Euro proposal to ban wireless in schools without evidence
updated 02:20 pm EDT, Tue May 24, 2011
Ban would include mobile phones
Europe's Committee of Ministers has recommended placing new limits on electromagnetic emission levels. This would include banning mobile phones and other devices from classrooms and schools. The new rules would also force Wi-Fi and cell transmission tower builders to consult with local authorities and interest groups before constructing any new towers.
The Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and Local and Regional Affairs of The European Parliamentary Assembly (EPA), an advisory body to the Council of Europe, has issued a report titled The potential dangers of electromagnetic fields and their effect on the environment. In it, the EPA made recommendations regarding schools and the "protection of children." Specifically, it recommended to "ban all mobile phones, DECT phones or WiFi or WLAN systems from classrooms and schools, as advocated by some regional authorities, medical associations and civil society organisations."
The EPA has cited no basis for the ban, but instead has suggested it as a precautionary measure, claiming that waiting for scientific and clinical proof could lead to high health and economic costs, as was the case in the past with asbestos, leaded gasoline and tobacco.
The report also expressed concerns about baby monitors. The Council of Europe and the other bodies mentioned in the article above are not related to the European Union and do not have the capacity to legislate for the EU. [via RCRWireless]
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Silver lining
Banning wireless and cell phones from classrooms would be a good thing -- just not because of concerns over radiation.