Letter: Smart meter and electromagnetic hypersensitivity

To the Editor,

I have been diagnosed as Electromagnetic Hypersensitive (EHS).

Two years ago I had never heard of the sensitivity. Recent experiences with increasingly painful headaches and severe itching caused me to look for the cause.

After a small amount of research the conditions appeared to be caused by radio frequencies; within two days of getting rid of my cell phone and changing my computer system to no longer use wifi the symptoms were significantly less.

The BCHydro/Provincial Government Smart Meter program will cause problems for people with EHS.

EHS is part of a general class of sensitivities/disabilities that include Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and are lumped into a broader one of Environmental Sensitivity.

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal recognises EHS as an environmental sensitivity. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal policy states: “This medical condition is a disability and those living with environmental sensitivities are entitled to the protection of the Canadian Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.”

Severe case of EHS have also resulted in the Canada Pension Plan recognizing and paying people under the disability provisions. Some do not wish to accept that EHS is a disabling ailment for those that have it, it is.

The Federal Government through the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, recognizes it is a disability. The Tribunal web site has a considerable volume of information on the subject.

The estimates of the percentage of the population afflicted by EHS is very from a low of three per cent severely afflicted to as many as 35 per cent with less debilitating symptoms. What is known is that like many other environmental sensitivities the percentage is increasing.

The World Health Organization recognizes EHS symptoms include dermatological symptoms (redness, tingling, and burning sensations) as well as neurasthenic (includes headaches) and vegetative symptoms (fatigue, tiredness, concentration difficulties, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitation, and digestive disturbances).

Unfortunately, that while many medical doctors are familiar with the symptoms few consider whether the symptoms are caused by electromagnetic radiation. Yes, the mechanism is not understood but that does not preclude it as a medical condition.

Studies in the 1990's confirmed that some people are affected by electromagnetic radiation.

The challenge in designing studies is the electromagnetic spectrum covers a large range and depending on a variety of variables a person may respond differently to different frequencies at different times.

Some variables include: heavy metals in the body, hydration, fatigue, and type of radiation (pulse/continuous wave.

Usually the first noticeable effect for me is a headache which can occur as quickly as during a ferry ride from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen; the BCFerries implementation of wifi on that route has made travel to Vancouver on that route a painful experience.

For many it is difficult to understand how a radio wave that many are not conscientiously aware of can have a negative and even devastating effect for some. It is difficult for some to understand how one could have a severe reaction to peanuts.

Unfortunately, for some the reaction is all too real and they can not partake in the numerous benefits that peanuts offer.

The reaction of some to scents and peanuts is well known and recognized, many places from schools to hospitals and offices ban peanuts and scents from the premises. People with EHS have a right to the same accommodation.

The BC government/BCHydro is knowingly denying EHS suffers the same accommodation that many others are automatically provided with; why are they forcing people to accept Smart Meters to be installed on their homes? Where is the BC Human Rights Tribunal and the Provincial Health Officer (Dr. Perry Kendal) in this discussion?

Norm Ryder, Victoria