The Reykjavik Appeal

Children, Screen Time and Microwave Radiation in Schools

The Reykjavik appeal was written by Professor Lennart Hardell MD, PhD, research professor and oncologist and his team at Örebro University Hospital in Sweden.  The appeal was written for a conference held in Reykjavik on February 24th. 2017 by the Association of parents of preschool children in Reykjavik, Iceland where Professor Lennart Hardell was one of the speakers.

The conference subject was children, screen time and microwave radiation and its adverse health affects and is thought to have been the first of its kind in the world.

To view speakers presentations you can visit our Youtube channel: click here.

Reykjavik Appeal on wireless technology in schools

We, the signers, are concerned about our children’s health and development in schools with wireless technology for teaching. A vast amount of scientific studies have shown considerable medical risks with long-term exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation (RFR) from wireless devices and networks well below the recommended reference levels from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). We ask the authorities to take their responsibility for our children’s future health and wellbeing.

In May 2011 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at WHO classified RFR as a Group 2B carcinogen, i.e., ‘possibly’ carcinogenic to humans. Since then more scientific studies on exposure to RFR in humans, animals and biological material have strengthened the association of an increased risk for cancer, especially brain tumors. Several laboratory studies have shown mechanistic effects in carcinogenesis such as oxidative stress, down regulation of mRNA and DNA damage with single strand breaks. The IARC cancer classification includes all sources of RFR. The exposure from mobile phone base stations, Wi- Fi access points, smart phones, laptops and tablets can be long-term, sometimes around the clock, both at home and at school. For children this risk may be accentuated because of a cumulative effect during a long lifetime use. Developing and immature cells can also be more sensitive to exposure to RFR. Based on scientific studies no safe level of this radiation has been established and therefore we have no safety assurances.

Besides the cancer risk, RFR may also affect the blood-brain barrier to open and let toxic molecules into the brain, hurt neurons in hippocampus (the brain centre for memory), down or up regulate essential proteins in the brain engaged in the brain’s metabolism, stress response and neuro-protection and affect neurotransmitters. Sperms exposed to Wi-Fi have been seen with more head defects and DNA damage. RFR can increase oxidative stress in cells and lead to increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lower capacity to repair DNA single and double strand breaks.

Cognitive impairments in learning and memory have also been shown. Results from the OECD’s PISA performance surveys in reading and mathematics show decreasing results in countries that have invested most in introducing computers in school. Multitasking, too many hours in front of a screen, less time for social contacts and physical activities with risk for aches in neck and back, overweight, sleep problems, and information technology (IT)- addiction are some of the known risks and side effects of IT. They stand in marked contrast to the often claimed, but largely unproven possible benefits.

We ask the school authorities in all countries to acquire knowledge about the potential risks of RFR for growing and developing children. Supporting wired educational technologies is a safer solution than potentially hazardous exposures from wireless radiation. We ask you to follow the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle and Council of Europe Resolution 1815 to take all reasonable measures to reduce exposure to RFR.

Students should not be allowed to use cell phones in schools. They can either leave them at home or the teacher collects them in turned off mode before first lesson in the morning.

Children, Screen time and Wireless Radiation – International Conference Reykjavik February 24., 2017

Signed by

Lennart Hardell, MD, PhD (speaker)
Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health,
Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
E-mail: lennart.hardell@regionorebrolan.se

Cris Rowan, BScOT, BScBi, SIPT (speaker)
CEO Zone’in Programs Inc. and Sunshine Coast Occupational Therapy Services Inc.
6840 Seaview Rd, Sechelt, BC Canada V0N3A4

Tarmo Koppel, PhD candidate (speaker)
Department of Labour Environment and Safety
Tallinn University of Technology,
SCO351 Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
E-mail: tarmo.koppel@ttu.ee

Iceland
Sveinn S. Kjartansson, Formaður, Félag foreldra leikskólabarna, Chairman, Association of parents of preschool children in Reykjavik, Island
Valdemar Gisli Valdemarsson, Electronic technician/manager, Island

Sweden
Lena Hedendahl, MD, Independent Environment and Health Research Luleå, Sweden
Michael Carlberg, MSc, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden
Mikko Ahonen, PhD, Sweden
Adamantia Fragopoulou, PhD, Department of Neuroscience, KI, (Karolinska Institute), Sweden
Olle Johansson, PhD, Department of Neuroscience, KI, Sweden
Johan Wilhelmson, MD, Sweden
Ulrika Åberg, MD, Sweden
Gabriella Ahlgren, Chairman, Vågbrytaren, Against insanitary electromagnetic radiation, Sweden
Gunilla Ladberg, PhD, Vågbrytaren, Sweden
Marianne Ketti, Chairwoman, FEB Sweden (The Swedish Association for the ElectroHyperSensitive)
Per Segerbäck, Scientific Advisor, FEB Sweden
Mona Nilsson, Chairman, Swedish Radiation Protection Foundation, Sweden
Bertil Arting, Teacher (former), Sweden
Kristina Arting, Teacher (former), Sweden
Linda Niewenhuizen, Teacher, Sweden
Gertrud Öjbrandt, Teacher (former), Sweden

