Press Release – Royal Society criticized by Canadian Medical Association for undisclosed conflict of interest
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Oakville, June 20, 2013 – Allegations of conflict of interest surround a member appointed to a federal expert panel, which was convened to impartially study health and safety effects of wireless radiation. According to reports, the panel’s chair failed to disclose a six-figure federal government contract he received to provide “communications advice” on how to relieve Canadians’ concerns with respect to cellphone antennas.
The Royal Society of Canada has been hired by Health Canada to review Safety Code 6, the code that limits the amount of radiation allowed from wireless devices including cell towers, cellular telephones, Wi-Fi, smart meters and baby monitors. The Society appointed Dr. Daniel Krewski to chair this “independent” panel that is charged with studying potential health and safety effects of these devices.
According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), Dr. Krewski failed to disclose to the Society that he had previously received a $126,000 contract from Industry Canada in 2008-2009. Further, the Merx public tender document states that this contract was to “assist in addressing what the Department believes is opposition often based on misperception and misinformation” to convince Canadians that Safety Code 6 is legitimate.
You can read the June 18 CMAJ article in its entirety, here:
C4ST has written to the Royal Society requesting that Dr. Krewski be removed as the panel’s chair because of allegations of conflict of interest. (letter attached) When studying the potential health effects of wireless technology – which would affect millions of Canadians – it is imperative that all members of the panel be free from any conflicts that may hinder impartiality.
C4ST is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization that is concerned about the health and safety risks of wireless radiation. Its coalition, led by a team of citizens, parents and experts, seeks to educate and inform Canadians about the dangers of the exposures to unsafe levels of radiation from technology. C4ST’s objective is to work with all levels of government to create healthier communities for children and families from coast to coast.
For more information, please contact:
Frank Clegg, CEO
Canadians 4 Safe Technology
media@c4st.org
www.c4st.org