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Precautions Needed to Protect Schoolchildren from Serious Hazards
Progress is not progress when the cost to be paid is our health and the health of our children.
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Children’s Health Defense (CHD), a US-based advocacy group that has done valuable work for several years to draw attention to many-sided hazards faced by children, has recently issued an advisory concerning the hazards linked to wireless technologyWireless TechnologyTechnology that allows communication or data transfer without physical cables, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks (e.g., 5G). faced by schoolchildren. While this relates more immediately to children in the USA, several aspects are relevant to other countries, including India.
The statement by CHD issued on 11 August, 2026 says, “Wi-Fi routers stay on in every classroom, often all day, whether or not they’re in active use. Tablets and laptops sit on laps and against small bodies for hours each day. And in a growing number of districts, cell towers and 5G antennas5G AntennasAntennas used for the fifth generation of cellular technology, designed for higher speeds and lower latency, operating at various radiofrequency bands. have been installed on or near school property — sometimes without notifying parents or conducting any real health review. Most parents have never been asked for consent, and most don’t even know wireless radiation has harmful impacts on children’s health. has harmful impacts on children’s health.”
Furthermore, this statement explains why children are more vulnerable to risks in this context, “Children are not small adults. Their brains and bodies absorb more wireless radiation than adults. Because they’re exposed earlier in life, they experience greater exposure over their lifetimes. Thousands of peer-reviewed scientific studies link wireless radiation exposure to cancer, sleep disruption, behavioural issues, and memory problems.”
Earlier this year, a review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded there is “high certainty” evidence that wireless radiation exposure causes cancer in animals — a finding that in the opinion of some experts should prompt the international health organization to reclassify wireless radiation as a human carcinogen.
The CHD advisory says that “simple changes—wired connections where possible, routers powered down when not in use, and clear screen-time guidelines—can meaningfully reduce exposure without compromising a child’s education.” The CHD has also prepared a Safe Tech guide, covering topics such as wireless infrastructure, daily device use, wired alternatives, and existing exposure policies.
In this context, it is useful to recall an earlier warning by an organization of prominent international experts that had issued an important statement on the serious and adverse health impacts of Non-Ionising Radiation (NIR). This statement was issued by Physicians’ Health Initiative for Radiation and Environment (PHIRE). PHIRE is an independent association of medical doctors and associated specialists assembled to improve education regarding the health effects of non-ionising radiation.
This statement declared, “Medical experts and practitioners from around the world have united once again to make clear their concerns regarding the health effects of escalating non-ionising radiation (NIR) exposures. NIR is electromagnetic energy ranging from Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) waves all the way up to Ultraviolet (UV). In particular, they are concerned about Radiofrequency (RF) emissionsRadiofrequency (RF) EmissionsElectromagnetic waves in the radio frequency portion of the spectrum (typically 3 kHz to 300 GHz), used in mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and broadcast radio/TV. from existing mobile phone networks, Wi-Fi, and the rollout of 5G.”
Further this statement said, “Whilst such emissions were historically presumed to be biologically inert, and are still purported to be safe by many to this day, there is now highly credible evidence to the contrary. The main risks associated with exposure to such (wireless) non-ionising radiation in the peer-reviewed scientific literature include: increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damage, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general well-being in humans.”
Summarizing the mounting evidence on the significant health impacts of NIR, this statement asserted: ‘Mounting human epidemiological evidence of increased cancer has now been corroborated by ‘clear evidence’ of carcinogenesis from animal studies.’ from animal studies. These include the two largest investigations ever undertaken globally, from the widely respected National Toxicology Program (USA) and the Ramazzini Institute (Italy). What is more, law courts are now validating such links, with compensation for health damages from mobile phone radiation being won in a growing number of cases internationally. Some legal teams are so certain of negative health effects that civil suits for Wi-Fi and other wireless injury are now being brought on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, and insurance underwriters consider related risks to be ‘high’.
The PHIRE statement added, “Hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific studies have demonstrated adverse biological effects occurring in response to a range of NIR exposures below current safety guidelines. However, emissions continue to escalate. Medical evidence of harm has now reached the critical mass necessary to inspire the medical community to step out of its usual roles, stand up, and speak out regarding its concerns.”
The document was signed by medical groups representing over 3,500 medical doctors, including experienced clinicians and widely published and respected scientists who are experts in this field. It declared current safety levels to be inadequate and highlighted some of the disease processes linked with NIR exposure in peer-reviewed publications; It points out the vulnerabilities of children and other hypersensitive groups, whose symptoms may include sleep problems, impaired concentration, headaches, and mood disturbance. It also highlights the contravention of Human Rights and Equalities acts and requested urgent responses from governments and health authorities to halt further deployment of emitting technology and address current public health failures.
Professor Anthony B. Miller, MD, Professor Emeritus, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto (UofT), said: ‘This statement has been supported by several senior medical experts. This is an important statement that should be read by all concerned with public health.’ Those responsible for exposing children to non-ionising radiation, especially in schools, should take immediate action to reduce the exposure of the children entrusted to their charge. There is sufficient evidence to now classify radiofrequency radiation as a human carcinogen.”
Dr. Damien Downing, President of The British Society for Ecological Medicine (BSEM), stated: ‘In my lifetime, our exposure to radiofrequency radiation has increased by up to a billion times.’ There is no excuse anymore for pretending this is not harmful—to us and to all life on the planet. Radiofrequency radiation is the new tobacco. Anybody sincerely reading the science should be deeply, deeply concerned.”
Dr. Erica Mallery-Blythe, Founder of Physicians Health Initiative for Radiation and Environment (PHIRE) and author of the 2020 NIR Consensus Statement, said: ‘The message from these doctors and scientists is a simple one: “Progress is not progress when the cost to be paid is our health and the health of our children… Let us stop, take a breath, and use our human genius for true evolution that enhances our lives rather than sabotages them.”
Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Rift.
