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More than 46 million smart meters have been installed in the U.S., according to a report from the Edison Foundation, with more than 40 percent of American households now having a smart meter. The penetration of digital two-way devices means that there are more than 1 billion data points being collected daily (if hourly data is collected), and likely more. “The era of pilots is a distant memory," declare the report authors.

Twelve leading public health and consumer groups are calling on the U.S. government to review the current outdated and inadequate wireless safety standards to better protect both young people and adults from electromagnetic field exposures (EMF) from devices like cell phones, cordless phones, WiFi and other wireless technologies. Public health organizations are demanding that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) update its radiation standards to reflect current patterns of use and provide consumers with information about potential radiation exposure from cell phones and networks and that information at the point of sale of cell phones and similar devices be provided.

Illa Garcia wore jewelry the first day she went back to work as a fire lookout for the state of California in the summer of 2002. The intense radiation from dozens of RF/microwave antennas surrounding the lookout heated the metals on her body enough to burn her skin. "I still have those scars," she says. "I never wore jewelry to work after that."

This is one of the best examples of TV news coverage on wireless risks for children. The reporter interviews a local medical doctor and explains practical ways to reduce exposure. The reporter cites the World Health Organization's recent classification of electromagnetic radiation as a class 2B carcinogen, just like lead, engine exhaust, and chloroform. The newscasters also recognized that our kids are at risk on wireless iPads in school.

In this 2 minute video, Dr. Blank briefly describes the cellular effects of electromagnetic radiation. "Electromagnetic fields interact with biological tissue because biological tissue is made of up charged particles, and we have show in our lab in our study of the responses of various enzymes that they respond to electromagnetic energy, and the electrons can be made to move differently [under the influence of electromagnetic fields] than they would normally."

This past year, 12-year-old Jaden attended Grade 6 at Happy Valley Elementary School, while his 14-year-old brother spent the year being home-schooled. These different approaches to schooling the two boys were a product of necessity, not choice. Both boys are electrosensitive. Jaden was lucky enough to be attending a school that had minimal wi-fi and none near his classroom. Evan was not. And the Sooke school district on southern Vancouver Island has, to date, been unwilling to accommodate electrosensitive students. 

This video demonstrates the dirty power that is all around us as we go about our lives. Tristan Vasquez tours the city of Seoul, South Korea, documenting Graham-Stetzer Microsurge Meter readings at different subway stations and elsewhere. 

Michael McMahan, vice president of ComEd's Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation, told about 50 residents Sept. 10 it is not in the best interest of residents to decline smart meters, but those with such requests will be put on a delay list for now. “It’s an open question for now,” he said. “Charges may apply in the future.” A representative of the Citizens Utility Board, a consumer advocacy group, said the organization seeks to verify any such charge reflects actual costs and would not be punitive.

City residents packed the council chambers earlier this week to make clear to municipal officials that they don’t want “smart” electric and water meters. “I would like to say I am opposed to the smart meter program, and I want it stopped,” resident Linda Crane said during the public comment period at the Tuesday City Council meeting. “I think it should be stopped and even rolled back.”

A group of residents from across metro Detroit has implored Canton officials to adopt a resolution seeking a moratorium on DTE Energy smart meters, alleging they pose health threats, invade privacy and could usher in higher electricity costs.