Lakehead University Townhall Meeting October 31, 2007

1. Lakehead UniversityTownhall MeetingOctober 31, 2007

3. Lakehead University Policy “There will be no use of WiFi in those areas of the University already served by hard wire connectivity until such time as the potential health effects have been scientifically rebutted or there are adequate protective measures that can be taken.”

4. Lakehead University isConnected • Fibre optic backbone on campus • Connectivity through public and private fibre optic networks: Orion, C4net, Big Pipe (Shaw) • Students have over 8,000 access points with internet cafés, plug-ins, computerlabs, residences

5. WiFi Decision • Well connected with high speed interfaces • Security, speed and cost are all issues • Potential health impacts • “Precautionary Principle”

6. Precautionary Principle • Considering the scientific evidence at the time invoked the “Precautionary Principle” (Adams, 2002) • As the technology is one of convenience, not necessity, on the campuses • As there are demonstrable DNA, cellular, tissue and whole body effects Adams, M. (2002). The precautionary principle and the rhetoric behind it. Journal of Risk Research, Volume 5, Number 4: 301-316.

7. Benevento Resolution (2006) • Benevento Resolution signed by 31 scientists (September 2006) • More evidence has accumulated suggesting that there are adverse health effects from occupational and public exposures to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, or EMF, at current exposure levels. • There is evidence that present sources of funding bias the analysis and interpretation of research findings towards rejection of evidence of possible public health risks. • Biological effects can occur from exposures to both extremely low frequency fields (ELF EMF) and radiation frequency fields (RF EMF). • We encourage governments to adopt a framework of guidelines for public and occupational EMF exposure that reflect the Precautionary Principle.

9. Frequency Modulation Intermittence and coherence time of exposure Polarization Static magnetic field Electromagnetic stray field Genotype Gender Physiological and individual factors Cell density Duration of exposure Power density Non-thermal Microwaves Biological Effects Determined by Belyaev, I. 2005. Non-thermal Biological effects of Microwaves. Microwave Review, November 13-29.

10. Some International EMF Exposure Standards

11. Potential Health Impacts • International standards vary significantly and North American ones are based on thermal effects • Issue is about non-thermal effects • Relationship of “hot spots” for WiFi to mast towers for wireless cellular communication – exposure impact decreases with distance from source

12. Modes of Action (Adey, 1998) • Free radical creation • Neuronal effects • Increased permeability of membranes • Genotoxicity Adey W.R., Electromagnetic fields. The modulation of brain tissue functions – A possible paradigm shift in biology. In International Encyclopedia of Neuroscience. Vershaeve, L., and Maes, A. 1998. Genetic, carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of radiofrequency fields. Reviews inMutation Research 410: 141-165.

13. Radiofrequency Radiation Studies 1990 - 2003

14. Radiofrequency Radiation Studies With Chronic Exposures (1990-2004)

15. Radiofrequency Radiation Studies – Nervous System Effects (1990-2004)

16. Radiofrequency Radiation Studies Reporting Immune Function Changes (1990-2003)

17. Radiofrequency Radiation Blood Brain Barrier Studies (1990-2004)

18. Reported Biological Effects from Radiofrequency Radiation at Low-Intensity Exposure An Overview of Low-Intensity Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation Studies Relevant to Wireless Communications and Data C. Sage, Sage Associates, Santa Barbara, California, USA 93108 Bioelectromagnetics Society June 2004 Annual Meeting, Washington DC

22. RF Charts Reporting Effects at Low-Intensity Levels

23. RF Charts Reporting Effects at Low-Intensity Levels

24. RF Charts Reporting Effects at Low-Intensity Levels

30. Diagram of mechanisms linked to Electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure (Dr. Richard Gautier)

31. Cumulative Exposures • We are at a point where society has embraced a technology with potentially serious health impacts that manifest themselves over time and appear related to cumulative exposures – there are analogs • Cigarette smoking • Second hand tobacco smoke • Asbestos exposure • Heavy metal accumulation (e.g. lead paint) • Chemical carcinogens (e.g. benzene)

32. Cumulative Exposure (cont’d) • In each case, concern started with less scientific evidence than exists for EMF health effects • Should we ban such use – no, but people should be aware that there are potential impacts and given the choice and ability to avoid exposure

33. Consequences of Exposure • In light of the evidence at hand, there are the potential following consequences to continued long term exposure to EMFs from pervasive WiFi systems in urban and other settings • Increased electro sensitivity in the population • Decreased productivity due to behavioural and body system effects • Future class action suits against municipalities, manufacturers, and governing bodies that allowed WiFi exposure

34. Increased Electro Sensitivity in Population • Sweden recognizes electro-hypersensitivity (EHS) as a functional impairment • Related to contact with EMF sources • Cellular and neuronal modification in EHS individuals (Johansson, 2006 – Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine)

35. 1973 Report • Blanco et al. (1973), Queen’s University Department of Anatomy, Report to the Government of Canada, “Environmental Pollution by Microwave Radiation – A Potential Threat to Human Health”

36. Potential Link to Alzheimer’s Disease and Autism • Increased permeability of blood/brain barrier allows mercury to pass through • Mercury has been identified as a pathogenic factor for Alzheimer’s (amalgam fillings source of mercury) • Autism in children • many vaccines have a mercury carrier (thimerosal preservative) • in utero exposure to mother’s immunization shots and blood mercury (Mutter et al., 2004, 2005, Neuroendocrinology Letters)

37. Clumping of Red Blood CellsAfter Cell/Mobile Phone Use • Reduced oxygen to the brain • Reduced memory • 90 second call takes 40 minutes for cells to return to normal state

38. International Journal of Cancer • Finland Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority researchers • Mobile phone use for more than 10 years makes users 40% more likely to develop gliomas (tumours formed from glial cells in the central nervous system) localized on head where handset is held

39. Long-Term Mobile Phone Use and Brain Tumor Risk

40. Cancer Clusters • Australian Broadcast Commission - Breast cancer, etc.

41. Deploying WiFi • Bodies deploying WiFi should acknowledge the potential health risks and provide WiFi free zones • Such areas should be posted and the hot spots clearly identified • This is the only way to ensure someone can decide whether to expose him/herself to the radiation being generated

42. Environment ministry warn of health risks. The German government has warned its citizens to avoid using WiFi internet connections wherever possible.

44. BioInitiative Report:A Rationale for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Fields (ELF and RF)

46. Law School Initiative • A revised proposal will be submitted to the Law Society this fall • If the proposal is approved, the first class of students will enter the Faculty of Law in September 2009

47. Proposed Acquisition of PACI • The University is in negotiation with the Lakehead District School Board for the exchange of a 16-acre parcel of University land for Port Arthur Collegiate Institute (PACI)

48. Fieldhouse Pool

49. Orillia Campus • Permanent Orillia campus to be situated on the Horne Farm

50. Budget 08/09