A report on the usage of wireless technologies within the SCDSB was made to the Facility committee on April 21, 2010. SCDSB staff, in conjunction with Dr. Tony Muc, explained to the committee that cell phones and wi-fi systems currently in use within the SCDSB, conform with Health Canada standards.
Subsequently at the April 28, 2010 Board meeting presentations were made by the public detailing presenters concerns with wi-fi and its saftey. The Board discussed the information that had been presented and passed the following motions
That the Simcoe County District School Board affirms its commitment to the SCDSB ICT Strategic Plan incorporating wireless technologies in all SCDSB locations and that all installations conform with Health Canada Safety Code 6 standards.
and
That the Board write a letter to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health expressing the concerns shared with the Board by parents concerning Wi-Fi in schools and the safety of students.
Backgound Material:
- Health Canada explains via video how they assess standards for light waves utilized within Canada.
“Using the results of these studies, Health Canada scientists have set public exposure limits. The limits we recommend in our guidelines are well below the threshold of any adverse health effects and thus there is a built in safety margin. These exposure limits are as stringent as other science based International guidelines.
Based on up to date information and the weight of evidence from the scientific literature reviewed by Health Canada scientists, we are confident that limits established are keeping Canadians safe.” Health Canada
Cell Phones and Health Safety -Health Canada Video
Video Transcript : http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/radiation/cons/stations/transcrip-eng.php
