AUTHOR: Riaan van Zyl, Journalist https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2018/05/24/are-smart-meters-harmful-to-your-health/
May 24, 2018
Since the controversial introduction of smart meters in the City of Johannesburg in 2015, many residents have complained of incorrect readings and meters running, even when the power is out.
But that said, could there be a darker side to these ‘convenient’ meters?
According to many, including experts and concern groups, the answer is “Yes”.
Also Read: Residents to receive new prepaid meters
According to EMF Safety Network’s website, “Military studies show [that] pulsed radio frequency, which leads to radio frequency radiation (RFR), which is radiated by certain devices including smart meters, can cause serious health problems, including tinnitus, memory loss and seizures. Thousands of studies link biological effects to RFR exposure, including increased cancer risk, damage to the nervous system, adverse reproductive effects, DNA damage, and more. The top public health official in Santa Cruz County California prepared a report, confirming smart meters pose a health risk”.
Another expert, Dr David Carpenter, a graduate of Harvard Medical School and a physician who has worked in the area of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and public health for over 18 years, has also warned utility companies that are forcing smart meters down the throats of their customers.
“Carpenter adamantly insists that there is no evidence whatsoever that smart meters are in any way safe for human beings. He goes on to say that there is, in fact, ample evidence that demonstrates ‘convincingly and consistently’ that exposure to radio frequency radiation (RFR) at elevated levels for long periods of time increases the risk of cancer, damages the nervous system, and adversely affects the reproductive organs”, according to TheHealthyHomeEconomist.com
Watch a short interview here:
Activists have also expressed their concern over other issues related to the meters such as privacy invasion and cyber security threats.
The Record is in the process of finding out whether City Power ever researched the health effects of smart meters before rolling them out.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.