ARE SMART METERS

SAFE?

Nicola Tesla"If you wish to understand the

secrets of the Universe, think of energy, frequency, and vibration."

Born in 1856, died in 1943, he was an inventor, physicist, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, and futurist. Tesla's patents and theoretical work formed the basis of wireless communication and the radio.

AgendaSmart Grid vs Smart MeterHow smart meters workHow the mesh network worksElectroMagnetic SpectrumNaturally occurring EMFHealth effect studiesWhy they are called “safe”What the FCC does and doesn't regulateWhat it all means

Smart Grid vs. Smart Meter:What’s the Difference?

Smart Grid FunctionsDeliver electricity where and when

neededManage power qualityImprove grid reliabilityImprove operational efficiencyIntegrate renewable energy into grid Platform for “new products & services”

(?)

Grid Net Network Architecture

Coming CapabilitiesQualcomm chipsets “enable more real-time exchange of information to a new wave of smart devices” and “constant connectivity to ensure an ultra-fast, always on connection on any device”

•Grid Net “the state of all managed devices is known at all times” and “connected in a more or less real-time network talking to a central controller”

•Smart meters will be always transmitting !•“All managed devices”: smart meter, thermostat, appliances, car charger

Electric Wireless Smart Meter Photo of Electric Smart Meter which emits RF

Radiation into the home and neighborhood with each transmission

WHAT UTILITIES USUALLY TELL THE PUBLIC

1. Smart Meters are low power, therefore, not harmful2. Smart Meters emit less RF Radiation than cell phones3. Smart Meter emissions are a fraction of FCC Guidelines4. Smart Meters transmit 4-6 times a day for 45-78 seconds5. Smart Meters only record total usage like analog meters 6. Smart Meters do not cause fires or “fry” electronics7. Smart Meter RF Radiation does not pose a health risk8. Smart Meter studies show no evidence of harm to health 9. Smart Meters are safe to install on homes and schools:

WHO 2B Carcinogenic label only applies to cell phones

Functions of a Smart Meter

• Essentially a billing device • Two-way communication (wireless relay)

• Meter can react to commands• Change parameters remotely• Remotely load new software

• More information collected (4 channels)• Data collected in tiny snapshots of time

(increments of 5-15 mins, sent 4-6 times/day)• Also, send network messages every few seconds.

Switching Mode Power Supply

Translates the 240v alternating current (AC) to the 2-10 volts direct current (DC) required

Generates spikes of high frequency transients or electromagnetic interference (EMI), which travel along building wiring, radiating outward; can also back up all the way to the utility, infecting every energy customer in between

Results in interference with electronic equipment, and also causes havoc with biological systems

The ‘opt-out’ arrangement, of (digital) smart meter without RF transmitting function, would not eliminate transients (True ‘opt out’ is analog meter)

Dirty Power vs “Clean” Power

Pattern of Smart Meter Emissions

(from Dec 2010 EPRI Report)

Neighborhood Collector

Neighborhood Collector

Neighborhood Collector

Mesh Network Diagram

Taken from Dec. 2010 EPRI Report

PPPeak smart meter transmissions

Pulsed versus Continuous Wave

Bodies react to actual exposure, not averages!

How many times a PG&E smart meter transmits in 24 hours

TOTAL TRANSMISSIONS 9981 190,396

PG&E Transmits & Duty Cycle

Avg. Smart Meter - transmits every 8.66 secs. [86,400 (secs/day) / 9981 msgs.]

Each is short duration (< 50 millisecs) so total Xmit time is only 45.3 secs (0.000524 duty cycle) (45.3 secs./86,400 secs/day)

Max. Sm mtr - every 1/2 second (twice/sec.) ( (86,400 /190,396 max. msgs.)

Max. transmits - 0.01 duty cycle (<15 mins) (875 total secs./86,400)

Ionizing RadiationNon-Ionizing Radiation

Taken from “Public Health SOS” by Camilla Reese and Magda Havas

Spectrum CharacteristicsThe higher the frequency (right side of chart),

the deeper the penetration (i.e. Xrays)At very high frequencies (Xrays), the waves

have the power to knock an electron out of an atom, creating ions (thus, ionizing radiation)

The lower the frequency, the further it travels (i.e., fog horns) [Note: human cells use ELF]

A stronger signal often will interfere with or override a weaker signal

Naturally Occurring EMF (ElectroMagnetic Frequencies)Schumann Resonance, earth’s own EMF,

is 7.86 HzHuman heartbeat is 1-2 HzSleeping brainwaves are 2-4 HzAwake brain is 8-13 HzOverall, human cells vibrate at rate

between 0-22 hertzThese are ELF, Continuous Waves (CW)Visible light is 430-750 trillion Hz (CW)

How Much MW Radiation Today?1980 Background Microwave was 0.005

uW/cm2Now in cities it is 0.4 to 100 uW/cm2Background RFR has increased 20,000

times!!Smart Meter Mesh Networks will add to thisPotential Chronic Health Effects could add to

health care costsPREVENTION is key (Precautionary Principle)

Source: Dr. Karl Maret youtube video, “The Truth about Smart Meters”

Traits of Microwave RadiationIntensity of emission (called power density) drops

off sharply with increased distance (equation)The waves bounce (called reflection) off

smooth, hard surfaces (like glass, concrete, polished metal, granite countertops, etc.)

