Saturday, January 25, 2014

The Dogma of the Thermal Paradigm

The Dogma of the Thermal Paradigm

On January 24, 2014, Intervenor and Complainants’ “reply briefs” were filed in the matter of the smart meter health investigation ordered by the Maine Supreme Court.  These briefs were filed with the state of Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
Intervenor Reply Brief
Dogma DefinedOf particular interest to SkyVision Solutions is the passionate conclusion section of the brief prepared by Dianne Wilkins which describes the “dogma” of the thermal paradigm.  As described in the brief, it is where utilities, in this case Central Maine Power (CMP), parrots “the dogma being adhered to by the FCC, IEEE and the power companies and dutifully repeated by numerous government and international agencies heavily influenced by the power companies.”  Specifically, the dogma is: “There are no effects of RFR on living cells other than bulk heating of tissue at high levels of exposure.”
What follows are several paragraphs of the “reply brief” that further describe this dogma.
“To biologists and physicians in the know who have read the literature, experienced electrical sensitivity directly themselves or have seen hundreds of patients with electrical sensitivity, such a ‘no effect’ statement is absurd.  Not simply a propaganda statement made out of ignorance and wishful thinking, but an outright lie.  What does one say when someone claims something of the equivalent of the earth is flat or the holocaust never happened?  At first it seems hardly worth the effort of a response, except that hundreds of millions of people are being deliberately mislead.  Where does one start?  Errors in knowledge are difficult to correct when those who lie just come back with more, in this case, junk science to support their claims.”
“This dogma is stubbornly defended by automatically discounting all evidence to the contrary without honest consideration or scientifically valid rebuttal.  This may have begun as blind ignorance, but now, now that they have been fully informed of facts, it is outright dishonesty.  A litany in service of power and profit.  They adhere to and defend their absurd dogma vehemently in spite of scientific logic based on truth.  Remember, they feel it is their duty and obligation to increase profits for themselves and their shareholders.  They think that they cannot afford to even consider that there are real health effects for fear it will bring their house of cards tumbling down.  Do not let them mislead you.  All of their arguments are based on fear and hollow logic, and devoid of the actual reality of the situation.”
“The government and international agencies that have looked into smart meters are very political and strongly influenced by industry pressures.  None have concluded that smart meters are unsafe, but none are able to declare them to be safe either.  Many other groups have issued strong warnings that smart meters do appear to be unsafe.  There are thousands of animal and cellular studies showing adverse effects of low level RFR at the same frequency as emitted by smart meters.  Aside from a number of surveys that showed ill effects, there have been no studies on the safety of smart meters for humans.  Nor is there any on-going scientific or medical monitoring of health effects of smart meters.  If the smart meter roll-out plan had been submitted as a proposal for an experiment on human beings, which it undeniably is, any Institutional Review Board, including the division of the NIH that handles such experiments on humans, would have rejected it outright.”
“To summarize, there are at least two smart meter health issues here, and they occur whether or not the person is aware that a smart meter is present:
  1. Very probable long term health effects on a significant percentage of the population(much more likely than not from the research on cell phones and cancer)
  1. Definite both immediate and long-term effects on persons susceptible to developing EHS (Electrical Hypersensitivity), and on those who already have EHS.”
“… The fact that EHS is self-reported does not invalidate it at all, just as the reality of migraine headaches is not invalidated by the fact that the only evidence for migraines is self-reporting.” 
“… We have presented a massive amount of testimonial evidence and numerous surveys concerning EHS and RFR exposure in general, and EHS and smart meters.  When confronted by this evidence, it would be extremely irresponsible – and therefore very poor judgment – on the part of any parties in charge of smart meter deployment decisions to simply forge ahead.  Smart meters violate the right of susceptible persons to live in a healthy environment.” 
The final statements in the brief are:
“There has already been enough research done on non-thermal effects, and enough testimonials collected on the reality of EHS and the serious impact of smart meters on the lives of those with EHS, for anyone of intelligence to see that smart meters are not safe.
