Massachusetts Leads the Nation with Five Bills to Protect Citizens from Wi-Fi Radiation

Massachusetts legislators have introduced five bills this session to address public exposure to wireless radiation. Ashland resident and technology safety educator Cece Doucette worked with state legislators to write one of the bills, S.1268.
“I used to run campaigns, as former president for the Ashland Education Foundation and grant coordinator for Ashland schools, to bring technology into our schools, much of it wireless. Then I learned it could be biologically harmful so I began to investigate,” Doucette said.
“What I found was astounding. Thousands of studies worldwide show clear biological effects, but the powerful telecommunications industry keeps that research out of the public eye,” she explained. “Children and adults are becoming ill and lawsuits are taking place, so the hazards of wireless technology are finally coming to light, just as the health effects of tobacco were finally shared with the public after decades of industry suppression of harm.”
Ashland has become the first public school district in the nation to begin taking precautions. A laminated yellow sign, Best Practices for Mobile Devices, hangs in each classroom. The Ashland Public Library is the first in the nation to put on loan an Acoustimeter, which residents can borrow to measure and remediate the wireless radiation in their homes, offices, schools and leisure spaces.
The Massachusetts bill that Doucette helped author is S.1268 Resolve creating a special commission to examine the health impacts of electromagnetic fields, which will look at non-industry-funded science and recommend public protections. It is sponsored by Senator Karen. Spilka and referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health. It is co-sponsored by Jack Lewis, James B. Eldridge, Kevin J. Kuros, and Bruce E. Tarr.
In addition, there are four other Massachusetts bills, first steps in taking statewide action and educating the public on responsible use of today’s technology:
S.1864 An Act relative to utilities, smart meters, and ratepayers’ rights gives utility customers the no-fee choice of retaining non-wireless radiation-emitting water, gas and electrical meters and refusing installation of “smart” utility meters. Sponsored by Senator Michael O. Moore and referred to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. Co-sponsored by Diana DiZoglio, David Paul Linsky, Linda Dean Campbell, Kate Hogan, Jack Lewis, Marjorie C. Decker, Solomon Goldstein-Rose, and Jennifer L. Flanagan.
S.107 An Act relative to disclosure of radiofrequency notifications requires manufacturer warnings be prominently displayed on product packaging of wireless radiation-emitting devices. Sponsored by Senator Julian Cyr and referred to the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. Co-sponsored by Timothy R. Whelan and Sarah K. Peake.
S.108 An Act relative to the safe use of handheld devices by children requires specific language be included on product packaging, as modeled by an ordinance unanimously passed in Berkeley, California. Sponsored by Senator Julian Cyr and referred to the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. Co-sponsored by Timothy R. Whelan.
H.2030 An Act relative to best management practices for wireless in schools and public institutions of higher education requires the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish wireless technology standards to protect the health and safety of public school students and staff. Sponsored by Representative Carolyn C. Dykema and referred to the Joint Committee on Education. Co-sponsored by Jack Lewis, Michael O. Moore, and Angelo J. Puppolo.
To read S.1268 and the other four Massachusetts bills (S.1864, S.107, S.108, and H.2030). visit tinyurl.com/MA-EMF-Bills.