Chair of Federal Expert Panel to Study Potential Wi-Fi Health Effects Resigns

Oakville, July 9, 2013 – Dr. Daniel Krewski has resigned from his role as chair of the “independent” federal government panel to study potential Wi-Fi health effects after allegations surfaced that he had previously received a substantial government contract. Canadians for Safe Technology (C4ST) first raised this potential conflict of interest earlier this Spring.

“We are very pleased that we were able to get results for Canadians. What’s unfortunate is that it took exposing this matter and the resulting public pressure to get these results. Dr. Krewski should never have been appointed to this panel in the first place,” said Frank Clegg, CEO of C4ST.

Allegations of conflict of interest surrounded Krewski after he was appointed to the federal expert panel, which was convened to impartially study health and safety effects of wirelessradiation. According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), in 2008-2009, Krewski received a $126,000 contract from Industry Canada to provide “communications advice” on how to relieve Canadians’ concerns with respect to cellphone antennas. 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.

“We got involved because when studying the potential health effects of wireless technology – which could affect millions and millions of Canadians – it is imperative that all members of the panel be free from any conflicts that may hinder impartiality,” Clegg stated. “We would ask that the Society scrutinize the remaining panel members for similar conflicts, and publicly report the results.”

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 had appointed Dr. Daniel Krewski to chair this “independent” panel that is charged with studying potential health and safety effects of these devices.

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 For Safe Technology
media@c4st.org
www.c4st.org