We hope you will not align yourselves with those who refused to look into Galileo’s telescope; those who call us wrong without honestly and logically dealing with the evidence we have presented to you.  Don’t let them fool you – there really are many valid and very red flags.  Take heed and act accordingly, and right now.  Otherwise in the near future you will wish you had acted more wisely, and many people will have been harmed.  Act like real human beings, not like corporate machines.  Don’t indulge in or participate in denial.  Do the right thing – make decisions that prevent harm to humans.”
To read the full brief prepared by Dianne Wilkins or the entire Conclusion section on the subject of  “dogma,” refer to the following link:  Maine PUC Reply Brief January 24, 2014 Dianne Wilkins.
Complainants’ Reply Brief
In addition to the concept of “dogma” addressed by the Intervenor brief, the Complainants’ reply brief introduces the use of the term “echo chamber” (from page 21):
“Reminiscent of an echo chamber, the Vermont Report cites the CCST Report, the Monterey Report, and various other agency reports that rely on the Agency Reviews.  As noted below, one of the Agency Reviews rebounds the echo by citing reports by the CCST, the MCDC, and Dr. Tell as authoritative.  AGNIR 2012, p. 55.  The Vermont Report appears to disregard the significance of the IARC 2B classification relying on the ICNIRP sponsored paper Mobile Phones, Brain Tumors and the Interphone Study: Where Are We Now?
Also of note is a critical review of the smart meter-related report released by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT).  This document has been widely used by utilities in other states as evidence supposedly demonstrating that smart meters cause no harm.  Quoting from pages 24 and 25 of the Complainants’ reply brief:
“Public Utilities Commission of Texas, December, 2012.  This is another staff report, which does not identify the qualifications of the author and similar to the Michigan staff report, the proceeding in which it appears was not a full investigation.  There is no mention of any testimony, including expert testimony.  Like the Michigan report, it also relies heavily on the CCST report and other agency and government reports, including the MCDC. Texas Staff Memo, p. 2.  Following the lead of the CCST and the Agency reviews, the Texas staff based their assessment of risk on the conclusion that ‘decades of scientific research have not provided any proven or unambiguous biological effects from exposure to low-level radiofrequency signals.’ Id., p 62.  No unambiguous proof, no risk.  Similar to the Michigan report, it also uncritically accepts industry critiques of the Biolnitiative Reports and dismisses the IARC 2B classification.  The staff’s logic about the IARC report is that many of the other items classified as 2B, such as DDT and lead, have still not been proven to be carcinogenic and there are common substances such as coffee and pickled vegetables on the 2B list.  Perhaps, if the staff had the benefit of IARC Monograph Vol. 102, they would have drawn different conclusions or at least provided a more sophisticated rationale for dismissing the importance of the IARC conclusions.”
The final statements in the Complainants’ reply brief are:
“The Commission must reject CMP’s repeated invitation to look away from this record evidence and render a decision relying on the conclusions of other agencies and administrative bodies, including the FCC and the MCDC.  These organizations cite to opinions offered by the industry and the Agency Reviews concluding that causation has not yet been established.  They rely on these no-causation opinions to conclude there is no risk.  The Commission cannot follow suit without shifting the burden of proof to Complainants and it cannot ensure safety based on the failure to prove causation.  CMP may be correct in asserting that its customers cannot completely avoid exposure to RF radiation, but that is not a legitimate basis for concluding safety is ensured.  All CMP customers, particularly those who are most vulnerable to RF radiation, have the right to seek safety in the only place where they can exercise some control over their exposure — their own homes and neighborhoods.  This is about their health and safety, their right to secure it, CMP’s obligation to respect it, and the Commission’s obligation to ensure it.”
For the full brief for the Complainants, refer to the following link:  Maine PUC Reply Brief January 24, 2014 by Complainants’.
Related Blog Posting by the Maine Coalition to Stop Smart Meters
Our precedent-setting Maine investigation into the safety of smart meters continues with the recent filing of final legal briefs at the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). What remains is a final report from MPUC staff to the Commissioners, the Commissioner’s decision, and possibly a separate proceeding on remedy. Win or lose, appeals are likely.” … To read the full blog posting, refer to the following link: http://www.mainecoalitiontostopsmartmeters.org/2014/01/resistance/.

