HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0986.757 2018-2020From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Aloha Council Members,
Alexis Stubbs
Tuesday, July 21, 2020 10:13 AM
Council Testimony
Support Resolution 678-20
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
Time 10;15 a(A By
Date JUL 2 1 2020
My name is Alexis R. Stubbs. I am a Masters Candidate in the Environmental Management Program at the University
of Hawai'i and a resident of Kona, Hawaii.
I support resolution 678-20 until all externalities associated with the development, execution and operation of fifth
generation wireless communications are adjudicated safe by independent -research and testing.
It is imperative that the necessary state officials immediately call upon all telecommunications companies and public
utilities operating in Hawaii to cease the buildout of 5G wireless Infrastructure until such technologies have been
proven through independent research and testing to be safe to human health and the environment. In April, 2018, a
peer-reviewed paper published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health alluded to the
spread of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RE -EMF) isi rising and health effects are still under investigation..
The paper suggests RE -EMF promotes oxidative stress, a condition involved in cancer onset, in several acute and
chronic diseases and in vascular homeostasis. Although evidence remains controversial, the World Health
Organization (WHO) IARC has classified RF -EMF as "possible carcinogenic to humans", and more recent studies
suggested reproductive, metabolic and neurologic effects of RF -EMF. which are a;so able to alter bacterial antibiotic
resistance.
In this evolving scenario, although the biological effects of 5G communication systems are very scarcely
investigated, an international action plan for the development of 5G networks has started, with a
forthcoming increment in devices and density of small cells, and with the future use of millimeter waves
(MMW). Preliminary observations showed that MMW increases skin temperature, alters gene expression,
promotes cellular proliferation and synthesis of proteins linked with oxidative stress, inflammatory and
metabolic processes, could generate ocular damages, and affect neuro -muscular dynamics. Further
studies are needed to better and independently explore the health effects of RF -EMF in general and of
MMW in particular. However, available findings seem sufficient to demonstrate the existence of biomedical
effects, to invoke the precautionary principle, to define exposed subjects as potentially vulnerable and to
revise existing limits. An adequate knowledge of pathophysiological mechanisms linking RF -EMF exposure
to health risk should also be useful in the current clinical practice, in particular consideration of evidences
pointing to extrinsic factors as heavy contributors to cancer risk and to the progressive epidemiological
growth of noncommunicable diseases (Ci Ciaula, 2018).
Another article posted in the Journal of Environmental Research discusses how Radiofrequency radiation
(RF) is increasingly being recognized as a new form of environmental pollution. Like other common toxic
exposures, the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF EMR) will be problematic if not
impossible to sort out epidemiologically as there no longer remains an unexposed control group. This is
especially important considering these effects are likely magnified by synergistic toxic exposures and other
common health risk behaviors. Effects can also be non-linear. Because this is the first generation to have
cradle -to -grave lifespan exposure to this level of man-made microwave (RF EMR) radiofrequencies, it will
be years or decades before the true health consequences are known (Russell, C.L., 2018). Precaution in
the roll out of this new technology is strongly indicated.
Comm. No.' gM.157
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Ref. Date 7 /=11020
It is further argued in the scientific community that the addition of this added high frequency 5G radiation to
an already complex mix of lower frequencies, will contribute to a negative public health outcome both from
both physical and mental health perspectives (Russell, C.L., 2018). It is the sole responsibility of our county
officials to assure any project to be executed accounts for all the negative externalities associated in the
decision prior consideration. This has clearly not been done, therefore, I urge Hawaii County officials to
vote in favour of Resolution 678-20..
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration of this testimony.
Sincerely,
Alexis Stubbs
References:
Di Ciaula, A. (2018). Towards 5G communication systems: Are there
health implications?. International journal of hygiene and environmental
health, 221(3), 367-375.
Russell, C. L. (2018). 5 G wireless telecommunications expansion: Public
health and environmental implications. Environmental research, 165, 484-
495. -
Additional Resources:
Hong, S., Brand, J., Choi, J. I., Jain, M., Mehlman, J., Katti, S., & Levis, P.
(2014). Applications of self -interference cancellation in 5G and
beyond. IEEE Communications Magazine, 52(2), 114-121.
Colombi, D., Thors, B., & Tornevik, C. (2015). Implications of EMF
exposure limits on output power levels for 5G devices above 6 GHz. IEEE
Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, 14, 1247-1249.
Singh, R., & Sicker, D. (2019). Beyond 5G: THz Spectrum Futures and
Implications for Wireless Communication.
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