Diplomates worldwide began suffering unusual physical symptoms in 2016 that were unexplainable by medical testing. Were countries like Cuba, Russia, and others using new technological weapons to injure them? First called Havana Syndrome, it soon spread to other embassy and military personnel.
The symptoms in formerly healthy staff included severity from pain and ringing in the ears to cognitive difficulties and were thought to be energy pulses associated with radiofrequency energy. A National Academies of Science report stated that the symptoms shared common characteristics.
The most common and distinctive features of the initial onset and acute phase of the illness in Havana personnel were the sudden onset of a perceived loud sound, sometimes described as screeching, chirping, clicking, or piercing, a sensation of intense pressure or vibration in the head, and pain in the ear or more diffusely in the head. Studies have found, via neuroimaging, sustained injury to widespread brain neural networks.
Scientists have faced similar questionable physical maladies related to childhood cancer clusters in areas where high-intensity lines have been strung. Although at least one study could not establish a causal link, but (found it ) could be consistent with a small increased risk. Would a “small increased risk” of cancer in their children be acceptable? One has to wonder.
Cell phone radiation, too, has been investigated as a potential cause of brain cancers. Here, also, there is controversy with studies finding increased brain cancer. But one thing is known, and that is that wireless devices heat tissue by exciting its molecules. One area of the nervous system that seems particularly vulnerable are Schwann cells, which form the vital connections along nerve axon cells.
The studies investigated the proximity of the energy sources, near (cell phones) or somewhat distant (laptop computers and other devices). Could this stimulate cancer cell production?
Special note should be made that these devices are constantly producing, receiving and sending radiowaves since they are in continuous contact with cell towers. It doesn’t matter, therefore, if the device is in use or not — it’s still connecting to the network. Could they produce a schwannoma type of cancer that can affect even the heart, although this is rare?
Super-fast connectivity has brought 5G networks to the fore and herein lies yet another environmental health concern. The battle, understandably, will grow fierce since billions of dollars are being invested, and there is a constant clamor and need for better cell service. Our nation and that of others are inextricably tethered to cell and internet service for vital operations.
Recent actions by a nurse in Massachusetts and investigations by ProPublica have revealed a concerning relationship between the FCC and wireless companies. According to the article, while the FCC has the power to regulate the distribution and assembling of cell towers, it has no power to control the health hazard these towers may pose. Nor does the FCC have the capacity to make health decisions based on their own or the cell companies’ research since it may present apparent conflicts of interest.
The article further states that, In 2018, a massive, nearly-two-decade study by the National Toxicology Program, part of the National Institutes of Health, found “clear evidence” that cellphone radiation caused cancer in lab animals.
As street-side cell towers begin to pop up all over major cities, will we see an increase in radio wave-related disorders, or will they be improperly diagnosed as something else?
The future is murky, and healthcare officials must be vigilant to consider this new threat to health when evaluating patients with the complaints outlined in recent research.
