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         MindNet Journal - Vol. 1, No. 5c * [Part 3 of 3 parts]
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         V E R I C O M M / MindNet         "Quid veritas est?"
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    Contributing Editors: Walter Bowart
                          Harlan Girard

    Assistant Editor: Rick Lawler

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    [Continued from part 2]

         Luciano Zafanella of EPRI states: "The two most common
    sources of magnetic fields in this country today are the power
    lines outside on the street and the home grounding system".

    How to Avoid EMF Exposure in the Home

         The simplest way is to avoid purchasing a home with high EMF
    levels. This can be determined indirectly by checking for the
    presence of EMF sources such as nearby transmission or
    distribution lines or transformer boxes close to the home. The
    first or second home from a pole/ground mounted step-down
    transformer will likely have high readings.

         The EMF level can be determined directly by measuring the
    fields in the home. If you choose to measure the fields (or have
    them measured for you) the readings should be taken at a time of
    peak power usage - around supper time is best. Susan Sugarman in
    her book (cited below) sets forth a protocol for measuring EMFs
    on your property and in your home.

         Often the utility company can reduce EMF levels by balancing
    the loads in the distribution lines. Transmission line fields can
    be lowered by using different tower designs or by burying the
    lines.

         Sometimes high EMF levels in the home can be a result of the
    way the electrical system is grounded to the municipal water
    system, especially if the water pipes and electrical power lines
    enter the home at opposite ends of the house. Even currents from
    your neighbours house may enter your home this way and contribute
    to high fields. It may be possible to make changes to the
    electric grounding system or the water system to eliminate these
    fields but anyone contemplating this should consult an
    electrician to ensure the changes comply with the electrical
    code.

         Unusual wiring, such as having the positive and neutral
    wires of a circuit not running together can contribute to higher
    fields. Again, consult an electrician for possible solutions.

         Susan Sugarman provides greater details of these electrical
    wiring problems in her book.

    Electromagnetic Fields from Household Appliances

         Utility companies like to cite appliance use when discussing
    EMFs -- mostly to confuse the issue. For the most part, magnetic
    fields from appliances are not a significant factor. Although
    some appliances have high fields they usually drop off within a
    short distance and the appliances are usually used only for a
    short period of time. For example the field within an electric
    oven is extremely high. However, if one was to keep one's head
    inside an electric oven when it is on for any length of time the
    EMFs would be the least of their worries.

         However there are some appliances where magnetic fields may
    be a problem - electric blankets and water-bed heaters, hair
    dryers, black and white televisions and electric heat.

         Studies have linked higher miscarriage rates to the use of
    electric blankets. Water-bed heaters emit similar fields. It is
    recommended that electric blankets be used to pre-heat the bed
    and not plugged in while you are in bed; although some newer
    models are being designed so that the fields cancel each other
    out. As well electric clocks with motors should not be placed on
    bedside tables.

         Electric hair dryers and razors are two devices that emit
    high fields next to the head. Although used for short periods of
    time there are alternatives that pose no EMF risk. It is
    recommended by Dr. David Carpenter that  children not use
    electric hair dryers. Children should also keep a reasonable
    distance from the screen while watching television - 42" is cited
    as a minimum distance - greater for large screen TVs.

         Studies have linked electric heating coils embedded in the
    ceiling with cancer and miscarriages. As well, electric heaters,
    portable and baseboard, produce EMFs. Keep your distance from
    electric heaters and do not place a child's bed immediately
    beside an electric baseboard heater.

         Also one should not needlessly stand beside a microwave oven
    while it is operating, not only to avoid EMFs but to avoid
    possible microwave leaks.

    Electromagnetic Fields and Energy Conservation

         One way to challenge proposed new transmission lines in your
    neighbourhood is to take a two-pronged approach. First raise the
    health issue. But also question the need for the new lines in the
    first-place. Utility companies are notorious for over-forecasting
    future electricity needs. Often a proposal can be defeated by
    demonstrating there is no need for the power it will be carrying
    - and recent energy  use trends support this argument.

