How To Reduce EMF Exposure In Schools And Classrooms

Environmental Health Trust

Link To Source

If hardwired connections are not available in the school then minimize use of the cloud and instead use applications that are pre- downloaded on devices.
Download and install files for curriculum prior to students’ use eliminating need for Wi-Fi.
Teach children to turn OFF wireless antennas when not in use: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular and to place laptops and tech to Airplane Mode (for cell phones and wireless devices.)
Store laptop carts outside of the classroom and avoid recharging near students/staff.
Instead of virtual reality “field trips” show movies on a large screen to class.

Community Education

Regularly scheduled parent education on the safer use of technology that includes how to minimize health risks of cell phones, screens and wireless digital devices with hands on workshops for how to hardwire home electronics and create a low EMF computer workstation.
Regular discussion forums on parenting strategies for the challenging situations they face in regards to technology and their children.
Student forums on how to reduce radiation, reduce eye strain and minimize the psychosocial impact

School Policy

Policies for cell phone & digital device use in classrooms that includes medical recommendations for children’s health and safety related to eyes/posture/addiction/radiation.
A ban on personal cell phones and on personal hotspot devices. A ban on all internet connected devices in classroom unless in use for instruction. (a policy needs to be in place to address students rushing through schoolwork then going online to do games or other non schoolwork)
Policy that allows for a convenient way for students to communicate with parents in regards to last minute scheduling issues such as corded phones/computer/bulletin board or convenient, accessible ways to get messages to/from students.
Technology Curriculum: Health curriculum that includes information on why and how to reduce exposure to wireless radiation including ho to disable wireless on their personal devices step by step. Environmental science curriculum that review current and historical regulatory policies on EMFs, and international approaches.

Low EMF Infrastructure in School Buildings

Wired rather than wireless LAN networks in schools.
Only use computers and tablets that can be Ethernet connected and have the ability to disable all wireless antennas.
Convenient computer stations and ethernet posts placed throughout school for internet access.
Hard wire all technology devices. This includes fixtures such as printers, projectors and boards in addition to computer accessories such as speakers, mouse and keyboard.
Only purchase technology that can be hardwire with all wireless antennas turned off. Operate laptops and tablets only in battery mode and not when plugged in.
Corded phones in every room and for students use in common areas to minimize need for cell phone.
Hardwire security systems as much as possible.
Hardwire microphones, speakers and tech in auditoriums.
Do not use fluorescent lights.
No microwaves in classrooms and ensure all microwaves are checked for leaks are not older with damaged seams. Teach students and staff to keep a distance from microwaves.
Replace smart meter with analogue meter.
The wiring in all school rooms shall be compliant with US National Electrical Code in the local jurisdiction, and applicable state electrical code. An electrician should do an evaluation to ensure school rooms are free of the following common wiring errors.
ELF magnetic field exposure measured levels comply with 1 mG (100 nT) in new
construction and 2 mG (200 nT) in existing school modernizations.
Classrooms should not be above electrical panels or electronics that generate high EMFs.
Cell towers should not be located on or near schools.

Additional Resources

What are examples of best practices for schools?

CHPS Low EMF Criteria Fact Sheet: The Collaborative for High Performance Schools has developed Best Practices for LOW EMF classrooms that details how schools can replace wireless networks with wired networks.
The Maryland Children’s Environmental Health and Protection Advisory Council issued recommendations to reduce radio frequency radiation in school classrooms: Press Release,Report, Council webpage, Newspaper Green Gazette article, Public
Upper Sturt Primary School WiFi and Cell Phone Policy: The Upper Sturt School has an excellent safe technology policy on WiFi and Wireless that can be used as a template for other private schools looking for an example of how to approach this issue.
Castle Hill High School P&C Committee recommendations to reduce cell phone wireless exposure for students and staff.
List of schools internationally taking action to ensure a safer school environment by eliminating or reducing wireless.

What do medical doctors recommend?

Doctors recommend a fully wired low EMF classroom. Please read letters to Petaluma Public Schools: Dr. Carpenter, Dr. Anthony Miller, Dr. Martha Herbert, Dr. Lennart Hardell. For a full list of doctor letters to schools on this issue please see this webpage that has compiled letters.
Over 250 medical doctors are calling on the United Nations for urgent action on this issue. Please read their published appeal at the European Journal of Oncology (read the list of doctors signing.)
The American Academy of Pediatrics has repeatedly written the US government calling for cell phone/wireless radiofrequency radiation exposure limits to be updated to protect children who are more vulnerable. Read the American Academy of Pediatrics Letter to US Representative Dennis Kucinich in Support of the Cell Phone Right to Know Act and the Time Magazine News Article – “Pediatricians Say Cell Phone Radiation Standards Need Another Look”
The EPA recognized educational campaign The BabySafe Project has a statement now signed by over 250 doctors and educators urging pregnant women to reduce wireless exposure to minimize risks to their babies’ brain development. A medical research team at Yale, led by Dr. Hugh Taylor, Chief of Obstetrics at Yale Medicine, found radiofrequency radiation exposure led to higher hyperactivity, poorer memory, and altered brain function—corroborating prior published research findings of altered brain development after exposure.