An Electronic Silent Spring: Facing the Dangers and Creating Safe Limits

by Katie Singer

“Except for light and infrared heat, we can’t perceive any of these [radio frequency and other] energies without instruments, so most people don’t realize how drastically and abruptly we’ve changed the electromagnetic environment in just one century.” ― Robert Becker , MD, author of The Body Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life Over millions of years, living creatures have evolved in relation to the Earth's electromagnetic energy. Now, we're surrounded by human-made frequencies that challenge our health and survival. An Electric Silent Spring reports the effects of electrification and wireless devices on people, plants, bee colonies, and frogs around the globe. It presents solutions for people who want to reduce their exposure to electromagnetic radiation. This pioneering book is for anyone concerned about the health of the environment and the people and other creatures that inhabit it. ISSUES COVERED IN AN ELECTRONIC SILENT While they operate, mobile phones, mobile phone chargers, iPads, cellular antennas, Wi-Fi, compact fluorescent lights, transformers, and “smart” utility meters emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at frequencies and amplitudes that are not found in nature. An Electronic Silent Spring describes how wildlife and peoples’ health are affected. 1. The book reports on peer-reviewed studies that show that EMR-exposed tadpoles die, aspen tree seedlings wither, bee colonies collapse, birds crash into antennas, and white stork mates fight. 2. Signals emitted by metal detectors, “smart” utility meters, hybrid cars, and other common electronics can shut off a medical implant. While the FDA regulates microwave ovens (whose signals can interfere with cardiac pacemakers), no agency regulates cell phones, which operate closer to the body, with more power and at the same frequency as a microwave oven. Geophysicist, electrical engineer, and implant patient Dr. Gary Olhoeft explains the issues. 3. Dr. Martha Herbert, Harvard pediatric neurologist, and Cindy Sage, MA, coeditor of the BioInitiative Report, and others explain why exposing children to Wi-Fi may lead to autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns pregnant women and children not to use cell phones. 4. Federal regulations protect the engineering needs of electronic devices and telecom companies. Federal law prohibits local officials from refusing installation of a cell tower based on health or environmental concerns. The book explains federal policies, which do not recognize that EMR can harm health. 5. Underwriters Lloyds of London and A.M. Best advise companies not to insure against damages to health caused by wireless devices. This book presents the peer-reviewed studies underlying analysts’ concerns. Katie Singer also offers an extensive solutions section for policy makers, telecom and utility companies, schools, civic groups, and individuals who want to reduce EMR emissions and exposure.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Health, Technology

310 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[ShaiJai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books about this extremely important, but sadly ignored issue. This book is well-referenced and also contains text from scientists, researchers, and victims of overexposure to EMF's. Despite studying this issue intensively over the last 2 years, I was still amazed to learn of even more research confirming the harmful effects of the electrosmog which has become the norm around the world. What has also become the norm around the world is fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and the rising epidemic of chronic disease. While there are many other factors, I believe that this is one of the biggest. Alarmingly, a recent study found that sperm counts have decreased by over 50% since 1973 in several countries. A 1997 study on mice placed in an antenna farm, found that they were INFERTILE after 5 generations. As people's lives become more and more focused around their wireless devices, are we headed in the same direction?

[moonglow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used my smartphone a lot less after reading Deep Work by Cal Newport because I realized that I was kind of addicted to its bells and whistles, wasting a lot of time scrolling, and my ability to focus on important work was suffering as a result. An Electronic Silent Spring made me consider another aspect of cell phones, as well as smart meters and some other electronic devices: radiation. A few highlights I noted from the book (though there are many other interesting points):

* There are no national or international standards for safety levels of radio frequency (RF), which is what cell phones fall under.

* The current FCC guidelines are based only on acute (short-term exposure) thermal effects of RF - the level at which RF can cause heat injury. Non-thermal effects (DNA damage, metabolic impacts, etc.) are not included.

* The FDA stated in 1999, "It is not scientifically possible to guarantee that those non-thermal levels of microwave radiation, which do not cause deleterious effects for relatively short exposure, will not cause long-term adverse health effects."

* The Telecommunications Act Section 704, signed into law by US President Bill Clinton in 1996, states, "No state or local government or instrumentality thereof may regulate the placement, construction, or modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of environmental effects [including health effects] of radio frequency emissions."

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for all of us living in cities, using phones, and who have wi-fi and smart meters in and near our homes. New Zealand will not allow anyone to live within 1/3 mile of a cell tower. Microwave radio frequencies are an existential threat to humanity and especially harmful to children. Wi-fi and cell phones act much like second-hand smoke--it affects others indirectly who are not directly using it. The science is settled--wi-fi/cell phones cause grave harm. Check out this book and the BioInitiative Report.

[Jude Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant start on a topic which needs so much more discussion - Even six years after first being published things have gotten no better; and now we have the threat of new technologies such as 5G. This is definitely a worthy read but it also sheds a light on how little we know on this topic: this needs so much more investigation, but that just isn't happening!

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chilling endictment of an industry focused on profit well beyond any concern for the lives of consumers, children and all the rest of us. Hard to read. Testimonials and litanies of disregard. Has some suggestions for defence.

[Eric van Dalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Loaded with information and testimonies.