The commenter reports nighttime breathing and panic-like symptoms after a nearby smart-meter installation…

I am submitting this comment in response to HHS’s Request for Information on Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs), Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation, and Wireless Radiation Exposure. I am responding from the perspective of both someone who has been harmed by electromagnetic radiation, and from the perspective as a health care provider. When NY State installed a "smart" meter on my home in Rockland County many years ago, they did so right outside my bedroom window, about 4 feet from where my head was each night in my bed. Soon after, I began waking up early in the morning with shortness of breath and feeling like I was having a panic attack. I had never had a panic attack in my life and didn't even ever have anxiety. I would jump out of bed and run out the front door gasping for air. After a few minutes in fresh air, on the opposite side of the house, the symptoms would subside. This happened every night when I slept in my house. If I slept elsewhere, it didn't happen. Eventually I moved from that house. I now live in Massachusetts where Eversource is in the process of installing "smart" meters on all houses in the state. If we opt out, we have to pay $34/month for someone to come read our meter. The cost of living in Massachusetts is already insanely high and I will not be able to opt out. I have told Eversource this. I have told them I know from prior experience that I know RF makes me ill, and they say these are my only choices. When I educate parents about their children and EMFs, I always make sure that they are aware that wireless radiation is not harmless and that they have to take precautions, especially for their small, young children. Please help us out with this issue. It's exhausting and maddening trying to go up against these big corporations by ourselves. Thank you for your help. Sincerely, Maureen Satriano Hadley, MA