Smart meters

October 15, 2026 To: the US Federal Communications Commission To: the US Health and Human Services agency From Charyl Zehfus Re: FCC & HHS call for public comments, and science uploads regarding wireless bio-effects, and in response to the 2021 lawsuit lost by FCC I am uploading some science and documents along with my comment regarding my ongoing experience of health issues due to FCC failure to regulate manmade electromagnetic fields for biological effects, especially the oxidative stress mechanism. I recently found a news article about a Town of Berlin Wisconsin family who are unable to refuse a new smart meter from Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (electric) despite concerns and a doctor’s opinion that the man should avoid radiofrequency in his vicinity. “The Christensens are one of 12 WPS customers that refuse new smart meters – now they’re adapting to life without power” first appeared in City Pages (date). The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel apparently refused to cover it due to a reference to “wireless radiation sickness.” This echoes my earlier experience in Wisconsin in 2012-2014, where WPSC and Alliant Energy refused to allow an opt out from their gas and electric smart meters. I did not know this was still going on, but it must stop now. State rights should not blot out Americans with Disabilities needs nor health provider constitutional thought freedom – in matters controlling your home/school environment. People during Pres. Obama’s time in other states were able to opt out of transmitting meters, but in my state the Public Service Commission fought tooth and nail to prevent anyone from doing so. They used every detail possible, excluding utilities from any ADA requirements. My long-time high level reputable medical provider letter was ignored and countered with a traditional medical industry (unelected) organization’s opinion. For justice and awareness I am attaching their refusal document to show what they put people through. My 2014 letter to the US DOJ went unanswered despite my calls for months. I am attaching this, as well, in hopes to protect coming generations from this kind of injustice. I finally moved, though utility transmitter constant exposure issues continue for everyone. The oxidative effects are not immediately registered by everyone, but the additive, cumulative bio-impacts are supported by many studies showing mechanisms inhibiting normal cellular functions. Oxidative stress is recognized as a cause for numerous symptoms and impacts on inflammatory conditions and diseases by specialists/scientists. Ongoing science continues to point to oxidative stress as one effect of low level pulsed microwave radiation. Please view the sample of such science attached. Oxidative stress is an important problem affecting health. The Mayo Clinic recognizes that “chronic inflammation can be caused/affected by “…exposure to environmental triggers such as pollution.” (attached) Citizens continue to be stuck at the mercy of the utility lobby in their state. This injustice must end. FCC and HHS need to create federal rules to enforce ADA opt outs at the bare minimum. It must insure DOJ pathways to accommodation do not drag out for months. Our medical freedom should include respecting our own doctors’ recognition of electromagnetic effects and risks, not be pitted against some unelected big medicine organization or club. Another corrective action is for FCC, HHS (and FDA) to admit THEY HAVE NOT PROVEN BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS CANNOT OR DO NOT OCCUR. To support consumer choice and innovation, FCC should actively promote alternative connections, including fiber to premises with innovative indoors FIBER PORTS, and Li-Fi connectivity, which does not blanket whole areas with transmissions or exposures. Please review the science, and insure that the disability laws apply to utilities and all industries that create similar emissions. Thank you. Charyl Zehfus SEE attachments for details

When Kennedy, via Children's Health Defense (CHD) asked for information about smart meter radiation injury, I sent him all kinds of proof that persons who ask for an analog opt out meter from utility companies who got Smart Grid Investment Grant funding from the Recovery Act Smart Grid Investment Grant are supposed to, by the law, be allowed to have one for free no questions asked. I am myelin injured, similar to gulf war illness, and I am a civic activist. To retaliate against me for writing about how Southern Company/Alabama Power is owned by 中国, as are all of our utitlities and also most all large companies. They have used the meter as a military grade electromagnetic microwave radiation assault weapon against me and my back yard tree. I gave Kennedy contact information for the two men to did the grant and showed them where a document was removed at the DOE when Obama was lame duck. I have an email from the DOE IT contractor, where they finally told me in Dec 2019 they were asked to delete their copy of the document that told about the analog meter opt out. I have struggled with sleep deprivation, and sleep interruption, as well as anemia, foot and leg cramps, and other health problems linked to the dirty electricity and electromagnetic microwave radiation that they continue to flood my small home with non stop. I feel like they are killing me and my tree. I can show you what I sent to Kennedy at CHD. Kennedy's staff at CHD who did the request for smart meter injury information has what I sent to him. I think he is fake and only doing this to try and keep the people who came with him to vote for Trump, to keep them staying with Trump.

Please care about people and stop the “smart meters.” They are unhealthy for people and the environment.

