I’ve heard of people making claims about “electromagnetic allergies”, but so far, no one has been able to prove that this is an actual, physical ailment. Still, Santa Fe resident Arthur Firstenberg was forced into homelessness by his neighbour’s gadgets.
In fact, Firstenberg is suing his neighbour for refusing to turn off their mobile phone, Wi-Fi, computers and other electronics:
Firstenberg “cannot stay in a hotel, because hotels and motels all employ wi-fi connections, which trigger a severe illness,” says the request for a preliminary injunction. “If (Firstenberg) cannot obtain preliminary relief, he will be forced to continue to sleep in his car, enduring winter cold and discomfort, until this case can be heard.” The case has been assigned to state District Judge Daniel Sanchez, who has yet to set a hearing.
I’m not saying that this guy isn’t suffering and that W-Fi allergies aren’t real (I’m only insinuating that it isn’t real – big difference), but it’s some bullshit to tell a neighbour that they can’t have any electronics working in their own home. Wear a tinfoil hat or get some damn electromagnetic field-blocking paint. [TMC via DSL Reports Image via Flickr]
Hiro
January 12, 2010 at 2:55 PM
If what he says is true and he does have an actual allergy to these things then I feel sad for him. However a personal problem does not automatically mean you can impose on someone else.
At the end of the day its his issue and he needs to deal with his issue without imposing on others unwillingly.
I assume also that he cannot go shopping or out to town either, let alone to a court room where such devices exist. I find it interesting he can make it to court without having an allergic reaction. No bus or train for him either cause they also have devices that produce the same effect.
Report Permalinkdavo1111
January 12, 2010 at 3:05 PM
lol reminds me of a study where scientists found that wearing a tinfoil hat increased the chance of brainwaves been measured by outside sources.
Report PermalinkAdam Currie
January 12, 2010 at 3:10 PM
He could always wrap his home in earthed chicken wire and live in faraday cage
Report PermalinkMark V
January 12, 2010 at 3:43 PM
now that’s thinking outside the box … literally
Report PermalinkSam
January 12, 2010 at 3:33 PM
If they’re truly allergic how can they survive out in the world with mobile phone towers and general radio waves bouncing around?
Even if it’s a power thing, they should take precautions in their own home and have lead paint (or something similar) on the walls as somebody just walking by with a mobile phone would trigger the “allergy”.
Anyone else sick of the current sue anyone that breathes culture that is around at the moment?
Report Permalinkdavo1111
January 12, 2010 at 4:32 PM
oh and if he has a “allergy” to radio waves, his car is probably worse that his house. Metal car + being on street = wayyy more waves.
Report PermalinkCam
January 12, 2010 at 5:00 PM
I thought that culture had been around for years now, and that people are starting to become a bit smarter about it all. I could be wrong/idealistic.
It does make me wonder what sort of future we are in for if we are slowly heading towards a world where we cant do anything for fear of upsetting someone. TV and radio waves have been around forever, his condition would have been/will be, prominent wherever he goes.
Report PermalinkRajinder
January 12, 2010 at 7:33 PM
If his allergies are indeed clinical in nature, then he should prove it. And besides, suing his neighbour is just plain stupid and opportunistic. What he should do is move to the country, where he won’t be affected by all the radio waves and electromagnetic frequencies etc.
Does he honestly expect everyone in the city to turn off their phones, internet, radios, etc just so that he can be fine? Now, that’s selfish.
I hope the judge throws his case out.
Report PermalinkAngela McCluskey
January 16, 2010 at 4:23 AM
Only who lives with this type of situation would be able to explain how that can affect their lives. My husband start having seizure disorders after start working for Charter Communication as their headend tech. He went up to have 3 to 4 seizures a day, partial lost of memory for almost a year and had two car accidents due to seizure driving back home. He had a medical leave for 3 months then Charter dismissed him. His medication cost U$785 a month, still have seizure but can adapt to another job. Just some months ago after working on a cell phone tower, his friend watched him getting confused and couldn’t find his way home. I went to pick him up…We are filling bankruptcy…Coincidence????
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