Sunday 18 June 2017

Virtual Reality Headsets Have Never Been Tested For Safety On Children

Dear Barry Avis and Brenda Leigh,

Scientists and medical experts are extremely concerned about the promotion of the wireless virtual reality system in our schools and libraries. The 4D headsets now available in stores and the promotion of Google’s Expeditions Pioneer Program which provides a free kit with ASUS smartphones, and Google Cardboard headsets have never been tested for safety on children and could cause irreversible damage.


VR2

Cell phones emit RF radiation and should never be used directly in front of a child’s eyes and brain. Professor Om Gandhi from the University of Utah, who is one of the original developers of testing wireless radiation from cellphones, has stated “We have never tested microwave radiating devices directly in front of the young developing eye. The absence of proof of harm at this point does not mean that we have evidence of safety.”

VR

In a German study mobile phones have been linked to a rare form of eye cancer suggesting regular use of cellphones could lead to an increased risk of contracting uveal melanoma, in which tumours form in the layer that makes up the iris and base of the retina.

Too Much Use of Mobile Phone Can Cause Eye Cancer

Cell-phone radiation can cause visual damage

The health and safety information provided with these headsets includes a list of warnings to the user when using this product. The risks identified include severe dizziness, seizures, epileptic seizures and other conditions of epilepsy. blackouts triggered by light flasher or patterns, and loss of awareness.

Further, the product warnings go on to say that this product should not be used when tired, needing sleep, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are hung-over, have digestive problems, under emotional stress or anxiety, or when suffering from cold, flu, headaches, migraines, or headaches, as this can increase your susceptibility to adverse symptoms. 
 
It is of great importance to note the following warning, " This product should not be used by children under the age of 13 as these children may be at increased health and safety risk. Adults should monitor children (age 13 and older) who are using or have used the Headset for any of the symptoms described above.”

 

What the Telecom Industry Doesn’t Tell You…But Does Tell Its Investors 
Environmental Health Trust has assembled a series of slides by Telecom Companies that warn investors of the potential for economic loss due to litigation about health effects from wireless.  For eg. VERIZON states:  "Our wireless business also faces personal injury and consumer class action lawsuits related to alleged health effects of wireless phones or radio frequency transmitters, and class action lawsuits that challenge marketing practices and disclosures relating to alleged adverse health effects of handheld wireless phones.  We may incur significant expenses in defending these lawsuits.  In addition, we may be required to pay significant awards or settlements." 

VR3



The International EMF Scientist Appeal, signed by over 200 EMF research scientists, university professors and medical doctors from 40 countries, called upon the United Nations, the WHO, and the UN Member States to address the emerging public health crisis caused by indiscriminate use of microwave radiation emitting devices without safety precautions.

Our children's health is at risk and until the industry can ensure the public that this product is safe for children to use we are asking the schools and libraries not to promote these wireless virtual reality headsets.  The burden of proof should not be put upon the public to prove that it’s unsafe, but upon the industry to prove it is safe.

Thank you!
Janis Hoffmann