Petitioning for our right to choose a Wi-Fi free school environment for our children

Thank you for your interest in learning more about WiFi in schools. We would very much appreciate your signature and support.  

In May 2011 the World Health Organization classified wireless devices such as WiFi as Class 2B Carcinogens. Other Class 2B Carcinogens include lead, the pesticide DDT, and engine exhaust.

Unfortunately school boards across Alberta are mandating that WiFi will be installed in 100% of their sites and parents have not been given Freedom Of Choice should they not want their child/children exposed to WiFi. Alberta school boards are providing no options for WiFi free sites. Most school sites utilize WiFi that is emitting microwave pulsed radiation during the entire school day.

The Saanich School District of Greater Victoria has made it policy that no elementary school should utilize WiFi but rather choose wired computer connections. In junior high schools, only 25% of the school will have WiFi coverage.

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA), representing 45,000 teachers, states that current testing done to measure the impact of radiation from wireless networks is usually based on the transmitter’s beacon signal only and does not consider the impact of having numerous wireless devices on at the same time. The OECTA recommendations to reduce potential health risks from increasing radiation exposure include; continued use of wired technology, adding to already existing wired networks as needed, using powerline HD Ethernet Adapters, and building new schools with a fully wired Ethernet infrastructure.

On May 27, 2011, the Council of Europe issued a resolution stating, that for children in general, and particularly in schools and classrooms, preference should be given to wired internet connections. The council is made of 47 countries representing approximately 800 millions citizens.

We are particularly concerned about young children since they are particularly vulnerable to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields such as WiFi. Children have thinner skulls, fast growing bodies, more conductive brain tissue and absorb two times more radiation than adults. (Ghandi et al.2011)

Higher exposure levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields has shown to increase the risk for cancerous tumors. Please see the World Health Organization news release May 31, 2011. Lower exposure levels to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields over a long period of time (the duration of a child's school years) has never been tested.

Science (over 6000 studies) is showing that effects can occur at very low intensities in adults and lab animals. Studies worldwide have shown; DNA mutations, brain tumors and reproductive damage. 

Germany and Switzerland have recommended that wired computer connections should be given preference in schools. France has removed WiFi from many schools and public libraries due to potential health risks. The UK teachers union and the Austrian Medical Association are calling for a ban on WiFi use in schools.  

Alberta school boards continue to ignore international safety guidelines and recommendations, claiming that their radiation levels are well below Health Canada's Safety Code 6. It is important to note that Safety Code 6 was developed by analyzing a 6 foot 2 inch 200 pound fluid filled plastic model for thermal changes not for changes that occur at a cellular level.

We are petitioning to protect our children's right to a safe school environment. Thank you so much for supporting us.