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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, January 22, 2015 | 4 Oakville MP introduces bill to warn of EM radiation by Herb Garbutt Oakville Beaver Staff Oakville MP Terence Young doesn't expect the world to stop using cell phones. In fact, he conducted the interview for this story on a cell phone. He does believe, however, people should be fully informed about the devices they hold next to their head. That's why he's introduced a private member's bill, Bill C-648, that would require warning labels on cell phones, baby monitors, Wi-Fi routers and any other wireless device sold in Canada. Young "became acutely aware of the level of concern" around radio frequency electromagnetic (EM) radiation when he was invited to a meeting regarding a proposed cell phone tower at the former Hopedale Mall (now South Oakville Centre) three years ago. After reading some of the research on the health concerns caused by cell phone use, Young began working with Citizens for Safe Technology to draft the proposed bill. The Oakville MP said the warnings are not only meant to serve as a precaution, but also to inform consumers. In introducing the bill to the Commons, Young said, "Most Canadians are unaware that these devices not only receive, but broadcast electromagnetic radiation, which has been Oakville MP Terence Young classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as possibly carcinogenic, and that the length of time of use near or touching the body may increase health risks. "This legislation would require manufactures to place warnings that are now buried in tiny booklets few users ever read, on the outside packaging of their products." Young has changed his own cell phone habits since becoming aware of some of the research. He uses land lines to return calls whenever possible, he texts more often in place Frank Clegg, Citizens for Safe Technology of making calls, he will put his phone on a desk and use hands-free whenever possible, he tries to limit the length of his cell phone calls when he has to hold it to his ear and he puts it on airplane mode (in which phones don't emit a signal) at night. Oakville's Frank Clegg, founder of Citizens for Safe Technology, said the MP's support will give the initiative a better chance of succeeding. "It's incredible. It's a strong statement on his part," he said. "Working with him to make our case to the federal government, it will draw attention to this and help educate Canadians." Young pointed to two historical cases -- shoe stores using x-ray machines to help fit shoes in the 1930s and cigarettes being prescribed by doctors in the 1950s -- where there were not believed to be adverse health effects. "This time there's no excuse," he said, noting there's lots of evidence to support the possibility cell phones could cause brain cancer. "It's time to act to empower Canadians to make informed decisions." Young has had success with private member's bills in the past. Last year, Vanessa's Law was passed requiring drug companies to clearly list potential health risks, requiring the reporting of adverse drug reactions and giving the government more power to recall unsafe products. Vanessa's Law started as a private member's bill. It was named after Young's daughter, who died in 2000. She had been taking a drug linked to 80 deaths, yet the family was never informed. Young said that experience will help. "It's a process," he said. "You have to win people over, sometimes one at a time." Young has already started that process. He brought in Dr. Magna Havas, an associate professor of environmental and resource studies at Trent University to speak to a group of MPs about the potential dangers associated with cell phone usage. Voted the Best in Oakville We Invite you to find out why! Call today for your personal tour. We'd love to have you join us! Retirement Living 380 Sherin Drive, Oakville, Ontario (905) 847-1413 www.vistamere.ca At Its Best