Dear editor,The smart meter debate is heating up in the Comox Valley, finally, after 49 cities in B.C. have declared a moratorium, including Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, Ladysmith, Tofino, Ucluelet and Hornby Island.Why are so many of us sticking our heads in the sand? The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on May 31, 2011 that all radiation, like that produced by smart meters and cell phones, is a type 2B carcinogen and "particularly dangerous to children."One radiation expert, Daniel Hirsch, has found that smart meters may provide up to 160 times the full body radiation of cell phones, and they are on 24/7.There is a plethora of research on this subject. One needs only type the words "stop smart meters" into your computer search engine and you'll find research information from all over the world!Current studies are sounding the alarm regarding effects on genetic, cellular, hormonal, male fertility, blood/brain barrier damage and increased risk of certain types of cancers as well as environmental issues. Honey bees are particularly susceptible to this type of radiation. A cell phone left next to a hive literally destroys it. Where would our agriculture be without the bees to pollinate?Children are at particular risk and people all over the world are reporting serious side effects immediately after installation. As of July 2011, 43 counties in California alone had opposed smart meters and 10 had already banned smart meters altogether. BC Hydro has their paid, professional spin doctors trying to convince the public that Smart Meters are harmless, and even beneficial to us environmentally and financially. All these statements are being proven to be untrue.It only takes a few minutes on the computer to learn the facts. Smart meters have approximately a 100-foot range so your smart meter will affect the health of the children, pets and adults in the yard and home next to yours.Please take this matter seriously. Look at both sides of the issue.V. Beaton,Courtenay