ARE SMART METERS SAFE?

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ARE SMART METERS SAFE?
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Nicola Tesla

• "If you wish to understand the secrets of the
  Universe, think of energy, frequency, and
  vibration."
• Born in 1856, died in 1943, he was an inventor,
  physicist, mechanical engineer, electrical
  engineer, and futurist. Tesla's patents and
  theoretical work formed the basis of wireless
  communication and the radio.

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Agenda

• Smart Grid vs Smart Meter
• How smart meters work
• How the mesh network works
• ElectroMagnetic Spectrum
• Naturally occurring EMF
• Health effect studies
• Why they are called safe
• What the FCC does and doesn't regulate
• What it all means

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Smart Grid vs. Smart MeterWhats the Difference?
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Smart Grid Functions

• Deliver electricity where and when needed
• Manage power quality
• Improve grid reliability
• Improve operational efficiency
• Integrate renewable energy into grid
• Platform for new products services (?)

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Grid Net Network Architecture
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Coming Capabilities

• Qualcomm chipsets enable more real-time exchange
  of information to a new wave of smart devices
  and constant connectivity to ensure an
  ultra-fast, always on connection on any device
• Grid Net the state of all managed devices is
  known at all times and connected in a more or
  less real-time network talking to a central
  controller
• Smart meters will be always transmitting !
• All managed devices smart meter, thermostat,
  appliances, car charger

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Electric Wireless Smart Meter

• Photo of Electric Smart Meter which emits RF
  Radiation into the home and neighborhood with
  each transmission

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WHAT UTILITIES USUALLY TELL THE PUBLIC

1. Smart Meters are low power, therefore, not
   harmful
2. Smart Meters emit less RF Radiation than cell
   phones
3. Smart Meter emissions are a fraction of FCC
   Guidelines
4. Smart Meters transmit 4-6 times a day for 45-78
   seconds
5. Smart Meters only record total usage like analog
   meters
6. Smart Meters do not cause fires or fry
   electronics
7. Smart Meter RF Radiation does not pose a health
   risk
8. Smart Meter studies show no evidence of harm to
   health
9. Smart Meters are safe to install on homes and
   schools WHO 2B Carcinogenic label only applies
   to cell phones

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Functions of a Smart Meter

• Essentially a billing device
• Two-way communication (wireless relay)
• Meter can react to commands
• Change parameters remotely
• Remotely load new software
• More information collected (4 channels)
• Data collected in tiny snapshots of time
  (increments of 5-15 mins, sent 4-6 times/day)
• Also, send network messages every few seconds.

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Switching Mode Power Supply

• Translates the 240v alternating current (AC) to
  the 2-10 volts direct current (DC)
  required
• Generates spikes of high frequency transients or
  electromagnetic interference (EMI), which travel
  along building wiring, radiating outward can
  also back up all the way to the utility,
  infecting every energy customer in between
• Results in interference with electronic
  equipment, and also causes havoc with biological
  systems
• The opt-out arrangement, of (digital) smart
  meter without RF transmitting function, would not
  eliminate transients (True opt out is analog
  meter)

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Dirty Power vs Clean Power
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Pattern of Smart Meter Emissions
(from Dec 2010 EPRI Report)
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Neighborhood
Collector
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Neighborhood
Collector
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Neighborhood
Collector
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Mesh Network Diagram
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Taken from Dec. 2010 EPRI Report
PP
Peak smart meter transmissions
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Pulsed versus Continuous Wave
Bodies react to actual exposure, not averages!
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How many times a PGE smart meter transmits in 24
hours
TOTAL TRANSMISSIONS 9981
190,396
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PGE Transmits Duty Cycle

• Avg. Smart Meter - transmits every 8.66 secs.
  86,400 (secs/day) / 9981 msgs.
• Each is short duration (lt 50 millisecs) so total
  Xmit time is only 45.3 secs (0.000524 duty
  cycle) (45.3 secs./86,400 secs/day)
• Max. Sm mtr - every 1/2 second (twice/sec.) (
  (86,400 /190,396 max. msgs.)
• Max. transmits - 0.01 duty cycle (lt15 mins)
  (875 total secs./86,400)

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Non-Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing Radiation
Taken from Public Health SOS by Camilla Reese
and Magda Havas
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Spectrum Characteristics

• The higher the frequency (right side of chart),
  the deeper the penetration (i.e. Xrays)
• At very high frequencies (Xrays), the waves have
  the power to knock an electron out of an atom,
  creating ions (thus, ionizing radiation)
• The lower the frequency, the further it travels
  (i.e., fog horns) Note human cells use ELF
• A stronger signal often will interfere with or
  override a weaker signal

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Naturally Occurring EMF (ElectroMagnetic
Frequencies)

• Schumann Resonance, earths own EMF, is 7.86
  Hz
• Human heartbeat is 1-2 Hz
• Sleeping brainwaves are 2-4 Hz
• Awake brain is 8-13 Hz
• Overall, human cells vibrate at rate between 0-22
  hertz
• These are ELF, Continuous Waves (CW)
• Visible light is 430-750 trillion Hz (CW)

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How Much MW Radiation Today?