         Electromagnetic fields increase with the current in the
    power lines. Reduce energy consumption and you reduce the load
    and with that you reduce the fields. That is why Ellen Sugarman
    states: "Energy conservation policy holds the key to an
    immediate, sensible, inexpensive and safe resolution of the EMF
    public health question. Energy conservation is also the answer to
    everyone's concern about our continued ability, as a society, to
    produce all the energy we need."

    OCCUPATIONAL EMF EXPOSURE

         Workers can be exposed to EMFs from the electrical system in
    their buildings and the equipment that they work with.

         The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
    (United States) has made recommendations on reducing EMF exposure
    in the workplace. These include:

         - Studies to identify and characterize EMF sources.

         - Changes in the electric code to reduce exposures to EMFs
         that result from dispersed neutral return currents in the
         ground systems of buildings.

         - Designs for placement of wires in new construction that
         would reduce exposure.

         - Development of electrical wiring installation practices
         that would lead to lower EMF levels.

         - Research into field cancellation techniques.

         - Wiring and circuit design of industrial equipment, power
         tools, and office equipment to reduce EMFs, and possible
         retrofit of existing equipment.

         - Development of more effective shielding materials.

         - Administrative controls of work practices to reduce
         exposure, such as increasing the distance between the worker
         and the source; minimizing exposure times, task redesign;
         work-station redesign; use of robotics.

         - Design of lower EMF equipment.

         - Modification of circuit design in equipment to reduce the
         generation of transient fields.

         - Development of better protective equipment,

         - Training and education of workers to reduce exposure.

         Electromagnetic field exposures from Video Display Terminals
    (VDTs) are a major concern among office workers as studies and
    anecdotal evidence have linked EMF exposure to increased risk of
    miscarriages among pregnant workers.

         The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has
    recommended that office space be arranged so that workers not be
    exposed to emissions from the sides and backs of other people's
    computers.

         Sweden has established a manufacturing standard for both ELF
    and VLF emissions from VDTs. the ELF radiation limit is 2.5 mG at
    20 inches.

         Low EMF computer monitors are now being marketed in North
    America as industry has recognized that it is a concern of
    consumers.

    WITH INFORMATION FROM: Sugarman, Ellen; Warning: The Electricity
    Around You May Be Hazardous to Your Health; A Fireside Book;
    Simon & Schuster; 1992; and other sources.

    BIBLIOGRAPHY AND EMF INFORMATION SOURCES

    Becker, Robert O., Cross Currents: The Perils of Electro-
    pollution, The Promise of Electromedicine, Jeremy P. Tarcher
    Inc., Los Angeles, CA, 336 pp., 1990.

    Becker, Robert O., & Andrew A. Marino, Electromagnetism and Life,
    SUNY Press, Albany, NY, 1982.

    Becker, Robert O., & Gary Seldon, The Body Electric: Electro-
    magnetism and the Foundation of Life, William Morrow and Company,
    Inc., New York, NY, 1985.

    Bridlewood Residents Hydro Line Committee, Bibliography on
    Electromagnetic Radiation and Health, over 700 entries - updated
    regularly.  [May be requested via e-mail from
    "ab190@freenet.carleton.ca"]

    Brodeur, Paul, Currents of Death: Power Lines, Computer Terminals
    and the Attempt to Cover Up Their Threat to Your Health, Simon
    and Schuster, New York, NY, 333 pp., 1989.

    Casper, B.M., and P.D. Wellstone, Powerline: The First Battle in
    America's Energy War, University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst,
    Mass., 1981.

    Coghill, Roger, Electropollution: How To Protect Yourself from
    It, Thorsons Publishing Group, Wellingborough, U.K., 192 pp.,
    1990.

    Electric Power Research Institute, EMF and Human Health, A
    Reprint, EPRI Journal, October/November, 1987.

    Electromagnetic Field Health Report, serial, Information Ventures
    Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA, June 1993-.

    Electromagnetic Field Litigation Reporter, "The monthly journal
    of record of litigation involving power lines, cellular
    telephones, radar apparatus and other EMF-emitting products",
    Andrews Publications, Westtown, PA, USA., May 1993-.

