Towers & siting

Comment submitted in response to Docket No. HHS-OASH-2026-0397 Request for Information on Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs), Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation, and Wireless Radiation Exposure Category: Public Experiences and Reported Potential Health Effects (with relevance also to Categories 2–4) I am submitting this comment as a private individual residing in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan. I am not a scientist or physician. I am submitting this as a firsthand, timestamped case record, because the domestic health and administrative authorities in my own country have declined to investigate it, and because this RFI explicitly requests real-world clustering data of the kind described below. 1. The core factual record On August 4, 2021, I experienced a left-hemisphere hemorrhagic stroke while at my workplace, an office building belonging to a regional electric utility company in a dense commercial and administrative district of central Naha City, Okinawa. Three months earlier, on May 9, 2021, a female coworker of the same age, working in the same building, suffered a stroke and subsequently left her position. I want to state this timeline as precisely as possible: my hemorrhage occurred before I received any COVID-19 mRNA vaccine dose. I received my first dose during hospitalization, after the hemorrhage had already occurred. This sequence removes vaccination as a possible cause of the initial event and isolates it as a pre-vaccination, environmentally-exposed case — which I believe gives it particular evidentiary value for isolating non-vaccine environmental factors, including RF/EMF exposure. To summarize the cluster: Same workplace (a single office building) Same calendar year (2021) Same age cohort (both employees born around 1972) Two cerebrovascular events, three months apart (May and August 2021) 2. The infrastructure context The district in which this workplace is located underwent a concentrated buildout of 5G small-cell and telecommunications infrastructure during 2020–2021. A major regional telecommunications/data-center facility was completed in the immediate vicinity in November 2021, and I understand from published construction timelines that test transmissions from that facility likely occurred during the summer and fall of 2021 — a period overlapping with both cerebrovascular events described above. I want to be transparent about the limits of my own documentation: I have not been able to obtain conclusive public records confirming the exact installation date of any small-cell antenna on my own workplace building. I state this as an open, unresolved question — not as a settled fact. 3. Why I am submitting this I am not asking HHS to conclude that RF/EMF exposure caused these two cases. I am submitting this record because: It is precisely the kind of "public experience" and "workplace cluster" data this RFI's Category 1 explicitly invites. It is, to my knowledge, a comparatively rare pre-vaccination case — meaning it may be useful as a data point for isolating environmental (non-vaccine) contributing factors in cerebrovascular events. No domestic institution in Japan — municipal, prefectural, or national — has been willing to examine or record this cluster. I am placing it into this federal public record because I believe a factual account, however small, should exist somewhere on the public record rather than nowhere at all. 4. Specific points relevant to the RFI's other categories Exposure standards (Category 2): I would respectfully urge that any revised framework consider occupational and workplace RF exposure in dense commercial office environments — not only residential or personal-device exposure — as a distinct exposure category worth separate evaluation. Surveillance (Category 3): I would suggest that same-workplace, same-timeframe clustering of cerebrovascular or neurological events be considered a surveillance signal worth systematic, structured tracking — similar to how occupational disease clusters are tracked in other contexts — rather than being dismissed case-by-case as coincidence. Existing evidence (Category 4): Current exposure standards based solely on short-term thermal effects (SAR) do not, to my understanding, address the kind of chronic, non-thermal, clustered occupational exposure described in this case. I thank HHS for opening this process to public and international input, and I hope this record is useful in identifying the research gaps this RFI seeks to find. Respectfully submitted, NOBUO TAIRA Naha City, Okinawa, Japan

