Wi-Fi and Health & Safety – A Precautionary Approach

Wi-Fi and your Health and Safety – A Precautionary Approach
I have been interested in the health implications of Wi-Fi for some time now and have already shared my concerns with many of you about the close proximity of your wireless routers in your work spaces. Recently the Greater Victoria School District has started the process of installing or upgrading Wi-Fi throughout schools in the district. It was suggested by one trustee that the District stop the further installation of Wi-Fi in schools and take a precautionary approach until there is enough evidence to prove that this technology is safe. Unfortunately this motion was defeated before it even came to a vote. Alternatively, trustees have created an Ad Hoc Committee to discuss community and parental concerns early in the new year. Suspect is the fact that the school district’s secretary treasurer, who seems to be pushing the Wi-Fi agenda, is also the chair of the Ad Hoc committee. In the meantime they’ll be continuing with their plans to install industrial strength Wi-Fi. This means children will be blanketed in a Wi-Fi signal for at least 6 hours a day for 13 years. I have alarm bells going off.  I have been investigating the safety of such a move and the more I look into this issue the more concerned I grow.  

This recent news clip is only one of many reporting on some of the concerns being raised. Two sites worth noting are www.safeschool.ca and www.citizensforsafetechnology.com

I am clearly passionate about technology, it’s my business, but essentially I believe that it’s our responsibility to take a precautionary approach where our children’s safety is concerned.  Surely there’s good reason other countries are taking Wi-Fi out of schools, limiting exposure and insurance companies no longer covering claims related to this technology.

As a business owner I must put the safety of my customers and their families first. Although not as convenient, there is another option, hard-wired – it’s both safe and secure. Many of you have switched to a wireless connection – you can switch off the wireless component using the software within the router. Let me know if you need a hand with this. 

Here is a list of some of the reasons I’ve found to be concerned:  

• CBC – The National: Wendy Mesley reports about how many insurance companies are not insuring cell phone manufacturers and wireless carriers, worried that this industry could turn out to be another health crisis like asbestos  More info here.
• Warnings from the Telecommunications Industry More info here.
• Countries in Europe are already starting to take Wi-Fi out of schools.  Switzerland is providing Fiber Optics for their schools. Already exposure rates and guidelines are significantly lower all around the world with the exception of Canada and the USA which is up to 1000x’s higher than many of these other countries.
• Israeli Knesset panel endorses plan to minimize electromagnetic radiation exposure in schools. More info here.
• The mayor of the second largest city in Calvados is going to remove the Wi-Fi network from local schools. More info here.   
• One Surrey BC school bans Wi-Fi and cell phones, stating it was not a major change to hard-wire computers. More info here.
• Evidence presented to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health from the Public Health Department, Salzburg, Austria. The official advice is to avoid using this technology in schools.  More info here.
• Parliament of Hesse (Germany) states that wired over wireless connection should be given preference wherever possible. In a decision from 22 March 2007 (br-online.de), the Bavarian parliament asked its schools to forego the use of wireless Internet networks such as Wi-Fi because of health concerns and instead to go back to wired network solutions. In an additional decision from 21 June 2007 (print copy 15/8409) on “Protecting Children at School from Radiation Exposures,” the state government was asked to inform the school authorities about the statements and recommendations of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection.  More info here.
• Lakehead University Wi-Fi Policy limits wireless connectivity based on the precautionary principle. More info here.
• We know that cell phone towers use the same technology and same frequency range as Wi-Fi yet there are guidelines in place which state the suggested “safe” distance in which cell phone towers may be in proximity of a school. Why would we install Wi-Fi technology directly inside a classroom?  
• Swisscom is the leading telecom provider in Switzerland and it devised a way to reduce the microwave radiation from Wi-Fi (also known as WLAN or wireless local area network). In its patent application, Swisscom clearly states the elevated risk of cancer and genetic damage from the constant low-level microwave/RF exposure from Wi-Fi.  More info here .
• There are no current studies on short or long-term effects of Wi-Fi on children as such studies are considered unethical, yet implementing Wi-Fi in schools is essentially exposing children to an ongoing experiment without parental consent.
• Health Canada’s Code 6 guidelines were written for microwave ovens in the 1970’s.  Basically Code 6 states that if the microwaves do not heat your skin in 6 minutes or begin to cook you, then they are not harmful. This code was designed well before the use of cell phones or Wi-Fi routers and certainly before anyone thought to put them into schools.  The “safe” label was allowed to be dangerously high to also allow the use of military technology and not to be used in a school setting where there are developing children and young adults. For more information click here.
• In the 1999-2009 version of Safety Code 6 it warns about the health problems some people will experience: “Certain members of the general public may be more susceptible to harm from microwave exposure. Wi-Fi should never be used in public schools because some children will be more harmed than others suffering headaches, nausea, radically altered heart rates, rashes and weakness.” This warning from page 11 has been erased from the Safety Code in October of 2009.  The latest specification for Wi-Fi, the 802.11N protocol was also introduced in October 2009, and uses multiple frequencies and multiple antennas to increase the transmission speeds and data rates. It would seem to me that this would further increase the concerns and the warning noted above and should be more prominent, not removed from the Safety Code.
• The Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Kendall, states that the use of Wi-Fi is indeed safe yet recently has written to the Ministry of Education, providing a list of ways to reduce exposure. Click to download and view the Letter Re: Wi-Fi in Schools Nov 2010.
• The Parliamentary HESA committee is in the process of meetings to address this issue where many concerns and questions are presently being raised. HESA Wi-Fi Hearing Oct 28 2010. More info here.  
• A sales campaign called the “21st Century Learner” is putting microwave transmitters into classrooms across Canada. The sales job is so successful the systems are being bought by countless schools which already have safe cable internet connection. It all began in 2002 with a group of technology companies were dreaming up how to sell their products to schools. Below is a link to the sales team — the corporations who came up with the “21st Century Learner” campaign that was soon disguised as an “education” campaign. Many school boards have been fooled. Click here to read more.

