Telcom vs Lloyd’s Of London
Or, rethinking radiation.

Once upon a time — and for the longest time — the only significant radiation we got was from the sun (and the occasional supernova going off a few thousand light-years away). And, thanks to the electromagnetic blanket encircling our earth, we were able to evolve in to thinking, creating, and achieving animals. Yet, we might very well be achieving too much, as we’ve started to irradiate ourselves from within.
Some experts say homo sapiens are not evolved to endure this environmental pressure. Is there cause for alarm? Some say yes, some say no. Who to believe, or, are both answers correct?
When in doubt, I follow the money: Insurance carriers. Their business is risk. But their business is making money. So, when I heard that famed insurance carrier Lloyd’s Of London refuses to cover risks from man-made electromagnetic frequencies (EMF), I figured, well, where there’s smoke there’s fire.
There have been thousands of independent studies that say that sustained exposure to EMFs is harmful to humans, and possibly every other living thing — the smoke. In fact, the US and Israeli military use EMF technology in the form of millimeter waves for crowd control — the fire.
Electronics people I talk to are quick to assure me that “while Telcom cell towers, satellites, 5G, etc. do emit radiation, it’s no more than we get from the sun.” While this might be true, they ignore the fact that these effects are cumulative. Our sun only shines 1/2 of the day. EMFs are all day, every day. Instead of one sun, we now have 5?
The diagram below illustrates the range of measurable electromagnetic frequencies.

Could thousands of independent studies from all over the world be wrong? It’s not likely. Could the studies sponsored by the Telcom industry be right? It is possible. But, just a slight adherence to the Precautionary Principle would mean that we need more independent studies on this. And fast. 5G is coming (millimeter waves); not only does it greatly increase the risk of cyber-attacks and surveillance, it’s yet to be safety-tested …
The insurance industry keeps an eye on risk. It’s all they do. If they won’t underwrite it there is a reason. Lloyd’s Of London takes risks where other carriers won’t; and since Lloyd’s will not cover wireless-related injuries — or EMF-related injuries of any kind — this tells me that the jury is out on these matters.
A passage from Lloyd’s disclosures says that they exclude any liability coverage for claims:
“Directly or indirectly arising out of, resulting from or contributed to by electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetism, radio waves or noise.” (Exclusion 32)
I am reminded of the axiom “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” Our brave, new telecommunications world is a wonder to behold; our electronic progress is astounding — and rapid. A bit too rapid for our traditional understanding and regulatory infrastructure.
I still marvel when I send a humble text to a person on the other side of the world — and they answer me, like they’re right next door. How simple. How convenient. But at what cost? Is progress really progress if it comes with such potential danger? And, if not progress, what then?


