Because of their concerns over the health hazards of radio frequency transmitters, members of Summerland Citizens for Safe Technology are asking that they be allowed to opt out of having the digital meters in their homes.
On Wednesday evening, at a presentation organized by the Summerland group, Malcolm Paterson, a medial oncologist, presented his concerns about the wireless meters.
He said there are health risks from wireless transmitters.
Devices include cellular phones, tablet devices and laptop computers with wireless network capability, wireless routers, cellular towers and electrical meters.
He added that the radiation levels from these devices today is roughly 3,000 times what it was in 1980.
“We are immersed in electro-smog, and it is increasing,” he said. “We are creating a hyper-connected society. An entire generation has grown up using cell phones.”
Health effects from wireless transmitters can show up slowly, 15 to 25 years after exposure. Those most at risk include developing fetuses, children, the elderly and those with chronic health problems and compromised immune systems.
However, Health Canada claims the regulations governing radio frequency and electromagnetic energy are adequate.
The standards, known as Safety Code 6, recommend limits for safe human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy.
“The limits established in Safety Code 6 incorporate large safety margins to provide a significant level of protection for all Canadians, including those working near RF sources,” the guidelines state.
Paterson and the members of Summerland Citizens for Safe Technology disagree with the Health Canada regulations.
In 2007, the citizens’ group was formed over concerns about a microwave cell tower on Little Giant’s Head Mountain in Summerland.
Since that time, group members have spoken out about wireless networks, smart meters and other sources of radio frequency transmissions.