Smart meters may pose risks (letter)

London Community News

Dear editor, Like a lot of things, so-called smart meters seem quite reasonable and even beneficial at first glance, but once one starts going through the facts with a fine-tooth comb, they don’t seem so laudable. To begin with, we the end users do not get any benefit at all. These wireless meters have inflated the bills of many-a-consumer, while also interfering with household electronic devices, such as baby monitors, cordless phones, security systems, garage door openers, etc. These meters are invading our privacy by putting us under surveillance as they individually identify electrical devices inside the home and record when they are operated. They monitor household activity and occupancy in violation of rights and domestic security. They transmit wireless signals that may be intercepted by unauthorized and unknown parties. Data about each household is stored in permanent databases detailing your every move. Criminals can also intercept these signals and can determine when you’re home or not. Electromagnetic and Radio Frequency energy contamination from smart meters exceeds allowable safe and healthful limits for domestic environments as determined by the EPA, Health Canada and other scientific programs. According to Gary R. Olheft, professor of geophysics at Colorado School of Mines, these devices can interfere with sensitive medical implants, including deep brain stimulators for Parkinson’s disease as well as pacemakers. Dr. Stephen J. Kirsch states that there are links between negative physical symptoms and smart meters and those lying at the extreme ends of the age spectrum that are especially susceptible to health issues like infants and the elderly. The World Health Organization’s International Agency on Cancer classified radio frequency radiation as a possible human carcinogen. The Ontario government did not inform the public about the negative effects that these devices will indeed inflict upon the consumer as we have no alternative and had them installed illegally, as I never gave them consent to do so. The government will not be able to provide evidence to the contrary, as none exists. If you agree with this then call your MPP and ask them to have this device removed, I have, will you?

Nick Terentieff, London