What can you do?

1. As parents and members of the community you can get the discussion started with your local school Parent Advisory Committees. Ask at your school how to contact the PAC or attend their next meeting. You can find PAC information on your school districts website or local school’s website.
2. You can write to the Minister of Education and the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Kendall and express your concerns.
   • Minister of Education – Mary MacDiarmid minister.educ@gov.bc.ca
   • Office of the Provincial Health Officer – 4^th Floor, 1515 Blanshard Street, Victoria BC V8W 3C8 Phone: (250) 952-1330 Fax: (250) 952-1362 Perry.Kendall@gov.gc.ca
3. You can write to the trustees in your school District.
   • Greater Victoria School District: trustees@sd61.bc.ca
   • Sooke School District: http://www.sd62.bc.ca/AboutSSD/Trustees.aspx (individual email addresses provided)
   • Saanich School District: sbo_board@sd63.bc.ca
4. Attend SD 61’s public meetings of the Wi-Fi Ad Hoc Committee. If you’d like to present be sure to note the January 10^th deadline for submissions and presentation guidelines. The meeting dates are January 24^th, 31^st and February 28^th from 5-7 pm. For further information go to: http://www.sd61.bc.ca/wifi.aspx **Although this issue isn’t isolated to The Greater Victoria School District 61 they are the only District that has  created an Ad Hoc meeting to discuss this.**
5. Turn off Wi-Fi in your own home.

Again, I want to be clear, I’m not against the technology. I just want it to be safe. By taking a precautionary approach and working together through reading reliable information, not studies financed by industry, and educating ourselves on alternatives to Wi-Fi we can reduce potential risks to our children until we know with certainty that the technology is safe. SD61’s Mission statement declares that it “…is committed to each student’s success in learning within a responsive and safe environment.”

A Successful Launch

A Successful Launch For the Swift Kick Online Backup Program at Organic Islands Festival

Last weekend was the launch of the Swift Kick Computers Online Backup Program while we were at the Organic Islands Festival. It was a great success. Our table was hopping with questions and interest in our NEW Swift Kick Online Backup system; it provides off site backup security for all your computer files, ensuring that if anything happens to your home or business, if your computer or laptop is stolen, lost or damaged, your data is safely and easily retrievable. I was explaining this to someone at the festival and they responded, “All hard drives fail 100% of the time—it’s just a matter of when.”

A few of the features include automatic backup on a schedule that works for you; backup of an unlimited number of computers and powerful recovery options as well as global access to your files from anywhere you have a computer and internet access.

Swift Kick Online Backup is an essential service. I can’t count how many times I’ve had calls from customers reporting their computers won’t start up, only to find that they’re hard drive has failed. No one likes to make that dread call to explain the situation and then ask the dreaded question, “Do you have everything backed up?” I usually get a long pause followed by a quiet “No.” Photos, emails, documents, tax returns, music and videos can easily disappear if not backed up. Depending on the state of the dead hard drive, some data can be retrieved but it’s a costly and time-consuming affair. A good back up plan would alleviate this scenario.

