A Vow Born from Loss
In 1995, my life changed forever when my daughter, Angel Leigh Coates, passed away due to a rare neural tube disorder called Anencephaly. The grief was indescribable, and I made her a promise: “If I ever discover what took you away from me, I will fight it for the rest of my life.”
Through intensive research, I came to believe that electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure, including the radiofrequency (RF) signals from wireless devices, could play a role in a wide range of serious health issues—even disorders like the one that claimed my daughter. This was more than just a hunch; peer-reviewed studies, including a 1997 Farrell et al. study on weak magnetic fields and chick embryos, reinforced my growing suspicions. Determined to inform and protect others, I founded RF Safe to shine a spotlight on what I viewed as urgent but overlooked health concerns.
The Birth of RF Safe: More Than Just a Website
When I established RF Safe, the Internet was still in its infancy, and smartphones—let alone concerns about their radiation—were barely on the public’s radar. Nevertheless, the science on EMR exposure was already accumulating. My mission was twofold:
- Educate the Public: I wanted to share emerging research that most people never saw in mainstream media.
- Offer Practical Solutions: From SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) comparison tools to open-source technologies designed to reduce exposure, RF Safe aimed to equip individuals with both knowledge and tangible safeguards.
We quickly developed one of the world’s largest SAR comparison databases, enabling consumers to make informed decisions about their devices. Over time, we introduced innovative products like air-tube headsets and protective cases grounded in physics, always aligning with our primary goal: minimize exposure and advocate for safer technology.
The Scientific Backbone: Farrell et al. and Beyond
A pivotal study that shaped RF Safe’s direction was conducted by Farrell et al. in 1997, which looked at the impact of weak magnetic fields on developing chick embryos. These findings suggested that even low-intensity electromagnetic fields could have profound biological impacts, raising questions about broader EMR exposures, including those from cell phones and WiFi routers. Since then, additional research—from the National Toxicology Program to the Ramazzini Institute—has further demonstrated potential health risks associated with RF exposure.
While each study examines a piece of a complex puzzle, the collective scientific consensus increasingly points to non-thermal biological effects that extend beyond the classic “heating” concerns. This is particularly important for children and pregnant women, whose developing tissues may be more susceptible to harm.
Education, Advocacy, and Innovation
At RF Safe, we’ve never viewed protective technologies as “one-size-fits-all.” Instead, we prioritize education so consumers understand:
- What RF radiation is, and how it affects the human body
- Why outdated safety guidelines need urgent revision
- How everyday habits—like carrying a phone in your pocket—can increase exposure
Our open-source approach allows others to build upon our technologies. Over the years, we’ve introduced products such as air-tube headsets to reduce radiation near the head and shielding solutions that won’t force your phone to boost its output power. Each innovation addresses a specific facet of a broader public health challenge.
More Than Accessories: Why Policy Change Matters
While RF Safe does offer solutions to reduce individual exposure, real, widespread protection demands policy reform. Outdated FCC guidelines focus primarily on thermal effects, ignoring well-documented non-thermal biological impacts. Furthermore, local governments remain constrained by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which limits their ability to consider health concerns when approving cell tower placements.
Advocacy is integral to our mission. We partner with scientists, health professionals, and community leaders to push for:
- Updated Safety Guidelines: Reflect the latest research on non-thermal effects.
- Renewed Funding for EMR Studies: Avoid stalling critical investigations into cancer links and neurological outcomes.
- Ending Regulatory Capture: Ensure regulatory bodies serve public health, not corporate interests.
- Restoring Local Rights: Empower communities to make informed decisions about tower placements and other infrastructure.
A Promise Kept, A Future Shaped
The vow I made to my daughter Angel was never about pointing fingers or inciting panic. It’s about knowledge—knowledge that can save lives and protect our most vulnerable. Through RF Safe, I’ve dedicated my life to exposing what many choose to ignore and to sparking meaningful dialogues around how we use and regulate technology.
Today, decades after losing Angel, the science continues to evolve, validating the concerns that first drove me to action. Whether you’re here for information, looking for protective solutions, or just starting to learn about EMR, I encourage you to take an active role—share the data, demand better from our elected officials, and help shape a future where technological progress aligns with human well-being.
Learn More & Get Involved
- Visit Our Website: www.rfsafe.com
- Check Our SAR Database: Compare the radiation levels of various phones.
- Contact John Coates: Phone: 727-610-1188
Join us in this journey to ensure that no parent ever has to wonder if technology played a role in their child’s health. By staying informed and taking collective action, we can fulfill the promise of safer, smarter wireless technology for all.
“I promised her that if I ever knew what took her away from me, I would fight it the rest of my life.”
— John Coates, Founder of RF Safe
