WBEZ reports that Verizon Wireless has withdrawn its proposal to build a cell phone antenna atop Franklin Fine Arts Center, a Chicago Public School. The plan drew controversy when several parents at the school objected to it due to worries about the health of the students. The cell phone company and many scientists have said there is no evidence cell phone towers pose any danger. But other scientists have said it's too early to tell because the technology is still so new.
Verizon had planned to pay the school $24,000 a year for the placement. More than 100 Chicago Public Schools have cell antennas or towers on their buildings.
Given the state of the perennially cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools one has to wonder why these parents would so vociferously oppose the plan. One can also wonder how many of these parents, so concerned with students health and safety, routinely yak on cell phones while driving their SUVs with the kids in the back.
Dear Trixie,
ReplyDeleteOne would wonder why a city that has just nixed cigarette smoke in public places would replace it with radiofrequency/microwave radiation at its schools--especially in view of the amount of evidence that this radiation, even at very low intensities, is biologically active. That means, the body's cells are actually reacting to it. And children's cells are generally more vulnerable. It's no surprise that you are unfamiliar with the research---which has been enough to get the European Union and other governments to issue warnings this past year. The American public's idea about wireless safety has been well-shaped by the wireless industry since it began its PR campaign in the 90's. If you really want to know what is happening in the research, read at least the summary of the Bioinitiative Report, posted online at WWW.BIOINITIATIVE.ORG It is a careful analysis of over 1000 published, peer-reviewed studies, and was completed by a working group of international, independent researchers and public health experts . It's had a big effect on Europe. If you read it, you will be surprised.
Anonymous, what is the range these 'transformers' are dangerous to people? I mean why would they be legal anywhere in any city if they caused this much harm? Is the Bioinitiative suggesting all these things are bad and that all local municipalities have been bought off by the wireless industry?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, can you gimme an answer to my questions? I'm curious about this topic
ReplyDelete