Commprehensive Government Study of the Potential Health Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation and Wireless Technologies To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to respectfully request that the appropriate government health and public-safety agencies undertake, support, or commission a comprehensive, independent study of the potential long-term health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and radiofrequency (RF) radiation from the many wireless technologies now used routinely by the public. Wireless technology has become an integral part of everyday life, and people may be exposed to multiple sources simultaneously and for extended periods. These sources include, but are not limited to: 5G and other cellular networks and infrastructure Cell phones and smartphones Wi-Fi and wireless internet routers Bluetooth devices Wireless earbuds and headphones Wearable wireless devices and smartwatches Wireless home and office equipment Cellular towers and small-cell installations Other consumer and telecommunications RF-emitting devices I recognize that there is substantial scientific research concerning RF and EMF exposure, and that regulatory agencies have established exposure limits based on currently available evidence. However, given the rapid expansion of wireless technologies and the increasing duration and complexity of everyday exposure, I believe it is appropriate for the government to periodically reassess the evidence using current technology, exposure patterns, and epidemiological data. I respectfully request that any such study examine, among other issues: Long-term population health effects of chronic exposure to RF and other relevant portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Cumulative and combined exposure, including simultaneous exposure from cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, phones, wireless earbuds, wearable devices, and other sources. 5G and newer wireless technologies, including whether differences in frequencies, modulation, signal characteristics, network architecture, and exposure patterns warrant additional research. Cell-phone use, including long-term and heavy-use patterns and exposure associated with devices held close to the body or head. Wireless earbuds and Bluetooth devices, particularly because some devices may be used for many hours each day and in close proximity to the head. Children and adolescents, including whether developing bodies or patterns of lifelong exposure warrant separate study. Potential neurological, cognitive, reproductive, developmental, cardiovascular, sleep-related, and other health outcomes, while distinguishing established evidence from preliminary or uncertain findings. Cancer and other long-latency outcomes, including sufficiently long-term epidemiological follow-up to identify effects that may not become apparent for many years. Individual susceptibility and exposure differences, including whether certain populations may experience different effects from comparable environmental exposures. Real-world exposure levels, rather than relying solely on theoretical or laboratory conditions, including measurements of aggregate exposure in homes, schools, workplaces, public transportation, and other environments. Adequacy of existing exposure standards, including whether current limits sufficiently account for chronic, low-level, cumulative, or simultaneous exposure from multiple technologies. Independent scientific review, with appropriate disclosure of funding sources, conflicts of interest, methodologies, raw data where possible, and the full range of relevant peer-reviewed evidence. I also request that the government make the findings of such research readily accessible to the public and clearly distinguish between findings that are well established, findings for which evidence remains mixed or uncertain, and questions requiring further investigation. This request is not based on an assumption that wireless technologies are harmful. Rather, it is a request for continued, independent, evidence-based surveillance and research as exposure patterns and technologies evolve. Given the widespread use of wireless devices and the potentially large population affected by any long-term health consequences, continued monitoring and rigorous research appear to be an important public-health responsibility. I respectfully ask that this request be forwarded to the appropriate federal and/or state agencies, scientific advisory bodies, and public-health authorities for consideration.

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to share my personal experience with radiofrequency exposure from Wi-Fi and 4G/5G transmitters in my surroundings. I live in Norway, and I am concerned about the increasing level of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation to which people are exposed. I am also concerned that safety limits and assessments may rely heavily on information and research connected to the telecommunications industry itself. I own and operate a company in Norway. We have several computers and a Wi-Fi system at our premises, and the company has been operating for more than ten years. During the first few years, we used desktop computers connected to the internet exclusively through Wi-Fi. In 2017, I received a new desktop computer, which was positioned close to my right foot. Shortly afterwards, I began noticing an unusual sensation along the right side of my body. It felt like a persistent tingling, irritation or discomfort that started in my lower right leg and extended upwards to slightly above my right hip. This continued for several months—possibly four or five months. I consulted a chiropractor because I thought the symptoms might be caused by a trapped nerve or a similar problem, but the treatment did not help. Some time later, we installed a wired internet connection at the premises, significantly reducing our reliance on Wi-Fi. Within approximately one week of installing the wired network, the tingling and irritation on the right side of my body disappeared. To test whether the change might be connected to the Wi-Fi, we disconnected the wired network approximately two weeks later and returned to using Wi-Fi. After a few days, the tingling sensation returned. It was not painful, but it felt like an irritation deep inside the muscles, similar to the sensation of a compressed or irritated nerve. Since that experiment, we have used only a wired internet connection at the company, and I have not experienced those symptoms again. I still use a mobile phone and have Wi-Fi in my home. I am not frightened or distressed by wireless technology in my daily life. However, I am concerned that the telecommunications industry may have too much influence over the standards used to determine which exposure levels are considered safe. Based on the timing of my symptoms, their disappearance after switching to a wired connection, and their return when we temporarily resumed using Wi-Fi, I am convinced that radiofrequency exposure from the Wi-Fi equipment caused my body to react. I have also noticed that vegetation surrounding some 4G and 5G towers in Norway appears to show poorer growth when trees are located very close to the transmitters. I cannot establish the cause based on observation alone, but it adds to my concern that prolonged exposure at close range may have biological effects. When the industry presents this technology as entirely harmless, without what I consider sufficient independent long-term research, I become sceptical. I believe experiences such as mine deserve to be documented and investigated through genuinely independent scientific research. I hope that health authorities will continue to examine the possible biological effects of long-term radiofrequency exposure and ensure that public safety standards are based on precaution, transparency and research that is independent of the telecommunications industry. Sincerely, Geir Loseth Norway

