This cell tower must not go up

THE EDITOR: I live right next door to the proposed cell site and would like to strongly protest the erection of “Cell Site LAQ 158 of #2 Henry Pierre Terrace.” I know that I am not the only member of the community who feels that their health is being compromised by co-operate powers with Government support. Many articles have been published by independent, scientific observers that conflict with the view of telecommunication companies; consider research articles by David E Bratt MD and Prof H Ramkissoon. You must appreciate that the public has more confidence in the integrity of the former. I must add here that Laqtel is very much aware of the hazards and uncertainties associated with the safety of such sites. Kindly note the following excerpts from a World Health Organisation report (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/facsheets/fs226/en/).

Possible health effects: Most studies conducted to date examined health effects other than cancer. They probed into physiological and thermoregulatory responses, behavioural changes and effects such as the induction of lens opacities (cataracts) and adverse reproductive outcome following acute exposure to relatively high levels of RF hissing or popping sound, depending on the RF pulsing characteristics. Prolonged or repeated exposure may be stressful and should be avoided where possible. Electromagnetic interference: Radars can cause electromagnetic interference in other electronic equipment.

The threshold for these effects are often well below guidance levels for human exposure to RF fields. Additionally, radars can also cause interference in certain medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers and hearing aids. If individuals using such devices work in close proximity to radar systems they should contact manufacturers to determine the susceptibility of their products to RF interference. I wish to add the findings of this WHO report to the mounting evidence in opposition to the erection of cell sites in residential areas, and I can only hope that human life, health and safety will be given priority.

MIGUEL C J ANDREWS
St Augustine