imelda O'Connor


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WLAN radiation and health hazard distances
----------------------------------------------
WLAN cards in computers (including laptops with built in WLAN
capability) typically emit 1 to 2.5 mW. This will exceed the suggested
0.1 V/m precautionary maximum of pulsing microwaves for over one metre
around the computer and produce up to 1 V/m at 40 cm from the keyboard
and screen where the person (e.g. school pupil) will be working.

Message from Dr. Miguel Muntané



----- Original Message -----
From: Don Maisch


Concerns over WLANS in the classroom (From Alasdair Philips)
--------------------------------------------------
In the past week I have had two emails from parents concerned over the
introduction of Wireless computer networks in their respective schools.
Besides the paper at

http://www.emfacts.com/wlans.html

Alasdair Philips from Power Watch in the UK has written the following on
the topic.

Don Maisch


http://www.powerwatch.org.uk

4th November 2003


Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) and Bluetooth
--------------------------------------------------------------------
We are very concerned about the use of WLANs in internet cafés, hotels,
schools, colleges and other public and private places. These emit a
constant stream of pulsing low-level microwaves that we believe will
cause some people to experience adverse health effects.

Each computer that logs onto the WLAN network also emits pulsing
microwaves so that in a classroom or an internet café the background
electropollution level rises considerably. Here is a personal story from
a UK medical doctor (we have full contact details): "Last July, out of
the blue I developed a disruption to my heart rhythm. As a qualified
Doctor I considered possible causes, such as caffeine intake, tiredness,
high blood pressure, or the onset of menopausal symptoms. Being slight
of frame, with normal to low blood pressure and excellent general
health, I reasoned the ectopic beats and variable pulse rate would
probably go away with a reduction in my tea and coffee, and a little
rest. Over the next 6 weeks, the arrhythmia continued to the point where
I was aware of it for the majority of the day. I also experienced
disturbance to my sleep, waking in the early hours and then being unable
to fall asleep again. From the tightness of my upper chest I knew I was
not getting enough oxygen. I was very reluctant to consult my GP, aware
of the investigations it would initiate, and also of the many drugs in
the armoury for treating arrhythmias with their multitude of side
effects. There was no precipitating factor I could identify that would
afflict a fit 49 year old, with no pre-existing heart or respiratory
problems, in this way. On the verge of making an appointment with my GP,
I linked the onset of my symptoms to our acquisition of a laptop with a
wireless modem (NET GEAR and is a Wireless ADSL Modem Gateway DG824M)
situated in the hallway. This "base station" had been transmitting
microwaves 24 hours/day at a frequency of 2.4GHz, extending to a radius
of 150 feet. These (and similar) are being placed in the foyers of
airports, and hotels, in GP's surgeries, coffee shops and student halls
of residence, so individuals can use their laptops with the minimum of
fuss. We disconnected the wireless base station, replacing it with a
fixed line. Within 3 weeks I was totally free of any abnormality as
detected by pulse or symptoms, my sleep settled back to normal, as did
my energy.

On consideration, during the summer others in my family of 5 have been
abnormally fatigued with disturbed sleep patterns. My 18 year old
daughter had an episode of extreme dizziness lasting a whole day after
close contact with the transmitter. My 22 year old son similarly
experienced vomiting and vertigo, disabling him for a day after spending
2 hours within feet of the apparatus.

If this is how it affects a healthy family of adults over a short period
of time, what will be the consequences on a cross-section of the general
population, let alone those with heart problems or pacemakers, the
pregnant and the young? What is the real price of convenience?

F.F. MB ChB"

According to various European groups (e.g. FEB) for the electrically
sensitive, some people are disturbed by pulsing microwave fields as low
as 0.01 volts per metre. The recent Dutch Government funded TNO study
into base station signals (see www.powerwatch.org.uk website for
details) found that there were statistically significant cognitive and
adverse well-being changes in 'ordinary' people subjected to just 20
minutes exposure of 1 volt/metre of 3G base station signal. A typical
minimum 'safety factor' would be 10, so that means a precautionary
maximum of 0.1 volts per metre or less. WLAN nodes typically emit either
up to 100 mW or 500 mW. To keep to a maximum of 0.1 V/m would mean
keeping at least (respectively) 17 or 40 metres away from the node. This
is usually impractical.

WLAN cards in computers (including laptops with built in WLAN
capability) typically emit 1 to 2.5 mW. This will exceed the suggested
0.1 V/m precautionary maximum of pulsing microwaves for over one metre
around the computer and produce up to 1 V/m at 40 cm from the keyboard
and screen where the person (e.g. school pupil) will be working. Any
classroom with 10, or so, WLAN computers will be awash with a sea of
pulsing microwave pollution. Sensitive people will be adversely affected.

The Swedish FEB website ( www.feb.se ) gives some details of the
problems of electrosensitivity (ES). From the few formal scientific
investigations that have been done into this it appears that people who
are sensitive to other things (e.g. chemicals, pollen, noise, etc) are
also more likely to sensitive to electromagnetic fields. They suggest
that between 3% and 10% of people exhibit symptoms of electrosensitivity
(undiagnosed as to their cause in most cases).

Typical problems include headaches, loss of concentration, attention
deficit, hyperactivity, poorly functioning immune system, unusual levels
of fatigue and general lack of well-being as defined by the World Health
Organisation.

We do not have a problem with traditional wired LAN networks (e.g.
Ethernet, etc), and that is what we strongly recommend is installed in
schools and colleges. However, increasingly, organisations are
installing WLANs as they see them as cheaper (because fixed wiring is
not necessary) and more versatile as one fixed node can often cover
several classrooms and pupils can carry their WLAN enabled laptops from
class to class. If schools plan their internet and intranet (the schools
local network) access sensibly it should not be necessary to have large
numbers of networked computers in most classrooms.

