{"id":"HHS-OASH-2026-0397-1048","number":"1048","name":"Anonymous Anonymous","organization":"","posted":"2026-09-28T04:00Z","received":"2026-09-27T04:00Z","body":"Subject: Importance of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Standards for Sensitive Individuals\n\n\n\nI am writing to express my concern regarding the widespread deployment of advanced electric meters and the need for stronger consideration of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure standards, particularly for individuals who report sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation and electrical pollution.\n\nAs government agencies and utility providers continue to implement newer metering technologies, it is important to ensure that public health considerations remain a priority. While many consumers may not experience noticeable effects from wireless smart meters, a growing number of individuals report symptoms they associate with electromagnetic exposure, including headaches, sleep disruption, fatigue, anxiety, and other quality-of-life concerns. Regardless of ongoing scientific debate, these citizens deserve reasonable accommodation and the ability to choose alternatives that meet their needs.\n\nMany residents are requesting access to analog meters or non-transmitting digital meters that do not continuously communicate through radiofrequency signals. In areas where analog meters are no longer available, utilities should consider technologies that minimize emissions and avoid generating \"dirty electricity,\" which refers to high-frequency voltage transients that some experts and consumers believe may affect sensitive individuals.\n\nSeveral utilities in California and other jurisdictions have implemented opt-out programs that allow customers to choose non-wireless meter options. These programs demonstrate that consumer choice can coexist with modern utility operations. Providing alternatives offers a practical and respectful solution for residents who have health concerns while preserving access to utility services.\n\nI respectfully urge policymakers and utility regulators to:\n\nReview and strengthen EMF safety standards as scientific research evolves.\nRecognize the concerns of individuals in all areas who report electromagnetic sensitivity.\nRequire utilities to offer reasonable alternatives, including analog meters where feasible.\nEncourage the use of metering technologies that do not rely on continuous wireless transmissions.\nEvaluate and address concerns regarding dirty electricity generated by certain electronic meters and grid technologies.\nPromote transparency by providing clear information about meter emissions and available customer options.\nRegarding my own situation, turning off wifi at night and mitigating the effects of the smart meter enhanced the quality of life while enjoying a better sleep. There are certain underlying health conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancer, where having less oxidative stress at night helps the body to heal more efficiently.  Although citizens who have environmental sensitivities may benefit the most from higher safeguards everyone especially seniors and babies would also benefit making a healthier America.   \n\nPublic policy should balance technological advancement with consumer choice, health concerns, and individual rights. Allowing residents to select lower-emission metering alternatives is a reasonable accommodation that can improve public confidence and help protect vulnerable populations.\n\nThank you for your consideration of this important issue. I appreciate your commitment to protecting public health.\n\n","attachments":[],"attachment_inventory":true,"withheld":false,"source":"https://www.regulations.gov/comment/HHS-OASH-2026-0397-1048","tags":["cancer-tumors","health-experiences","sleep-cognition","biology-metabolism","exposure-places","policy-standards","research-evidence"],"source_hash":"f3562a204433333355ed7e87e95f61c341d9686e38e9ed3bb3baf0ccc97187fa","slug":"cancer-tumors-comment-1048","classification":{"id":"HHS-OASH-2026-0397-1048","body_sha256":"83565130bba286ad2a0f6f42984a79d8d6df3dbfad675c589e1d2215d7ca73fb","status":"ai_reviewed","primary_topic":"smart-meters","topics":[{"id":"smart-meters","evidence":" to express my concern regarding the widespread deployment of advanced electric meters and the need for stronger consideration of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure standards, particul"},{"id":"ehs","evidence":"agnetic field (EMF) exposure standards, particularly for individuals who report sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation and electrical pollution.\n\nAs government agencies and utility provider"},{"id":"access","evidence":"rns. Regardless of ongoing scientific debate, these citizens deserve reasonable accommodation and the ability to choose alternatives that meet their needs.\n\nMany residents are requesting access"},{"id":"standards","evidence":"Subject: Importance of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Standards for Sensitive Individuals\n\n\n\nI am writing to express my concern regarding the widespread deployment"},{"id":"electricity","evidence":"ties should consider technologies that minimize emissions and avoid generating \"dirty electricity,\" which refers to high-frequency voltage transients that some experts and consumers believe may aff"},{"id":"neurological","evidence":"ort symptoms they associate with electromagnetic exposure, including headaches, sleep disruption, fatigue, anxiety, and other quality-of-life concerns. Regardless of ongoing scientific "},{"id":"wifi","evidence":"issions and available customer options.\nRegarding my own situation, turning off wifi at night and mitigating the effects of the smart meter enhanced the quality of life while enjoying "},{"id":"children","evidence":"ies may benefit the most from higher safeguards everyone especially seniors and babies would also benefit making a healthier America.   \n\nPublic policy should balance technological advan"}],"summary":"Requests analog or non-transmitting meter options, stronger standards and accommodation for sensitive residents. Reports better sleep after reducing Wi-Fi and meter exposure and calls for attention to electrical transients.","reviewed_at":"2026-09-28T16:09:15Z","review_method":"Source-matched AI review of 101 new complete comment bodies with exact supporting passages; three attachment-dependent covering notes remain pending. Attachments and external links not reviewed.","review_source_sha256":"8cb93eb93fa088416a7fd038bd9f9926b2bdc1ff9a799f4f64119f3ab62efb7b","source_url":"https://rfsafe.net/hhs-comments/data/catalog.json","scope":"Original comment body; attachments excluded"},"forum_topics":["smart-meters","ehs","access","standards","electricity","neurological","wifi","children"],"primary_topic":"smart-meters","forum_title":"Requests analog or non-transmitting meter options, stronger standards and accommodation for sensitive res…"}