Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
It has just come to the attention of the Meaford Area Community Association (MACA) that there is a proposal in place for a Microwave Cell Tower to be erected at 71 Edwin Street East in Meaford by Rogers Communications.
This location is approximately 150m, as the crow flies, from Georgian Bay Secondary School (GBSS), and in the middle of a residential area. According to Rogers Communications, they are only required to provide notice to property owners within “three times the tower height”, which is 105m from the tower.
At first glance, you may not think that this is a problem, however, when you take a deeper look into the situation, I beg to differ.
There are many studies that have proven that living or spending much time within 400m of such towers can significantly increase your risk of contracting various types of cancers. A study performed in Germany monitored 1000 residents that lived in the area of these towers for 10 years. During the last 5 years of the study “they found that those living within 400 meters of either tower had a newly-diagnosed cancer rate three times higher than those who lived further away.” (http://emwatch.com/Cellmasts.htm)
There are various studies that also link many health issues to the radiation from Microwave Cell Towers. These include, but are not limited to: migraines, dizziness, heart palpitations, infertility, brain & eye tumors, leukemia and memory loss. In May of 2011 the World Health Organization published a report classifying radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic”.
The other issue regarding such cell towers is the effect that they have on local birds, bees & insects. In many instances it has been noted that bees & insects disappear from the area of the tower. It has also been found that birds become disoriented when exposed to the electromagnetic fields.
The former president of Microsoft Canada, Frank M. Clegg, is currently championing to ensure that proper setbacks & precautions are taken when installing these towers. In February 2014 Federal legislation was announced by MP Tony Clement to ensure that municipalities & the public had a say in where proposed towers were placed. (http://www.tonyclement.ca/?p=3054)
Due to the increase in the number of cell towers that have been installed in recent years, and ongoing studies into the long term effects of electromagnetic radiation, it only makes sense to enforce the precautionary principle. In this case it would be to not allow said towers to be installed in residential areas, or in areas where children, or the elderly spend a lot of time (as they are more susceptible to the issues caused by the radiation). A MINIMUM setback of 400m should be enforced.
Please let our councillors and Municipal staff know what your opinion is regarding this issue.
It only makes sense to protect our children & residents from unwanted and unrequired radiation.
Sincerest Regards,
Jenean Lush
MACA President.
