Should Wi-Fi be banned from public buildings?

Issue #59	Date Added	Status
Should Wi-Fi be banned from public buildings?	Thursday 29th May 2008 01:50:22 PM	Open

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A group in Santa Fe says the city is discriminating against them because they say that they are allergic to the wireless internet signals. And now they want Wi-Fi banned from public buildings.

Arthur Firstenberg says he is highly sensitive to certain types of electric fields, including wireless Internet and cell phones. "I get chest pain and it doesn't go away right away," he said.

Firstenberg and dozens of other electro-sensitive people in Santa Fe claim that putting up Wi-Fi in public places is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The city attorney is now checking to see if putting up Wi-Fi could be considered discrimination. But City Councilor Ron Trujillo says the areas are already saturated with wireless Internet. "It's not 1692, it's 2008. Santa Fe needs to embrace this technology, it's not going away," Trujillo said. The city attorney hopes to have a legal recommendation by the end of the month.

This has been popping up not only in the United States but around the world. What most claim is that they are allergic to is EMF (electromagnetic field). This reputed sensitivity to EMF has been generally termed (electromagnetic hypersensitivity) or EHS.

EHS is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms, which afflicted individuals attribute to exposure to EMF. The symptoms most commonly experienced include dermatological symptoms (redness, tingling, and burning sensations) as well as neurasthenic and vegetative symptoms (fatigue, tiredness, concentration difficulties, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitation, and digestive disturbances). The collection of symptoms is not part of any recognized syndrome.

The WHO (World Health Organization) says, "EHS is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms that differ from individual to individual. The symptoms are certainly real and can vary widely in their severity. Whatever its cause, EHS can be a disabling problem for the affected individual. EHS has no clear diagnostic criteria and there is no scientific basis to link EHS symptoms to EMF exposure. Further, EHS is not a medical diagnosis, nor is it clear that it represents a single medical problem".

They are directing physicians to focus treatment on the health symptoms and the clinical picture, and not the person's perceived need for reducing or eliminating EMF in the workplace or home. They are suggesting the following:

A) A medical evaluation to identify and treat any specific conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms.
B) A psychological evaluation to identify alternative psychiatric/psychological conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms.
C) An assessment of the workplace and home for factors that might contribute to the presented symptoms. These could include indoor air pollution, excessive noise, poor lighting (flickering light) or ergonomic factors. A reduction of stress and other improvements in the work situation might be appropriate.

In addition, they are suggesting inflicted individuals join self help groups.

jfreedman