External hard drives can fail too, even for computer techs. Having seen this happen too many times, it prompted me to seek out a more secure, robust and safe option that would suit the needs of everyone. The good news is that I’m glad to say that I have found an affordable option that is just that.

Although there wasn’t near enough time to get around to all the exhibits myself I did talk to several and enjoyed a couple of the forums. My family discovered several new vendors we’d not met before and new ways to continue to reduce our household and business footprint.

Now for some more news…

We offered several contests before and during the festival this year. Leading up to the festival we gave away 2 free tickets.  At the festival we had a draw for 3 GB Swift Kick Computers Online Backup and a $50 Swift Kick Computers On-site service call.

Congratulations to all three winners!

Thanks to all who stopped by, it was good to meet you and see good to see some familiar faces. And don’t forget to call if we can help you with your backup plan, or any other computer issue that you might have.

Looking for a sustainable business banner?

Looking for a sustainably made company banner or t-shirts to represent your business, but having trouble finding a print studio up for the challenge? Green Print Studio is a cutting-edge local company committed to green practices.

Unlike most printers, Green Print Studio’s uses 100% solvent-free processing products, PVC and phthalate-free textile inks, and ethically sourced sustainable garments. When seeking a Swift Kick banner for exhibiting that wouldn’t use toxic materials Green Print Studio’s was the first place I looked; their services include screen printing, artisan sign creation, and logo creation and branding.

Green Print Studio’s commitment to sustainability means they only buy from manufacturers that share an equal commitment to our environment. Their signature Little Inkers clothing line creates garments for infants and children made from organic cotton and bamboo. For promoting your business, Green Print Studio’s also offers a wide range of organic cotton, hemp, soy and bamboo garment blanks including tee shirts, hats, hoodies, bags, sportswear, onezees and infant caps – all from reputable sweatshop-free suppliers. Not limited to environmentally conscious garment printing, they also print a large variety of other media. Contact them to find out more. Always innovative, one new initiative is their computerized waste water system ensuring that all water used in the processing of screens can be contained, cleaned and reused in the garden.

Organic Islands Festival 2008 Interview & Past Exhibits

A-Channel News interviews Swift Kick Computers for the Organic Islands Festival 2008.

Organic Festival 2008 Booth

Organic Festival 2009 Booth

Organic Islands Festival 2010

Come join us at Organic Islands Festival this year. This will be Swift Kick’s 3^rd year as an exhibitor – and every year it just gets better. Remember to stop by our booth and ask us about our local, award winning ParetoLogic Anti-virus program and our NEW Swift  Kick Online Back Up. During your visit, be sure to enter our draw for 3 GB of Swift Kick Online Back Up or a $50 Swift Kick Computers On-Site Service gift certificate.

This year’s Festival is jam-packed with activities that will help you find new ways to live green and buy local. Imagine the possibilities:

• organic gardening and local farms
• 40+ booths sampling great food and beverages
• hip eco-fashion
• fair trade coffee, tea, and even organic potato vodka served in the Green Drinkery!
• Test drive a $1 million Fuel Cell demonstration vehicle
• win a smart car rental
• find out how to convert your vehicle to bio diesel
• take a look at the new Nissan Cube car.

This is a great time to do your Christmas shopping. My wife usually accomplishes her entire holiday shopping list at the festival and cleverly avoids the mad rush in December.

You can check out the full list of exhibitors and event program online.

There will be forums on raw foods, green homes & building, and sustainable transportation as well as a launch party with author Carolyn Herriot signing copies of her new book “The Zero Mile Diet” Our pre-ordered book just arrived in the mail and I’ve been hesitant to start reading it as I know there will be many good ideas to try to implement. My wife didn’t wait and she already has a “honey-do” list started. The book is chock-a-block full of pictures, recipes and other good ideas.
Enter the Sustainability Expo Challenge and learn how to Green your home, body and spirit with local products, services and tips from exhibitors and experts.

Join in the fun at the main stage with musicians, including,

• Old Time Fiddle Kids
• Hannah Georgas
• Karly Summers
• T. Nile
• Shane Philip
• and The Sirens

I have just seen Shane Philip this weekend; he has the most unique sound that I have heard in a while. His one man band with an original mix of acoustic guitar, drums and didgeridoo grabbed me and I was taken aback by his approach to what music can sound like.

WIN 2 ORGANIC ISLANDS FESTIVAL TICKETS by leaving a comment at the end of this blog post sharing your green living tips and/or what you’re looking forward to learning more about at the festival this year. All responses will be entered into a draw and the winner contacted by email on July 8^th.

