General: WiFi Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2004
Approved by: President
General Statement
Lakehead University is completely connected to the World Wide Web and has adequate cell phone access. Internet connectivity on the Thunder Bay Campus is provided by a comprehensive campus fibre-optic network with approximately 9,000 plug-in sites, as well as internet cafés and computer laboratories, giving access to 650 computers. Similarly, adequate wired connectivity is provided at the Orillia Campus.Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to limit wireless connectivity based on the “precautionary principle” as there are numerous scientific studies that demonstrate a basis for concern that continuous or frequent long-term exposure to the non-ionizing radiation of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) could have adverse health effects.* It is intended as well to prevent wireless communications structures, particularly cellular antennae, from being erected on either campus.Policy
There will be no WiFi connectivity provided in those areas of the University already served by hard wire connectivity until such time as the potential health effects have been scientifically rebutted or there are adequate protective measures that can be taken. Exceptions to this policy will be considered by AEC on a case by case basis, for example, current exceptions are the LUSU Outpost to provide limited student access in a controlled and posted environment, and NOSM to provide enhanced wireless communications for TBRHSC physicians on campus at the medical school. Cellular communications antennae will not be placed on University property.Review of Policy
The AEC will continue to monitor research to determine whether a change in policy is warranted. The Policy will be reviewed at least every three years.*See Appendix for Benevento, Catania and Venice Resolutions. Also www.bioinitiative.org provides a comprehensive report on EMF health impacts.
Appendix A
http://www.icems.eu/benevento_resolution.htm
Benevento Resolution
The International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety (ICEMS) held an international conference entitled .The Precautionary EMF Approach: Rationale, Legislation and
Implementation., hosted by the City of Benevento, Italy, on February 22, 23 & 24, 2006.
The meeting was dedicated to W. Ross Adey, M.D. (1922-2004). The scientists at the conference endorsed and extended the 2002 Catania Resolution and resolved that:
1. More evidence has accumulated suggesting that there are adverse health effects from occupational and public exposures to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, or EMF1, at current exposure levels. What is needed, but not yet realized, is a comprehensive, independent and transparent examination of the evidence pointing to this emerging, potential public health issue.
2. Resources for such an assessment are grossly inadequate despite the explosive growth of technologies for wireless communications as well as the huge ongoing investment in power transmission.
3. There is evidence that present sources of funding bias the analysis and interpretation of research findings towards rejection of evidence of possible public health risks.
4. Arguments that weak (low intensity) EMF cannot affect biological systems do not represent the current spectrum of scientific opinion.
5. Based on our review of the science, biological effects can occur from exposures to both extremely low frequency fields (ELF EMF) and radiation frequency fields (RF EMF). Epidemiological and in vivo as well as in vitro experimental evidence demonstrates that exposure to some ELF EMF can increase cancer risk in children and induce other health problems in both children and adults. Further, there is accumulating epidemiological evidence indicating an increased brain tumor risk from long term use of mobile phones, the first RF EMF that has started to be comprehensively studied. Epidemiological and laboratory studies that show increased risks for cancers and other diseases from occupational exposures to EMF cannot be ignored. Laboratory studies on cancers and other diseases have reported that hypersensitivity to EMF may be due in part to a genetic predisposition.
6. We encourage governments to adopt a framework of guidelines for public and occupational EMF exposure that reflect the Precautionary Principle2 – as some nations have already done. Precautionary strategies should be based on design and performance standards and may not necessarily define numerical thresholds because such thresholds may erroneously be interpreted as levels below which no adverse effect can occur. These strategies should include:
6.1. Promote alternatives to wireless communication systems, e.g., use of fiber optics and coaxial cables; design cellular phones that meet safer performance specifications, including radiating away from the head; preserve existing land line phone networks; place power lines underground in the vicinity of populated areas, only siting them in residential neighborhoods as a last resort;
6.2. Inform the population of the potential risks of cell phone and cordless phone use. Advise consumers to limit wireless calls and use a land line for long conversations.
6.3. Limit cell phone and cordless phone use by young children and teenagers to the lowest possible level and urgently ban telecom companies from marketing to them.
6.4. Require manufacturers to supply hands-free kits (via speaker phones or ear phones), with each cell phone and cordless phone.
6.5. Protect workers from EMF generating equipment, through access restrictions and EMF shielding of both individuals and physical structures.
6.6. Plan communications antenna and tower locations to minimize human exposure. Register mobile phone base stations with local planning agencies and use computer mapping technology to inform the public on possible exposures. Proposals for city-wide wireless access systems (e.g. Wi-Fi, WIMAX, broadband over cable or power-line or equivalent technologies) should require public review of potential EMF exposure and, if installed, municipalities should ensure this information is available to all and updated on a timely basis.