Friday, January 24, 2014

TRUE GRID – Switching from ‘Smart’ to Wise




New EON blog:

TRUE GRID – Switching from ‘Smart’ to Wise




This post encourages you to check out the landmark report “Getting Smarter About the Smart Grid,” authored by energy expert Dr. Timothy Schoechle, published by the National Institute for Science, Law and Public Policy –and to sign up to attend The High (?) Road to a True Smart Grid, a Commonwealth Club of San Francisco program scheduled for January 28th, noon to 3 pm.

In order to create a resilient and sustainable future it’s imperative to explore the best alternative electricity generation and distribution forms. Our current electrical system is the source of much sickness, pollution, injustice and instability in this age of climate change and extreme weather.  Our outmoded electrical grid needs to be re-engineered and soon!
Come to this important panel at the San Francisco Commonwealth Club and hear this vitally hopeful discussion.  The panelists will outline a blueprint for a healthier, safer and smarter approach to both electricity generation and distribution in the United States—one that has all of our best interests, and the interests of planet Earth, at heart.

Panel Members (L to R) James Turner, Esq., Timothy D. Schoechle, PhD., Camilla R. G. Rees, MBA, Duncan Campbell, Esq., Dr. Karl Maret

In addition to Dr. Schoechle, others on the January 28th Commonwealth Club panel, moderated by Camilla Rees, MBA, include engineer and physician, Karl Maret, MD, of Aptos, CA; new energy visionary, and radio host, Duncan Campbell, Esq. of Boulder, CO, author of the white paper “New Energy for a New World”; and attorney Jim Turner, Esq, Partner of Swankin & Turner in Washington, D.C., co-author of “Voice of the People: The Transpartisan Imperative in American Life” and Chairman of the National Institute for Science, Law & Public Policy.

Jim Turner is also a board member of EON. EON believes that this program will make an important contribution to informed public dialogue on creating a truly wise, sustainable and just energy future. We hope you can attend!

(hear interview with Dr. Schoechle and see media advisory and more info below)


Solar rooftops stretch to the horizon in Germany. This could be the microgrid future that Investor Owned Utilities (aptly termed IOUs) fear.

by James Heddle and Mary Beth Brangan
Getting to Wise
It’s starting to look like yesterday’s ‘smart’ is today’s ‘really stupid.’
The over-used term ‘smart’ – applied to everything from phones to drones, and everything in between – seems to be turning from a marketing advantage into a stark warning label.
Take the plans for a wirelessly-managed national system of energy networks – the so-called ‘smart grid’ – based on the country-wide blanket deployment of wireless so-called ‘smart meters.

Our work, and that of many others, has shown that, not only would such a system vastly increase the damaging public health effects of electromagnetic radiation pollution, but it would permit granular surveillance of every household, and make not only each home, but the entire grid itself, vulnerable to malicious or terrorist hacking.  (read more)

The French assembly DID IT- NEW LAW ON EMF/RF


The French assembly DID IT- NEW LAW ON EMF/RF



From David Morrison
 
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 9:24 PM
Subject: Fw: The French assembly DID IT- NEW LAW ON EMF/RF
 
On Friday, January 24, 2014 10:08 AM, Rodrigue Deschenes Health Edu & Services ah_s@comcast.netwrote:

Hi everyone,
I am really excited this morning.
I will look for the news in English, and pass it on. I will check The Guardian, The Independent, and the Huffington Post to see if they will cover it in the coming days. Nextup.org will, but it may take some time. We can expect there will be the regular mainstream media black out here, because the industry really does not like that new development and will do everything to stop coverage.