Finland
Marjukka Hagström, Senior Specialist, LL.M., M.Soc.Sc., Finland
Rainer Nyberg, EdD, Professor emeritus, Finland

Norway
Solveig Glomsrød, Chairman, Association of electro-hypersensitive, Norway
Sissel Halmøy, Chair, International EMF Alliance, Norway
Thomas Middelthon, Chairman, Citizens ́ Radiation Protection, Norway

Austria
Gerd Oberfeld, MD, Public Health Dept. Salzburg Government, Austria
Thomas Szekeres, a.o. Univ.-Prof. Dr. President of the Viennese medical chamber, Austria
Piero Lercher, MD, Consultant for environmental medicine in the Viennese medical chamber, Austria

Belgium
Ernesto Burgio, MD, Pediatrician, ECERI, European Cancer and Environment Research Institute Bruxelles, Belgium
Dominique Belpomme, MD, MS, Professor, Oncology, Paris University Hospital, France, and European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), Brussels, Belgium.
Christine Campagnac, Hospital Director, seconded from Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France; and ECERI, Brussels, Belgium

Cyprus
Stella Canna Michaelidou, Dr, President of the National Committee on Environment and Children’s Health, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Alexia Sakadaki, Organizing Manager, Cyprus Greens – Citizens’ Cooperation, Cyprus

France
Philippe Irigaray, PhD, ARTAC, Paris, France
Etienne Cendrier, Spokesman for Robin des Toits, France
Janine Le Calvez, Chairman of the French NGO, Priartem, France
Sophie Pelletier, Collectif des Electrosensibles de France, France

Germany
Franz Adlkofer, Professor, Germany
Peter Hensinger, M.A., diagnose:funk, German consumer-rights organization, Germany
Markus Kern, Dr. med., Kempten, Germany
Peter Ohnsorge, Dr. Med., European Academy for Environmental Medicine, Member of the Board, Wuerzburg, Germany

Greece
Theodore Metsis, PhD, Electrical-Mechanical-Environmental Engineer-Consultant, Athens, Greece
Stelios A Zinelis, MD, BA, Hellenic Cancer Society of Kefallonia and Ithaki, Greece

Italy
Fiorella Belpoggi, Dr, Director, Research Department, Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center, Ramazzini Institute, Bologna, Italy
Dott. Morando Soffritti, Presidente Onorario, Istituto Ramazzini e Segretario Generale, Collegium Ramazzini, Bologna, Italy

Russia
Oleg A. Grigoriev, DrSc., PhD, Head of the Scientific Department of Non-Ionizing Radiation, Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia.
Yury G. Grigoriev, Professor, M. Dr Sci. President, Russian National Committee on Non- Ionizing Radiation Protection, Moscow, Russia

Spain
Enrique A. Navarro, Professor, Universitat de València, Spain
Pedro Belmonte, Area of electromagnetic pollution of Ecologistas en Acción, Spain
Julio Carmona, Coordination PECCEM (Spanish Citizen Platform Against Electromagnetic Pollution), Spain.
Minerva Palomar, President of Electro and Chemical Sensitive for the Right to Health, Spain

Slovak Republic
Igor Belyaev, Dr. Sc. Cancer Research Institute, BMC SAS, Slovak Republic

United Kingdom
David Gee, Visiting Fellow, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University, UK
Paula Healy, MSc., (neuroscience), UK
Erica Mallery-Blythe, MD, BMBS (Soton), PHIRE Medical (Physicians’ Health Initiative for Radiation and Environment), UK
Alasdair Philips, BSc, DAgE, Director of Powerwatch (UK NGO), UK
Sarah Starkey, PhD, Independent Neuroscience and Environmental Health Research, UK
Michael Bevington, Electrosensitivity UK, United Kingdom
Eileen O’Connor, Director, EM Radiation Research Trust, and PHIRE, Board Member International EMF Alliance, UK
Nicola Kingsley, School secretary (retired). UK
Gabriel Millar, Teacher, activist organizer of 6 public meetings on the subject of wireless radiation in Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK

Israel
Gadi Lissak, Dr, Behavioral medicine psychologist, Israel
Yael Stein, Dr, MD, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
Iris Atzmon, MPH, Author, Israel.

Brazil
Alvaro Augusto de Salles, PhD, Professor, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Colombia
Carlos Sosa, MD, Medellin, Colombia

Canada
Daniel Berman, MSW, Vancouver, Washington, Board Member, Wireless Education Action, Canada
Anthony B. Miller, MD, FRCP, Professor Emeritus, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
Heather Dawn Gingerich, MSc, International Medical Geology Association and AAAS Science & Human Rights Coalition, Canada
Melissa Chalmers, Director, Electromagnetic Pollution Illnesses Canada Foundation (EPIC), Canada
Janis Hoffmann, Parents for Safe Schools, Canada
Jean Hudon, Co-founder, Quebec’s Coalition Against Electromagnetic Pollution , Quebec, Canada
Lucie Montpetit, Occupational therapist with EHS, ME and FM patients, Canada
Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters, Director, Citizens for Safe Technology, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Barbara Payne, Director’ Electromagnetic Pollution Illnesses Canada Foundation (EPIC), Canada
Marcus & Benita Schluschen, Canadians for Safe Technology, British Columbia, Canada
Pedro Gregorio, M.Eng, Canada
Vladimir Gagachev, P.Eng., Electrical Engineer, Canada
Petrina Gregson, B of Mus, MA, Retired teacher, Clearwater, BC, Canada
Sheila Pratt, BA, Retired teacher, Canada
Cathy Veris, Community Mediation Coordinator, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Shelley Wright, Teacher, Canada

