Precautionary approach to Cell Towers

As a scientist I firmly believe that I have a societal obligation to educate and inform the public on issues that have a science basis, and that is precisely what I attempted to do in my article. If, however, confusion arises in the process I have a responsibility to clarify.

In dealing with possible adverse health effects of Cell Phone Tower Radiation, one has to understand the nature of the problem. Such effects on human beings from long-term low-level exposure may not surface overnight — it will take time. Consider, for example, the time it took to establish the link between cigarettes, lung cancer and heart disease. It is for this reason that I said there is an absence of hard evidence. However we should not wait until there is such evidence for by that time it may be too late for many. Scientists must therefore resort to other approaches such as using rats which can produce many generations in a short period. The results from such experiments on rats and a growing body of similar peer reviewed scientific studies published in internationally reputable journals have shown adverse human effects from Cell Phones and Cell Towers. While they may not constitute hard scientific evidence, they provide possible indicators and should not be ignored.

Even in the absence of hard evidence, the concerns of radiation from Cell Towers is real, to the extent that several countries have already instituted standards as to where such Towers can and cannot be located. We recently learnt that the Trinidad and Tobago authorities have released or is about to release a Policy Document with guidelines as to the erection of these Towers for the protection of its citizens.

While the international scientific community is divided on the issue of harmful effects of radiation from Cell Phones and Cell Phone Towers, we need to take the precautionary approach, educate the public by using independent organisations and not cell phone tower providers, and encourage dialogue among the stakeholders. I am pleased to report that the Tunapuna Regional Corporation has initiated such a dialogue.

PROF RAMKISSOON

Former President

Caribbean Academy of Scientists

Valsayn