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MP to Council: 'Reject mobile phone mast'
United Kingdom	Created: 7 Mar 2007
MP Norman Baker has today strongly urged Wealden District Council, to reject the application to erect a telecommunications mast at Church Farm, Eckington Corner, Ripe. The proposed mast would be 20 metres high, and be based approximately 50 metres from the Ripe Conservation Area and just 150 metres or so from Ripe Nursery School. Mr Bake, the MP for Lewes, pointed out the independent Stewart Report, originally published in May 2000, reported that a five-year-old child may absorb up to 60% more of the radio frequencies used by mobile phones than an adult would and urged caution with the siting of telecommunications equipment where children were nearby. Mr Baker said:,'A great many of my constituents have contacted me on this issue, many of whom have children that attend Ripe Nursery School, and it is clear that they are very worried. 'Some have even stated that if the proposed mast goes ahead they will remove there children from the school.' 'The independent Stewart Report, rightly in my view, recommended that a prudent approach should be taken where children are involved. For that reason I am urging Wealden District Council to reject the application.'
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Source: Lewes Today, 07 Mar 2007

New Radio Program Examines Wireless Health Risks Recognizing the Threat of Electromagnetic Radiation
USA	Created: 7 Mar 2007
As cities across the country ponder the prospect of making Wi-Fi available throughout the community, evidence is mounting that this can create a cause for concern. In her new show Healthy Home Alliance on LadybugLive radio, author and speaker Sue Storm makes the case against this technological proliferation with a careful assessment of the consequences to people's health. (PRWeb) March 7, 2007 -- In spite of the well-documented problems of EMF (Electromagnetic Field) Radiation and its destructive effects on the human body, the use of wireless networks is growing by leaps and bounds. Many communities are planning citywide Wi-Fi systems. When Sue Storm, Director of the Healthy Home Alliance, learned that her town of Naperville, Illinois, was planning such a network she sprang into action. Firmly convinced that educating the public is the best way to stop the installation of a citywide Wi-Fi system, she has begun a series of informative talks. Storm's Healthy Home Alliance on LadybugLive radio raises people's awareness about this growing problem. Storm has acquired a great deal of information about all aspects of the impact of radiation on humans and sees her mission as: "… Creating a safe, healthy atmosphere for families and the environment by providing education on the hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation." Such information is critical for citizens in their efforts to make informed choices about the issues that affect them, their families, and their health. "Children are three times more susceptible to microwave radiation than adults, so it's extremely important for all the issues to be considered. Their vulnerability must be taken into account when assessing the consequences of our escalating exposure to more and more EMF radiation" says Storm. The health risks, however, are not limited to children. Wireless radiation can contribute to breaks in stands of DNA, damaging the blueprints of life. Aging, Alzheimer's, melanoma, Parkinson's and brain tumors have been linked to excessive radiation. Minimizing exposure is the best thing individuals can do for their own health. Certainly every citizen needs to be informed about the nature and extent of this insidious threat. Sue Storm asks the question we all need to ask ourselves about this new technology: "Are the consequences worth the risk?" About Sue Storm: Sue Storm, writer, speaker, activist, and concerned citizen of Naperville, Illinois, founded the Healthy Home Alliance nine years ago in an effort to get a cellular tower removed from her neighborhood. This was successful as the tower was moved to another location. She has provided information on the issues surrounding health associated with exposure to electromagnetic radiation in various venues, including expert appearances in print, such as the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the Naperville Sun as well as being featured on radio and television. Contact: Sue Storm 800-323-1790 www.Healthyhomealliance.com www.ladybuglive.com
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Source: EMediaWire, press-release, Sue Storm, 07 Mar 2007

Group calls for mast meeting
United Kingdom	Created: 5 Mar 2007
Residents protesting against plans for a mobile phone mast near their homes in Shrewsbury have called for a face-to-face meeting with company bosses. More than 150 campaigners turned out at a meeting last night to discuss phone giant O2’s plans for the mast in Copthorne. The company recently won an appeal to site the 41ft antenna on land next to the junction of Copthorne Park and Copthorne Road. Councillors had initially rejected the scheme, after opposition from 79 residents who believe it will be an eyesore. They also fear it is too close to nearby properties, Woodfield County Infant School and St George’s Junior School. A spokesman for the campaigners said: “We have no say over the matter now, so we want to see if someone from O2 will come and explain it to people and give them peace of mind. “There were O2 customers at the meeting last night who said there is a good signal already and they questioned why they would want a new mast.” The group is also calling for residents across Shrewsbury to support them in their fight as they believe the current case could set a precedent for the town. O2 has defended the mast, saying it has made a significant financial commitment to the site. Residents now plan to stage a demonstration at the proposed site on Friday. They have also set up an e-mail address, no-phonemast@hotmail.com, where people can contact them and share their concerns.
