Cash incentives versus health risks
RESIDENTS across Durban fear their health may be compromised as numerous cellular communication masts continue to be erected near schools and homes.
It appears that cash incentives to erect these masts are outweighing the health concerns.
A letter recently circulated on social media about a proposed 50m mast to be built at Millview Primary School in Phoenix.
Parents took to social media saying they were concerned the structure could result in short and long- term effects on their children’s health.
The area’s ward councillor, Tino Pillay, said the principal had informed him that the school’s governing body (SGB) had approved the project.
“But when I put up the notification letter on Facebook, the parents claimed to be in the dark.”
He said he requested a meeting with the school, the SGB and the officials of Atlas Towers, an independent global wireless infrastructure company, but this was ignored.
The principal declined to comment. The parent of a Grade 3 pupil said: “This was a major decision that required our approval. We have so many questions and concerns, so why were we not informed before the proposal was approved? This decision was made for financial gain. If push comes to shove, we may have to transfer our children to other schools.”
A resident and registered nurse, Kriba Naidoo, said: “Research shows that prolonged exposure to even low levels of radiation could result in memory loss and poor concentration.
“However, when the residents and parents later approached the school, we were told there was no proof and we were abruptly dismissed because the Department of Health gave them the clearance.”
Environmentalist Desmond D’sa said cellphone towers emitted radiation that caused cancer.
“Children are more vulnerable than anyone else. These cellphone towers should be miles away from the public, especially when public consent is not taken into consideration.”
The site acquisition manager at Atlas Towers, Derrick Wight, said the aim of the towers was to provide suitable network coverage for the community.
He said they identified areas that lacked coverage, and within the area found a property with ample space. The masts were then leased to various cellphone networks, which placed antennas on them.
He said schools were paid for the use of the property.
Wight said research on health implications had been looked into before the construction.
“While many talk to the issue that radiation from the towers poses a problem, the reality is that cellphones are in fact more hazardous as they are directly in contact with a person. The reason towers are so high is so that electromagnetic emissions travel for about 500m before breaking down and evaporating. They do not fall to the ground, as people assume.”
He said it had not been proven that masts could lead to a person developing cancer.
Sherwyn Maharaj, of Holku and Associates, which handles the application process, said consultation with the municipality tribunal took place first before a decision was made.
“They look at the merits and objections before coming to a concerted decision. The municipality, who don’t want a mushrooming of masts, will identify if there really is a need and whether it will be beneficial to the area in question.” Maharaj added that public participation was vital, and that those with objections be given the opportunity to respond.
“We ensure that once the application has been approved, it is advertised in the newspaper, residents living within 100m of the proposed tower are sent letters, and there is also the site notice.
“The letter clearly stipulates that those with objections can go to the municipality to view the full application, which includes research, websites, and journals regarding health concerns. Residents are then given the opportunity to submit their written submission within 30 working days.”
Maharaj added that there were many old towers that could not handle the advancement of technology.
“These old towers were used for mainly calls and messaging, but now with smartphones, people are mainly using social apps and the internet, which creates a demand for network coverage. The old towers can’t accommodate this.”
Ethekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said it did not have the details on how much schools were paid, while Atlas Towers said the amount was confidential.
Mayisela said there was undisputed scientific research by the World Health Organisation regarding radiation.
“There has been no need for the municipality to undertake alternative research thus far.” Derek Main, of the National Alliance Against Cell Masts, advised parents and residents to approach the Constitutional Court to force the Department of Health to review all research on electric and magnetic field radiation.
“We need a thorough, unbiased review of this research.”
He said it seemed that the profits of the cell industry were placed ahead of public safety concerns.
“Because the relevant authorities now ignore all objections on health grounds, I feel the best way to tackle these applications is by objecting on the grounds of a decrease in property values.
“The Constitutional Court recently ruled that approval of building plans must take into account any negative impact on the value of neighbouring properties due to this building.
“It could reasonably be argued that a cell mast approval also negatively affects the property values of neighbouring properties.”
A meeting is expected to take place at the school today.