Smart Meters: Should You Say No?

cancer electrical pollution emf Apr 11, 2018

What are smart meters?

Historically, meters have been used by utility companies to measure the usage of electricity, natural gas, or water. They were then read by a person for companies to learn usage for billing purposes.

In recent years, smart meters have been replacing traditional meters in Europe and in the US.

Smart meters use wireless communications to automatically send usage information to utility companies. The wireless communications of smart meters rely on a cell phone, pager, satellite, radio, power line (PLC), Wi-Fi or Internet (TCP/IP) communication method. However, internet and cell phone applications are preferred options because of their flexibility and ease of deployment.

Why are there health concerns over smart meters?

Those who are sensitive to EMFs try to avoid, or manage, exposures to smart meters because they emit the same kinds of radiofrequency (RF) waves as cell phones and Wi-Fi devices. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified RF radiation as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” And the American Cancer Society recognizes that "smart meters could increase cancer risk."

People's exposures to RF energy from their smart meters depend on various factors, including the distance from the smart meter antenna and how the smart meter sends its signal. How these exposures affect people also depend on various factors, including individuals' cumulative exposures and unique vulnerabilities.

Just say no?

For those who prefer to avoid unnecessary RF energy, if you get notified by your utility company that your meters will be upgraded to smart meters. then you can call your utility company and tell them you do not want this upgrade. I recently did this, and it was easier than I thought it would be. The representative asked me why I wanted to avoid this upgrade, and I replied that I'm sensitive to EMFs, which I am. And that was sufficient.

If you already have a smart meter and would like to explore potential ways to reduce you and your family's RF exposures, then hiring a Building Biology Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist is the best way to identify your options.

A movie about smart meters, and dirty electricity

For those who are brave enough to learn more, the movie below will motivate you to actions to protect yourself.

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Ruan Living simplifies a nontoxic lifestyle through its Practical Nontoxic Living podcast, free detox workshops, online D-Tox Academy, and transformative 40-Day Home Detox. It aims to help you avoid toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from what you buy, own, and do— without compromising your joy and convenience. Ruan was founded by Sophia Ruan Gushée, author of the bestselling critically acclaimed book A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Your Toxic Exposures and several detox workbooks. A graduate of Brown University and Columbia Business School, Sophia has served on the Brown University School of Public Health Advisory Council and Well+Good Council. A popular nontoxic living speaker, consultant, and teacher, Sophia lives in New York City with her husband and three daughters. Her passion for empowering others to enjoy nontoxic living began with the birth of her first daughter in 2007. Everything she creates is a love letter to her children and for the healthiest, brightest future possible. You can learn more here: Sophia’s Impact.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. This information is provided “as is” without warranty.

It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. We do not offer medical advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other opinion on your conditions or treatment options. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Ruan Living.

In no event will Sophia Ruan Gushee or Ruan Living be liable for any damages or loss of any kind resulting from the use of this website. Anyone relying upon or making use of the information on this website does so at his or her own risk.

Some of the services and products recommended on this website provide compensation to Sophia Ruan Gushee or Ruan Living. All recommendations are based foremost upon an honest belief that the product, service, or site will benefit our site visitors in some way.  

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