• 1980 Background Microwave was 0.005 uW/cm2
• Now in cities it is 0.4 to 100 uW/cm2
• Background RFR has increased 20,000 times!!
• Smart Meter Mesh Networks will add to this
• Potential Chronic Health Effects could add to
  health care costs
• PREVENTION is key (Precautionary Principle)

Source Dr. Karl Maret youtube video, The Truth
about Smart Meters
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Traits of Microwave Radiation

• Intensity of emission (called power density)
  drops off sharply with increased distance
  (equation)
• The waves bounce (called reflection) off smooth,
  hard surfaces (like glass, concrete, polished
  metal, granite countertops, etc.)
• The emissions are additive. When two (or more)
  waves intersect, the exposure is the sum of the
  two (or more).
• Multiple RF sources and/or reflection cause
  intersections, i.e. higher than expected pwr.
  density
• Damage done by RF is cumulative over time

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Where Rays Intersect

• Sunlight is a form of RFR as are microwaves.
• When microwaves intersect, the effect is similar
  to sunlight concentrated through a magnifying
  glass.
• The curvature of a skull adds to the effect of
  hot spots in the brain

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• 5 year old 10 year
  old Adult
• These are Cell Phone Studies but Smart Meters use
  same Frequencies
• Research of Dr. Om Ghandi, University of Utah

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Known Biological Effects of HF EMFs

• Can affect Electroencephalogram Blood Brain
  Flow
• Disruption of cell communicationsCa ions
• Damage to genes and DNA (breakage) found in
  extensive REFLEX Study 2004
• Long-term Increased Cancer risk

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REFLEX Study 2004 Findings

• DNA strand breaks occur at only 1/40th (2.5) of
  guideline limits
• Significant increase in single and double strand
  DNA breaks
• Chromosomal aberrations in fibroblasts
• Changes in many proteins, including heat shock
  protein, the cell stress response
• This is solid evidence Mobile phone radiation
  damages the genetic material and may increase the
  risk of developing cancer.

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(from PhD Martin Blank's presentation at the
Commonwealth Club of CA 11/18/10)

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Effects of Pulsed Microwaves

• Breech the protective Blood Brain Barrier
• Affect the Neurotransmitters
• Affect Testosterone Hormone Levels
• Can Decrease Sperm Production in Men
• Affect the natural Rhythm of Brain
• Can affect Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability
• EEG Changesalso in sleep, reduction of learning,
  memory problems
• Lowers Hormones Melatoninaffects sleep
  testosterone in male rats

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This is Not New Information!

• May 1975, Naval Aerospace Medical Research Lab
  variability in the waveform (pulsed vs CW)
  could compromise the validity of conclusions
• 1984 USAF 5 yr pulsed RF/MW study, Dr Bill Guy
  found increase in tumors
• RFIAWG 1999 Letter to IEEE14 issues w/RF limits
• Studies continue to be published describing
  biological responses to nonthermal ELF-modulated
  and pulse-modulated RF radiation exposures that
  are not produced by CW (unmodulated) RF
  radiation.
• The Salzburg Resolution of 2000 Scientists set
  a target of 0.1 µW/cm2 (or 0.614 V/m) for public
  exposure to pulsed radiofrequency (FCC limit is
  600 uW/cm2)

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EMF RFR Research 1950s-1990s

• Robert Kane, BSEE, MSEE in electromagnetics,
  Ph.D. in EE, esp. electromagnetics
• Former Motorola prod. design engr., research
  scientist, developer of cell phones and microwave
  telecommunications
• http//microondes.wordpress.com/2010/04/17/robert-
  c-kane-cellular-telephone-russian-roulette/
• Tissue destruction in ones brain may be
  occurring w/o the slightest indication that
  anything is happening. And the damage may be
  repeated, over and over again, each time the
  energy exposure takes place.

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Health Effect Studies

• International Agency for Research on Cancer, at
  WHO states possible carcinogen based on
  Interphone study
• Dr. Magda Havas Cordless phones (2.4 GHz, same
  as HAN and WiFi) affect heart rate at 0.5 of
  guidelines
• REFLEX Study, 2 hrs of 60 Hz breaks DNA
• Mutates DNA which can lead to cancer
• Childrens cells multiply much faster
  (duplicating mutations)
• Blood brain barrier leaks after 2 hrs GSM
  exposure (pulsed)
• Pulsed signal causes heat shock (stress) cell
  proteins
• Dr. Carlo said 2.4 GHz affects cognitive ability
  and memory
• "Windows" of effects at lower frequencies

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RFR Damages DNA, Fertility

• Peer reviewed, published research shows damage to
  ovaries and testes
• Barrie Trower, British scientist, former naval
  weapons expert, specializing in microwave
  stealth warfare
• Low level microwaves can damage the ovaries in
  girls (they have all their eggs at birth)
• That girl could have a genetically deformed
  child, and that could be carried through
  generations.
• You are risking the future generations of your
  children with genetic disorders.

