Whilst the debate continues and intensifies, it is important to note and view the information as published over recent years. This in itself is a quagmire of information and disinformation as the race to expand the coverage and networks for cellular companies intensifies.
Interestingly enough is that most of these towers that are being erected of late, are being undertaken by none cellular companies who in turn lease antennae space to service providers at rates that are based on bandwidth usage that flow through their installed facilities. This recent model has created very lucrative opportunities for businesses that specialise in the erecting of communication towers.
To wade through the numerous, and often contradicting, information documents and scientific papers available on the subject leaves the reader more confused than before.
In researching the topic for the 1st Communications Tower Application for Greyton, which has now been approved by TWKM, the Ward 2 Forum collected and collated numerous documents to determine the effects of the EMF radiation.
Our findings are inconclusive for numerous reasons; Current research done on the topic is so contradicting none of which have compelling arguments based on hard scientific research completed on the effects of electric and magnetic radiation on human, animal and flora health.
Epidemiological studies should normally be the most interesting considering human health because it takes into account individuals in their environment. In reality this is not so: epidemiology provides correlation but not causal relationships. Other studies are therefore necessary for a better understanding of pathophysiological working mechanisms and to enhance the credibility of epidemiological studies:
- controlled human clinical trials,
- in vivo investigations and
- in vitro studies.
Well-conducted in vitro studies can reveal mechanisms of action at the cellular or molecular level that can explain pathophysiological effects. But the results of in vitro studies do not necessarily mean that an effect will be observed in vivo.
Advantages of epidemiological studies
- Focus = humans
- Exposure to agent = real situation
- Endpoints: mortality & morbidity
- Potentially hypersensitive subjects can be investigated
- Acute and chronic exposures can be studied
Limitations of epidemiological studies
- Difficult to demonstrate effect & causality
- Difficult to take all “confounders” into account
- Difficult to obtain accurate individual measurements of real exposure
- Epidemiological studies are very expensive and time consuming (especially cohort studies)
The most comprehensive and compelling study document we found was the Exponent Research document published: Electric & Magnetic Fields: Health Review of the Scientific Research (Mar’12 – Dec’16)
For further reading, hereto several interesting documents relating to the topic:
Cellphone masts damaging our brains
Dangers of cellphone technology discussed
Cellphones harming your health
ICNIRP Guidelines: For limiting exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300ghz)
