Wi-Fi in Schools - What are the known safe levels of exposure for children?

The request was partially successful.

Derek Baker         30 August 2018
Doing business as Permanent Secretary 
Department of Education 
Rathgael House,
Balloo Road 
Bangor

NOTICE TO THE PRINCIPAL IS NOTICE TO THE AGENT; NOTICE TO THE AGENT IS NOTICE TO THE PRINCIPAL

Wi-Fi in Schools - What are the known safe levels of exposure for children?

Derek Baker

NOTICE OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST 

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified wireless radiation (RF/EMF) as a Group 2B ‘Possible Human Carcinogen’ from 2011 onwards, based on scientific evidence that linked wireless exposure with increased risks of brain or head tumours, damage to DNA and other types of genotoxicity, increased oxidative stress and evidence from animal studies.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) IARC 2B ‘Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans’ classification includes wireless RF/EMF radiation from any transmitting source in the range of 30 KHz to 300 GHz emitted from any device. This includes mobile phones, tablet computers/iPads, Wi-Fi devices, etc. https://ehtrust.org/science/whoiarc-posi...

The 2013 World Health Organisation’s IARC published their full report or monograph ‘The evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans’. Vol 102 outlines that children absorb wireless (RF/EMF) radiation deeper into their bodies than adults and also states that the classification includes exposure to all radiofrequency radiation [RF] and not just mobile phones, pages 34 & 33 of http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs....

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [UK] is a member state and also participates in the Governing Council of the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. The UK was also a founding member of the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer in 1965. https://www.iarc.fr/en/about/membership....

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, you are requested to provide the following:

1.  All documents written or electronic, scientific studies or reports, World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer monographs and classifications, or any other form of evidence in which it is stated that “Wi-Fi exposure is safe and poses no risks to children’s health, including cancer”.

If you, Derek Baker, acting as Chief Executive of the Department of Education, confirm that there are no such documents, please answer: "The Department of Education do not hold any documents, written or electronic, scientific studies or reports, World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer monographs and classifications, or any other form of evidence stating that that Wi-Fi exposure is safe and poses no risks to children’s health, including cancer".

2. All documents written or electronic, scientific studies or reports, World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer monographs and classifications, etc. in which it is stated the known safe level of exposure for children aged 0-4 years to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi. 

If you, Derek Baker, acting as Chief Executive of the Department of Education, confirm that there are no such documents please answer: “No known safe levels of exposure to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi, for children aged 0-4 years are held by the Department of Education.”  

3.  All documents written or electronic, scientific studies or reports, World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer monographs and classifications, etc. in which it is stated the known safe level of exposure for children aged 4-11 years to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi. 

If you, Derek Baker, acting as Chief Executive of the Department of Education, confirm that there are no such documents please answer: “No known safe levels of exposure to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi, for children aged 4-11 years are held by the Department of Education.”  

4.  All documents written or electronic, scientific studies or reports, World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer monographs and classifications, etc. in which it is stated the known safe level of exposure for children aged 12-18 years to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi. 

If you, Derek Baker, acting as Chief Executive of the Department of Education, confirm that there are no such documents please answer: “No known safe levels of exposure to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi, for children aged 12-18 years are held by the Department of Education.”  

5.  All documents written or electronic, scientific studies or reports, World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer monographs and classifications, etc. in which it is stated the known safe level of exposure for children with Down’s Syndrome aged 0-4 years to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi. 

If you, Derek Baker, acting as Chief Executive of the Department of Education, confirm that there are no such documents please answer: “No known safe levels of exposure to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi, for children with Down’s Syndrome aged 0-4 years are held by the Department of Education.”  

6.  All documents written or electronic, scientific studies or reports, World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer monographs and classifications, etc. in which it is stated the known safe level of exposure for children with Down’s Syndrome aged 4-11 years to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi. 

If you, Derek Baker, acting as Chief Executive of the Department of Education, confirm that there are no such documents please answer: “No known safe levels of exposure to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi, for children with Down’s Syndrome aged 4-11 years are held by the Department of Education.”  

7.  All documents written or electronic, scientific studies or reports, World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer monographs and classifications, etc. in which it is stated the known safe level of exposure for children with Down’s Syndrome aged 12-18 years to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi. 

If you, Derek Baker, acting as Chief Executive of the Department of Education, confirm that there are no such documents please answer: “No known safe levels of exposure to wireless RF/EMF radiation, including Wi-Fi, for children with Down’s Syndrome aged 12-18 years are held by the Department of Education.”  

The health, safety and wellbeing of all the children and staff within grant aided schools is of paramount importance to us all.  As this request addresses the health, safety and wellbeing of all children and staff within grant aided schools and is in the public interest, I would ask that you undertake to answer these questions with the utmost urgency and please respond as soon as possible.
   
Please number your responses. This Notice will be used in evidence.

I require written receipt of this Freedom of Information Request.

