The RFID implant is a small encapsulated radio-signal-emitting device.
Radio frequency identification devices are used for contactless identification, payment and location; rather than swiping a credit card or showing a name badge, an RFID reader picks up a radio signal from the device. Detractors suspect that the chips are both invasive to privacy, and pose the health risk of causing cancer and tumors.
Animals
Keith Johnson, a retired toxicologic pathologist, told the Associated Press in 2007 that he observed a link between RFID implants and cancers and tumors in lab mice. Johnson led the study in 1996 while working at Dow Chemical Co. "The transponders were the cause of the tumors," said Johnson. No study links them to the cats and dogs with RFID implants (which are used for identification of lost animals).
FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved some RFID implants for use in humans (for example, in patient tracking). The FDA recognizes no risk of cancer or tumors, but some small risk of interference with pacemakers.
CDC and NIH
Aside from the FDA, no U.S. government agency has issued any warning against RFID implants, or recognizes any link between RFID and cancers. This includes the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health. The American Cancer Society has issued no statement on the subject.
VeriChip
Verichip, manufacturers of RFID implants for pets, cattle and later for humans, cites two studies showing there is no link between RFID and tumors in mice. VeriChip cited two studies that find no link between RFID implants and cancer in mice. (See References 3.)
Penal Use
The State of California has banned involuntary implantation with RFID (for example, of prisoners or soldiers). This is a preemptive measure, as no state, federal, military or penal institution in the U.S. mandates RFID implants.
Contactless Payment
The alternative to RFID implants at the Baja Beach Club would be to sew pockets on this outfit.
The Baja Beach Club in Barcelona, Spain, uses the implants for contactless payment, since most patrons wear only bathing suits and do not carry cash.
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