I live in Devon, England; in 2020 I was working in a building in Exeter where '4G Lite' was being installed, the main antennae was in the car parking area of this building; my first symptom was intense chest pain whilst in this area, it lessened after leaving the car park; over the next two years I developed skin rashes along the backs of my hands, my forearms and forehead, i experienced almost constant palpitations on exertion whilst at this place of work, if I had to 'sleep over' i had insomnia [sleep has never been a problem before], intense, constant headaches, foggy thinking, amnesia and extreme lethargy; i recognised the source of these symptoms [an innate knowing], retired and now live in the countryside, without wi-fi, no phone and much fewer symptoms: As the electrification of the environments around me have increased, i have changed my lifestyle completely, [i live like a hermit], i cannot tolerate cities, being in a car for more than an hour, and if i need to take a flight anywhere it takes weeks for my body to recover; I have frequent treatments of bioresonance and homeopathy to help my body cope with the ever increasing electrical fields.

I do have neurogical symptoms. If I am ecposed to wifi routers, cellphones and near cell towers my body start to tremor and it feels if I am going to lose consiousness. It feels as if my whole body, every cell in my body vibrates.

I’m not sure why but I can’t have my wifi on in the house at all. My heart starts having palpitations and I get very emotional. My last dream home I bought was a few feet away from a transmission line and from day one my whole body felt like it was getting shocked. It was a living nightmare. I somehow got through RN school sleeping in my car away from the house. Finally we moved to the country and I’m fine. I just can’t have the wifi on so it stays off when I’m here! My child’s brand new school is getting built and there is a cell tower right above it. Please make it mandatory all cell towers have to be removed from a child’s school or with in so many feet. We know they cause cancer already so what are we waiting for

We the people paid for fiber optic connections years ago, but we got harmful 5G towers instead! I'd like to know just who decided to do the bait and switch. I wrote to the FCC months ago for that answer and got none. If these unconstitutional agencies are not working for we the people - we must abolish them!!! On May 18, 2026, Children’s Health Defense, along with other co-petitioners, filed a Petition for a Writ of Mandamus asking a federal court to compel the FCC to finally comply with that order after years of inaction!

You darn right its making me sick! Put those darn towers all around us and I feel like im dieing slowly now. THE DEPRESSION HAS BECOME SEVERE. CONSENT HEADACHES, NOT ONE OUNCEV9F ENERGY, FALL ASLEEP EVERY TIME I SIT DOWN, YOU WANT ME TO GO ON?????