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Source: Shropshire Star, 05 Mar 2007

Bikers say no to pub phone mast
United Kingdom	Created: 5 Mar 2007
Bikers protesting against plans for a controversial mobile phone mast outside a pub and near homes have found an unlikely ally in a group of pensioners. Dozens of leather-clad bikers and their gleaming machines turned up for a protest against proposals by T-Mobile to build a mast next to the King Edward VII pub in Aylsham Road, Norwich. But joining forces with the bikers, pub regulars, and neighbours, were pensioners from the nearby Edmund Bacon Court residential complex, also in Aylsham Road. At the weekend they stood united in their opposition to the mast in the pub's car park with cards pleading No Mast Here Please. Trevor Elphick, 72, who has lived at Edmund Bacon Court for the past three years, said: “I think they've got to put a stop to it, it's getting out of control - we will soon have more masts than lampposts.” Jack Stewart, 77, who has been at the complex with his wife June for three years, said he was supporting the protest for people at Edmund Bacon Court who wore pacemakers. “They're a bit worried that it could do them some harm - we're told it won't but it might do,” he said. The campaign against the mast, which will be opposite a 12-apartment development which has yet to be built, has attracted almost 400 signatures. Vicki Smith, 34, landlord of the King Edward VII pub, said the mast would not only be out of keeping with the character of the area, but would endanger the safety of motorists and bikers trying to leave the car park on to the busy Aylsham Road. “Putting something else on the pavement will make visibility for people coming out of the car park even worse,” she said. Mile Cross councillor and Norwich City Council leader Steve Morphew, who helped to organise the demonstration, said the mast was not welcome in the area. “The mast would obscure a traditional pub and equipment would block up access which is used for motorbikes,” he said. Last month the Evening News reported how a T-Mobile spokesman said the mast was needed to provide a “quality service” in the area. Are you fighting a mobile phone mast where you live? Call Peter Walsh on 01603 772439 or e-mail peter.walsh@archant.co.uk
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Source: Norwich Evening News, 05 Mar 2007

Cell users throw safety measures to the winds
India	Created: 5 Mar 2007
AROUND 4,000 Kanpurites are suffering from various ailments because of injudicious use of cell phones, claimed ENT specialist Dr Devendra Lalchandani. Despite repeated horror stories about mobile phones in the media, many locals avoid safety instructions for using cell phones. According to doctors, cell phones are low power radio devices that transmit and receive radio frequency radiation (at frequencies in the microwave range of 900-1800 MHz) through an antenna which is quite close to the user’s head. Digital systems have recently replaced analogue. “We have treated number of cases like deafness, ear pain, insomnia, nausea and headache due to excessive use of cell phones. Medically, we cannot prove that these symptoms were due to mobile phone use, but excessive cell phone use is certainly one of the reasons behind the ailments,” said Dr Lalchandani. Experts were of the view microwaves might induce or promote cancer and the symptoms associated with their use included sleep disorder, memory loss, headache, nausea and dizziness. Change in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, electroencephalographic activity and blood pressure have also been reported. The validity of many of these findings is uncertain, as are the mechanisms for such actions. Even so, experts said there was sufficient anecdotal evidence to justify further research and taking a precautionary approach to the use of cell phones. According to director of JK Cancer Institute Dr RK Katiyar, today’s cell phones, with a total power output of about 1 W, are estimated to produce insignificant local heating (equivalent to about a 0.1 degree Celsius in the brain). Although the recommended limits of exposure was similar in the United States, India and western Europe, there was no global consensus. But microwave radiation as negligible as 0.1degree Celsius still posed risk to living systems, he said. According to Dr Katiyar, limits on exposure for workers had been suggested by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Dr Katiyar says, “ It is difficult to establish that cancer is caused by the excessive use of mobile phone but it could be one of the reasons. In vitro experiments on cell proliferation, membrane properties, and ion channels are difficult to extrapolate to humans. Although some studies have claimed to show an increase in DNA strand breaks in rats, others have failed to replicate this finding.
