Adequate warnings to Canadians about the effects of radiofrequency and microwave radiation from personal and household wireless devices

Petition: 398

Issue(s): Human / environmental health, other, science and technology

Petitioner(s): Canadian organization

Petitioner Location(s): Oakville, Ontario

Date Received: 4 April 2017

Status: Completed—Response(s) to petition received

Summary: The petition raises concerns about the potential health risks posed by excessive exposure to radiofrequency and microwave radiation from common personal and household wireless devices, such as cell phones, baby monitors, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi Internet routers. According to the petition, Canadians are not aware of safety measures, including the recommended minimum distances that Canadians should keep between their bodies and such devices.

Referring to Safety Code 6: Health Canada’s Radiofrequency Exposure Guidelines, the petition seeks clarification on the science-based evidence used by Health Canada to assess the safety margin and the level of radiation permitted.

The petition cites several projects and campaigns undertaken in other countries that provide cautionary messaging for wireless devices. The petition suggests that Health Canada; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; and other federal departments undertake similar projects and campaigns. The petition calls on the federal government to consider requiring more easily accessible and readable warnings on the packaging of wireless devices and to implement a campaign to increase awareness on the safe usage of these devices. Finally, the petition raises questions about the unavailability in Canada of certain baby monitors and portable home phones used in Europe that the petition asserts are reduced-risk products.

Federal departments responsible for reply: Health Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada