Richmond Park Conservative PPC, Marco Forgione, has welcomed the foundation of a new laboratory at the University of Essex to study whether mobile phone masts have adverse effects on human health.

The Electromagnetics and Health Laboratory will carry out research into the impact of electromagnetic fields as emitted by mobile phone masts including new 3G masts. This new research comes amid warnings that under 3G technology, there could be an estimated 100,000 more masts being sited across the country.

There has already been considerable controversy over the siting of phone masts in the borough in Kew and Whitton, among many other places.

Commented Marco, "As the use of mobile phones continues to escalate and new 3G mobile phone masts are erected to meet demand, it is vital that research is carried out into the future health implications. Already, there is worrying evidence from the Netherlands that 3G masts have an adverse effect on health and local residents.

"Currently, national planning guidelines prohibit local Councils from taking health concerns into account when considering applications to locate phone masts, even when these are near homes, hospitals and schools.

'3G' masts are those required to support new '3rd generation' mobile phone technology such as video-calling.

The community websites are currently trying to get publication of the latest masts rollout programme, which according to the Mobile Phone Operators was prepared by the council in conjunction with the mobile phone companies in the autumn. A reply is awaited from Richmond Council.

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

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