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Source: Hindustan Times, 19 Feb 2007

Now show us the (industry) money Mike...
United Kingdom	Created: 5 Mar 2007
Jersey Airtel funded Mike Repacholi's visit to the Jersey scrutiny board. Health, Social Services and Housing Panel Telephone Mast Review WEDNESDAY, 24th JANUARY 2007 Following is an extract from Jersey scrutiny board hearing transcript (see link below): Mr. D. Watson (Chief Executive Officer, Jersey Airtel) The licence does include compliance with the ICNIRP standards as I am sure you are aware. In terms of the measurement, there is a requirement of planning approval that we estimate the emission levels from each of our. They will vary because of different factors as you have heard before. So, we have to install them and within a 12-month period after it is operational, we have to have it (the emission levels) measured . So far, as I said earlier, we have one site operational which we have already checked. It is incredibly low. It will be higher than it is now because once we are commercially operational, the traffic volumes will obviously increase the emission levels. So there is the requirement to check it. Once the equipment is checked - and I am told there should not really be any need for it - but I would be quite happy for our sites to be subject to a regular check.as long as it is at a sensible interval. I have been very much involved in tjhis issue over the last 6 months or more and I do appreciate the level of emotion that exists in people’s minds. There are some people who I am sure are genuinely concerned about the health risk and I understand that. Myself and Jersey Airtel are quite happy to do what is sensible and necessary to help to address those concerns of the public and to help manage their perception. Senator B.E. Shenton: Can I just go on one step from that? May I just thank Jersey Airtel for funding Michael Repacholi’s visit yesterday which was very interesting. Mr. D. Watson: It is a pleasure. See following link for entire document: http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/scrutiny/documents/pubhearings/49626-14095-122007.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I can't find any Repacholi transcript or document on the Jersey scrutiny board website (can anyone help find it so we can publish it here?), but there are some really interresting snippets to be read there: Ms. N. Langley-Smith: Dr. Stather, Nicola Langley-Smith. You mentioned in your talk about the fact that children should not really use mobile phones too much. Mr. Stather (this is Dr. J. W. Stather of the Health Protection Agency, Radiation Protection Division): That was the advice of the group. Ms. N. Langley-Smith: And it was precautionary. We ought to be, you know, looking after our children. At what age do you think that the immune system of children is fully developed and at what age do you think it is safe for children to use mobile phones? Mr. J. Stather: There is no answer to that is there? I know Bill Stewart, the chairman, has been asked that a number of times and, you know, I -- Ms. N. Langley-Smith: So when do you think the immune system is fully developed? Mr. J. Stather: It is progressive, is it not? Ms. N. Langley-Smith: It is progressive. So it is not fully developed with any specific age? Mr. J. Stather: No. Ms. N. Langley-Smith: Could you tell me why Mr. Repacholi said categorically in his submission that after the age of 2 children’s immune systems are fully developed and, therefore, it is completely safe for children to use mobile phones whenever they want? Please remember he was brought over by Jersey Airtel. Mr. J. Stather: Well, I would not say that. It seems to me not unreasonable to say that if any group of the population is more sensitive than others or more susceptible than others for whatever reason, then it is more likely to be children. Ms. N. Langley-Smith: So, you are disagreeing with him. Thank you. Mr. J. Stather: I know Mike Repacholi quite well, you know. Obviously he was involved in the World Health Organisation programme and led that very well for a long time. See following link for complete document: http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/scrutiny/documents/pubhearings/1239-22540-2822007.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See David LeLoup's blog (click on "source link" below) for a detailed article on Mike Repacholi's double-life within the W.H.O and the industry. The link translates from French to English via Google translation.
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Source: David LeLoup, informant: Iris Atzmon, 04 Mar 2007

A Comment by Agnes to: The End Is Near. (Dr. George Carlo)
United Kingdom	Created: 4 Mar 2007
Dr. Carlo came to Westminster, but the “Legislators” stayed away, so did most MP´s including my own, Mr. Bill Wiggin. Herfordshire. (There is Too Much Cash at stake here for the "Labour Government Treasury", (and very Sadly the Conservative ditto seem to see this as a fine potential Cash Cow as well, But All the initial cash paid for licenses Has Been Spent Already by Gordon Brown, with Absolutely Nothing To Show for it, its just Gone! Wasted!) The press was in Westminster in abundance, but there has been not a word about it in the papers. Why not? Again we get to the sore point of cash in hand! Whole Page adverts by the industry. Even ¼ adverts create cash-flow for the printed press. The written press is so Stupid they can’t fathom, that event if they printed points of view that goes against the advertised manipulations of their advertisers, the advertisers would Still have to buy the advertising space. They Cannot Afford Not To! If they Did Not they would be Invisible, and they would Disappear! On the net? Who would search to find them? They, the Industry know that, but not the printed press, they (the printed press) are so obsessed with the prospects of being described as a “Dinosaur” that they are loosing out Big Time on the activity of the net-press! But, Where Else Could The Industry Go “To Reach The Masses”? if not to the conventional Printed Press? Dr. George Carlo was asked by the citizens of the British Isle of Jersey to please come and help them with convincing their “Scrutiny committee” who had had the “Dubious Honor” of having the “WHO Representative” Michael Repacholi (How is it that in my mind it is lodged that, he works for the industry?, and has long gone (by popular demand) from the WHO? ) Dr. Carlo waived his fee in Rancho Santa Fe, just outside San Diego, BUT So He Did In Jersey, UK. (a very small island). The Jersey people bought his plane ticket. He came over to Jersey late afternoon, after hours. He gave his best (and that is saying something) at the Scrutiny Committee meeting late that day. He was housed and fed locally and privately by the Anti-Mast people. If he, Dr. Carlo, has not won the Scrutiny Committee over to his concerns at the meeting it is only because they have already decided that the Mobile Communication Industries “Cash in Hand” is more Important Now to their treasury, than their obligation to the health of their citizens and their children, in years to come. Guys! I and my family have, and run a private independent company. But the BIG Difference Is: We Are No Prostitutes! Best regards. Agnes Ingvarsdottir. www.mast-victims.org
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Source: Agnes Ingvarsdottir

The End Is Near
USA	Created: 3 Mar 2007
Dozens of studies say cell phones don't cause cancer - But they do, says George Carlo - And he won't stop until you believe him. In January a study of 3,044 people published in the International Journal of Cancer said that mobile phone use doesn't significantly increase the incidence of brain cancer. It was the latest of many bulletins dismissing the dangers of a radiation-emitting object held to the ears of a billion people. George Carlo doesn't buy it. He thinks wireless radiation is making us sick. "This is the most serious threat that mankind has ever faced," he says. Carlo cites a half-dozen papers that he says prove a link between mobiles and tumors. Credit for the durability of the death-by-phone theorem goes to the tireless peregrinations of Carlo, a 53-year-old Ph.D. in epidemiology. Last month he left his home in Sarasota, Fla. for posh Rancho Santa Fe, just outside San Diego. Residents there had commissioned Carlo to tell them if the town's new cellular base stations would make them ill. (he, as is his wont, waived the $85,000 fee for the report, charging only $10,000 for his expenses. And, as is his wont, Carlo rendered a "yes" verdict.) Then he flew to London to speak to legislators on the dangers of electromagnetic radiation. Next stop: Dublin, Ireland, where he stumped for his plan to convert today's wireless infrastructure to a fiber-optic and wireless system. The cell phone companies would like to