    EMF Papers, biweekly clipping service on non-ionizing radiation,
    for information contact Louis Slesin at (212) 517-2800.

    Feychting, Maria, & Anders Ahlbom, Magnetic Fields and Cancer in
    People Residing Near Swedish High Voltage Power Lines, Institutet
    for Miljomedicin, (IMM-rapport 6/92), Stockholm, Sweden, 1992

    Landsbergis, Paul, & Eric Scherzer, A Worker's Guide to Electro-
    magnetic Radiation, booklet, Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers
    (OCAW) Union 8 Resource Centre, 1155 W. Chestnut St., Union, NJ,
    07083, 1990.

    London, S.J., D.C. Thomas, J.D. Bowman, E. Sobel, & J.M. Peters,
    "Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic Fields and Risk of
    Childhood Leukemia", American Journal of Epidemiology, 134, 923-
    37, 1991.

    Marino, Andrew A., ed., Modern Bioelectricity, Marcel Dekker,
    Inc., New York, NY, 1136 pp., 1988.

    Marino, Andrew A. & Joel Ray, The Electric Wilderness, San
    Francisco Press, San Francisco, CA, 120 pp. 1986.

    Microwave News: A Report on Non-Ionizing Radiation, Louis Slesin,
    ed. and publisher, P.O. Box 1799, Grand Central Station, New
    York, NY, 10163, (bimonthly).

    Morgan, M.G. Electric and Magnetic Fields from 60 Hertz Electric
    Power: What Do We Know About Possible Health Risks?, brochure, 45
    pp., Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon
    University, Pittsburgh, PA, 1989.

    National Electrical Manufacturers Association (United States),
    Biological Effects of Electric and Magnetic Fields, brochure,
    1991.

    National Health and Welfare Department (Canada), Working Group on
    Electric and Magnetic ELF Fields, Electric and Magnetic Fields
    and Your Health: A Report, May 1989.

    New York State Power Lines Project, Scientific Advisory Panel,
    Biological Effects of Power Lines: Final Report, New York State
    Department of Health, New York, NY, July 1987.

    Ontario Hydro, Electric and Magnetic Fields and Human Health
    Research, brochure.

    Peters, J., "Childhood Leukemia and Exposure to Electricity",
    American Journal of Epidemiology, pp. 215-230, November 1991.

    Savitz, David A., Case-Control Study of Childhood Cancer and
    Residential Exposure to Electric and Magnetic Fields, Final
    Report to New York State Power Lines Project, 1987.

    Smith, Cyril W., & Simon Best, Electromagnetic Man: Health &
    Hazard in the Electrical Environment, J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd.,
    London, U.K., 344 pp., 1989.

    Sugarman, Ellen, WARNING: The Electricity Around You May Be
    Hazardous to Your Health - How to Protect Yourself from
    Electromagnetic Fields, A Fireside Book, Simon & Schuster, New
    York, 238 pp., 1992.

    Tomenius, L., "50-Hz Electromagnetic Environment and the
    Incidence of Childhood Cancers in Stockholm County",
    Bioelectromagnetics, 7, pp. 191-207, 1986.

    United States Congressional Office of Technology Assessment
    (OTA), Biological Effects of Power Frequency Electric and
    Magnetic Fields, report, June 19, 1989.

    United States Environmental Protection Agency, EMF In Your
    Environment, booklet, 1993.

    United States Environmental Protection Agency, Evaluation of the
    Potential Carcinogenicity of Electromagnetic Fields, External
    Review Draft, No. EPA/600/6-90/005B, October 1990.

    Wertheimer, Nancy, & Ed Leeper, "Electrical Wiring Configurations
    and Childhood Cancer", American Journal of Epidemiology, Vol.
    109(3), 273-284, 1979.

    Young, L.B., Power Over People, Oxford University Press, London,
    England, 1973.

