Customer Reviews

Public Health SOS: The Shadow Side Of The Wireless Revolution

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the most important books on public health in recent years. The authors make a very clear case that the cart was placed before the horse when it comes to mobile phone safety.
After some very alarming quotes from a collection of well known scientists, authors and researchers, along with some background on electromagnetic radiation, the book delves into 110 questions concerning electromagnetic pollution. The 70-page Q and A session covers a massive amount of ground, from the political wranglings that removed the ability of state and local governments to challenge placement of wireless masts (towers), to the pseudoscience of so-called cell phone "protection" devices. There are lots of practical tips on reducing EMF exposure, recommended ways on measuring EMF and a host of resources for further information.
The time for environmental groups to get on board with this is NOW...there is recent research showing that EMF has profound influences on wildlife and may be playing a role in the disappearance of our bats, bees, fire flies, house sparrows and other species. Rome is burning...large organizations that claim to care about animals, wildlife and the environment should read this book.
Ultimately the book is a manifesto for change, a way to empower and educate. It takes a very complex topic and makes it understandable.

We are all being profoundly affected by pervasive and growing electromagnetic pollution in our environment and we must begin to be educated to forestall a public health crisis. Reese and Havas have pulled together the most essential information about a difficult topic in a readable, understandable format. I have been following this issue for a number of years and have not come across anything so comprehensive, informative, and authoritative in scope. It is a brilliant work that not only dissects the problem for all of us; those already suffering the debilitating health affects, and those who are next in line, whether you are a citizen, a health worker, a teacher, a parent, a journalist, a government official, etc., but provides clear direction and precise instructions about what we must do to protect ourselves and turn the tide on both a personal and political level.

For those who are concerned about the spread of electromagnetic radiation-emitting technologies; for those who have been wondering at the protests against them in Europe or the manifestos of warning by international scientists and governments; for those whose health has already been affected; for those who are concerned about the loss of sovereignty or democracy over the corporate perpetration of these technologies -- this is the book you have been waiting for. Authoritative, informative, easy to understand, it was put together by health advocate Camilla Rees and scientist Dr. Magda Havas -- and is the much-needed "EMF 101" for a public sorely unaware of the nature of what is being perpetrated, without our knowledge or input.

This book fills a deep knowledge gap that divides consumers from the current scientific and engineering knowledge about manmade EMF exposure. Many independant scinetists and medical doctors, who have examined the EMF science, exposure standards and current public policies, beleive that EMF exposure is potentially an environmental toxin and these new exposure conditions are affecting our health, creating an emerging public health problem. Before crossing the Digital Divide, thoughtful consumers can refer to expert guidance contained in this book, that contains frequently asked questions and answers. The information you will get here, along with the added bonus of being referred to more detailed information, will prepare people who are concerned about their health to live in the Wireless Age. Those who desire to know about safer use of EMF emitting devices and appliances and, will understand how EMF exposure at low levels can cause health problems and, most importantly, what they can do as citizens and consumers to protect themselves and their families. Wireless technologies and electrical power sources are rapidly increasing in everyday life. Public Health SOS: The Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution, is an indispensible guide to your health and well being in the Wireless Age.

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is something most of us know nearly nothing about. Typically people laugh at the idea that cell phones might cause brain cancer - and that's the limit of their exposure to this health issue. It's much bigger than that we see in reading the work of Rees and Havas. It's important to understand the basics of EM radiation, so that we can help ourselves, and avoid the numerous bad effects associated with EMR. Some people apparently are much more affected than others. If you have some persistent woes, fatigue, skin disorders which are otherwise unexplainable becoming familiar with this issue could provide help in their resolution. There are mitigation techniques to make your home and workplace safer and more comfortable places to dwell. However, beware: this planet is like a giant Petri-dish experimenting with our health. AC and DC electromagnetic radiation as well as the frequencies for communication are pervasive. What really comes across in this book is the increasing danger as cell phone towers proliferate, "wifi" is installed in more public places etc. Rees is undertaking a massive challenge to get congress to take this health issue seriously. Read this book and help the cause. It's critical to all of us and to our children.