see Carlo go away, but they created him. In the late 1990s he ran the industry's $28.5 million, six-year research project into mobiles' potential for harm. Carlo concluded that they were dangerous, affecting pacemakers and increasing cancer risk. The companies disputed his claim and told him they would no longer be requiring his services. But mobilemakers, eager to stave off the plaintiffs' bar, started disclosing phone radiation levels. The Federal Communications Commission mandates that, when you're talking on your cell phone, your body absorbs no more than 1.6 watts of power per kilogram. Stand out in the noon sunlight, by comparison, and your whole body absorbs 3 watts per kilogram (albeit at a frequency that differs by a factor of 10 million from your cell phone). Carlo and his nonprofit Science and Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. don't have a lot of scientists on their side. "Over time there have been 16 studies looking at this issue, and most have found no relationship between cell phone use and increased risk," says Michael Thun, of the American Cancer Society. The Food & Drug Administration, while overseeing further long-term research, says likewise. "There's no question that you're talking about intentionally misleading the public," says Carlo, a man who thinks the sky is falling but can't get anyone to duck. Chana R. Schoenberger: cschoenberger@forbes.com
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Source: Forbes.com, Chana R. Schoenberger, 03 Mar 2007

INSPECTOR EXAMINES PHONE MAST APPEAL
United Kingdom	Created: 3 Mar 2007
CAMPAIGNERS have presented their case against a proposed mobile phone mast at an appeal meeting. Hutchinson 3G wants to put a 12 metre high mobile mast, on a public footway in Dittons Road, Stone Cross. Campaigners say that the site is too close to both the new Stone Cross Medical Centre, Stone Cross Memorial Hall — which is home to a pre-school — and Stone Cross Primary School. The original application was placed before Wealden District Council in May 2006. District councillors rejected the plan. In the council's decision notice it states, ''The proposed siting of the 12 metre high 'telegraph pole' mast is unacceptable as it would result in a visually incongruous feature at an inappropriate location on the edge of the pavement immediately fronting a busy medical centre, with the possible risk of interference with equipment, and in close proximity to the local primary school, village hall and other community facilities where the general public, including children, regularly visit.'' Planning inspector Robert Marshall was hearing the appeal made by Hutchinson 3G against the district council. He heard other sites had been looked at but not taken any further by the applicant because of their 'close proximity' to a nursery school. Debbie Marriage, speaking on behalf of Hutchinson 3G, said the councillors had made a decision which could not be backed up on planning grounds. She said, ''We believe that this site is the most suitable. It will allow the equipment to blend in with the current street scene and offer the maximum range for our customers. ''We do not feel that the council made the correct decision when it refused the application.'' Members of the applicants team said mobile phone base stations were not a health risk. They also said they did not believe sharing a mast with O2 further along Dittons Road would be possible, because it would mean installing a higher mast than the one which is already there. Judith Rice, senior planning officer for Wealden District Council, said, ''Many of the sites which were disregarded in the council's view could be more suitable than this one. ''There is already a mast further along the highway in Dittons Road which as an example, we believe would be more suitable. ''The perceived health risks, along with the concerns the medical centre has about interference with its equipment in our view constitute a good reason for its refusal.'' Alison Coode, representing Westham Parish Council, said, ''The council believe the mast's location is totally wrong. ''We would also question why one location which was ruled out by the applicants because it was close to a nursery wouldn't have automatically ruled this location out as well.'' The decision by the planning inspector is expected to be made in up to six weeks.