6.7. Designate wireless-free zones in cities, in public buildings (schools, hospitals, residential areas) and, on public transit, to permit access by persons who are hypersensitive to EMF.
7. ICEMS3 is willing to assist authorities in the development of an EMF research agenda. ICEMS encourages the development of clinical and epidemiological protocols for investigations of geographical clusters of persons with reported allergic reactions and other diseases or sensitivities to EMF, and document the effectiveness of preventive interventions. ICEMS encourages scientific collaboration and reviews of research findings.
We, the undersigned scientists, agree to assist in the promotion of EMF research and the development of strategies to protect public health through the wise application of the precautionary principle.
Signed:
Fiorella Belpoggi, European Foundadion for Oncology & Environmental Sciences, B.Ramazzini, Bologna, Italy
Carl F. Blackman, President, Bioelectromagnetics Society (1990-91), Raleigh, NC, USA
Martin Blank, Department of Physiology, Columbia University, New York, USA
Natalia Bobkova, Institute of Cell Biophysics, Pushchino, Moscow Region
Francesco Boella, National Inst. Prevention & Worker Safety, Venice, Italy
Zhaojin Cao, National Institute Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control, China
Sandro D.Allessandro, Physician, Mayor of Benevento, Italy, (2001-2006)
Enrico D.Emilia, National Institute for Prevention and Worker Safety, Monteporzio, Italy
Emilio Del Giuduice, National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Milan, Italy
Antonella De Ninno,Italian National Agency For Energy, Environment & Technology, Frascati, Italy
Alvaro A. De Sallas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Livio Giuliani, East Veneto&South Triol, National Inst. Prevention & Worker Safety, Camerino University
Yury Grigoryev, Institute of Biophysics; Chairman, Russian National Committee NIERP
Settimo Grimaldi, Inst. Neurobiology & Molecular Medicine, National Research, Rome, Italy
Lennart Hardell, Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden
Magda Havas, Environmental & Resource Studies, Trent University, Ontario, Canada
Gerard Hyland, Warwick University, UK; International Inst. Biophysics, Germany; EM Radiation Trust, UK
Olle Johansson, Experimental Dermatology Unit, Neuroscience Department, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
Michael Kundi, Head, Institute Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Henry C. Lai, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
Mario Ledda, Inst. Neurobiology & Molecular Medicine, National Council for Research, Rome, Italy
Yi-Ping Lin, Center of Health Risk Assessment & Policy, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Antonella Lisi, Inst. Neurobiology & Molecular Medicine, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
Fiorenzo Marinelli, Institute of Immunocytology, National Research Council, Bologna, Italy
Elihu Richter, Head, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Israel
Emanuela Rosola, Inst. Neurobiology & Molecular Medicine, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
Leif Salford, Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, Lund University, Sweden
Nesrin Seyhan, Head, Department of Biophysics; Director, Gazi NIRP Center, Ankara, Turkey
Morando Soffritti, Scientific Director, European Foundation for Oncology & Environmental Sciences, B. Ramazzini, Bologna, Italy
Stanislaw Szmigielski, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland
Mikhail Zhadin, Institute of Cell Biophysics, Pushchino, Moscow Region
Date of Release: September 19, 2006. For more information, contact Elizabeth Kelley, Managing Secretariat, International Commission For Electromagnetic Safety (ICEMS), Montepulciano, Italy. Email: info@icems.eu Website: www.icems.eu
1 EMF, in this resolution, refers to zero to 300 GHz.
2 The Precautionary Principle states when there are indications of possible adverse effects, though they remain uncertain, the risks from doing nothing may be far greater than the risks of taking action to control these exposures. The Precautionary Principle shifts the burden of proof from those suspecting a risk to those who discount it.
3 International Commission For Electromagnetic Safety. For information, link to www.icoms.eu.
Appendix B
http://www.icems.eu/benevento_resolution.htm
September 2002
The Scientists at the International Conference
“State of the Research on Electromagnetic Fields. Scientific and Legal Issues”, organized by ISPESL*, the University of Vienna and the City of Catania, held in Catania (Italy) on September 13th - 14th, 2002, agree to the following:
1. Epidemiological and in vivo and in vitro experimental evidence demonstrates the existence of electromagnetic field (EMF) induced effects, some of which can be adverse to health.
2. We take exception to arguments suggesting that weak (low intensity) EMF cannot interact with tissue.
3. There are plausible mechanistic explanations for EMF-induced effects which occur below present ICNIRP and IEEE guidelines and exposure recommendations by the EU.
4. The weight of evidence calls for preventive strategies based on the precautionary principle. At times the precautionary principle may involve prudent avoidance and prudent use.
5. We are aware that there are gaps in knowledge on biological and physical effects, and health risks related to EMF, which require additional independent research.
