Articles
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Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health - 16/10/2008 (Added by Mark)
Electromagnetic fields and public health
Base stations and wireless technologies
Mobile telephony is now commonplace around the world. This wireless technology relies upon an extensive network of fixed antennas, or base stations, relaying information with radiofrequency (RF) signals. Over 1.4 million base stations exist worldwide and the number is increasing significantly with the introduction of third generation technology.
Other wireless networks that allow high-speed internet access and services, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs), are also increasingly common in homes, offices, and many public areas (airports, schools, residential and urban areas). As the number of base stations and local wireless networks increases, so does the RF exposure of the population. Recent surveys have shown that the RF exposures from base stations range from 0.002% to 2% of the levels of international exposure guidelines, depending on a variety of factors such as the proximity to the antenna and the surrounding environment. This is lower or comparable to RF exposures from radio or television broadcast transmitters.
There has been concern about possible health consequences from exposure to the RF fields produced by wireless technologies. This fact sheet reviews the scientific evidence on the health effects from continuous low-level human exposure to base stations and other local wireless networks.
Health concerns
A common concern about base station and local wireless network antennas relates to the possible long-term health effects that whole-body exposure to the RF signals may have. To date, the only health effect from RF fields identified in scientific reviews has been related to an increase in body temperature (> 1 °C) from exposure at very high field intensity found only in certain industrial facilities, such as RF heaters. The levels of RF exposure from base stations and wireless networks are so low that the temperature increases are insignificant and do not affect human health.
The strength of RF fields is greatest at its source, and diminishes quickly with distance. Access near base station antennas is restricted where RF signals may exceed international exposure limits. Recent surveys have indicated that RF exposures from base stations and wireless technologies in publicly accessible areas (including schools and hospitals) are normally thousands of times below international standards.
In fact, due to their lower frequency, at similar RF exposure levels, the body absorbs up to five times more of the signal from FM radio and television than from base stations. This is because the frequencies used in FM radio (around 100 MHz) and in TV broadcasting (around 300 to 400 MHz) are lower than those employed in mobile telephony (900 MHz and 1800 MHz) and because a person's height makes the body an efficient receiving antenna. Further, radio and television broadcast stations have been in operation for the past 50 or more years without any adverse health consequence being established.
While most radio technologies have used analog signals, modern wireless telecommunications are using digital transmissions. Detailed reviews conducted so far have not revealed any hazard specific to different RF modulations.
Cancer: Media or anecdotal reports of cancer clusters around mobile phone base stations have heightened public concern. It should be noted that geographically, cancers are unevenly distributed among any population. Given the widespread presence of base stations in the environment, it is expected that possible cancer clusters will occur near base stations merely by chance. Moreover, the reported cancers in these clusters are often a collection of different types of cancer with no common characteristics and hence unlikely to have a common cause.
Scientific evidence on the distribution of cancer in the population can be obtained through carefully planned and executed epidemiological studies. Over the past 15 years, studies examining a potential relationship between RF transmitters and cancer have been publish -
UV Radiation - 16/10/2008 (Added by Mark)
Health effects of UV radiation
Small amounts of UV are beneficial for people and essential in the production of vitamin D. UV radiation is also used to treat several diseases, including rickets, psoriasis, eczema and jaundice. This takes place under medical supervision and the benefits of treatment versus the risks of UV radiation exposure are a matter of clinical judgement.
Prolonged human exposure to solar UV radiation may result in acute and chronic health effects on the skin, eye and immune system. Sunburn (erythema) is the best-known acute effect of excessive UV radiation exposure. Over the longer term, UV radiation induces degenerative changes in cells of the skin, fibrous tissue and blood vessels leading to premature skin aging, photodermatoses and actinic keratoses. Another long-term effect is an inflammatory reaction of the eye. In the most serious cases, skin cancer and cataracts can occur.
Skin cancer data from UK
Over 65,000 cases of skin cancer were reported in 1999
The number of skin cancer cases has more than doubled since the early 80s
Over 2,000 people die from skin cancer each year
For more information, go to the UK SunSmart web site
Between 2 and 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers, e.g. basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, are diagnosed each year, but are rarely fatal and can be surgically removed. Approximately 130,000 malignant melanomas occur globally each year, substantially contributing to mortality rates in fair-skinned populations. An estimated 66,000 deaths occur annually from melanoma and other skin cancers.
