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Tower Roulette: The Wireless Gamble With Your Health
By Ron Gordon May 2016 In June of 2015 *Renee Adams of Maple Ridge B.C. was awakened by the sound of heavy trucks and workers affixing ‘microcell’ broadcast antennas to a telephone pole 100 feet from her front door. Surprised by the lack of warning and concerned about possible health effects, the single mother of two autistic boys asked for an explanation, but was told by workers that it was ‘none of her business’ and ordered out of the construction zone. Finding no government department at any level willing to listen to her concerns, she appealed to city council. Council, however, was unaware of the plan to deploy the antennas, confused about responsibilities, and uncertain of dangers. As the wireless industry rapidly unleashes new technologies onto a public naively unaware of potential consequences, should we be concerned? As with tobacco and asbestos, once promoted by health authorities as ‘safe’, is it not prudent for citizens to ask about the potential for harm? I set out to find answers, but quickly found that many ‘answers’ are available, depending on who you ask, that are as confusing as the technology itself. On one hand, wireless companies and government agencies provide seemingly convincing reassurances of safety. But on further examination, it becomes clear that no actual ‘proof’ of safety is offered, or available. Further questions on the topic raise eyebrows, sometimes resulting in hints of ‘anti-technology zealotry’ or ‘resistance to progress’. On the other hand, a number of self-organized volunteer citizen groups […]