Neurological symptoms & sleep

I am submitting this comment in response to HHS’s Request for Information on Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs), Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation, and Wireless Radiation Exposure. I am responding from the perspective of a family member. My family lived in a metropolis in the area that was a 5G test city. We did not know this at the time. My son, daughter and my wife all got sick at the same time they had headaches, pressure in the head, felt like they had the flu, aches and pains, heaviness in the body, difficulty thinking/brain fog, difficulty functioning and even getting out of bed. Previously all were active and normal. My wife particularly is someone who goes nonstop. This stopped her in her tracks. we went to visit a friend and she felt much better and could walk well there and that's when we started to investigate our environment and discovered that not only was 5G in our area, but they had put a tower three blocks from us. We could no longer live there. We had to move to get away from all of the 5G cell towers. Now they put one where we live again less than 2 miles from us and we have to move again because my wife and daughter are so sick. Our son passed away in 2021. We did not know the Cell tower was so close to us now either because we cannot see it from our home. someone mentioned to my wife she might be sick from the tower. They put up nearby and she asked where it was and when it had gotten put up. It was exactly when my wife and daughter got sick again. We did not use Wi-Fi in our home or Bluetooth or have any devices that produce EMF plugged in on a regular basis. it is completely changed our lives and ruined them on several occasions because of having to move and leave jobs and family behind. It has been a horrendous ordeal. It is heartbreaking to watch it destroy my family's health. It is simply WRONG that this should be forced upon us without proper attention to the studies that show the harm! It needs to be reverted to 4G and even that needs to be looked into for distance and safety purposes. Please stop killing my family! I support HHS taking an active role in examining the potential health and environmental effects of wireless radiation. Questions about human health should be addressed by federal agencies with appropriate expertise in medicine, biology, epidemiology, and public health, and the experiences of individuals and families who report being affected should be considered alongside the scientific evidence. I urge HHS to carefully evaluate these experiences and the scientific evidence, identify gaps in current research, give particular attention to children and other potentially vulnerable populations, and establish appropriate federal research priorities regarding wireless radiation and public health. Thank you for providing individuals and families with an opportunity to be heard.

I have been electrohypersensitive for 6 years. I feel pain in the head, jaws, teeth and ears constantly, increasing when radio frequencies increase (from mobile phones, Wi-Fi, phone masts etc.). I also feel pain from the increase in electric and magnetic fields. Since this started 6 years ago, I also have experienced constant pulsatile tinnitus and tinnitus and occasional light-headedness. My own double blind tests show the correlation between increased pain and increased radio frequencies.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26474271/ "Memory performance, wireless communication and exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: A prospective cohort study in adolescents" "Abstract Background: The aim of this study is to investigate whether memory performance in adolescents is affected by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from wireless device use or by the wireless device use itself due to non-radiation related factors in that context. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study with 439 adolescents. Verbal and figural memory tasks at baseline and after one year were completed using a standardized, computerized cognitive test battery. Use of wireless devices was inquired by questionnaire and operator recorded mobile phone use data was obtained for a subgroup of 234 adolescents. RF-EMF dose measures considering various factors affecting RF-EMF exposure were computed for the brain and the whole body. Data were analysed using a longitudinal approach, to investigate whether cumulative exposure over one year was related to changes in memory performance. All analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders. Results: The kappa coefficients between cumulative mobile phone call duration and RF-EMF brain and whole body dose were 0.62 and 0.67, respectively for the whole sample and 0.48 and 0.28, respectively for the sample with operator data. In linear exposure-response models an interquartile increase in cumulative operator recorded mobile phone call duration was associated with a decrease in figural memory performance score by -0.15 (95% CI: -0.33, 0.03) units. For cumulative RF-EMF brain and whole body dose corresponding decreases in figural memory scores were -0.26 (95% CI: -0.42, -0.10) and -0.40 (95% CI: -0.79, -0.01), respectively. No exposure-response associations were observed for sending text messages and duration of gaming, which produces tiny RF-EMF emissions. Conclusions: A change in memory performance over one year was negatively associated with cumulative duration of wireless phone use and more strongly with RF-EMF dose. This may indicate that RF-EMF exposure affects memory performance."