It is often said that most teenagers have and use their own mobile
phones. This is true, but it is also against current UK Government
Department of Health advice for under 16 year olds. We also believe that
mobile phone use is affecting the behaviour and attention span of young
people, though there have not been formal scientific studies into this.
Two scientific studies have shown cognitive changes in people using
mobile phones - it has acted as a brain activity stimulant in the short
term (one 20 minute exposure), but concerns were expressed than ongoing
stimulation could well produce adverse effects in the longer term.
However most youngsters mainly use their handsets for sending and
receiving SMS text messages and so have only occasional exposure.
Sitting for several periods a day in a room of WLAN enabled computers is
a much more serious chronic exposure.

If schools insist on installing wireless networks, then we say that is
essential that teaching and care staff are formally warned to look out
for adverse changes among pupils and a formal reporting system
implemented so that the school keeps records of any perceived adverse
effects.

We also strongly recommend that there should be extra classrooms set
aside where pupils who are sensitive to pulsing microwave
electropollution may work free from the polluting WLAN connected laptops
and wall or ceiling mounted WLAN nodes. It is NOT adequate just to place
them in one corner of the classroom - they will still be irradiated to
an unacceptable level.

The following table showing increasing levels of concern (similar to
guidance for WLAN frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz). The "equivalent speed"
is for easy comparison with the Salzburg 1998 Guidance.
1800 MHz (1.8 GHz) Public Exposure Guidelines Equivalent
c.f. speed
(abbreviated table) uW/m2 Volts/m m.p.h.
ICNIRP (1998), WHO 9 000 000 58 2847
Italy, Russia, PRChina, Switzerland, Lichtenstein 100 000 6 300
Belgium (Wallonia), Luxembourg 24 000 3 147
Italy (single frequency), Salzburg 1998 (sum GSM) 1 000 0.6 30
EU-Parl, GD Wissenschaft, STOA GSM (2001) 100 0.2 9
Salzburg GSM/3G etc outside houses (2002) 10 0.06 3
Salzburg GSM/3G etc inside houses (2002) 1 0.02 1
Buergerforum BRD proposal, waking areas (1999) 1 0.02 1

Written by Alasdair Philips, Director of Powerwatch.

and

The following article is from: http://www.emfbioeffects.org Go to the
"Links and Books" then scroll near the end to the "Commentary" section.

Don Maisch



WLAN - The Wireless Local Area Network

-----------------------------------------------------
The most recent technological advancement for general access to
information is now being considered for use within our schools. However,
the Wireless Local Area Network, commonly known as WLAN, is readily
distinguishable from previous generation computer or
information access systems by virtue of the fact that the WLAN is an
ultra-high frequency, (UHF), radiation emissive communication means.

Radiation emission is essential to the functioning of the WLAN. By
contrast, wired computers and computer networks do not require high
frequency radiation to function. The UHF radiation emitting nature of
the WLAN nodes place them squarely amidst the ongoing scientific
research investigation of the biological effects of microwave radiation
emitting devices.

It is generally accepted in the scientific community that exposure to
and absorption of high-frequency radiation, such as that emitted by cell
phones, portable phones, and WLANs may result in undesirable biologic
effects in humans. In some instances, as has been reported in the
scientific literature, the biological effects may be deleterious and
possibly lead to irreparable damage to humans.
The published scientific literature indicates that the level of
UHF/microwave radiation to which humans may be safely exposed is not yet
known. WLANs emit radiation at levels that are in excess of those that
have been reported to cause biological damage to human cells.

It is readily understood that the WLAN may initially appear as an
attractive alternative to hard-wired terminal systems. However, in view
of the existing published, peer-reviewed literature basis, which extends
to hundreds of studies covering forty or more years, we must conclude
that implementing this emerging information tool in its present
configuration within a classroom environment is not prudent.

We are further concerned at the prospect that there may be created a
long-term liability unless the system providers indemnify the school
district against all future claims of injury related to
WLAN radiation exposures that occur while students, faculty, staff, or
administrators were/are exposed.

Our understanding is that educational systems exist for the express
purpose of educating children placed in their care by parents and
guardians who do not anticipate that that care will include exposure of
their children to potentially harmful biological agents.

We urgently request that our administrators will not fall victim to
marketing ploys or unsubstantiated claims of safety. We further propose
that prior to any determination to deploy a WLAN within our school
systems, a full disclosure of known biological effects resulting from
radiation exposures, which WLAN users may be expected to encounter, will
be made by the WLAN system providers and to all parents and guardians to
effect an informed consent.

In summation, we propose that in conformance with the aforementioned
indemnity, the WLAN service providers should further represent that the
scientific research basis is developed to the extent that all possible
mechanisms of physical interaction of the WLAN are known. Anything short
of such a representation must be justification for determining that
implementing a WLAN at this time is premature and relegates those
exposed to the status of
experimental test subject.

Instead, let us first become certain that the district has fulfilled its
primary function, which is to educate. The time for the WLAN has not yet
arrived.


--------

Appreciation to receive newsletters

--------------------------------
I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate receiving this
newsletter. Please keep up the good work.

-Katherine Albrecht, CASPIAN

http://www.spychips.org
http://www.boycottGillette.org


--------

O.T.themes:

Brave Face Belies Administration's Panic Over Iraq
http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Articles9/Lobe_Iraq-Panic.htm

Informant: Dissident Voice

--------

The Light At The End Of The Iraq Tunnel
http://www.interventionmag.com/cms/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=547

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article5205.htm

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist says Iraq is a massive failure
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article5200.htm

A Farewell To Law
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/opinion.asp?ArticleID=102804

And then there was one . . .
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/11/13/1068674312204.html


 From Information Clearing House

Citizens' Initiative Omega
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