Emissions from Wifi & Mobile Masts Harmful?

There has been plenty of debate nationally about the risks associated with signals emitted from mobile masts and WiFi. Powerwatch, a non-profit independent organisation with a central role in the UK Electromagnetic Field and Microwave Radiation health debate, outline the issues on their website (http://www.powerwatch.org.uk/). With the recent erection of two masts on Green Lanes, the debate has come to have more meaning locally. One mast is on the top of Salisbury Parade opposite the end of Hewitt Road; the other is above the shops on the other side of the road, between Hewitt Road and Seymour Roads.

Two stories have been published recently on this issue locally:

Haringey Council wants WiFi curb
IT Contractor Network, Jul 25, 2007

The language used by the Health Protection Agency to warn about the unknowns of wireless internet technology is being used by a council to press for a temporary WiFi blackout in schools.

Like the HPA, which is to probe into the technology next year, the committee of Haringey council urged a “precautionary approach” to WiFi, because of its potential risks to children and teachers.

The London council’s committee has recommended that no new WiFi systems be installed and that existing ones be dismantled, pending “full consultation with parents and schools,” The Independent reported. The move is likely to be welcomed by the Professional Association of Teachers, which has called for more scrutiny on the effects of WiFi, despite BECTA’s verdict that it poses “no appreciable risk to children.” But the PAT has pointed out that the potential effects of electromagnetic radiation are being taken more seriously abroad: WiFi systems should not be installed in schools, according to Austrian and Bavarian authorities.

The Health Protection Agency says the concern about the nascent technology is grounds for closer investigation: it is currently talking to experts and affected parties about a review. To this end, the BBC has reported the agency will hold a two-day meeting of experts on electrosensitivity with a “political and scientific remit” early next year. And recognising the fears, the Royal Commission on Environment Pollution has now added “the electromagnetic environment” to its list of issues worthy of potential study and disclosure to Parliament.

Both industry and the public are invited to tell the Commission whether WiFi constitutes “a crucial environmental issue facing the UK and the world,” which is its remit. Sir John Lawton, its chairman, said: “To help the Commission decide what we should investigate, we very much want to hear views about each of these topics, and whether they are appropriate.”

It is understood that the recommendation by Haringey council’s committee goes to the council's cabinet for a decision on Thursday.

Misleading Mobile Info
Hornsey & Crouch End Journal, 18 July 2007

THE claim by Mike Dolan, of the Mobile Operators' Association (Viewpoints, Journal, July 12), that people living in proximity to mobile phone bases and masts can be "reassured by the science" is very misleading.

They may naively be reassured by statements from the agencies he names, but a very large volume of published scientific evidence including residential, occupational, animal and living tissue studies, shows significant cellular harms of many sorts to exposure to "low level" microwave radiation, as found around mobile sites.

The insurance industry is certainly not reassured by Mr Dolan's evidence. They have withdrawn all cover from the mobile operators for any claim arising from radiation induced illness from any product or installation.

Letter from a local resident