New York State Teachers Union (NYSUT): A federation of more than 1,200 local unions.
Guidelines for Safer Use of Wireless Technology in Classrooms Were Developed For New York State Teachers Union in 2017
“We have enough evidence to justify taking action and we are not willing to wait until our members, their children and the students suffer health consequences from not doing anything,” -Paul Pecorale, Vice President of the New York State United Teachers Union.
” An environmental health non-profit organization has issued a set of science-based guidelines for school teachers and administrators who are using wireless technologies in school classrooms. Based on peer-reviewed studies that link wireless radiation with neurological symptoms, the Guidelines urge teachers to limit exposures in classrooms to wireless radiation from routers, tablets and laptops. The Guidelines were delivered to a meeting of the Health and Safety Conference of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. on March 14th.”
- Read the Press Release on Best Practices For Schools prepared for NYSUT
- Download the Guidelines for Safer Use of Wireless Technology in Classrooms Published for NYSUT
- NYSUT hosted a Webinar: Risks of wireless technologies and protecting children and staff in schools in 2014
New York State United Teachers 2017 RESOLUTION 22 Hazards of Wireless Radiation Emission
Whereas, abundant research links health and behavioral effects from exposure to wireless radiation, which can cause biological effects, including damage to cells and DNA, even at low levels. The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization recently classified wireless radiation as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Numerous animal studies have shown neurological effects, including behavioral disorders that may lead to long-term health consequences. (See links to research at: http://grassrootsinfo.org/emergingscience.php); and
Whereas, it is common practice for schools and businesses to replace wired technologies with wireless technologies; and
Whereas, wireless technology is commonly considered the preferred “wave of the future” and is readily accepted without health concern; and
Whereas, members want to protect their own health; and
Whereas, wired technology reduces wireless radiation by 100 percent; and
Whereas, turning routers off when not in use and setting wireless devices to safe modes significantly reduces emission of wireless radiation; and
Whereas, due to negative health effects, warning signs for microwave use are required in hospitals and other settings; and
Whereas, carcinogenic effects from exposure to wireless radiation may not present for many years; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that NYSUT develop and distribute educational materials for members on the hazards of wireless radiation and best practices for safe alternatives to wireless connections, e.g., wired connections; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT educate its members on the practice of shutting off/unplugging routers and setting wireless devices, e.g., tablets and mobile phones, to safer modes; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT (in order to reduce exposure of wireless radiation emissions to its members) encourage locals to negotiate contract language requiring districts/employers to: (1) put wireless routers only where human exposure is reduced, (2) disclose the placement of active wireless routers to their employees and (3) allow employees access/permission to shut routers off when not in use.
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