Worldwide some 12 to 15 million people become blind from cataracts annually, of which up to 20% may be caused or enhanced by sun exposure according to WHO estimates. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence suggests that environmental levels of UV radiation may suppress cell-mediated immunity and thereby enhance the risk of infectious diseases and limit the efficacy of vaccinations. Both of these act against the health of poor and vulnerable groups, especially children of the developing world. Many developing countries are located close to the equator and hence, people are exposed to the very high levels of UV radiation that occur in these regions.
It is a popular misconception that only fairskinned people need to be concerned about overexposure to the sun. Darker skin has more protective melanin pigment, and the incidence of skin cancer is lower in darkskinned people. Nevertheless, skin cancers do occur with this group and unfortunately they are often detected at a later, more dangerous stage. The risk of UV radiation-related health effects on the eye and immune system is independent of skin type. -
Personal GPS Locator - 08/10/2008 (Added by Mark)
Personal GPS Locator Launched
Wednesday 8th October 2008
Tracking device company Zoombak has unveiled a new hand-held GPS locator which allows users to keep track of their belongings, pets or even wayward teenagers.
The Zoombak personal GPS device has a range of safety zone options that allow an automatic alert to be issued whenever the locator leaves or arrives at the pre-set destination.
Example texts you can receive by email or on your mobile include: "Mum's car has arrived home 10.45am", or "Current location is X". Alerts can notify users of the safe arrival of a teenage driver or to the fact that a car or bike has been stolen.
Zoombak uses A-GPS, an enhanced form of GPS, whereby the satellite-enabled GPS is assisted by land-based databases to provide extremely accurate location information.
Craig Woodward, Zoombak's senior vice-president for UK operations, said: "Zoombak is a revolution for consumers who want to locate and stay connected with what matters most.
"We are delighted that we can bring such advanced technology within reach of everyone's pockets - and with that technology give people peace of mind of knowing where they are when they're not with you."
The Zoombak personal GPS locator is priced £99.99, plus a monthly service fee of £9.99 which includes unlimited location requests. -
X BOX - 07/10/2008 (Added by Mark)
Siemens launch FREE XBOX 360 when purchased in conjunction with WM14E162GB,WM14S383GB,SE26T252UK,SN25M830GB,KG33NX03GB,KG34NX94GB.
This offer runs until 31st December 2008.
Exclusive to independents only. This is an unrepeatable offer that cannot be missed. -
Internet TV - 01/10/2008 (Added by Mark)
Joost Boosts Internet TV OfferingsWednesday 1st October 2008
A deal with the UK's ALL3MEDIA International means that internet TV provider Joost can now offer hundreds of hours of top shows to home audiences.
Spokeswoman Stacey Seltzer said: "ALL3MEDIA has been a long-term partner of Joost, making shows such as Hollyoaks, Fifth Gear and The Gadget Show available in the US and other parts of the world.
"We think it's fantastic that we will now bring this great programming line-up to a UK audience, the home of its core fan base."
Shows streamed by Joost through web browsers include Peep Show, Shameless, Derren Brown (Mind Control, Messiah and Trick of the Mind), Ultimate Force, How To Look Good Naked and Balls of Steel.
Others include Elizabeth I, Dirty Tricks, North Square, Young Person's Guide To Becoming A Rock Star, Hyp The Streets With Paul McKenna, Weapons That Made Britain, Ghost Squad, 50 Greatest Magic Tricks and HypnoSex.
ALL3MEDIA International's Paul Corney commented: "We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Joost as their platform develops and expands in such exciting ways, and we are confident that the quality programming contained in this deal has found a great home with Joost in the UK." -
Mobile Laptops - 01/10/2008 (Added by Mark)
Modules Offer Web Breakthrough
Wednesday 1st October 2008
A new wireless module has been created that aims to give laptop computers immediate high-speed internet access, wherever they are.
In the continued efforts to promote mobile broadband, phone companies, chip makers and PC manufacturers are planning to incorporate a module into laptops and notebook computers.
The introduction of third and fourth generation wireless technology will allow laptops fitted with the module to access high-speed internet services.
