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May 24, 2022

Action Alert:#FiberFirst – Demand the FCC Recognize Electromagnetic Sensitivity (EMS)

Submit comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stating that wired (fiber-based) broadband should be the preferred mode of broadband delivery and to finally recognize the need for special measures to address the electromagnetic sensitivity (EMS) disabled community. The FCC wants to ensure everyone has high-speed broadband access to eliminate digital discrimination but wants to use wireless technology to achieve this goal. This type of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) is harmful for all people, especially children and the EMS disabled community.

In legal comments filed with the FCC on May 16, Children’s Health Defense (CHD) said: Yes to access for everyone, but it must be #fiberfirst fo protect the health of the vulnerable. We oppose the cheaper, wireless rollout which emits toxic radiation 24/7. Medical literature has shown it to cause a variety of neurological and cognitive symptoms, oxidative stress,  metabolic, hormonal and sleep disruptions among many other serious adverse reactions.

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What is EMS?

Some 30% of the population is affected by EMS — a condition where radiofrequency radiation emitted from smartphones, WiFi, cell towers, smart meters, etc., produce adverse health effects or worsening of existing health conditions. Symptoms of EMS include:

  • Headaches
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Disorientation
  • Sleep disruption
  • Fatigue
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Vertigo
  • Nausea
  • Skin rashes
  • Behavioral problems
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

This technology is making millions of Americans sick, and it is crucial that it be recognized and minimized to the greatest extent possible. Everyone deserves access and inclusion. This is not possible unless the FCC explicitly acknowledges and accommodates for it.

We are calling on you to voice your concerns to the FCC about the risks and harms our vulnerable populations and children face due to wireless services. We also need to communicate these concerns to our elected officials and demand they hold the FCC accountable for its decisions.

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We Must Advocate for Disability Rights

The EMS community is large in number but cannot attend public policy and zoning meetings due to wireless exposure.

Those with severe symptoms are functionally excluded from public participation, and those with nearby wireless facilities such as cell towers cannot even take refuge in their own homes.

What We Are Proposing

  1. The FCC should always prioritize “fiber to the premises (FTTP)” solutions. FTTP is the installation of optical fiber directly to individual homes, multi-dwelling units, schools, municipal buildings and businesses to provide high-speed broadband access. The FCC should rely on fixed wireless only when fully wired is technically or economically infeasible. The main purpose of mobile wireless is to support mobility, not to be a substitute for wired fixed arrangements.
  2. Those who are RF-sensitive and especially those with EMS disabilities must be allowed equal access to broadband in a form that does not threaten or worsen their health and well-being.
  3. There must be an allowance for RF-free “safe zones” in public spaces and buildings to ensure inclusion in public life. Those who cannot be around RF must have the ability, as a matter of right, to obtain wired (fiber-based) broadband.

Three things you can do right now to make a difference:

  1. Fill out the form below to send emails to every decision maker on the FCC committee, and your federal and state elected representatives.
  2. Submit your comments to the FCC and demand they recognize EMS and put #fiberfirst.
  3. Organize a Defender Day in your community. Coordinate with others concerned about EMS and the harms of wireless. Set a date to show up to a high traffic, high visibility location to educate your community.

Take action! Let the FCC know that discriminating against people with EMS is unconscionable. Urge the agency to halt any further discussion of expanding wireless services. The FCC must take the necessary measures within its regulatory authority to effectively limit exposures that are taking such an enormous toll on the health of our nation’s citizens.

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