6. The undersigned scientists agree to establish an international scientific commission to promote research for the protection of public health from EMF and to develop the scientific basis and strategies for assessment, prevention, management and communication of risk, based on the precautionary principle.
Fiorella Belpoggi, Fondazione Ramazzini, Bologna, Italy
Carl F. Blackman, President of the Bioelectromagnetics Society (1990-1991), Raleigh, USA
Martin Blank, Department of Physiology, Columbia University, New York, USA
Emilio Del Giudice, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Milano, Italy
Livio Giuliani, Camerino University - ISPESL*, Venezia, Italy
Settimio Grimaldi, CNR-Istituto di Neurobiologia e Medicina Molecolare, Roma, Italy
Lennart Hardell, Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden
Michael Kundi, Institute of Environmental Health, University of Vienna, Austria
Henry Lai, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, USA
Abraham R. Liboff, Department of Physics, Oakland University, USA
Wolfgang Löscher, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
Kjell Hansson Mild, President of the Bioelectromagnetics Society (1996-1997), National Institute of Working Life, Umea, Sweden
Wilhelm Mosgöller, Institute for Cancer Research, University of Vienna, Austria
Elihu D. Richter, Head, Unit of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel.
Umberto Scapagnini, Neuropharmacology, University of Catania, Italy, Member of the Research Comm. of the European Parliament
Stanislaw Szmigielski, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland
* = Istituto Superiore per la Prevenzione e la Sicurezza del Lavoro, Italy (National Institute for Prevention and Work Safety, Italy)
Appendix C
http://www.icems.eu/resolution.htm
June 6, 2008
Initiated by the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety, June 6, 2008.
As stated in the Benevento Resolution of September 2006, we remain concerned about the effects of human exposure to electromagnetic fields on health. At the Venice Workshop, entitled, “Foundations of bioelectromagnetics: towards a new rationale for risk assessment and management,” we discussed electro-hypersensitivity, blood brain barrier changes, learning and behavioral effects, changes in anti-oxidant enzyme activities, DNA damage, biochemical mechanisms of interaction, biological damage and, experimental approaches to validate these effects. As an outcome, we are compelled to confirm the existence of non-thermal effects of electromagnetic fields on living matter, which seem to occur at every level of investigation from molecular to epidemiological.
An urgent task before international researchers is to discover the detailed mechanisms of non-thermal interactions between electromagnetic fields and living matter. A collateral consequence will be the design of new general public and occupational protection standards. We, who are at the forefront of this research, encourage an ethical approach in setting of exposure standards which protect the health of all, including those who are more vulnerable. We recognize the need for research to reveal the critical exposure parameters of effect and risk from exposure to electromagnetic fields.
The non-ionizing radiation protection standards recommended by international standards organizations, and supported by the World Health Organization, are inadequate. Existing guidelines are based on results from acute exposure studies and only thermal effects are considered. A world wide application of the Precautionary Principle is required. In addition, new standards should be developed to take various physiological conditions into consideration, e.g., pregnancy, newborns, children, and elderly people.
We take exception to the claim of the wireless communication industry that there is no credible scientific evidence to conclude there a risk. Recent epidemiological evidence is stronger than before, which is a further reason to justify precautions be taken to lower exposure standards in accordance with the Precautionary Principle.
We recognize the growing public health problem known as electrohypersensitivity; that this adverse health condition can be quite disabling; and, that this condition requires further urgent investigation and recognition.
We strongly advise limited use of cell phones, and other similar devices, by young children and teenagers, and we call upon governments to apply the Precautionary Principle as an interim measure while more biologically relevant standards are developed to protect against, not only the absorption of electromagnetic energy by the head, but also adverse effects of the signals on biochemistry, physiology and electrical biorhythms.
*******************
Contact: Elizabeth Kelley, Managing Secretariat, International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety, info@icems.eu
Signed,
Pasquale Avino, Italian National Institute for Prevention & Worker Safety, Rome, Italy
Alessandro d’Alessandro, ICEMS, M.D. Benevento, Italy
Angelico Bedini, Italian National Institute for Prevention and Worker Safety, Rome, Italy
Igor Belyaev, Associate Professor in Toxicological Genetics, Dept. of Genetics, Microbiology and Toxicology,
Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
Fiorella Belpoggi, ICEMS, Vice Scientific Director, European Foundation for Oncology & Environmental
Sciences "B. Ramazzini". Bologna, Italy
Carl Blackman, ICEMS; President, Bioelectromagnetics Society (1990-91), Raleigh, NC, USA
Martin Blank, Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, USA
Natalia Bobkova, ICEMS, Institute of Cell Biophysics, Pushchino, Moscow Region
Bill Bruno, Theoretical biophysics, earned at Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, USA
Zhaojin Cao, National Institute Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control, China
Simona Carrubba, PhD, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA.