    Organizations

    Bridlewood Residents Hydro Line Committee 23 Riding Way, Kanata,
    Ontario, K2M 1C3   (NATIONAL CAPITAL FREENET: ab190 - INTERNET:
    ab190@freenet.carleton.ca)

    Electric Power Research Institute (industry funded) 3412 Hillview
    Ave., P.O. Box 10412, Palo Alto CA, 94303, United States

    National EMR Alliance 16269 11 Mile Road, Battle Creek, MI,
    49017, United States

    Ontario Hydro, 700 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X6

         On May 16, 1992, the first National Conference on Citizen
    and Union Action was convened in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Co-
    sponsored by the Robert Carl Strom Foundation and the Michigan
    Safe Energy Fund and attended by over 100 individuals and
    representatives of local citizen action organizations and unions,
    the Conference was a resounding success. The Conference
    participants heard panels on the biological effects of
    electromagnetic radiation, on the efforts of citizens groups to
    oppose powerline construction and a panel on electromagnetic
    radiation (EMR) exposures at the workplace. In each of these
    panel discussions Conference participants were able to share
    valuable information about the ways in which electromagnetic
    radiation can be hazardous to our health and the tactics and
    strategies that have been successful in calling public attention
    to EMR's health hazards and in reducing, minimizing or
    eliminating exposure of living things to those hazards. At the
    end of the Conference, a motion was unanimously passed to create
    a National Alliance of local citizens groups in order to share
    resources, network on important local and national issues,
    publish a newsletter and call into being a national
    organizational form for accomplishing these goals.

         On Sunday, May 17, 1992, a group of individuals and
    representatives of citizens groups convened in order to discuss
    the tasks and steps to be taken to create this National Alliance.
    It was decided that Michael Withey, on behalf of the Robert Carl
    Strom Foundation, Cathy Smith on behalf of Michigan Safe Energy
    Project and Clare Fogelsong on behalf of the Neighbours Opposed
    to Powerline Encroachment were authorized to prepare this
    proposal for creating the National EMR Alliance. This document
    sets forth the political conception, principles of unity and
    proposed organizational structure for this National Alliance.

         In the past several years, health concerns about the hazards
    of electromagnetic radiation have risen dramatically. Numerous
    articles in both the scientific and popular literature have
    identified a clear and unmistakeable trend in scientific thought
    that identifies electromagnetic radiation at levels experienced
    by people in their homes and workplace as having hazardous
    potential to life. Research work done in the realm of
    epidemiology (including both residential and occupational
    studies), animal studies, biophysics, cell level research and
    cancer causation work have combined to produce a reputable body
    of scientific research which provides clear support for the
    hypothesis that electromagnetic radiation is hazardous to human
    health and can cause cancer. Articles in the popular literature,
    including the publication of Paul Brodeur's book, Currents of
    Death, his articles in The New Yorker, and Dr. Robert Becker's
    book, Cross Currents, together with numerous magazine and
    newspaper articles, have pointed out how many Americans who are
    exposed to electromagnetic radiation at home and at work have
    begun to take seriously the need to protect the public health.
    Reports of cancer clusters among utility workers, leukemia deaths
    of children living near powerlines, cancer clusters near
    substations, birth defects and adverse pregnancy outcomes by
    women working with VDTs, testicular and other cancers experienced
    by police officers who use radar, etc., have all heightened
    concerns that efforts be taken now to protect our children and
    ourselves from EMR.

         As a result of this wave of concern, numerous organizations
    on a local level have organized in order to protect themselves
    and their children from the adverse biological effects of
    electromagnetic radiation. These organizations include those
    local groups opposed to the construction of powerlines,
    transmission lines, substations and other sources of
    electromagnetic radiation in our homes, neighbourhoods and
    communities. This movement has included concerted action by
    unions and employees (including utility and telephone utility
    workers unions, VDT operators, police radar technicians, MRI
    technicians, etc.) to call for measures designed to assess these
    workers' exposure to electromagnetic radiation to determine
    whether excess cancer or disease effects have occurred and to
    require employers to provide medical monitoring for their
    employees.

