The reality which faces us all is that with the rapid uptake and deployment of wireless communication technology in the last few years radiation exposure levels have increased significantly. Society now has a host of innovation including iPads and 3G phones with internet access used to download movies, photos, movies, emails, books. In the not too distant past cell phones were used only for phone calls and texting.The guidelines used to regulate these emissions is based on policy formulated in 1998 at a period when high frequency cellular technology was in its infancy. With inadequate studies having been completed before this technology went to market the safety guidelines were based on the known physical properties of microwave radiation at the time and focused only on the thermal properties of this type of radiation. Subsequent scientific research now suggests that there could be a serious health risk resulting from heavy long term exposure to these emissions, which is why a growing number of scientists, doctors and world leaders are calling for greater precaution.

Last month, in response to pressure from a DA spokesperson, Environment Minister Molewa said she had no immediate plans to reconsider “buffer zones” or other new action to regulate cell phone masts. We are therefore appealing to her through increased public awareness and petition to update 1998 ICNIRP guidelines which don’t take into consideration the non-thermal biological effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, and reinstate Environmental Impact Assessments for cell mast sites, as well as public participation in the approvals process

Co-inciding with our own community’s opposition, the Cape Town City Council is currently updating their 2002 policy governing the erection of cell masts. On 1 August 2011 the public were invited to comment on the new policy by the end of the month, but this deadline has now been extended to the end of September.

As recently reported in the press, some of the guidelines include that antennae on top of the sites must be more than 50m away from any ‘habitable structures’ [and] all sites must be in commercial and business areas…” Practically however this 50m distance isn’t guaranteed or enforced in the new policy – not even in residential areas or school playgrounds.

 

Cape Times Letter: Please tread carefully on cell mast radiation exposure