ORIGINAL COMMENT · UNEDITED TEXT
I submit this comment regarding electromagnetic fields, radiofrequency radiation, and wireless exposure. I am a
person with disabilities who experienced significant health problems that I associate with a wireless smart meter
installed in my home. I ask HHS to consider my experience and barriers to obtaining an analog meter.
This is not simply a preference or convenience. My home has become inaccessible because I cannot obtain the
accommodation I need. People with disabilities need a meaningful process to request alternatives when they believe
wireless devices affect their health and ability to live at home.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
After a wireless smart meter was installed, I experienced migraines, insomnia, tinnitus, ear pain, heart palpitations,
confusion, agitation, and rouleaux formation. These symptoms led me to seek medical attention several times. After
the meter was removed, my symptoms resolved. The meter was later reinstalled.
My experience alone does not establish scientific causation, and I do not ask HHS to treat it as proof. I ask that it be
documented and considered with similar reports. The change in my symptoms after removal is relevant to research
and accommodation needs.
MEDICAL REQUESTS AND ACCESS TO MY HOME
Several doctors requested an accommodation because of my symptoms and their effects on my disability. Despite
those requests, I could not obtain a lasting accommodation from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or West
Penn Power. The meter was reinstalled, leaving me without the alternative I need.
What happens when medical documentation supports an accommodation but there is no effective way to obtain a
different meter? Accepting requests without meaningful review or relief leaves no practical solution.
I have two small children and limited income. Moving to another state is not realistic: I would lose family support and
leave medical specialists my family and I need, while facing financial and logistical hardship. I should not have to
choose between remaining in my home and seeking a disability-related accommodation. I need an analog electric
meter.
REQUESTED ACTION
I ask HHS to recommend a federal approach that gives people with disabilities a meaningful opportunity to obtain a
non-wireless alternative when they report health detriments associated with wireless smart meters. Please support:
1. An accessible opt-out process for disability- or health-related reasons, where an analog or suitable
non-communicating meter is technically and reasonably available.
2. Review of existing installations, including a process to request removal and replacement.
3. Individualized consideration of medical documentation from treating doctors.
4. Protection from unreasonable charges or penalties for seeking an accommodation, especially for people with
limited incomes.
5. Protection of essential electric service from unreasonable delays or loss while a request is considered.
Although HHS does not directly control every utility’s metering requirements, I ask it to work with the FCC, DOJ, and
state regulators to identify authorities and recommend disability-related accommodations.
RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Please include disability experiences in HHS’s evaluation of wireless exposure and research priorities. Examine
reported symptoms, exposure conditions, and circumstances in which people report health changes. Priorities should
include:
• Reports from people living near or with wireless smart meters at home;
• Smart-meter transmission characteristics and residential exposure conditions;
• People with preexisting medical conditions or disabilities;
• Accessible documentation of health experiences and exposure histories; and
• Transparent evaluation of limitations and uncertainties in existing evidence.
Distinguish established scientific conclusions from documented reports and questions requiring research. Lack of a
definitive scientific conclusion should not prevent agencies from considering disability-related needs or whether an
accommodation process is necessary.
CONCLUSION
I ask HHS to consider my experience: serious symptoms after installation, resolution after removal, and reinstallation
despite medical requests. My home has become inaccessible, and relocating would jeopardize family support,
medical care, and financial stability.
Please take these experiences seriously and recommend a meaningful process for people with disabilities to obtain a
non-wireless alternative without unreasonable barriers.
Thank you for considering my comment.
Respectfully,
Jessica Janosek
October 20, 2026
Discussion
Reader replies are separate from the official HHS submission. They are reviewed before publication. Display names are not verified.