There is real need for a definitive, authoritative book on what levels of electromagnetic field exposures are safe, and what levels are not. Unfortunately, the science is not close being mature enough. Most scientists are only just beginning to realize that the continued rise in exposure levels with technological "advance" is taking its toll. People can't sleep, have memory loss, ear ringing, headaches, problems concentrating, plus increasing rates of serious disease: Alzheimer's (see Huss et al. 2008), Parkinson's, Multiple Myeloma, all increasing faster than can be explained by population aging.

This book isn't perfect... some of the sources cited are suspect. But Magda Havas is a real scientist doing actual experiments and finding very clear effects. She also knows the research literature and does a good job of making it accessible.

There are other books that I'd rate as high or higher:

The Invisible Disease: The Dangers of Environmental Illnesses Caused by Electromagnetic Fields and Chemical Emissions

Fascinating, good reading. Unfortunately comes across as extremist in a few places.

The Sick House Survival Guide: Simple Steps to Healthier Homes

First section is a gripping first person account. Second part is about how to improve your home... a few glitches there, but overall good advice.

Silencing the fields: A practical guide to reducing AC magnetic fields

Excellent book about how to find and fix wiring errors in the home (with an electrician or some basics of wire nut connections). Unfortunately it does not address medium (such as switch mode power supplies, e.g., wall warts) or high (cell phones, cordless phones, wi-fi, wireless devices) frequency fields, which these days are much more likely to cause harm than 60 Hz.

This book provides compelling evidence of the unintended, damaging impact of cell phones and towers on both human and environmental health. For individuals, the list of specific ways to protect yourself make it worth the price. For policymakers, its clear explanation of the science in layman's language and identification of international experts and best resources make it a first read.

This is a book that everyone should read. A brilliant assessment of the mostly "hidden" dangers of EMF (electromagnetic frequency) exposure and the risks we all take on a daily basis by not being fully aware of the many ways in which our personal exposure to this form of radiation can cause ill health and even put one at far greater risk for cancer and other diseases. As a mother, I feel we should all be aware of the exposure that our children get at schools, home, and from their cell phones that may already be putting their health in jeopardy. The authors have developed comprehensive research and made this often misunderstood field crystal clear. It is time to pay attention to the facts and this book puts forth a very compelling argument regarding our present situation with EMF exposure as well as what we can do personally in our own homes to mitigate exposure. It is time to speak out about EMF exposure in our communities before it is too late. I applaud the authors for putting forth such a definitive body of research and providing critical information for public safety!

As an educator I have long been concerned about the effects of cell phone towers, wireless technology and other electromagnetic fields on children (as well as adults). It is fantastic to have a well researched, quality resource like this book to which I can refer other educators, teachers and parents for information about this extremely important issue. I have been waiting for this book for a long time.

That ionizing radiation is harmful to human health is undisputed. This book argues that non-ionizing radiation also is harmful, including the radiofrequency and microwave lengths used in wireless technologies, cell phones, cordless phones, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens, "smart" grids, etc. It links longwave radiation to various cancers, sleep disturbances, brain wave abnormalities, eye problems such as cataracts, etc. It offers tips on recognizing symptoms, identifying electromagnetic problems in your own environment, and minimizing exposures.

The authors have backgrounds in environmental and human health. They recommend that wireless technologies be replaced by fiber optics and wired routers, and that standards of safe exposure be based on biological, not thermal, effects. Of course this is very much a political issue, and they discuss the political and corporate interests involved. They warn that wireless proliferation is out of control and must be curbed immediately to avert disastrous public health consequences. That wireless "advances" such as Wi-Max and "Broadband over Power" present unacceptable dangers.

This book is in question-and-answer format so it is not comprehensive, but it covers a lot of ground. And there is a whole section that points you to further information in books, videos, journals, websites, etc. It is lavishly sourced, but not indexed.