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RF Effects on Children

• Childrens bodies affected more by RF
• Smaller, thinner bones
• Higher water content
• Cells rapidly multiplying (mutations are
  multiplied)
• Asphalt playgrounds reflect (intensify) RF
• The earlier exposure starts, the higher the
  health risks

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Radio Frequency Guidelines and Effects
RF Testing
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So Many Studies, Why No Action?

• Thousands of RFR studies find bioeffects.
  Industry says, No effect has been found.
• Actually, every assertion of risk has a counter
  assertion of no risk.
• For every study showing damage to DNA and memory,
  there is an opposite study.
• How is it scientifically possible for 50 percent
  of all studies to get an opposite result?
• H. Lai split 326 studies in 2006 by funder
  (industry vs private) 70 of privately funded
  show bio effect, only 30 of industry funded did.

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Key Resolutions/Appeals re EMF/EMR Health Effects

• Helsinki Appeal (2005) Drs. researchers
• ICEMs Benevento Resolution, Italy (2006) -
  Scientists (International Commission
  for Electromagnetic Safety)
• Venice Resolution (2008) - Scientists
• Freiburger Appeal (2008) - Doctors
• Porto Alegre Resolution, Brazil (2009)
  Scientists Drs.
• Seletun Scientific Statement (2010) - Scientists
• Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe (2011)
• Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing
  Radiation Protection (2011)

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Why (falsely) claimed to be "safe"

• RF is well below FCC limits (but effects at lt 3
  of limit)
• Emissions (claimed to be) less than a cell phone
  (which is itself a possible carcinogen)
• Emits only a "little tiny bit" of radiation
  (based upon averaging out the peaks)
• Only transmitting 1-2 of time (as often as twice
  per second)

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FCC Guidelines

• The guideline is for EXPOSURE, not for EMISSIONS
  (but not enforced)
• FCC guidelines protect
• 6 ft 200 lb man from thermal effects (heating)
• Emission averaged over 30 mins
• Protection from one device alone
• Single exposure (acute)

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FCC Compliance is not safety(its just legal)

• From 1993 internal FDA memo
• available data strongly suggest that
  microwaves can accelerate the development of
  cancer.
• From 2002 EPA letter
• The FCCs exposure guideline is considered
  protective of effects arising from a thermal
  mechanism but not from all possible mechanisms.
• Therefore, the generalization by many that the
  guidelines protect human beings from harm by any
  or all mechanisms is not justified.
•  

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Guideline Deficits

• No protection from
• Non-thermal, bio-effects
• Pulsed signal vs. continuous wave (no
  distinction)
• Momentary peak emission (no cap)
• Emissions from other simultaneous devices
  (whether smart meters, WiFi, cell phones, etc)
• Daily, annual accumulation
• No provisions for
• The vulnerable (children, elderly, pregnant
  women)
• Nighttime period for cells to recover

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What does it all mean?

• FCC regulations do NOT protect against
  all effects
• The low RFR frequency mimics/interferes with
  cell communication
• Residents exposure is much higher than admitted
  by utilities
• RFR is a 'toxic accumulant', i.e. the effects
  of exposure build up over time
• Wireless microwave communication is NOT
  acceptable for the smart grid

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Smart Grid Traits

• Communication uses Wireless Radio Frequency
  Radiation (RFR, also called microwaves)
• Uses pulsed waves (as much as 2 times per second)
  not Continuous Waves (28 times worse than CW)
• Each brief transmission reaches high intensity
  peaks
• The peaks are averaged over 30 minutes and whole
  body exposure, hiding the peak
• Multiple transmitters (ZigBee, neighbors meters,
  apt. bldgs., collectors, backhaul to utility)
• Background radiation (cell twrs, WiFi, cell
  phones, cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc.)
  

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Neighborhood
Collector
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Peak Pulse Intensity vs Avg. Exposure

• Short pulse (lt50 milliseconds) with 1 watt
  (10,000 uW) peak pulses can average to Power of 9
  uW/cm2 (Tell Report)
• The body feels actual peak pulse, not average!
  Consider the Biological Effects of high power
  pulsing.
• The physical max of a meter would be 72,000
  pulses transmitted in an hour

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(from Martin Blank's presentation at the
Commonwealth Club of California 11/18/10)
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Cell Phone vs. Smart Meter

• Why the comparison?
• Same/similar frequency
• Most people have cell phones--reluctant to give
  them up (inclined to ignore/discount reports of
  health effects)
• Claim smart meter emission is much less than cell
  phone
• However
• Daniel Hirsch, nuclear policy expert corrected
  duty cycle and measurement unit, smart meter
  emits 100 Xs more
• WHO announced (May 2011) cell phones (and all
  wireless devices) are possible carcinogens

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Not as Safe as Claimed

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(from Martin Blank's presentation at the
Commonwealth Club of California11/18/10.)
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Are there Really Safe Levels?

• The actual exposure levels at which these
  genetic effects are shown are about 0.5 to 1.2
  uW/cm2. These are not safe levels, they are just
  experimental levels that show, that at extremely
  low experimental levels, genotoxic responses
  occur cell-by-cell. There is no safe
  threshold.
• Dr. Neil Cherry, New Zealand EMF Researcher
  Studied Health Effects of SF Sutro Tower

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