         In addition, a number of public interest-minded attorneys
    associated with the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice ("TLPJ")
    Foundation have initiated precedent-setting lawsuits seeking
    compensation for the victims of electromagnetic radiation. One
    such TLPJ lawsuit, Strom v. Boeing, resulted in a favourable
    settlement out of which Bob Strom and his family created the
    Robert Carl Strom Foundation.

         These three trends in the scientific realm, the citizen
    action movement, and the public interest plaintiffs trial bar
    came together for the Ann Arbor conference. In response to these
    developing trends, the electric utility industry and
    manufacturers of products giving off electromagnetic radiation
    continue to deny the health hazards and biological effects of
    EMR. Claiming that the scientific evidence is "inconclusive" and
    the "jury is still out," some in the electric utility industry
    and product manufacturers have dragged their feet on taking steps
    to reduce, minimize or eliminate hazardous forms of EMR in our
    homes and workplace. Through the Electric Power Research
    Institute (EPRI), the electric utility industry has attempted to
    dominate the funding for bioeffects research and has sought to
    discredit or defund those researchers whose studies show a
    positive effect of electromagnetic radiation on biological
    systems. EPRI is heavily funded and is engaged in a national
    coordinated public relations campaign seeking to dissuade the
    public from health concerns about EMR.

         In recent years, a split has developed from within the
    electric utility industry on the EMR public health debate. A
    group of utilities have followed the lead of Granger Morgan of
    the Carnegie Mellon Institute, who authored an assessment of EMR
    for the Office of Technological Assessment of the U.S. Congress.
    Morgan calls for a utility policy of prudent avoidance, i.e., to
    take no or low cost steps to reduce exposure to EMR. He bases
    this policy on the medical evidence which, though "inconclusive"
    (in his view), warrants concern and further research. Morgan's
    call for prudent avoidance has been picked up by the more
    visionary utilities.

         Others in the industry are critical of prudent avoidance as
    a policy. Taking a "head in the sand" approach, these utilities
    refuse to admit there are any adverse health effects.

         We believe our approach must be to urge mitigation steps
    that go beyond a "no or low cost" approach. At the same time, we
    must be mindful of the differences of opinion within the electric
    utilities and encourage those who advocate prudent avoidance to
    increase their commitment to protecting the public health.

         On a local level, citizens and union groups are engaged in a
    wide variety of activities, most with little national
    coordination or exchange of information. Citizen action groups
    seeking to stop powerline construction have sprung up throughout
    the country, doing battle with their local utility at the Public
    Utility Commission hearings, city or county hearing boards,
    legislative bodies, and even through the initiative process.
    These groups have organized, raised funds, held informational
    meetings, provided testimony before administrative and
    legislative bodies, published newsletters and held press
    conferences. They have been opposed by powerful and well-heeled
    efforts by electric utilities and manufacturers. In many
    instances, these local citizen and union groups had to reinvent
    the wheel. Although important lessons have been learned and
    valuable victories have been won, these lessons and victories
    cannot easily be appropriated by other citizen and union groups
    around the country. Indeed, no national environmental or consumer
    organization has taken up the fight to rid our communities of the
    health hazards of electromagnetic radiation.

         It was the consensus at the Ann Arbor conference that a
    national alliance of citizen and union groups would play a vital
    role in enhancing communications amongst the grassroots
    organizations, providing a network for the exchange of
    information and resources, and conducting selective national
    campaigns at the crucial junctures in the common interest.

         Based on this historical background, the proposal was put
    forth and adopted to create a National Alliance with the
    following principles of unity:

         1. We believe that electromagnetic radiation can be
    hazardous to life, and constitutes a significant threat to the
    public health.

         2. We are in favour of local, regional and national efforts
    to reduce, mitigate and, where possible, eliminate hazardous
    exposures to electromagnetic radiation.

         3. To organize and coordinate these efforts, a national
    alliance of representatives of local citizen and union/workplace
    organizations is needed to exchange information, educate the
    public, and to conduct selective national campaigns.

         The National EMR Alliance plans to hold a founding
    convention in the fall of 1993.

    (Documents Dated: 93/10/12)

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