Sincerely and without ill will, vexation or frivolity,

by Amy Harron

Cc: To All Whom It May Concern

McGuiggan,Neil, Department of Education (Northern Ireland)

2 Attachments

 

 

Dear Ms Harron

 

 

Thank you for your email requesting details of WiFi in Schools.

 

Your request was received on 30 August 2018 and the leaflet enclosed tells
you about the legislation and the procedures which will be followed in
handling your requests.

In some circumstances a fee may be payable but if that is the case, you
will be advised of the likely charges before proceeding.  If you have any
queries about this email, please contact the Department. Please remember
to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

 

Regards

 

Information Management Unit

Room G2

Rathgael House

Balloo Road

BANGOR

BT19 7PR

 

 

[1]http://nics.intranet.nigov.net/sites/def...

 

 

References

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Hyland, Declan, Department of Education (Northern Ireland)

1 Attachment

Dear Ms Harron

 

Please see attached response in relation to your FOI request – “Wi-Fi in
Schools – What are the known safe levels of exposure for children?”.

 

Regards

 

Declan Hyland

Curriculum and Assessment Team
Department of Education

 

028 91279421
Ext. 59421
[1][email address]

 

References

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1. mailto:[email address]

Reid, Donna, Department of Education (Northern Ireland)

1 Attachment

Dear Ms Harron

 

Please find attached response to the Freedom of Information (FOI) request
in relation to Risk Assessments for Wireless Technologies.

 

Regards.

 

Donna

 

Donna Reid
Curriculum & Assessment Team

Tel 02891 27 9762

[email address]

 

 

 

Donna Reid
Doing Business as Curriculum & Assessment Team
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Rathgael House
Balloo Road
Bangor

NOTICE TO THE PRINCIPAL IS NOTICE TO THE AGENT; NOTICE TO THE AGENT IS NOTICE TO THE PRINCIPAL

Wi-Fi in Schools - Risk Assessments for Wireless Technologies

NOTICE OF CLARIFICATION REGARDING NOTICE OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST

Dear Donna Reid,

In your November 23, 2018 response to the Freedom of Information Request 'Wi-Fi in Schools - What are the known safe levels of exposure for children?', you have posted a response to the Freedom of Information Request 'Wi-Fi in Schools - Risk Assessments for Wireless Technologies'.

This Freedom of Information Request can be found here. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/w....

Please respond directly to this Freedom of Information Request.

Many thanks for your assistance.

I require written receipt of this Notice of Clarification.

Sincerely and without ill will, vexation or frivolity,

by Amy Harron

Reid, Donna, Department of Education (Northern Ireland)

Dear Ms Harron
The response that was issued to you on the 23 Nov was a response to the request received in the Department of Education on 18 Nov in relation to the Freedom of Information Request 'Wi-Fi in Schools - Risk Assessments for Wireless Technologies'.

A response to your earlier Freedom of Information Request ' DE/2018-0104' was issued on 26 September 2018.
Please direct any further requests to Freedom of Information (DENI) <[email address]>
Thank you

Donna Reid
Curriculum & Assessment Team
Tel 02891 27 9762
[email address]

show quoted sections

Donna Reid
Doing Business as Curriculum & Assessment Team
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Rathgael House
Balloo Road
Bangor

NOTICE TO THE PRINCIPAL IS NOTICE TO THE AGENT; NOTICE TO THE AGENT IS NOTICE TO THE PRINCIPAL

Wi-Fi in Schools - Risk Assessments for Wireless Technologies

NOTICE OF FURTHER CLARIFICATION REGARDING NOTICE OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST

Dear Donna Reid,

A response to the Freedom of Information Request 'Wi-Fi in Schools - What are the known safe levels of exposure for children?' was received on September 27, 2018. This Notice of Clarification is not regarding this Freedom of Information Request.

My Notice of Clarification concerns the Freedom of Information Request 'Wi-Fi in Schools - Risk Assessments for Wireless Technologies'. This Freedom of Information Request has been responded to in the incorrect place - you have posted the response in answer to the wrong Freedom of Information Request, 'Wi-Fi in Schools - What are the known safe levels of exposure for children?'.

Please post your response to the Freedom of Information Request 'Wi-Fi in Schools - Risk Assessments for Wireless Technologies' in the correct place. Please respond directly to the Freedom of Information Request 'Wi-Fi in Schools - Risk Assessments for Wireless Technologies' itself (direct link below): https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/w...

Many thanks for your assistance.

I require written receipt of this Notice of Clarification.

Sincerely and without ill will, vexation or frivolity,

by Amy Harron

Reid, Donna, Department of Education (Northern Ireland)

Dear Ms Harron
The DE response was sent directly to you ON 23/11/2018. I do not post the response and am not responsible for posting the response on any other website. Please send any further correspondence to Freedom of Information (DENI) <[email address]>

Kind regards

Donna Reid

Donna Reid
Curriculum & Assessment Team
Tel 02891 27 9762
[email address]

show quoted sections

Donna Reid
Doing Business as Curriculum & Assessment Team
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Rathgael House
Balloo Road
Bangor

NOTICE TO THE PRINCIPAL IS NOTICE TO THE AGENT; NOTICE TO THE AGENT IS NOTICE TO THE PRINCIPAL

Wi-Fi in Schools - Risk Assessments for Wireless Technologies

NOTICE OF FURTHER CLARIFICATION REGARDING NOTICE OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST

Dear Donna Reid,

The Freedom of Information Response was not sent directly to me. It was posted online here (https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/w...), in response to the wrong Freedom of Information Request.

