A common tactic of smart meter proponents and the telecom industry is to compare smart meters with other microwave radiation-emitting devices such as cellphones and microwave ovens, and say that smart meters are safe because they emit less radiation.
This is akin to saying, "You already smoke cigars so that makes smoking cigarettes safe." The logic is absurd. But more importantly, the one research study heavily circulated by industry proponents (an industry-funded study) has been found to be significantly flawed.
Daniel Hirsch, senior lecturer and radiation expert at the University of California; Santa Cruz, explains how the industry-funded study compared apples and oranges to give misleading results. When he corrected for the flaws, the study shows smart meters produce roughly 100 times more radiation than a cellphone. In addition, Hirsch voices grave concerns about cumulative and latent radiation effects that manifest as health issues years later.
Will Maui County and we taxpayers be held liable for the damaging health effects of the smart grid project here on Maui? Will property values fall because of smart meter radiation hazards? Will health conscious visitors seek out other destinations? There is evidence to support each of these scenarios.
Please visit www.stopsmartmetershawaii.com and sign the petition to stop this short-sighted project.
Debra Greene
Kihei