Such a law raises the awareness of the French people on the health impacts of EMR, The green party and the Socialist party members did many compromises to make sure the law passes.

But it is a huge step; they got their foot in the door. It will also have repercussions in other countries.  The new law is now sent to the Senate to be ratified and I just called my cousin in France to get his take on what it means and will keep you posted.
 
A few points off my head:

Acting and education based on the precautionary principle
Transparency & Coordination with local authorities with mayors and departments given back powers to legislate

Ban of WiFi in kindergartens & nurseries (for 3 years old and less)

Study of impacts in schools and favor wired connections

Advertising prohibited to all children under 14

Study mandated on Electro Hyper Sensitivity and the creation of low RF radiation zones particularly in cities with results due in one year

Checking transmission levels to make sure that levels do not go over the average determined to be in France at 6V/m or around 100,000 uW/m2, the level of protection most eastern Europe, Italy, Russia, China have set.  
 
(Although France has set the protection standards at 10,000,000uW/m2 like here, the average measured in 16 communes by COPIC is under .7V/m (about 1,200uW/m2) and up to 10 V/m (+300,000uW/m2) in 10% of the cases. The industry will have a set deadline time to adjust those higher levels. Here in the US , according to the Institute of Building biology, although base stations antennas are supposed to transmit with signal strength of no more than 100 Watts or 100,000,000uW/m2 (?) I have to confirm those numbers), but the point is they often go much higher than this and we have no COPIC here to monitor the levels.)
 
This has wide implications for us-some of them I suggest here:
 
1- We can use this law as an argument to the Health Committee in Salem as a wake up call for Oregon.  If France does it, it means there has to be something real about the health dangers of microwave technology. We will not get legislation happen in Salem until more representatives are becoming aware of the problem.
 
2- WE can use this for another press release to all media, but this time with follow up calls to make sure they just do not discard it, but that it is their responsibility to publish it as journalists.
 
3- I was planning to write to all private preschools and kindergarten schools principals and teachers, and union representatives.
Maybe WE should do it to all schools, private and public, quoting the New French Law as a proof that something need be done to protect our children.
 
For that we need to expand our capacity with new prestigious Board members, more volunteers, and fundraising efforts.
 
For those who can read French or can manage with Google translate:
 
And (much longer-a full analysis-fornt page of Le Monde to-day)
 
From Robin des Toits:
google translation
 It has taken a year for the draft law on electromagnetic waves carried by Laurence Bee on behalf of MPs environmentalists is adopted by the National Assembly. At its niche in 2013 , the environmental group had entered the text agenda. At the request of the minister, and at the last moment , the Socialist group, the majority had returned the text in committee - a referral commission motivated by the expectation of several works on the subject of waves in 2013. These reports made ​​, Laurence Bee took over the work and cooperation within the majority: the environmental group could , as he had promised last year, part of its annual parliamentary recess a new version of the bill on the air, taking into account various reports submitted to and remarks that have been made ​​during the previous examination.

It is this proposal that the Assembly adopted today , paving the way for a parliamentary shuttle with the Senate.

"Now, at the location of antennas , a clear procedure will be set up with information of residents and the mayor, dialogue between stakeholders and conciliation in case of blockage ," says Laurence Bee . " Today's proposal also provides for identification and treatment of outliers , that is to say, the points that substantially exceeds the average nationally . Wave transmitters and wireless devices are better supported , with a clear warning consumers and a mechanism for simply turning off wifi for all devices that use it . "

"The ban wifi in nurseries as well as advertising with a glue ear are designed to protect the weakest phone , that is to say younger and encourage more reasonable practices - following in this scientific advice."