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4190308/ "Association between mobile phone use and inattention in 7102 Chinese adolescents: a population-based cross-sectional study" "Abstract Background The dramatic growth of mobile phone (MP) use among young people has increased interest in its possible health hazards in this age group. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between MP use and inattention in adolescents. Methods A total of 7720 middle school students were involved in this cross-sectional study. Inattention was assessed as defined for the Attention Deficit component of Attention deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev. [DSM-IV-TR]). The demographic characteristics and information on MP use were included in the questionnaire. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. Results In total, 7102 (91.99%) valid questionnaires were obtained. After adjusted for confounders, inattention in adolescents was significantly associated with MP ownership, the time spent on entertainment on MP per day, the position of the MP during the day and the mode of the MP at night. The strongest association between inattention and the time spent on the MP was among students who spent more than 60 minutes per day playing on their MP. Conclusions Our study shows some associations between MP use and inattention in Chinese adolescents. Decreasing MP usage to less than 60 minutes per day may help adolescents to stay focused and centered."

I first became aware of the health impacts of RF/EMF emissions when our County Council in Montgomery County, Maryland was preparing a zoning text amendment (ZTA) that would allow small cell antennas as close as 30 feet to single-family homes, and as close as 10 feet to mixed zoning apartment buildings, and as a growing movement opposing this ZTA was quickly forming. Thanks to the research I was made aware of, it did not take long to realize that my family and I had been experiencing significant health impacts from a cluster of 42 cell antennas mounted less than 500 feet away on a high rise in the valley below our home, including worsening auto-immune conditions, frequent and persistent headaches, heart palpitations, and insomnia. I was stunned when learning that the FCC was operating and regulating cell antenna placement using safety standards from 1996 that were based on the thermal effects of single exposure to humans, given that these technologies have not only become exponentially more powerful, but we are now surrounded by an enormous amount of them, 24/7. I was also stunned to learn that ample research showing a multitude of detrimental effects on human health existed, but had been heavily suppressed by industry. What shocked me the most, however, was that it was written into the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that state or local governments are prohibited from denying applications for cell antenna placement due to environmental effects, which has been interpreted by multiple U.S. Circuit Courts to include "health concerns." Two years later, when we moved into a home where we had used an RF/EMF meter to evaluate the emission levels as one of the many variables that were important to us, the change was fundamental. Within a few days, the persistent headaches had dissipated, the heart palpitations stopped, and we were able to sleep again. If I hadn't been convinced before, this cemented my conviction of how toxic these emissions are. Moreover, two of my auto-immune conditions improved significantly over the following months, and they have continued to improve - one of them measurably, as it is appearing that my Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism is reversing, and I have been able to continue to lower my doses of replacement thyroid hormone multiple times, after only increasing it for the ten years prior since my diagnosis. It is nearly impossible to avoid exposure to ever-increasing cumulative RF/EMF emissions, however, and under the current regulation - which includes the swift passing of the above mentioned ZTA by our County Council - a cell antenna can legally be mounted on the telephone pole right outside our home anytime. Updating the regulations regarding the placement of wireless facilities (cell antennas) is long overdue, and I urge you to take the science and detrimental effects on the environment and human health into consideration this time. Cell towers do not belong near homes, schools, eldercare facilities, or any other place where vulnerable humans spend a lot of time. In addition, rather than pushing more and more wireless technology on society, fund and encourage safe technologies, such as fiber-optic wired internet, whenever possible. Thank you for your attention on this matter.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3605379/ "Mobile Phone Use, Blood Lead Levels, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Symptoms in Children: A Longitudinal Study" "Abstract Background Concerns have developed for the possible negative health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure to children’s brains. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to investigate the association between mobile phone use and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) considering the modifying effect of lead exposure. Methods A total of 2,422 children at 27 elementary schools in 10 Korean cities were examined and followed up 2 years later. Parents or guardians were administered a questionnaire including the Korean version of the ADHD rating scale and questions about mobile phone use, as well as socio-demographic factors. The ADHD symptom risk for mobile phone use was estimated at two time points using logistic regression and combined over 2 years using the generalized estimating equation model with repeatedly measured variables of mobile phone use, blood lead, and ADHD symptoms, adjusted for covariates. Results The ADHD symptom risk associated with mobile phone use for voice calls but the association was limited to children exposed to relatively high lead. Conclusions The results suggest that simultaneous exposure to lead and RF from mobile phone use was associated with increased ADHD symptom risk, although possible reverse causality could not be ruled out"