"It's comparable to fixed broadband and close to what you get in a Wi-Fi hot spot," said Mike O'Hara, a spokesman for the GSM Association, the trade body that represents 80% of the world's mobile phone firms.
"You can go to an operator's store, buy a laptop and it will be already fitted so you can go online instantly."
However, Steven Hartley, senior analyst at consultancy firm Ovum, showed concerns about its necessity.
"If you look at the uptake of mobile broadband services do they really need an initiative like this?" he asked. "The operators and vendors are working together anyway to ensure these things are interoperable."
Despite concerns, 16 companies in the Mobile Broadband alliance have already pledged £554 million to back the logo and to inform customers about the faster internet technology.
Laptops labelled with the "Mobile Broadband" logo will be available in 91 countries by Christmas. -
Trade Show - 12/09/2008 (Added by Mark)
Euronics Trade Show on Monday 9th September featured Hotpoint, Indesit, Cannon, Bosch, Neff, Siemens, AEG, Electrolux, Zanussi, Samsung, LG, Smeg, Baumatic, Rangemaster, Hoover, Dyson, Fisher Paykel, Beko, Stoves, Belling, New World, Lec and many other suppliers. A great turnout and some fantastic offers
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Computing news - 05/09/2008 (Added by Mark)
Computing News
Hackers Target Wireless BroadbandTuesday 2nd September 2008
New research has revealed that a growing number of internet users in the UK are being targeted by hackers hijacking their wireless broadband connections.
A poll of almost 2,000 adults for comparison website moneysupermarket.com found that 11% of those surveyed had admitted to using someone else's wireless internet connection without permission in the past year, with a massive one in six (16%) of people failing to put a password on their router.
James Parker, commercial manager for broadband and mobiles at moneysupermarket.com, said: "This is a worrying trend and shows some people have no conscience when sitting in front of their monitor behind closed doors.
"The consequences can be severe. It's bad enough your neighbours can use your internet connection freely, but this becomes far more threatening if someone uses your connection for criminal or improper activity.
"This could be accessing your internet connection to download obscene material, gathering personal information to defraud you or even stealing your identity."
With many broadband deals imposing a download limit, web users are advised to protect their wireless internet connection with passwords and appropriate security software and firewalls. -
Entertainment News - 05/09/2008 (Added by Mark)
Entertainment News
DVR `Makes For Happier Home Life`Wednesday 3rd September 2008
Owning a digital video recorder (DVR) can make for a happier, less stressful home life, according to a survey.
Which may be why 70% of Brits say that they couldn`t live without it, according to NDS, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV.
A DVR lets you record TV shows in digital format to a disk drive within the TV set-top box. NDS technology allows satellite TV subscribers to pause live TV, record, play back, rewind and fast forward for later viewing.
Having a DVR also seems to improve relationships, with one respondent saying: "Having it has taken the stress out of watching telly, because no-one has to compromise and miss their favourite programmes!"
The survey found that only the washing machine and the microwave oven were deemed more essential than the DVR in today's UK homes.
The vast majority of respondents said they would rather give up their landline phone, dishwasher, radio, hairdryer and MP3 player than their DVR.
And when it comes to essential technology gadgets, the DVR is pipped to the post only by the mobile phone as the item people can't live without. -
Google Launch YouTube - 05/09/2008 (Added by Mark)
Software News
Video-Sharing Service for BusinessWednesday 3rd September 2008
Internet search engine Google has launched a version of its YouTube video-sharing service aimed at the corporate user.
Google Video for business, available as part of Google Apps Premier Edition, allows office workers to share videos with individuals, groups or across an entire organisation. They can be embedded within internal web pages and can include descriptions and tags.
Dave Girouard, Google's president of enterprise, said: "YouTube has enabled millions of consumers to easily capture and share video at an unprecedented level, yet corporate video has remained expensive and complicated."
"With Google Video for business, our customers get the ease of YouTube combined with the simple and secure sharing of Google Apps."
Google Apps Premier Edition costs around £25 per user per year for business software including Gmail email service, Google Talk instant messaging, Google Calendar, Google Docs and the Google Sites web application.
The service will be available to educational users of Google Apps for free from September 8 as a six-month trial.