"This text also opens the way for a consideration of electro- hypersensitivity : a report on the advisability of creating electromagnetic radiation limited areas and on the effectiveness of isolating devices waves will be realized. This responds to a growing demand for some of our fellow citizens who are suffering and were now neglected, if not ignored . "

According to its author, " the key words of the text are sober as possible , transparency and consultation. Far from being punitive , ecology demonstrates that it knows to be incentive for behaviors and preventive for consideration of risks. "

François de Rugy , Co environmental group , this second adoption of an environmentalist text of the day the National Assembly (after the Law on Plant Protection Products ) " sounds like a double demonstration : that environmentalists perform well function for setting the parliamentary agenda of environmental and health issues , and the interest to participate fully in the majority - only way to adopt the solutions we carry and translate them into everyday life. "
Press contact: Charlotte Pauron 06 82 21 33 33 - cpauron.ecolo @ ASSEMBLY - nationale.fr
 
 
Paris, le 23 janvier 2014
 
Draft law on the airwaves :Sobriety used sparingly in the National Assembly ...
 
Paris , January 23, 2014 - Following a parliamentary debate to lead to the adoption in first reading a text governing the development of mobile and wireless technologies , organizations are finding that small law adopted reflects the state of forces.
 
Associations expected that the debate in the National Assembly strengthens the text of the bill . Not only amendments to strengthen the text were rejected , but the proposal of the Government , the ambition of the original text has been reduced , particularly regarding children's exposure .
 
However, this text marks a symbolic milestone for the recognition of EHS .
 
Far from guaranteeing an ideal text antenna residents, laptop users and electrohypersensitive the displayed electromagnetic sobriety, the text adopted does is no less an advanced filling a persistent regulatory vacuum.
 
Associations hope that senators will strengthen small law adopted by the members present.
 

ONDES ÉLECTROMAGNÉTIQUES : ENFIN ON EN PARLE, ENFIN ON AGIT
 
    Il aura donc fallu un an pour que la proposition de loi sur les ondes électromagnétiques portée par Laurence Abeille au nom des député-e-s écologistes soit adoptée par l’Assemblée nationale.  Lors de sa niche de 2013, le groupe écologiste avait inscrit le texte à l’ordre du jour. A la demande de la ministre, et au dernier moment, le groupe socialiste, majoritaire, avait renvoyé le texte en commission – un renvoi en commission motivé par l’attente de plusieurs travaux sur la question des ondes au cours de l’année 2013. Ces rapports rendus, Laurence Abeille a repris le flambeau et le travail de coopération au sein de la majorité : le groupe écologiste a pu, comme il s’y était engagé l’an dernier, inscrire dans sa niche parlementaire annuelle une nouvelle version de la proposition de loi sur les ondes, tenant compte des différents rapports remis depuis et des remarques qui ont pu être formulées lors du précédent examen.
 C’est cette proposition que l’Assemblée vient d’adopter aujourd’hui, ouvrant la voie à une navette parlementaire avec le Sénat.
    « Désormais, lors de l’implantation des antennes-relais, une procédure claire sera mise en place, avec information des riverains et du maire, concertation entre les parties prenantes et conciliation en cas de blocage », indique Laurence Abeille. « La proposition adoptée aujourd’hui prévoit également un recensement et un traitement des points atypiques, c’est-à-dire les points dépassant sensiblement la moyenne observée à l’échelle nationale. Les équipements émetteurs d’ondes et le WIFI sont mieux encadrés, avec une mise en garde claire des consommateurs et un mécanisme de désactivation simple du wifi pour tous les appareils qui l’utilisent».
« L’interdiction du wifi dans les crèches ainsi que celle des publicités présentant un téléphone collé à l’oreille ont pour but de protéger les plus faibles, c’est-à-dire les plus jeunes et d’inciter à des pratiques plus raisonnables – en suivant en cela les recommandations scientifiques".
« Ce texte ouvre en outre la voie à une prise en compte de l’électro-hypersensibilité : un rapport sur l’opportunité de créer des zones à rayonnement électromagnétiques limités et sur l’efficacité des dispositifs d’isolement aux ondes sera réalisé. Cela répond à une demande croissante d’une partie de nos concitoyens qui souffrent et étaient aujourd’hui négligés, pour ne pas dire ignorés».
Selon son auteure, « les maîtres-mots du texte sont la sobriété autant que possible, la transparence et la concertation. Bien loin d’être punitive, l’écologie démontre qu’elle sait être incitative pour les comportements, et préventive pour la prise en compte des risques ».
    Pour François de Rugy, coprésident du groupe écologiste, cette deuxième adoption d’un texte écologiste de la journée à l’Assemblée nationale (après celle de la Loi sur les produits phytosanitaires)« sonne comme une double démonstration : celle que les écologistes remplissent bien leur fonction de mise à l’agenda parlementaire de questions environnementales et sanitaires, et celle de l’intérêt de participer pleinement à la majorité – seule manière de faire adopter les solutions dont nous sommes porteurs et de les traduire dans la vie quotidienne ».
Contact presse : Charlotte Pauron 06 82 21 33 33 - cpauron.ecolo@assemblee-nationale.fr
 