I have been living in Pinellas county for 16 years at my home. My sleep has been increasing disturbed as the years progressed, and as far back as 2016 i started having problems falling asleep. It progressively got worse, to the point not that I have to take multiple sleeping aids just to fall asleep for a few hours, by the all night long I wake up. It feels like I am exhausted yet plugged it to be awake. I also have had deep depression at this house for no apparent reason. I wake up every half hour trying multiple thinga to fall back asleep. Sometimes I have to go outside to sleep on the ground to earth myself but it's very uncomfortable as youay guess. My only solution after so many years and blatantly obvious it is the frequencies all around me in my neighborhood, and why I feel better when I groun. I have to not live here to actually sleep and not be depressed due to the closeness of the houses in the neighborhood.I got to visit my family in the mountains and I have no issues whatsoever falling asleep, staying asleep, or depression. I also go out to camp in nature and sleep great and my happiness and weep being come back. This is a real health crisis and I hope you take it seriously. After all these years I have to sell my house because of it. Thank you for reading.

Hi, i'm a male aged 65 from England, UK. I believe I have a sensitivity to Electro Magnetic sources of radiation that has been an issue for much of my life although I have probably only really been aware of this link for the past 20-25 years mainly through becoming aware of information and reports via the internet which answered questions regarding some health issues I was experiencing and caused me to consider RFR as a possible cause or antagonist. Below are a selection of comments made in response to a relevant survey i've just completed. I am responding as a concerned individual and hope that my brief responses will add to the debate and your further investigation into this harmful technology. I would like to state that grateful as I am for the opportunity to be able to offer my experiences on this matter, it is long overdue and really warrants more space than 5000 characters allows. Type of wireless or RF/EMF sources involved (e.g., mobile phones, Wi-Fi, smart meters…)WiFi, Wireless tablet, Mobile phone, also smart meters...possibly to a lesser extent...also surprisingly (at least to me) is exposure to mains electricity fields especially in the bedroom. Nature, duration, frequency, and approximate timing (e.g., years):Have noticed adverse health effects I believe are caused by these devices for over 20 years. Effects are daily. . Adverse health effect(s) experienced:Mobile phone...after just 3-4 minutes using against my head I start to feel heat and an uncomfortable throbbing where the phone touches the side of my head...I never stay on the phone once I detect this. Wifi at home from router and partners laptop can cause my nasal passages to swell affecting my breathing initially. Over an extended period of exposure during the day I feel my blood pressure increasing, my face becomes flushed and I generally get very twitchy and feel uncomfortable. Can't concentrate very well or feel able to tackle anything requiring critical analysis I have found several ways to mitigate the effects on myself: 1) have used a silver material cover over my wifi router to reduce signal strength considerably plus I turn off my router overnight. 2) Have got rid of all DECT phones in the house and especially from bedroom...helped a lot. 3) I take a cocktail of vitamins and minerals daily the most important of which are Mg supplements 2 or 3 times a day...increases my ability to tolerate adverse effects from RFR. 4) I only own a 15 year old 2G phone and only use in emergency or if travelling outside local area to advise partner of ETA etc. I also turn off the mains electricity to my bedroom overnight to create as calm and relaxing sleeping environment as possible...this helps enormously and on the occasional time I forget to do this i usually suffer from blocked, stuffy nose, watery eyes, and slight brain fog/confusion for about 30 seconds or so. Occasionally I might lose my balance as I stand up from a sleeping position and have to grab the wall nearby to stop myself from falling over. I hardly drink alcohol nor do i use recreational drugs or smoke and this rarely ever happens when the power has been switched off. Eliminating DECT phones from the house and especially the bedroom was one of the most effective things I have done to mitigate the effects of RFR. Another possible side effect i've noticed is the need to urinate frequently when exposed to RFR. I distribute flyers twice a yea...between 2500-3000 each time over a period of about a month...usually about 100-150 in any one go...I can't do more than this as i often have to return home to use the toilet.This despite me having gone just before I set off. Sometimes I have to return within about 30-40 mins as the need to urinate comes on suddenly often without any or little warning. Only happens when I approach front doors...I believe when i get close enough to be affected by peoples DECT phones on windowsills or in the hall or when approaching smart meters at the front of the house. My other main health issue is blood presssure. I have had an issue with this for decades but feel it is made worse (and could even have been caused historically) by exposure to both RFR and LF mains electricity. Family events with multiple phones present affect my BP within 15-20 mins. (No more space...) Other strategies have involved the use of a cover over my wifi router to reduce its signal strength...I turn this off completely at night as well. I only own a 15-16 year old 2G phone which I only ever use in emergencies or to advise my family of ETA when out of area. I can't use it for more than 2-3 minutes before I start to feel uneasy, irritated and I feel my face becoming flushed and my blood pressure rising. Another minute or so and I start to feel the side of my head next to the phone heating up. I don't spend more than £10 a year on a PAYG basis using my phone and were phone boxes still available around the country like they once were I wouldn't use a mobile at all.