October 21, 2026 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’m an experienced health information management professional – a certified clinical coding specialist and medical transcriptionist – and a parent of two young children, and I have grave concerns about the harmful health effects of compulsory and/or undisclosed microwave radiation exposure on a largely uninformed, un-consenting, and unprotected population of United States citizens. With more and more biologically hazardous cell towers, small cell equipment, and smart meters being forced on United States citizens (often against their wishes) and with public schools now enforcing the use of wireless devices in every classroom, and the daily, up-close, compulsory exposure of vulnerable schoolchildren to wireless infrastructure (“WiFi”) health risks all day while held in captivity by order of the state; soon there may be no place left for anyone to hide from the dangerous cumulative effects of so many unchecked layers of microwave radiation. Without the benefit of appropriately serious health warnings provided by the government institutions we trust to protect our citizens, most people don’t even question the safety of wireless devices at all! How many of you know of a teenager who sleeps with a cell phone on her pillow, resting directly against her brain all night long? How many times have you seen a drooling baby in the shopping cart, keeping quiet with a tablet’s microwave radiation warming his private parts - or teething with A CELL PHONE IN HIS MOUTH? I once witnessed every single pregnant woman in the waiting room at my OB/GYN doctor’s passing the time innocently holding a cell phone pulsing with invisible radiation directly over her pregnant belly - likely without any clue she is causing harmful microwaves to penetrate the delicate cells and organs of her precious baby developing inside. One of these mothers-to-be stood up when called and placed the biologically interactive cell phone inside the belly pocket of her hoodie, pressed right up against her baby growing inside. The woman sitting next to me was nursing a tiny new baby, while casually scrolling on a cell phone that was resting directly on her infant’s head! Most often when I speak up, these uninformed mothers tell me they had no idea there was any harmful “radiation” coming out of their wireless device, and they thank me for telling them. WHY ARE THERE NO CLEAR AND OBVIOUS HEALTH WARNINGS BEING ISSUED BY THE COMPANIES THAT SELL THESE DEVICES, OR FROM AGENCIES ENTRUSTED TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH?” Sadly, my experience is that school administrators, teachers, parents, and people in general are typically not even aware that “WiFi” is microwave radiation! Well-meaning people in charge of keeping schools, hospitals, office buildings, and other spaces safe - who make crucial decisions that affect people’s safety, on behalf of the public, all seem to be under a false impression that the science is settled, and that “WiFi” (whatever that means) is a completely harmless, unquestionably safe, and necessary part of life now. Meanwhile citizens are being forced and coerced into absorbing wifi radiation from “mandatory” smart meters in their own homes, and now even wired landline phone connections are being phased out in favor of wireless tech – leaving those of us who are concerned about the known health risks from wireless radiation becoming more and more terrorized by the prospect of a future where there is nowhere left to hide from the EMF, RF, and Wireless Radiation exposures being forced upon us. (….continued in Comment to HHS Part 2)

Approximately 2008, the buzzing in my ears or (head) started upon awakening and an electrical current pulling at my skull. In 2010, my symptoms progressed to extreme tinnitus, nearly 24hrs a day. It interfered with everyday tasks and cognition. I could feel a disabling pulsed signal followed by a loss of balance. Over the years, with every advancement in RF technology, my symptoms worsened. Overall adverse effects are; Rapid aging, Flashing strobe lights in a dark room, Hair loss, sore scalp, Extreme itching and extreme tinnitus. Also directed energy. My Optomologist, diagnosed eye damage due to exposure to UVs. Otherwise, I am a strong healthy woman. Ruling out an unhealthy lifestyle and learning about exposure to RF radiation from experts in the field, I have limited my exposure to anything wireless. NO Ring door cam; No Alexa; No Nest; Refused smart meter, and avoid anything SMART. Use protection on cell phone. Given the option, I plug in. Use the earth for grounding. And polarized lenses. There is nowhere to hide in NYC from Wifi and WBAN. I have never consented to this! This is torture! Please help us regain our quality of life in the USA.

