Cell tower radiation a health risk

Sir,

Scientific reports on biological effects of cell tower radiation on human health reveal a grave concern. To get signals, cell towers are erected at strategic places with receivers and transmitters attached to them. Receivers get the signal from their respective suppliers; and transmitters send the signal to cell phones and other devices wherever radiation could penetrate. The type of radiation transmitted from the towers is the electromagnetic radiation that is similar to that of sunlight, but radiation from mobile towers is seriously detrimental as told by physicists. In Odisha, operators of mobile towers must be strictly instructed that power density inside residential or office buildings, schools, hospitals, should be within specified guidelines. Residents staying in close proximity to the towers must be informed about the harmful effect of radiation. I, therefore, urge the landowners to first understand the health risks involved when they lease their lands to companies to accommodate mobile towers. I also urge those in seats of authority to rethink the situation and minutely assess the health risks involved and look for alternatives to remove the towers from residential areas and relocate them in the areas where they would not pose a blatant hazard to public health; and, at the same time, be able to serve the needs of the public in terms of allowing enough scope for mobile phones to access signals. I strongly urge the public to understand the ill effects of radiation; and, therefore, to stand united for an issue like this for the greater good of the society. We need telephone, internet and other modes of technology but not to the detriment of our health.

K Ravi, E-237, GGP Colony, Bhubaneswar-75125, Mob: 9437616497