In response to HHS's request for information on EMF's, RF, and Wireless Radiation exposure I'll share a bit of my personal experience. As many fellow sufferers likely also feel, I am grateful to have this opportunity. Concerning the physical harm that these man-generated frequencies can cause, as happens so often when an issue is not well known or understood and the lives of the majority aren't substantially impacted (yet), the minority who are affected are dismissed, ridiculed, or patronized. When there are financial incentives for the issue to be minimized, as there definitely are here, then the institutional gaslighting get fierce. An honest, brave and thorough investigation into this topic would be a breath of fresh air and I do hope that is truly underway in this process. This is not a topic that is of natural interest to me, and I am by no means an expert, but the physical distress I experience through EMF exposure has compelled me to do a fair amount of research in my quest to regain some semblance of a normal life. A few points I've learned may be helpful in clearing up misconceptions for those who don't notice ill effects themselves - Generally speaking, there is a tipping point when after a slow build of repeated exposure (often combined with other physical stresses) a person's body becomes sensitized. After that point depending upon the severity of the hypersensitivity some people may experience symptoms immediately when exposed to certain frequencies and intensities, while others may not feel affected until the duration of that exposure lasts a while. (A bit like allergies.) Another important point is that the hypersensitive individual may be perfectly healthy when they are in a low EMF environment. My experience (short version - for quicker access to the salient points I won't detail the process of elimination which I used to draw the conclusions that my symptoms were caused by EMF's, but I will say that the evidence took me there.) Spring 2021 - Every morning awakening with a physical feeling of dread. It wasn't an emotional feeling. My bedroom has 2 cell towers in easy view from the windows, one on the south one on the west (and then there's another cell tower nearby but around the bend). It turns out that all these towers had added antenna at that time. I believe this was my triggering event. I was bombarded nightly. After that I became increasingly agitated in a way quite unlike me and hard to describe. I developed a kind of headache that I never had before. I experienced numbness, heart palpitations, tinnitus, sometimes a restlessness of mind as well as body. There were only two places on my property that I felt ok. One was on the front porch, the other was the laundry room. I started sleeping on the floor of the laundry room for some relief. My life was subsumed by these physical affects, which were not limited to my home but happened anywhere there was wireless radiation. I was overjoyed to learn that there was such a thing as building biologists that specialize in detecting and mitigating against harmful levels of EMF's. That was the beginning of a long, difficult and very, very, very expensive journey to better health and a livable life. I was frustrated with the pace that it took to make the changes because I didn't feel I could last another minute. When I made that clear to the building biologist I had hired (who I came to regard as my hero) he told me that some people found relief by grounding with their feet in a river. The first time I sat there for an hour and then finally felt a switch...I felt good for the first time in months. After that I went to the river many times a week. (For others who may want to try it, the location has to be low EMF.) BTW - the BB discovered that the levels where my son usually spent much of his time measured horrifically high. After the mitigation not only did he become much more pleasant but he started having dreams again, something he hadn't had for quite a while. My house is now shielded with special paint, my windows have a special film (as do the windows of my car), we no longer use a microwave, we keep the WiFi off whenever I'm around, we've hardwired everything that can be, when I'm in high RF environments I wear shielded hats, I don't have a cell phone, oh and probably most importantly I have a shielding canopy over my bed...after years now my life is, from the outside, looking almost normal. Now I can be out in public and participate somewhat. However there are significant limitations: travel is very hard, being in an enclosed space with lots of cell phones still makes me sick and can take me a few days to recover from. Though perhaps a small percentage of the population is affected I know four others as severely affected as I and others with milder but troublesome symptoms. If the tipping point theory is right, the increasing proliferation of this kind of technology may have huge negative consequences soon.

This suggests that EMF effects can carry over from father to offspring. I think we ought to think of life forms as passing on to a degree their own changed state. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41391574/ "Effects of paternal 5G RFR exposure on health of male offspring mice " "The results showed that paternal 5G RFR exposure induced anxiety-like behaviors and impaired sperm quality in F1 males, potentially associated with RFR-induced hypermethylation of paternal LRGUK gene and subsequent down regulation of its expression in offspring testes"