This creates an inaccurate public record regarding a matter very much in the public interest - concerning child health and safety.

The Freedom of Information Request 'Wi-Fi in Schools - Risk Assessments for Wireless Technologies' submitted here (https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/w...) has not been responded to. The response has been posted under the wrong Freedom of Information Request.

Please ensure the response is posted in the correct place by responding to this Freedom of Information Request directly: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/w....

I require written receipt of this Freedom of Information Request.

Sincerely and without ill will, vexation or frivolity,

by Amy Harron

Derek Baker 28 November 2018
Doing business as Permanent Secretary
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Rathgael House,
Balloo Road
Bangor

NOTICE TO THE PRINCIPAL IS NOTICE TO THE AGENT; NOTICE TO THE AGENT IS NOTICE TO THE PRINCIPAL

NOTICE OF INTERNAL REVIEW OF DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S FOI RESPONSE (SEPTEMBER 27, 2018)

Dear Derek Baker,

On September 27, 2018 I received a response to my Freedom of Information Request 'Wi-Fi in Schools - What are the known safe levels of exposure for children?'. The response was received from Suzanne Kingon, doing business as Head of Curriculum and Assessment Team. In Suzanne Kingon's response, it is stated: "The Department of Education (Department) has applied Exemption 39 of the FOI Act as the information you have requested falls under the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004."

The request does indeed cover the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004, as stated in my request:

"Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, you are requested to provide the following:"

Suzanne Kingon also states that: "The search of departmental records was limited to title searches, as a complete check of the content of all departmental documents would not be feasible. Consequently, under the Environmental Information Regulations, the Department has applied exemption: Reg 12(4)(b): Request is manifestly unreasonable."

All schools in Northern Ireland use wireless technology. I have asked for information concerning "the known safe levels of exposure for children" to this technology - a matter very much in the interest of both the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCTION and the public. If this is not held by the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCTION, please "confirm or deny". It is your duty “to confirm or deny” each individual item requested. This is outlined in Part I ‘Right to Information’ Section I of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/200...

My Freedom of Information request concerns the health, safety and wellbeing of children. This is a most serious matter.

As stated by Suzanne Kingon in her response, on behalf of the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, "The health and safety of children and staff is of paramount importance to DE [...]."

In order to safeguard the "health and safety of children and staff", information regarding "the known safe levels of exposure for children" is essential and the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION can be reasonably expected to hold this.

I require written receipt of this Notice.

Sincerely and without ill will, vexation or frivolity

By Amy Harron
All rights reserved

cc To All Whom it May Concern

Freedom of Information (DENI), Department of Education (Northern Ireland)

1 Attachment

 

Dear Ms Harron

 

Request for Internal Review

 

I acknowledge receipt of your letter received on 28/11/18, requesting an
Internal Review of the Department’s response to your FOI request REF:
DE/2018-0148

 

An Internal Review will be conducted on behalf of the Department by a
senior official, who was not involved in the original decision making
process and has no responsibility for the team which originally considered
your request.

 

The Department will advise you of the outcome of the Internal Review as
quickly as possible.

 

Regards

 

Neil McGuiggan

Information Management Team

 

[1]cid:image001.jpg@01D38F80.1C34BB00

 

 

References

Visible links

Freedom of Information (DENI), Department of Education (Northern Ireland)

1 Attachment

Dear Ms Harron

 

Apologies this Internal Review should be for FOI request DE/2018-0104

 

Kind Regards

 

Neil

 

From: Freedom of Information (DENI)
Sent: 29 November 2018 08:36
To: '[FOI #514056 email]'
<[FOI #514056 email]>
Subject: Acknowledgement of request for Internal Review - 29/11/18

 

 

Dear Ms Harron

 

Request for Internal Review

 

I acknowledge receipt of your letter received on 28/11/18, requesting an
Internal Review of the Department’s response to your FOI request REF:
DE/2018-0148

 

An Internal Review will be conducted on behalf of the Department by a
senior official, who was not involved in the original decision making
process and has no responsibility for the team which originally considered
your request.

 

The Department will advise you of the outcome of the Internal Review as
quickly as possible.

 

Regards

 

Neil McGuiggan

Information Management Team

 

[1]cid:image001.jpg@01D38F80.1C34BB00

 

 

References

Visible links

McNaughton, Margaret Rose, Department of Education (Northern Ireland)

1 Attachment

FAO Amy Harron

 

Please find attached the response to your request under the Freedom of
Information Act 2000.

 

Kind regards

Sue Tyler