Telecommunication
has become a major drive for socio-economic growth, globally. The utilization
of the opportunities that come with it has led to the proliferation of
telecommunication masts (Masts).
Masts (also
referred to as towers) are typically tall metal structures that support
antennas for telecommunications and broadcasting for mobile phone, radio,
television and radar.
The
issue of mast location and the associated safety and health hazards is
extremely imperative to be discussed and remedied to save lives and properties.
There have been several discussions globally on the health implications of
masts on people who live closer to them. These discussions originate from
various epidemiologic and scientific studies by Scientists, Medical
Professionals and International regulatory organizations.
The Effects
People
staying closer to masts may suffer from vibrations, noise pollution, generator fumes, ultraviolet rays and pollution of ground water as a result of oil spillage. Odunola,
et al (2015), mentioned that, there is a significant relationship between
residents’ health and distance to mast in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. He further
mentioned that, it is interesting to note that the perceived impacts, particularly
the physiological one is observed to be considerable and statistically
significant.
There is also the danger of masts falling on people who stay
closer to them. Santini, et al (2003), reported twenty-seven cases of fallen
masts in France as a result of weather problems. As reported by the Daily Graphic on 29th May 2010, a mast collapsed on a
high-tension pole carrying 33,000 volts at Mpintsim (Takoradi), depriving more
than 33 communities of electricity. According
to Biztech Africa, in 2016, a mast belonging to a bank collapsed in Lagos,
injuring a trader and destroying neighbouring properties. In 2018, atlfmonline (https://www.atlfmonline.com/home/24-ghana/6732-western-region-collapsed-telecom-mast-kills-trader-in-takoradi.html) reported that, a collapsed mast
led to the death of one person in Takoradi.
The
World Health Organization (WHO) in 2006 stated that, there was no evidence to
support the short or long-term adverse health effects of radio frequency (RF)
signals produced from masts.
Contrary
to this, the 2011 report of the International Agency for Research on Cancer
(IARC); a specialized agency of WHO, classified cell phone and other types of
RF and microwave radiation as having the potential to cause cancer in humans
Epidemiologic
studies have shown that there are numerous health problems associated with the
long-term exposure to masts; especially to those who stay very close to them.
The study by Santini, et al (2002) ,reported number of
effects such as tiredness, headache, nausea, sleep disruption, depression, loss
of memory, loss of appetite and libido decrease. Also, Navarro, et al (2003),
in Spain established a significant relationship between several symptoms of microwave
sickness and the microwave power density associated with a base station.
Symptoms and signs reported included headache, fatigue, irritability, loss of
appetite, sleepiness, concentration difficulties, depression, and emotional
instability.
Abdel, et al (2007), in their Northern Ireland studies
observed that residents living in Dunan on districts within 1-5km service
radius close to mast location suffered several cancer cases like lings,
prostate, breast and lungs cancer. They also suffered ailments like leukaemia,
lymphoma and hematopoietic. Also in the study
of Horst, et al (2004), Doctors from Naila (Germany) monitored 1000 residents
who had lived in an area around two masts for a decade. In the last 5 years of
the study, it was realized that people living within 400 meters of either tower
had a newly diagnosed cancer rate which was three times more than those who
lived further away. Cancers of the prostate, pancreas, bowel, skin melanoma,
lung and blood cancer were all increased, with breast cancer topping the list.
In the study of Germann (2004), blood was drawn from 1018
persons before a mobile phone mast was erected. After 6 to 12 months of turning
on the station, the new blood samples showed significant effects as a direct
cause of pulsed electromagnetic field. In Kempten West (Germany), blood levels
of serotonin and melatonin were measured both before and five months after the
activation of a new cell site in 2007.The result showed significant un favourable
changes in hormones of almost all the 25 participants who lived within 300
meters (Weep News, 2008).
Conclusion
It is evident from the reviewed studies
that, people who stay close to masts are at a higher risk of getting different
kinds of cancer and other chronic ailments in both short and long terms.
Property owners need to be circumspect in
leasing properties for such purposes. They should always think of the public
good first. The health and safety of humans cannot be overemphasized.
Masts need to be properly and strongly sited
to resist tensile, storms, vibration and other gravitational forces. They
should also be sited within a reasonable radius from the activities of humans.
It is incumbent on Regulators to
strengthen the requirements for erecting towers and ensure they are strictly
applied, to safeguard properties and human lives.
Finally, Civil Society Organizations and
Non-Governmental Organizations need to sensitize governments, regulators and
the general public on the need to protect lives and properties from the risks
associated with masts.
Author: Sherrif Issah – (Consultant @ Digital Jewels Ltd. and Member: Institute of ICT
Professionals, Ghana)
Email: sherrifi@digitaljewels.net
Mobile: +233243835912
Source: www.iipgh.org
Great effort. Environmental journalism goes a long way to expose the publics to a lot of issues around us and which we can exploit to avert a crisis. Funny enough a few greedy and gullible ones take money from these organizations and allow the masts to be erected endangering generations unborn.
ReplyDeleteYou very right. Some people are ignorant about the health hazard of these masts. The service providers only convince them with the cash.
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