I am describing my personal experience:  In January 2019 I moved into a house with a broadcasting smart meter. Soon after, I experienced an immediate decline in my health. I noticed headaches, tinnitus, insomnia, exhaustion, sleep problems, leg cramps, chest pains, joint aches, anxiety, whole body buzzing sensations, rashes, loss of bladder control, tingling in the extremities, irritability, inability to concentrate, and agitation. I was unable to find a doctor who could help me.                      My life has changed in almost uncountable ways since my experience of living in a house with a smart meter. Getting it removed didn't make it be as if it had never been there although the new non-broadcasting opt-out meter's arrival meant that things stopped getting worse.        I used to be able to drive, ride a bicycle, walk on a road with houses on it, take public transportation, and go to places where people are. I can't any more because I can't be where there are cell phones, smart meters, WiFi, or power lines without experiencing pain, tinnitus, headaches, and aching joints. It takes several days to recover if I absolutely have to go into town (for medical appointments).  I used to be able to do all these things, and more. When I say I can't do things I mean the price is too high. I'd rather sit in the dark than turn on the light, for example, not because the small jolt I feel is excruciating but because it takes a while to recover from it and because avoiding these stressors means I might not get worse and I might improve. (Other, larger, devices give more discomfort, sometimes a lot more). I used to be able to use a toaster, a coffee grinder, a waffle iron, a blender, a food processor, an insinkerator, a flashlight, an electric shaver, a vibrator, a computer keyboard, a cordless phone, a cell phone, a laptop, a digital camera, a cook stove, a refrigerator, an electric blanket, a pellet stove, a heating pad, an air conditioner, a television, a DVD player, a ceiling fan, a floor fan, a dishwasher, a laundry machine, an iron, a vacuum cleaner, a lawn mower.  How do I live? I don't do these things at all or I get someone to do them for me or I create Rube Goldberg machines or scenarios to get around it. I turn on a lamp by holding an iced tea spoon with a reacher-grabber device so I can touch the spoon to the capacitive light switch on my battery-powered lamp. For years, if I wanted something from the fridge I'd only get it if someone brought it to me, I couldn't even be in the same room as the refrigerator. Now the fridge has been converted to an icebox and a quarter of the space is taken up by ice. I'm glamping in my home. It's often cold and dark.               That's not all I lost. I became dependent on others for help. I can't visit people in their houses. If I see people they have to come to my home. I couldn't fly to visit my father when he was dying. Or go on trips with my family Or go to a store. Or a movie, or a play or a park, or the sea. Or a museum or a library. or go to a protest, do jury duty or vote. I am so grateful to be able to vote by mail, now. (And get some of my medical care remotely.)                      It's now October 2026 and I still struggle with the sequelae from living with a smart meter for a few months more than seven years ago. 

I feel concerned about 5G and smart meters. Wireless radiation can greatly impact the health and circadian rhythm of humans, animals, birds, and insects. What are the long-term effects for our children when they are consistently bombarded by electromagnetic frequencies during the most crucial times of their brain's development? The frontal lobe and prefrontal cortex aren't fully developed until age 25. There needs to be more transparent data on this technology, as well as information and access to remediate the harmful effects.

I am submitting this comment in response to HHS's Request for Information on EMF, RF, and wireless radiation exposure. I am responding from the perspective of an educator of 30 years and concerned member of the community as well as someone who personally struggles with the negative effects. Wireless radiation has affected me personally. I had to have my smart meter removed as it left me feeling lethargic, gave me headaches, impeded my breathing, and highjacked my nervous system. As a result, I had to avoid the backyard and two rooms of my house. My dog experienced similar issues, always avoiding the backyard. The minute the meter was removed, I felt my whole being relax and felt comfortable for the first time ever in this house/yard. My dog, who would not have known the difference, also no longer had problems with being in the backyard for extended periods of time. I have these same symptoms when in my car or some place with lots of electronics, such as a school. One school library was so bad, I couldn't even enter the room much less stay in it for any length of time. I know this wireless technology is affecting our kids as a result of the constant exposure in the school building day after day. Over 30 years, I have watched students struggle more and more just to function during their school day, and this technology is one of the reasons for their struggle. I absolutely support HSS taking an active role in examining the protentional 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, as well as the experience of individuals and families who report being affected. All should be considered alongside current scientific data that is mindful of today's level of radiation exposure. I believe we need to make major adjustments to what is considered an acceptable level of exposure in this country as others countries have done. Thank you for providing individuals and families the opportunity to be heard.

As an update addendum to my earlier response, I just discovered not only does the light switch by my bed emit RF but the outlet does too. I tried shutting my circuit breakers off and it still emits the RF. I have read that the smart meters cause the house wiring to resonate with and transmit the signal. And I confirmed what was reported, which is that the meter constantly emits RF, contrary to the industry claims that they only emit infrequently. This is easily verified with a TriField meter. This very much looks like my entire house is a giant RF antennae and I am unable to shut it off. There is an opt-out program from PG&E to get the meter replaced with a manual one (it costs more but I'd be glad to do it). I will take advantage of that immediately, I wish I'd done it years ago. One major concern is what if a hostile government or AI hacked such devices and weaponized them, using the Havana syndrome frequencies/pulsing method? Could Starlink, or cell towers, or our own cell phones cause our demise? What would a world where everyone has severe Havana syndrome look like? And what if we already have a much milder syndrome, caused by EMR that we don't realize makes us less functional and less happy than we would otherwise be? Has testing been done to compare people living in RF saturated environments with those not so to check for neurofunctionality, neuroinflammation, cognitive performance etc?

Hi! I am EMF sensitive! This is not something in my head or some crazy hypchodriac type of situation. I feel TERRIBLE when I get behind a computer or use a cell phone too long. I'm at the point I turn off all the attennas on my phone and I hardwired the house. I don't use bluetooth if I can help it. There are no smart devices in my home. There is a smart guard on our smart meter. Unfortunatley my wife doesn't get it and is totally addicted to Facebook Google Big Tech and the internet. She can't go 5 minutes with the internet not working without getting in the car and driving to where she can get good cell service. I wish they would stop lying to us about the dangers of EMF radiation. I have done alot of research on it and it's extremely obvious there is a HUGE cover up going on about it. DO SOMETHING!!!