Here are the necessary details…

ORGANIC ISLANDS FESTIVAL & SUSTAINABILITY EXPO
July 10 & 11, 2010 ~ Victoria, BC

150 Exhibits, 20 Speakers, Entertainment, 10 Acres of Garden Trails.

Live Green. Shop Local. We’ll show you how!

The sixth annual gathering of the best in green on Vancouver Island. Discover 150 leading green businesses, visionaries and activists at Canada’s largest outdoor environmental expo. Join in the celebration of what’s working in our communities for people, business and the environment. Take up the Sustainability Expo’s challenge to “Engage the Change” in your life.
Shop for local, natural, inspiring, hip products and services at the festival’s unique eco-marketplace featuring sustainable solutions for your home, garden, body and soul.

Glendale Gardens and Woodland, 505 Quayle Road (just past
Camosun/Interurban), Victoria, BC.

Advance Tickets until July 9th  – save up to $3 each! Advance: $10 adults $7.50 senior/youth.

Gate: $12.75 adults, $10.25 senior/youth. (plus tax).

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED!! Contact Sonya – volunteering@OrganicIslands.ca

150 exhibits ~ Solar Powered ~ Near Zero Waste ~ Green Shopping

Bike Parking $1 and/or Vehicle Parking $2

For more lots more information go to their website.



How Swift Kick began…

I started my computer business after my wife gave me a friendly “swift kick” to combine my passion, working with computers, and self employment. I was almost there already, she just gave me that nudge I needed to get started.

For many years, before being eco-friendly became fashionable, I was always trying to find ways to reduce my own environmental footprint. When my wife and I first met I was reorganizing her garbage, sorting out the recycling and she gave my diet an organic and whole food makeover. Together our combined commitment to the environment has changed our lives and is our gift to our children. My commitment to environment is not just a business strategy but a way of life. Let’s face it; green computing is still a challenge. There have been improvements, such as the “RoHS-compliant” requirements, more energy-efficient computers, the creation of stand-by, etc but the computer business still has a long way to go. It’s been my goal to challenge myself to find as many ways possible to reduce this impact on the environment. When I first began my business the amount of fossil fuels I was using to service my customers increasingly worried me. After exploring many options I initially used a scooter to get around town but as you can imagine the rainy weather here plus kids made this lower impact option a less than family/weather friendly solution. I had been reading about a BC company converting diesel vehicles to run on used veggie oil. This became my obsession until I finally converted an older Jetta diesel in 2007. This has served me well but sadly the car is nearing the end of its life now that it has passed 390,000 km. I am now searching for an older Mercedes-Benz diesel for my next conversion. From time to time, in the warm weather, I borrow my wife’s electric bike to get to customers in the surrounding neighbourhoods. If you’re looking for one of these to zip around with the Ezee Torq is one of the best electric bikes to meet our hilly city. Ideally my next vehicle would be an all-electric car. The addiction to oil with the auto industry has pushed back the date for an all-electric car further and further into the future. Oh but wait, there was one in the 80’s, but I don’t want to go off on a rant just yet.

Reducing my transportation “footprint” was my biggest concern but not my only concern. I’ve since added a number of new initiatives such as a clean, green work environment including non-toxic white board pens, a successful zero waste initiative, computer and related parts recycling and office materials that are supportive of the environment. I’ll blog about some of these topics in the near future.

My commitment to the “support local” movement started with food. My wife and I had read The Hundred Mile Diet and The Omnivore’s Dilemma and decided to take up the challenge of local eating for a summer…and longer if we could manage it. We did pretty well and because we ate mostly whole foods already didn’t find it a huge adjustment. Over time this challenge too has simply become a way of life and the result of a lot a good home cooked meals. At about this time the idea of growing my own grains started to be a serious interest as I thought that grinding wheat before making fresh bread was a good start, but to grow the wheat, grind it and then bake with it would be the ultimate in a closed loop, sustainable food cycle. That combined with the Mega Wal-Mart plans that were in the works further grounded my belief in supporting local businesses. I knew that building strong, sustainable communities wasn’t just based on supporting businesses but also supporting community programs and the people living in the community. It was then that I started donating to community programs through fundraisers, etc, as well as rebuilding and donating computers in the community, to charity groups and individuals in need.

My goal is always to reduce customer stress and frustration, increase efficiency and save them time & money while minimizing their environmental footprint. I’ll never be a salesman, so I always tell the customer what’s actually needed and not try to sell unneeded products or services. I feel good knowing that I’m able to help so many while still minimizing the environmental impact of running a business and the maintenance of customer’s computers.