Proposition de loi sur les ondes :
La sobriété utilisée avec modération à l’Assemblée nationale…
 
Paris, le 23 janvier 2014 – A l’issue d’un débat parlementaire permettant de déboucher sur l’adoption, en première lecture, d’un texte encadrant le développement de la téléphonie mobile et des technologies sans fil, les associations constatent que la petite loi adoptée reflète l’état des forces en présence.
 
Les associations s’attendaient à ce que le débat à l’Assemblée nationale renforce le texte de la proposition de loi. Non seulement les amendements visant à renforcer le texte ont été rejetés, mais sur proposition du gouvernement, l’ambition du texte initial a été réduite, notamment en ce qui concerne l’exposition des enfants.
 
Ce texte marque cependant une étape symbolique pour la reconnaissance de l’électrohypersensibilité.
 
Loin d’un texte idéal garantissant aux riverains d’antennes, utilisateurs de portables et électrohypersensibles la sobriété électromagnétique affichée, le texte voté n’en n’est pas moins une avancée comblant un vide règlementaire persistant.
 
Les associations espèrent que les sénateurs sauront renforcer la petite loi adoptée par les députés présents.



Contact presse :
Janine Le Clavez, présidente de Priartém – 06.82.59.42.04
Etienne Cendrier, porte-parole de Robins des toits – 01.48.38.48.52
Stéphen Kerckhove, délégué général d’Agir pour l’Environnement – 01.40.31.02.99

Effect of long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi equipment on testes functions

Effect of long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi equipment on testes functions

Posted online on January 24, 2014. (doi:10.3109/15368378.2013.869752)

1Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Dicle
Diyarbakir
Turkey,
2Department of Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namik Kemal
Tekirdag
Turkey, and
3Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, RF Electronics and Radar Research Laboratory, Yeditepe University
Istanbul
Turkey
Address correspondence to 
Professor Suleyman Dasdag
Department of Biophysics, Medical School of Dicle University
21280 Diyarbakir
Turkey. Tel: +90 530 960 21 12. E-mail: 

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate long-term effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system on testes. The study was carried out on 16 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups such as sham (n: 8) and exposure (n: 8). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 2.4 GHz RFR radiation for 24 h/d during 12 months (1 year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham control group except the Wi-Fi system was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and reproductive organs were removed. Motility (%), concentration (×106/mL), tail defects (%), head defects (%) and total morphologic defects (%) of sperms and weight of testes (g), left epididymis (g), prostate (g), seminal vesicles (g) were determined. Seminiferous tubules diameter (μm) and tunica albuginea thickness (μm) were also measured. However, the results were evaluated by using Johnsen’s score. Head defects increased in the exposure group (p < 0.05) while weight of the epididymis and seminal vesicles, seminiferous tubules diameter and tunica albuginea thickness were decreased in the exposure group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.0001). However, other alterations of other parameters were not found significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, we observed that long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF emitted from Wi-Fi (2420 μW/kg, 1 g average) affects some of the reproductive parameters of male rats. We suggest Wi-Fi users to avoid long-term exposure of RF emissions from Wi-Fi equipment.


Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/15368378.2013.869752


French village in 'Asterix-style battle' to be mobile network-free zone

French village in 'Asterix-style battle' to be mobile network-free zone

Villagers in Pailharès, southeastern France, fight to protect its status as mobile "wave-free zone" proving a haven for sufferers of electromagnetic hypersensitivity

With its ancient fortifications, winding streets and picturesque red roofs, Pailharès, population 280, looks like a village lost in time and space
With its ancient fortifications, winding streets and picturesque red roofs, Pailharès, population 280, looks like a village lost in time and space Photo: AUREILE ROSSIGNOL
Residents of a tiny rural village in the heart of the Ardèche region, southeastern France, are fighting an Asterix-style battle to remain the country's "only mobile network-free zone" and a haven for sufferers of electromagnetic hypersensitivity.
With its ancient fortifications, winding streets and picturesque red roofs, Pailharès, population 280, looks like a village lost in time and space, cut off from the outside world by mountains.
Indeed, it is so isolated that some residents claim Pailharès is the last remaining "white zone" in France – a village almost totally devoid of electromagnetic waves.
"We are bit like Asterix's village of Gaul, the last in France to resist an invasion of mobile phone masts. We will fight to the bitter end," said Isabelle Nonn-Praya.
The 53-year old chemist from Lyon never realised just how drastically modern technology would change her life. Seven years ago, she was inexplicably struck down by a debilitating illness that saw her body all but shut down, causing her terrible headaches and dizziness.
She eventually realised the symptoms, which meant she had trouble speaking or thinking clearly, got much worse when she approached mobile phone masts, and that she has electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS).
"When I'm in a zone or a town or village with lots of electromagnetic waves due to masts, mobile or wireless phones or wifi, my health instantly deteriorates," she told The Telegraph.
After years of searching for relief, a friend told her about Pailharès and she moved in three years ago.
"Since then, I have regained my health. I can finally think, write and speak normally and exchange people. I can walk again," she said. Another sufferer has now moved to the villager, and many more have made inquiries.
However, the local authority has decided to put an end to Pailharès' wave-free status by erecting a mobile mast on a hill outside the village that will finally provide blanket reception.
"We have conducted a survey and 80 per cent of villagers are for this mast," said Richard Taton, deputy mayor. "We are in an isolated area where there is a lack of work, where the rural exodus is plain for all to see as there are no more young people in the countryside. We absolutely need access to new technologies to keep it alive."
Under the banner "Rayon Vert" (Green Ray), a group of villagers have rallied around Miss Nonn-Praya, launching a legal appeal on the grounds the mayor had no proper building permit. They lost an initial appeal to stop the works, but another is still pending.
Jacques Vey, its leader, disputed the mayor had majority support, saying he had rejected their request for a referendum.
"There is already limited mobile reception here: we are not totally cut off from the world. But there are very few waves. If the mast is switched on, people who suffer from the EHS syndrome will have nowhere to go. There are no more villages like ours in France."
Mr Taton said there was no scientific proof mobile masts are dangerous, adding: "Today, the mobile phone in France saves many more lives than it ruins. I don't see why if everyone else in France is entitled to such technology, the residents of Pailharès should be deprived of it."
Sweden is the only country in the world to recognise EHS as a functional impairment. However, on Thursday, the French parliament ordered a special report on the causes of EHS, and inscribed in law the principle of "sobriety" when exposing the public to mobile and Wifi waves.
Miss Nonn-Praya said there are around 1,000 people suffering from her condition in France. "Some only have mild symptoms, but around 200 are currently forced to move around in search of havens, either living in their car, a tent in forests, in undignified conditions."
She said the new mobile mast would spell "disaster" for her and mean "I may well have to take up my rucksack and hit the road again".