The city of Lethbridge Electrical Department is currently installing what is known as wireless smart meters, replacing the old analog electricity metering system.
Wireless smart meters typically produce atypical, relatively potent and very short-pulsed radio frequency/microwaves whose biological effects have never been fully tested. They emit these millisecond-long bursts on average 9,600 times a day with a maximum of 190,000 daily transmissions and a peak level emission two and a half times higher than the stated safety signal, as the California utility Pacific Gas & Electric recognized before that state's Public Utilities Commission. Thus people in proximity to a smart meter are at risk of significantly greater aggregate exposure than with a cellphone, not to mention the cumulative levels of radio frequency/microwaves that people living near several meters are exposed to.
People are exposed to cellphone microwaves primarily in the head and neck, and only when they use their device. With smart meters, the entire body is exposed to the microwaves, which increases the risk of overexposure to many organs.
This technology is slated to be used in metering natural gas and water. Further expanded detail can be found at: http://www.globalresearch.ca/smart-meter-dangers-the-health-hazards-of-wireless-electromagnetic-radiation-exposure/31891.
These new electricity meters are being installed by the city without taxpayer knowledge or input. They are very efficient in collecting data but there will probably be an added cost to the customer in implementing this service. They are harmful to our health, according to recent studies both in Europe and the U.S., contrary to the information provided by the city (according to a scientific study sponsored by the smart meter industry). The technology is new and hasn't had sufficient time to prove its claimed harmlessness.
Please do some research on your own and don't just go along with the blanket industry wisdom/propaganda of this technology. The potential health hazards of the citizens is at stake. We should not be rushing into this marvel.
Alex Pavlenko
Lethbridge
Editor's note: The city's meter conversion program hasn't officially begun yet, but older meters in need of replacement are being replaced with the new wireless meters.