The emissions are additive. When two (or more) waves intersect, the exposure is the sum of the two (or more).

Multiple RF sources and/or reflection cause intersections, i.e. higher than expected pwr. density

Damage done by RF is cumulative over time

Where Rays Intersect

Sunlight is a form of RFR as are microwaves.

When microwaves intersect, the effect is

similar to sunlight concentrated through a

magnifying glass.The curvature of a skull

adds to the effect of “hot spots” in the brain

5 year old 10 year old Adult

These are Cell Phone Studies but Smart Meters use same Frequencies

Research of Dr. Om Ghandi, University of Utah

Known Biological Effects of HF EMF’s Can affect Electroencephalogram &

Blood Brain FlowDisruption of cell communications—

Ca+ ionsDamage to genes and DNA (breakage)

found in extensive REFLEX Study 2004Long-term Increased Cancer risk

REFLEX Study 2004 FindingsDNA strand breaks occur at only 1/40th (2.5%)

of guideline limitsSignificant increase in single and double strand

DNA breaks Chromosomal aberrations in fibroblastsChanges in many proteins, including heat shock

protein, the cell stress responseThis is solid evidence: Mobile phone radiation

damages the genetic material and may increase the risk of developing cancer.

`(from PhD Martin Blank's presentation at the Commonwealth Club of CA 11/18/10)

Effects of Pulsed MicrowavesBreech the protective Blood Brain BarrierAffect the NeurotransmittersAffect Testosterone Hormone LevelsCan Decrease Sperm Production in MenAffect the natural Rhythm of BrainCan affect Heart Rate and Heart Rate VariabilityEEG Changes—also in sleep, reduction of

learning, memory problemsLowers Hormones: Melatonin—affects sleep &

testosterone in male rats

This is Not New Information!

May 1975, Naval Aerospace Medical Research Lab – “…variability in the waveform (pulsed vs CW) could compromise the validity of conclusions”

1984 USAF 5 yr pulsed RF/MW study, Dr Bill Guy found increase in tumors

RFIAWG 1999 Letter to IEEE—14 issues w/RF limits—“Studies continue to be published describing biological responses to nonthermal ELF-modulated and pulse-modulated RF radiation exposures that are not produced by CW (unmodulated) RF radiation.”

The Salzburg Resolution of 2000 – Scientists set a target of 0.1 μW/cm2 (or 0.614 V/m) for public exposure to pulsed radiofrequency (FCC limit is 600 uW/cm2)

EMF & RFR Research 1950s-1990’s

Robert Kane, BSEE, MSEE in electromagnetics, Ph.D. in EE, esp. electromagnetics

Former Motorola prod. design engr., research scientist, developer of cell phones and microwave telecommunications

http://microondes.wordpress.com/2010/04/17/robert-c-kane-cellular-telephone-russian-roulette/

“Tissue destruction in one’s brain may be occurring w/o the slightest indication that anything is happening. And the damage may be repeated, over and over again, each time the energy exposure takes place.”

Health Effect Studies• International Agency for Research on Cancer, at WHO states

possible carcinogen based on Interphone study• Dr. Magda Havas: Cordless phones (2.4 GHz, same as HAN

and WiFi) affect heart rate at 0.5% of guidelines• REFLEX Study, 2 hrs of 60 Hz breaks DNA

– Mutates DNA which can lead to cancer– Children’s cells multiply much faster (duplicating mutations)

• Blood brain barrier leaks after 2 hrs GSM exposure (pulsed)• Pulsed signal causes heat shock (stress) cell proteins• Dr. Carlo said 2.4 GHz affects cognitive ability and memory• "Windows" of effects at lower frequencies

RFR Damages DNA, Fertility

Peer reviewed, published research shows damage to ovaries and testes

Barrie Trower, British scientist, former naval weapons expert, specializing in microwave “stealth” warfareLow level microwaves can damage the ovaries in

girls (they have all their eggs at birth)That girl could have a genetically deformed child,

and that could be carried through generations. You are risking the future generations of your

children with genetic disorders.

RF Effects on ChildrenChildren’s bodies affected more by RF

Smaller, thinner bonesHigher water contentCells rapidly multiplying (mutations are

multiplied)Asphalt playgrounds reflect (intensify)

RFThe earlier exposure starts, the higher

the health risks

Radio Frequency Guidelines and Effects

RFTesting

So Many Studies, Why No Action?

Thousands of RFR studies find bioeffects. Industry says, “No effect has been found.”