USA
David O. Carpenter, MD, Director, Institute for Health and the Environment. A Collaborating Centre of the World Health Organization, University at Albany, NY, USA
Scott Eberle, MD, Medical Director, Hospice of Petaluma, CA, USA
Dan O. Harper, MD, Solana Beach, CA, USA
James Huff, PhD, Guest Researcher, Formerly, Associate Director for Chemical Carcinogenesis, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina , USA
Peter F. Infante, D.D.S, Dr.P.H., F.A.C.E. USA
Toril Jelter, MD, MDI Wellness Center in Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Elizabeth Kelley, MA, Former Managing Director, International Electromagnetic Safety Alliance, USA
Ann Yeawon Lee, MD, USA
L. Lloyd Morgan, Senior Research Fellow, Environmental Health Trust, USA
Ronald M. Powell, PhD, USA
Camilla Rees, MBA, ElectromagneticHealth.org., USA
Cindy Sage, MA, Sage Associates, Co-Editor, BioInitiative Reports, USA
Theodora Scarato, MSW, Environmental Health Trust, USA
Barry Castleman, ScD, Environmental Consultant, USA
Mary Beth Brangan, Ecological Options Network, USA
Patricia Burke, HaltMAsmartmeters.org., USA
Galilee Carlisle, M.Ed., Heads Up! for Public Health’ Chehalis, WA, USA
Elizabeth Doonan, Maryland for Safe Technology, USA
Cecelia Doucette, Technology Safety Educator, USA
Lee Emerson, President, Lee F. Emerson & Associates Inc., Mill Spring, NC, USA
Arthur Firstenberg, President, Cellular Phone Task Force, Santa Fe, NM. USA
Diane Hickey, Co-founder, National Association For Children and Safe Technology, USA
Desiree Jaworski, Executive Director, Center for Safer Wireless, USA
Ellie Marks, Director, California Brain Tumor Association, San Francisco, CA, USA
Sandi Maurer, Director, EMF Safety Network, USA
Sam Parish, Forensic Engineer, Providence, RI, USA
Katie Singer, Author, An Electronic Silent Spring, EMRadiation Policy Institute, USA
Angela Tsiang, Engineer, USA
Gary Vesperman, Clean Energy Inventions, Boulder City, Nevada, USA
Dianne Wilkins, Paralegal, Maine, USA
Mary Anne Tierney, RN, MPH, Fairview, NC USA

Australia
Don Maisch, PhD, Member of the Australasian Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association (ORSAA), Australia
Steven Weller, B.Sc., Australia
Karen Adler, EHS group network, Sydney, Australia
Linda Jones, Stop Smart Meters Australia, Victoria, Australia
Greg Jones, Stop Smart Meters Australia, Victoria, Australia
Lyn McLean, Director, EMR Australia PL
Sarah Benson, Retired teacher, Australia

Additional signers after the conference

Germany
Jan Gerhard, MD, Peditrician, Youth-Psychiatrist, Bünsdorf, Germany
Dietrich Moldan, Dr, Moldan Umweltanalytik, Iphofen, GermanyClaus Scheingraber, Dr. med dent., Chairman German Working Group Electro-Biology, GermanySonja Tamm, Baubiologin IBN, Germany
Ortwin Zais, Dr, Managing Chairman, EUROPAEM e.V. European Academyfor Environmental Medicine e.V. Germany

Italy
Sparer Armin, Fach. Ing., Bozen, Italy

Netherlands
Peter van der Vleuten, Stichting Kennisplatform Elektromagnetische Straling and Brainport Biotech Solutions BV, The Netherlands

Switzerland
Peter Schlegel, M.Sc., Esslingen, Switzerland
Markus Lauener, Präsident (chairman), Dachverband Elektrosmog Schweiz und Liechtenstein (Swiss Umbrella Organization for EMF protection), Switzerland

Argentina
Liliana Palancio, Presidente Asociación Civil Aletheia por la vida Personería Juridica. Buenos Aire, Argentina.

Canada
Paul Héroux, PhD, Occupational Health Program Director, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University Medicine, Montreal, Canada
Martin Weatherall, Co-Director WEEP Initiative, Canada

Appendix for further reading

References

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BioInitiative Working Group: BioInitiative 2012. A Rationale for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Fields (ELF and RF). Sage C and Carpenter DO (eds.). Bioinitiative, 2012. Available online: http://www.bioinitiative.org/table-of-contents/

Buchner K and Eger H: Changes of clinically important neurotransmitters under the influence of modulated RF fields—A long-term study under real-life conditions [Original study in German].
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