I am submitting this comment in response to HHS’s Request for Information on Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs), Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation, and Wireless Radiation Exposure. After the installation of a 5G cell tower in November 2021, constant high levels of microwave radiation began hitting my sleeping area through my bedroom window. As a result, my husband and I became very injured and sickly, experiencing the following non-exhaustive list of symptoms over an 18-month period: Sleep disturbances • Insomnia • Chronic fatigue • Never feeling refreshed Mood disturbances • Depression • Sadness • Irritability • Rage Vision problems • Blurry vision • Dry eyes • Floaters • Vision loss • Eye twitching • Sensitivity to light Neurological problems • Memory loss • Brain fog • Dizziness • Feeling disoriented • Saying the wrong words • Dropping things Heart problems • Palpitations • Chest pain • High blood pressure Hearing issues • Ringing in the ears • Hearing loss Physical pain • Sharp pain in ears • Joint and muscle pain • Leg cramping • Headaches • Burning and stabbing pain Hormonal issues • Hair loss • Thyroid enlargement • Thyroid nodule • Reproductive issues Metabolic issues • Weight gain • Inability to lose weight • Excessive weight loss Irregular temperature regulation • Getting overheated • Excessive sweating • Facial flushing Other • Teeth grinding • Hand tremors • Urinary issues • Aggressive nosebleeds • Trouble breathing • Coughing • Coughing up blood • Nausea • Dry heaving Based on MyChart data dating back to 2007, I went from an average of 2.5 doctor's visits per year to 22 doctor's visits within 18 months. The above list of ailments was generated from our doctors’ records during this time. During the 18 months of pain and sickness, we thought the air quality or pollution were responsible for how terrible we felt. Then, on a whim, I ordered an RF/Microwave radiation scanner, which led us to the source of our affliction. A thorough scan revealed radiation levels so high that the scanner could not register them (the meter’s maximum reading was 20,000 microwatts per meter squared). The readings came from a cell tower about 1.5 blocks away, which emitted a direct beam of radiation into our bedroom window, exposing us nightly to continuous microwave radiation. Upon discovering this, we blocked the radiation from coming into our window, which brought the signal down to almost nothing, almost eliminating the levels where we slept. That night, I experienced my first night of solid 8 straight hours of sleep in over a year. That was the first night that neither of us woke up repeatedly to use the restroom. Following this was the first morning in over a year that my husband was able to get out of bed without excruciating joint pain. That was the first night that our bodies began to heal. Since removing ourselves from this harmful environment 2 years ago, nearly all our symptoms have disappeared. I have returned to my previous rate of 2.5 doctor’s visits per year. All that remains for me is a shrinking thyroid nodule and a sensitivity to RF/microwave radiation exposure that yields unpleasant to unbearable physical reactions. The entire experience, including its aftermath, has been extremely difficult, scary, and sad for my family. It took two years to recover emotionally and find the strength to share my story. Although I hate telling people about this, I do so out of love, because I don’t want anyone to go through what happened to us. I support HHS taking an active role in examining the potential health and environmental effects of wireless radiation. Questions about human health should be addressed by federal agencies with appropriate expertise in medicine, biology, epidemiology, and public health, and the experiences of individuals and families who report being affected should be considered alongside the scientific evidence. I urge HHS to carefully evaluate these experiences and the scientific evidence, identify gaps in current research, give particular attention to children and other potentially vulnerable populations, and establish appropriate federal research priorities regarding wireless radiation and public health. Thank you for providing individuals and families with an opportunity to be heard.

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 a concerned member of the public and as one who is negatively affected by man-made electromagnetic radiation. I personally suffer from tinnitus and severe vertigo. When I was living in a city with smart meters, cell towers, neighbors wi-fi, etc. my symptoms were becoming more severe as time went by. About 2 years, ago we moved to an acreage where the emf levels are low the great majority of the time and since we have moved here I have not had any more vertigo attacks. In my opinion, man-made electromagnetic radiation is the latest, greatest environmental pollutant and it has become ubiquitous in our present world. Many people as well as all life in the environment is negatively affected, as we have evolved to function in the natural electromagnetic environment. I support HHS taking an active role in examining the potential health and environmental effects of wireless radiation. Questions about human health should be addressed by federal agencies with appropriate expertise in medicine, biology, epidemiology, and public health, and the experiences of individuals and families who report being affected should be considered alongside the scientific evidence. I urge HHS to carefully evaluate these experiences and the scientific evidence, identify gaps in current research, give particular attention to children and other potentially vulnerable populations, and establish appropriate federal research priorities regarding wireless radiation and public health. Thank you for providing individuals and families with an opportunity to be heard.