Update 11/7/21
Health Effects of wireless devices have largely been ignored by mainstream medicine however there is greater awareness each year with CME conferences available to help educate the healthcare community about this complex environmental health issue. The Jonas Foundation sponsored a teach-in for environmental leaders on the health effects of wireless technology that can be viewed here. Wireless Radiation- What Environmental Health Leaders Should Know
Below is information on * Interference with Medical Equipment *Interference with Implantable Devices *Electrosensitivity (EHS) in the Hospital Setting *Health Privacy *Health Security
Security and privacy requirements of WBANs
WBAN systems require certain security measures to guarantee security, privacy, data integrity and confidentiality of a patient’s health records at all the times. A supporting WBAN infrastructure must implement specific security operations that guarantee all of these features [18]. Security and privacy of patient information are the two crucial features for within each WBAN system. Security implies data is protected from unauthorized users when being transferred, collected, processed and remains safely stored. On the other hand, privacy suggests the authority to control the gathering and usage of one’s personal information. For instance, a patient may require his details to not be shared among insurance companies who could use this information to restrain his/her from the coverage. More specifically, mission-critical data within a WBAN system is extremely sensitive, that if leaked to unauthorized personnel could lead to several consequences for the patient such as losing the job, public humiliation and mental instability. Another example, when the intruders access information, through physically capturing the node and change the information; and therefore, false information will be passed to the physician that may result in a patient’s death. Someone can use the individual’s medical data to seek out the personal rivalries with the patient. Consequently, more attention should be given and taken to protect this sensitive and critical information from unauthorized access, use and changes [19], [20]. Fig. 5 illustrates a secure mechanism of the data collection and various points of the networking including the final where the data can be retrieved by only the authorized person and through personal identification means of decryption.” From-Survey of main challenges (security and privacy) in wireless body area networks for healthcare applications.
Interference with Medical Equipment
- The safe use of wireless devices in hospitals. https://hospitalnews.com/safe-use-wireless-devices-hospitals/
Interference with Implantable Devices
Electrosensitivity (EHS) in the Hospital Setting
EUROPAEM EMF Guideline 2016 for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27454111/
Clinical Practice Guidelines in the Diagnosis and Management of Electromagnetic Field Hypersensitivity (EHS). Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto. Dr. Riina Bray. https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/assets/pdf/environmental/Preliminary%20Clinical%20Guidelines%20%20for%20EHS.pdf
Accommodataing EHS Patients. The Electrosensitivity Society. https://www.electrosensitivesociety.com/accommodating-ehs/
How-Hospitals-Can-Accommodate-Patients-Who-Have-EHS-2020 (1)PDF Full
Introduction-EHS Precursors: While exposure to electromagnetic fields/radiation is the trigger for EHS symptoms, the common precursors of EHS include:
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Physical trauma to the central nervous system, such as concussion or whiplash, chemical trauma in the form of exposure to toxins [including but not limited to drugs, pesticides, metals (especially mercury), and other neurotoxins],
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Biological trauma in various forms, such as lyme disease, fungal toxins, parasite load, etc.., electrical trauma resulting from acute or chronic electromagnetic field exposures, such as multiple shocks; low, moderate, or high levels of electrosmog (electromagnetic pollution wherever electricity or “wireless” travels or is available); battery- or electricity-powered items; and lightning strikes.
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Impaired immune system as a result of medical diagnostic/preventative/treatment methods (radiological, chemical, etc.), biological implants, lupus, AIDS; or a poorly developed immune system in very young children and in elders.
For more information visit: http://www.electrosensitivesociety.com.
Health Privacy
Survey of main challenges (security and privacy) in wireless body area networks for healthcare applications. (2017) Egyptian Informatics Journal. July 2017, Pages 113-122. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110866516300482
Health Security
Healthcare organizations must ensure they understand the intricacies of wearables and how they will potentially affect mobile health security. https://healthitsecurity.com/news/are-you-prepared-for-wearables-and-mobile-health-security
HIPPA Compliant Wi-Fi What You need to Know. “Did you know that your medical Personally Identifiable Inforamtion (PII) is worth 50 x more than your credit card on the black market?” https://www.secplicity.org/2015/08/31/hipaa-compliant-wi-fi-what-you-need-to-know/
Enabling the Internet of Me
“In a very recent Accenture study, healthcare was analyzed as a truly evolving field. Specifically, how new technologies are allowing for true healthcare personalization. According to Accenture, “The Internet of Me really allows patients to get information that’s highly customized to who they are, what they’ve done, and what their preferences are, so the experience is driven by real context, not just a patient handout that everyone gets.” In fact, as the report points out, 73 percent of health executives surveyed say they are seeing a positive ROI from their investment in personalization technologies. And, that 49 percent of patients globally wear, or would be willing to wear, technology that measures and tracks both fitness/lifestyle and vital signs. Wearable technologies, alongside IoT, allow for the power of personalization. That extends into very detailed and personalized healthcare services.”
New Wireless Devices