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Statement by Alaska State Senator Tom Begich on SB 142 Bill on Wireless in School

SB 142 “An Act relating to radiofrequency radiation exposure in schools.”

Alaska State Senator Begich has introduced a bill this session, SB 142: An Act relating to radio frequency radiation exposure in schools, modeled after Oregon’s bill, SB 283. This bill would direct the Department of Health and Social Services to review peer-reviewed, independently funded scientific studies examining the health effects of WiFi technology networks and radiofrequency radiation. 

“Medical organizations worldwide recommend protecting children by minimizing their exposure to wireless exposure. This bill would be an important step in highlighting the daily wireless radiation exposures in schools and promoting safe alternatives. Environmental Health Trust recommends that schools  implement safe wired internet connections and eliminate sources of radiofrequency in classrooms,” stated Theodora Scarato Executive Director of Environmental Health Trust. Scarato pointed out that Oregon already passed a similar bill and that there was ample published research indicating adverse effects from Wi-Fi.  In fact other countries are already mitigating the exposure by banning Wi-Fi in classrooms. 

Statement by  Senator Tom Begich on SB 142  “An Act relating to radiofrequency radiation exposure in schools.”

With approximately 128,588 students across 53 school districts, it is our responsibility and privilege to provide a high-quality educational environment for every student including recognizing that for “students in Alaska to become College, Career and Culturally Ready Graduates, it is important that they feel healthy (both physically and emotionally) and safe in school.” In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the potential negative health effects on our children through continued exposure to WiFi technology networks and radiofrequency radiation.

SB 142 directs the Department of Health and Social Services to review peer-reviewed, independently funded scientific studies that examine the health effects of WiFi technology networks and radiofrequency radiation on our most valuable resource. Protecting our kids is one of our most important responsibilities and I urge you to support this bill to ensure we are doing just that.

Read the Bill: SB 142

Sponsor Statement

Sectional analysis  

SB142 tracking at Alaskan State legislature 

Did you know that a 2019 expert publication in the journal Building and Environment outlines step that schools can take to eliminate and reduce radio-frequency radiation in schools? Read it here. 

Get Educated on Wi-Fi in Schools with EHT’s Q and A with resources for you to take action in your school. https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/WiFi-in-Schools-Toolkit-EHT.pdf

Watch a video on news stories related to Wi-Fi in School over the years below.