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Source: Eastbourne Herald, 03 Mar 2007

Concerns Raised About Cell Phone Towers in Washington
USA	Created: 3 Mar 2007
WASHINGTON - Drive down just about any road and the odds are good that you'll see more than one person on a cell phone, even though it's illegal unless you're on a hands-free device. That is, unless you're in Washington. Cell service in Washington, facilitating the use of cell phones and other wireless devices, is spotty at best. For the second time in two years, Verizon is proposing a new cell tower on one of two sites in the northwest corner of town. The Zoning Commission will hold an informational meeting for the public this coming Monday, at 7:30 p.m. in Bryan Memorial Town Hall Auditorium. The first, located on a 32-acre parcel at 16 Mountain Road, is owned by Ray Underwood. The second alternative is on Route 202 in Marbledale at 167 New Milford Turnpike on a 1.25-acre parcel owned by Unica and Lloyd Waldron. Verizon has said it would construct a 150-foot tower disguised as a pine tree at the Mountain Road site if that were chosen, that would extend 157 feet above the ground. A similar tower would be constructed if the New Milford Turnpike site is chosen, standing 150 feet. Verizon's representatives, Robinson & Cole LLP, said the primary purpose for the Washington North facility is to provide cell coverage along Route 202 and the southerly portion of Route 45, along with other local roads. Conservation Commissioner Diane Dupuis told the commission at its February 7 meeting, however, that she believes five more towers would be required to have coverage in the Washington area. These locations must be in three mile radiuses of each other, which she maintains would be needed for Washington coverage due to the terrain. Even then, she said there would still be pockets without service, since seamless service is not possible in Washington due to the topography. According to award-winning journalist B. Blake Levitt of Warren, there are more pressing reasons to limit the installation of cell towers. Ms. Levitt, a recognized international expert on electromagnetic fields, is the author of "Electromagnetic Fields: A Consumer's Guide to the Issues and How to Protect Ourselves," which won the Award of Excellence from the American Medical Writers Association in 1996, and was editor/contributing author of "Cell Towers: Wireless Convenience or Environmental Hazard?" She cites numerous health hazards in documented studies that result from cell towers. "A cell tower frequency contains the ability to heat human tissue the way a microwave heats food, at a similar frequency," she explained. "However, there are no walls and no door on a cell tower. "Some of the adverse effects observed from this ambient exposure include numerous cancers, primarily neurotransmitters such as Lou Gehrig's disease, Parkinsons and Alzheimers; immune system suppression, sleeplessness, concentration problems, dizziness, headaches and fertility issues." Ms. Levitt said these findings have been verified in three separate community studies of residents living near cell towers. She also cites property devaluation that occurs when cell towers are located near homes. "Realtors have an obligation to disclose cell tower proximity and radiation to prospective buyers, since it is a declared known hazard. Most insurance companies understand that." The International Association of Firefighters voted at its 2004 convention to call for a moratorium on the installation of cell towers on fire stations until the health effects can be studied. A pilot study of six California firefighters, first publicly revealed at the IAFF convention, raises concern about the safety of fire fighters working and sleeping in stations with towers. The study focused on neurological symptoms of six firefighters who worked for up to five years in stations with cell towers. Those symptoms included slowed reaction time, lack of focus, lack of impulse control, severe headaches, anesthesia-like sleep, sleep deprivation, depression and tremors. There is added environmental danger from these two proposed cell tower locations, said Ms. Levitt. She believes the Mountain Road site is the lesser of two evils because it is on a larger parcel, but both sites are in the Lake Waramaug raptor flyway and endanger numerous birds. "Between three and five million birds are killed every year because of cell towers," she stated. Scientific evidence shows that birds are attracted to cell towers, and have been seen frantically circling around them. "So a 150-foot monopine near Lake Waramaug in a sensitive migratory flyway will certainly increase the amount of bird kills," she stressed. Connecticut is in a unique position in terms of cell tower regulation. It is the only state in the nation with a centralized Siting Council that governs the entire state, and can override municipalities and land use boards in determining where cell towers may be placed. Although towns may be active participants in the process of telecommunications site selection, the final decision rests with the Siting Council, a government agency which can override local regulations. The Public Utilities Environmental Standards Act gives the council exclusive jurisdiction over such matters. Ms. Levitt noted that the Siting Council does try to partner with towns, and seeks input from them before making a decision. "The town is in a legal advisory capacity," she explained. "The Council wants to know where towns want these facilities to go, and how towns feel about the locations." Washington has beaten back the installation of cell towers in the past. A plan to establish a telecommunications tower in the church steeple of the New Preston Congregational Church under AT&T fell through several years ago after facing strong public opposition, and in 2005 Verizon began discussions with the town on a location in the New Preston Volunteer Fire Department building which was eventually put on hold by the company.
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Source: Voices, Ann Compton, 03 Mar 2007

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