Residents express mobile phone tower health concerns
A group of residents say they are “human guinea pigs” in the rollout of new technology.
Tasmania
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A GROUP of Lenah Valley residents say they are the “human guinea pigs” in the of new technology.
The group is raising concerns over the possible health risks posed by Optus 4G-enabled towers being built atop Calvary Hospital, but their cries are being met with silence.
Don Maisch, a researcher into the effects of telecommunications, says the group’s concerns should be addressed by the hospital.
“It’s hard to say to what extent it is a problem, but there exists the possibility that long-term exposure could be harmful,” he said.
“The World Health Organization has classified radio frequency exposure from mobile phones as a possible human carcinogen. So, there is evidence showing that in certain situations this can be hazardous.
“Regardless of the science, Calvary hospital as a health care organisation has a duty to think about its neighbours and should be open to discussions.”
The community group, led by resident Janina Murrell, says the lack of consultation and the short, month-long window for comment was disempowering.
“We feel this has happened right under our noses and we don’t have a voice,” Ms Murrell said.
“To me it’s a human experiment and it’s going to be years to see the effects. We are the human guinea pigs.”
Fellow resident Dr Sandi Powell, who is also a visiting medical practitioner to the hospital, said Calvary didn’t engage with local residents before making the decision to install the Optus tower.
“It’s about informed consent,” she said.
“We have no right of reply and that is extremely concerning. I know that these devices are everywhere and we have a choice over whether we use a mobile phone, but we don’t have a choice with the transmitter.
“We are part of a public health experiement really, especially as we live very close to the hospital.”
Dr Powell has also sent her concerns to the occupational health and safety section of the hospital on behalf of the employees.
A spokewoman for Calvary Hospital said Optus would extend the consultation period to Wednesday to allow all concerns to be fully explored.
“We strongly encourage our local residents to respect the process and participate by forwarding their questions and concerns to Optus’ representative,” she said.
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