Catarina Cinti, ICEMS, Director, National Research Center, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Siena, Italy
Mauro Cristaldi, Dip, B.A.U. Universita degli Studi "La Sapienza", Roma, Italia
Suleyman Dasdag, Biophysics Department of Medical School, Dicle University, Diyarbakir,Turkey
Devra Lee Davis, PhD, MPH Director, Ctr. Environmental Oncology, Univ.Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
Prof. Dept. Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, Univ.Pittsburgh, USA
Antonella De Ninno, ICEMS, Italian National Agency, Energy, Environment & Technology, Frascati, Italy
Emilio Del Giudice, ICEMS, International Institute of Biophysics, Neuss, Germany
Alvaro de Salles, ICEMS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Sandy Doull, Consultant, Noel Arnold & Associates, Box Hill VIC, Australia
Christos Georgiou, ICEMS, Professor of Biochemistry, Department of Biology. University of Patras, Greece
Reba Goodman, Prof. Emeritus, Clinical Pathology, Columbia University, New York, New York USA
Settimo Grimaldi, ICEMS, Inst. Neurobiology & Molecular Medicine, National Research, Rome, Italy
Livio Giuliani, ICEMS Spokesman; Deputy Director, Nat. Inst. Prevention & Worker Safety, East Veneto & South Tirol,
Camerino University. Italy
Lennart Hardell, ICEMS, Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden
Magda Havas, ICEMS, Environmental & Resource Studies, Trent University, Ontario, Canada
Gerard Hyland, ICEMS, International Institute of Biophysics, Neuss, Germany
Florian M. Koenig, D.Sc., ICEMS, Germering, Director, FKE Sferics Research Institute, Germering, Germany.
Antonella Lisi, ICEMS Inst. Neurobiology & Molecular Medicine, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
Louisanna Ieradi, Istituto per lo Studio degli Ecosistemi C.N.R., Roma, Italia
Olle Johansson, Assoc. Prof. The Experimental Dermatology Unit, Department of Neuroscience,
Karolinska Institute, Stockholm
Vini G. Khurana, Neurosurgeon, Canberra Hospital and Assoc. Prof. of Neurosurgery,
Australian National University Medical School
Henry Lai, ICEMS, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
Lukas Margaritas, Professor of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Athens University, Athens, Greece
Fiorenzo Marinelli, ICEMS, Institute of Molecular Genetics National Research Council, Bologna Italy.
Andrew A. Marino, Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Louisiana State University; Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
Vera Markovic, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Nis, Serbia
Ed Maxey, M.D. retired surgeon, Fayetteville Arkansas
Gerd Oberfeld, Public Health Department, Salzburg State Government, Salzburg, Austria and Speaker for
Environmental Medicine for the Austrian Medical Association, Vienna, Austria
Jerry Phillips, Director, Science Learning Center, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colo. USA
Elihu Richter, ICEMS, Head, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Israel
Leif Salford, ICEMS, Professor and Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, Lund University, Sweden
Massimo Scalia, Professor, Evolution Models in Applied Sciences, Mathematical Physical and Natural Science,
University of "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
Nesrin Seyhan, ICEMS, Head, Department of Biophysics; Director, Gazi NIRP Center, Ankara, Turkey
Zamir Shalita, Consultant on Electromagnetic Hazards, Ramat Gan, Israel
Morando Soffritti, ICEMS, Scientific Director, European Foundation for Oncology & Environmental
Sciences, "B. Ramazzini", Bologna, Italy
Stanley Szmigielski, ICEMS, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland
Ion Udroiu, Italian National Institute for Prevention & Worker Safety, Rome, Italy
Clarbruno Verduccio, Prof. Lt. Col. Commander C.F, Marine Military, La Spezia. Italy
Mehmet Zeyrek, Professor of Physics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
Mikhail Zhadin, ICEMS, Honorary Scientist of Russian Federation, Institute of Cell Biophysics, Pushchino, Russia
Stylianos Zinelis, M.D., ICEMS, Vice President, Hellenic Cancer Society, Cefalonia, Greece
Anna Zucchero, ICEMS, MD, Internal Medicine Department. Venice-Mestre Hospital, Venice, Italy
Additional signers who are qualified but have not published EMF papers or published prior to 2000.
Stéphane Egot-Lemaire, Temple University, School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Physics, Pennsylvania USA.
Andrew Goldsworthy, Lecturer in Biology (retired), Imperial College London.
Sarah J. Starkey, PhD, Neuroscience, University of London, London, United Kingdom.
Disclaimer statement: The signatories to these resolutions, have signed as individuals, giving their professional affiliations, but this does not necessarily mean that this represents the views of their employers or the professional organizations they are affiliated with.