Is Living Near to Cellular Towers Could Affect Human Health?
I wrote this article to address our community members’ concerns about the health risks of a cell site inside the village.
Many years ago, different research was conducted on cell tower radiation. Some findings contradict each other, while others do not. After extensive research, I discovered a health risk involved in this matter. The findings revealed some concerning conclusions about long-term exposure. It may even impact human health.
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, there was no scientific evidence that cell phone radiofrequency signals harm one’s health. The statement demonstrated that radiofrequency (RF) signals absorbed by the human body from FM radio and television (more potent than cell towers) had no adverse effects on health for at least 50 years.
Moreover, the report showed that living near cell towers does not harm human health. However, numerous studies and recent research have revealed contradictory findings.
Joshua Pearce, an electrical and material engineering professor at Michigan Technological University who led the study on RFR and engineering solutions for positioning towers, has up-to-date data on the subject.
His research paper states that exposure to RFR (Radio-Frequency Radiation) from cell tower stations affects human health, including memory changes, depressive disorder, tremors, dizziness, and other neuropsychiatric symptoms. It also increases cancer risk in people who live near a cellular transmitter site (“Limiting liability with positioning to minimize negative health effects of cellular phone towers”).
People living nearby were affected before and after the cell tower construction in 2007. The findings demonstrated that all the participants (260 women and 270 men) experienced hormonal changes (“The Canadian Initiative to Stop Wireless, Electric, and Electromagnetic Pollution”).
Moreover, all participants experienced bioeffects such as memory disruptions, headaches, and other symptoms. Women complain of discomfort, nausea, headaches, and other symptoms (“Study of The Health of People Living in The Vicinity of Mobile Phone Base Stations”).
Pearce’s epidemiological studies documented 80% of cases of harmful neurobehavioral symptoms or cancer in people living within 500m of the cell site (“Limiting liability with positioning to minimize negative health effects of cellular phone towers”). Additionally, he proved that living near cell tower base stations in a parameter less than 500m from cell tower sites may harm people’s health.
Is There a Global Policy on Cell Towers in Place?
There are no global policy rules about this matter. Some governments are not focusing on these restrictions, a sad reality today.
However, in a few countries, regulations restrict cellular tower companies from operating within residential communities.
Governments in Chile, India, and France have implemented policies. The regulations prohibit operators from constructing cell towers near hospitals, schools, and playgrounds.
In France, residents who live near cell sites may request data on the percentage of radiation that may affect them or if it can harm the people nearby (see “Why Living Near GSM Towers Could Be Hazardous to Your Health?”).
Since there are no policies prohibiting cellular companies from constructing towers in residential areas in the Philippines, citizens can stop the construction and operation via a signature campaign. Homeowners or residents may launch a signature campaign and file their claims.
Conclusion:
Unfortunately, several states, including the Philippines, have no restrictions on building cellular base stations regarding health risks.
Nonetheless, many cellular base stations or cell towers are officially permitted to operate without safety measures, protecting nearby residents. They can operate freely without complex infrastructure documents and need only one permit to build the cell site.
Lilycelle Belarmino Ausa Editor and Versatile Writer at Illumination
Reference:
Pearce, J., 2020. Limiting liability with positioning to minimize negative health effects of cellular phone towers. Environmental Research, 181, p.108845.
News, W., 2020. Kempten West Study 2007 — English Version. [online] Weepnews.blogspot.com. Available at: <http://weepnews.blogspot.com/2008/07/kempten-west-study-2007-english-version.html> [Accessed 13 April 2020].
Bibliotecapleyades.net. 2020. Study Of The Health Of People Living In The Vicinity Of Mobile Phone Base Stations. [online] Available at: <https://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/scalar_tech/esp_scalartech23.htm> [Accessed 13 April 2020].
Medium. 2020. Why Living Close To GSM Towers Could Be Hazardous For Your Health?. [online] Available at: <https://muditalab.com/why-living-close-to-gsm-towers-could-be-hazardous-for-your-health-ab3423a5fff6?gi=d7d95391a1cd> [Accessed 14 April 2020].
