Malaysiakini: CAP wholesale rejection of WiFi based on inconclusive studies

The justification of CAP in opposing the statewide free wifi initiative of Penang state government is based on a precautionary principle and an inclusive scientific report.

The report cited by CAP is itself reporting that the results of studies of the harmful effects of WiFi or similar non-ionizing electro-magnetic waves are inclusive. What CAP failed to tell the public is that in the reports, half of the studies shown some form of harmful effect to cell growth while the other half had shown no sign of any harms caused to cells when exposed to non-ionizing electro-magnetic wave under lab conditions. About 50% of the times, the scientist were not able to proof that WiFi or similar wireless signal waves are harmful to organic cells growing in a disk. That is why the reports concluded that the studies are inconclusive.

So, what does inconclusive study result really means? Well, it's the way scientists are saying they failed to prove that WiFi is harmful and yet they are reluctant to tell the public that it is 100% safe. For history have taught the scientist that it is scientifically impossible to prove something that is 100% safe. All technologies carry with it some form of risk and hazards. The real issue here should be is the risk and hazards as espoused by CAP realistic? For this more studies are needed.

Then why is CAP harping on the "harmful" effect of Wifi? Actually, in my personal opinion, CAP has no concrete scientific backings in its objection against Wifi aside from fear mongering under the guise of precautionary principle. Now, why such harsh words from me? The reason being is CAP application of precautionary principle is based purely on an incomplete and worse still "inconclusive" findings. Putting it in a more layman terms, what CAP is saying:"I am not able to prove that WiFi is harmful, but take my word: it could be dangerous, so because there is a chance that it could be harmful, it should be banned from public space based on the precautionary principle to avoid exposing the public to this possible hazard that may or may not be there." That is all that to it in CAP's stand.

What CAP should have done is to adopt a more re-conciliatory approach. Rather than the current confrontational stand, CAP should have issue cautionary warning on the potential public health hazards WiFi may pose and hence make recommendations to the Penang State Government to include WiFi free zone (meaning areas and places where there is no WiFi signals). CAP could identify critical locations and public spaces like kindergarten, schools, and hospitals be free of WiFi and Buildings be established WiFi safe zone for people who suffered from WiFi hypersentivity. Alas, that is not the case, instead, CAP chose to hurl allegations against the Penang State Government that the government is irresponsible for implementing an "unproven" technology.

Speaking of WiFi hypersensitivity, CAP has itself mentioned there are atmost about 10% of population in countries like Denmark and U.K. are diagnosed with WiFi Hypersensitivity and it is recognized as a form of disability. If such is a case, WiFi hypersensitivity is a form of abnormally rather than a public health hazard. In layman terms, what WiFi hypersensitivity means is there are people allergic to WiFi Signal just as there are people allergic to prawns, animal furs, and penicillin. The way CAP has put it out is such that any prolong exposure to WiFi will make everyone sick. And this far from the truth, as the scientific reports that CAP repeatedly cited have failed to prove just that!

I also take to issue the way CAP have demonized WiFi technology as if it is as poisonous as lead plumbing and asbestos ceiling without any concrete scientific proof. In any case, CAP should voice out more vehemently against the adoption of nuclear energy by TNB. The risk and hazards posed by a nuclear fallout is several magnitude higher than that of WiFi, a non-ionizing radio wave. Mind you, nuclear waste emits ionizing radiations which is proven to cause mutations in babies and cancers in adults.