Actually, every assertion of risk has a counter assertion of no risk.

For every study showing damage to DNA and memory, there is an opposite study.

How is it scientifically possible for 50 percent of all studies to get an opposite result?

H. Lai split 326 studies in 2006 by funder (industry vs private); 70% of privately funded show bio effect, only 30% of industry funded did.

Key Resolutions/Appeals re: EMF/EMR Health Effects

Helsinki Appeal (2005) – Drs. & researchersICEM’s Benevento Resolution, Italy (2006) - Scientists

(International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety)Venice Resolution (2008) - ScientistsFreiburger Appeal (2008) - DoctorsPorto Alegre Resolution, Brazil (2009) – Scientists & Drs.Seletun Scientific Statement (2010) - ScientistsParliamentary Assembly Council of Europe –(2011)Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation

Protection (2011)

Why (falsely) claimed to be "safe"

RF is well below FCC limits (but effects at < 3% of limit)

Emissions (claimed to be) less than a cell phone (which is itself a possible carcinogen)

Emits only a "little tiny bit" of radiation (based upon averaging out the peaks)

Only transmitting 1-2% of time (as often as twice per second)

FCC GuidelinesThe guideline is for EXPOSURE, not for

EMISSIONS (but not enforced)FCC guidelines protect:6 ft 200 lb man from thermal effects (heating)Emission averaged over 30 minsProtection from one device alone Single exposure (acute)

FCC Compliance is not safety(it’s just legal)

From 1993 internal FDA memo:“available data ‘strongly suggest’ that microwaves can

‘accelerate the development of cancer’.”

From 2002 EPA letter:“The FCC’s exposure guideline is considered protective of

effects arising from a thermal mechanism but not from all possible mechanisms.

Therefore, the generalization by many that the guidelines protect human beings from harm by any or all mechanisms is not justified.”

 

Guideline DeficitsNo protection from:

Non-thermal, bio-effectsPulsed signal vs. continuous wave (no distinction)Momentary peak emission (no cap)Emissions from other simultaneous devices

(whether smart meters, WiFi, cell phones, etc)Daily, annual accumulation

No provisions for:The vulnerable (children, elderly, pregnant women)Nighttime period for cells to recover

What does it all mean?

FCC regulations do NOT protect against all effects

The low RFR frequency mimics/interferes with cell communication

Residents’ exposure is much higher than admitted by utilities

RFR is a 'toxic accumulant', i.e. the effects of exposure build up over time

Wireless microwave communication is NOT acceptable for the smart grid

END

Smart Grid TraitsCommunication uses Wireless Radio Frequency

Radiation (RFR, also called microwaves)Uses pulsed waves (as much as 2 times per second)

not Continuous Waves (28 times worse than CW)Each brief transmission reaches high intensity peaksThe peaks are averaged over 30 minutes and whole

body exposure, hiding the peakMultiple transmitters (ZigBee, neighbors’ meters,

apt. bldgs., collectors, backhaul to utility)Background radiation (cell twrs, WiFi, cell phones,

cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc.)

Neighborhood Collector

Peak Pulse Intensity vs Avg. ExposureShort pulse (<50 milliseconds) with ~1

watt (10,000 uW) peak pulses can average to Power of 9 uW/cm2 (Tell Report)

The body feels actual peak pulse, not average! Consider the Biological Effects of high power pulsing.

The physical max of a meter would be 72,000 pulses transmitted in an hour

(from Martin Blank's presentation at the Commonwealth Club of California 11/18/10)

Cell Phone vs. Smart Meter

Why the comparison?Same/similar frequencyMost people have cell phones--reluctant to give them

up (inclined to ignore/discount reports of health effects)Claim smart meter emission is much less than cell

phone

HoweverDaniel Hirsch, nuclear policy expert: corrected duty cycle

and measurement unit, smart meter emits 100 X’s moreWHO announced (May 2011) cell phones (and all wireless

devices) are possible carcinogens

Not as “Safe” as Claimed

Half Truth Whole TruthFCC RFR limit Far below limit of Bioeffects at

600uW/ cm2 0.002 -10uW/ cm2Tiny bit" of RFR Ave of 9uW/ cm2 Peak is 100,000 to

over 30 mins. 1 mil X's backgrndEmits <cell phone Using faulty numbers sm mtr 100 X's(CCST vs Hirsch) & approach cell phoneVery low Only "on" a few Transmits every 1/ 2duty cycle mins/ day in total to every 9 secs.

“

(from Martin Blank's presentation at the Commonwealth Club of California11/18/10.)

Are there Really Safe Levels?

“The actual exposure levels at which these genetic effects are shown are about 0.5 to 1.2 uW/cm2. These are not safe levels, they are just experimental levels that show, that at extremely low experimental levels, genotoxic responses occur cell-by-cell. There is no safe threshold.”Dr. Neil Cherry, New Zealand EMF Researcher Studied Health Effects of SF Sutro Tower