Radio frequency emissions from wireless electric and gas meters do not create significant health hazards, according to a state study commissioned by lawmakers from Marin and Santa Cruz. Citizens in these areas have protested Pacific Gas & Electric’s installation of “smart” meters because of health and safety, as well as privacy concerns, with Marin County and some cities attempting to halt continued installations (Current, Jan. 7, 2011). “Wireless smart meters, when installed and properly maintained, result in much smaller levels of radio frequency (RF) exposure than many existing common household electronic devices, particularly cell phones and microwave ovens,” states the California Council on Science and Technology report, Health Impacts from Radio Frequency from Smart Meters, released Jan. 11. Commissioned by Assemblymembers Jared Huffman (D-Marin) and Bill Monning (D-Santa Cruz), it adds that as consumers’ use of wireless devices rises, the thermal and non thermal impacts should be quantitatively assessed. The report is “reassuring regarding the remote potential for thermal effects,” stated Huffman, adding that the study also notes research should be ongoing until it is scientifically established whether there are non-thermal effects of prolonged exposure from wireless meters and other devices. He added that the state study backs his bill, AB 37, introduced last month, which insists consumers are given full and accurate information regarding emissions from smart meters and also allows customers to have wired meters installed instead of wireless ones. PG&E welcomed the report finding that the thermal affects from wireless meters “posed no serious health risk,” said Paul Moreno, utility spokesperson. PG&E, which has met numerous times with concerned citizens, also said the California Public Utilities Commission decides whether installations should continue or halt. In the meantime, installations continue. Earlier this month, another study warned that improper installation of wireless meters can “produce excessively elevated RF exposures.” The study by Sage Associates, environmental consultants in Santa Barbara, pointed out that consumers’ radio frequency exposure is increased by cell phones, wireless routers, iPhones, and other digital devices. It urged “caution,” particularly for those with compromised health. In early December, state regulators ducked the problem of potential health impacts of swapping out wired with wireless electric and gas meters. Commission President Mike Peevey said it was a matter within the Federal Communication Commission’s authority. The FCC authorizes, regulates, and tests devices that transmit radio frequencies but its authority does not include the health and safety matters, according to the federal agency. It also concluded that transmitters of far higher levels of EMF, such as cell towers, emit electromagnetic frequencies at a level not considered harmful.
