Unfortunately, after having endangered our birds and other wildlife with the nationwide spraying of DDT, we have moved on to something bigger and better: EMF radiation (electromagnetic frequency).
Now that we have wireless communications, we enjoy their conveniences, but may not be aware of the serious long-term health risks involved. EMF radiation, emitted from cell phones, wireless internet, and cellular antennae, causes damage to the human bodyÕs DNA. Cell phone towers emit radio frequencies (RF), a form of electromagnetic radiation, for up to 2.5 miles. Even at several miles away, the radiation emitted from these towers can cause DNA damage, cancer, suppressed immune function, miscarriage, depression, and Alzheimers to name a few. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are most effected. (Microwave and Radio Frequency Radiation Exposure, San Francisco Medicine, Vol 74, No.3, March, 2001.) ÒThe cell phone industryÊ is expanding quickly, with over 100,000 cell phone towers nowÊup across the U.S., which is expected toÊincrease tenfold over the next five years. The industry has setÊwhat they say are Ôsafe levelsÕ of radiation exposure, but there are a growing number of doctors, physicists, and healthÊofficials who strongly disagree, and foresee a public health crisis. Over 100 physicians and scientists at Harvard and Boston University Schools of PublicÊHealth have called cellular towers a radiation hazard. And, 33 delegate physicians from 7 countriesÊhave declared cell phone towers a Ôpublic health emergencyÕ.Ó Karen J. Rogers, Health Effects from Cell Tower Radiation, 2002.
In Point Reyes Station, in the middle of a residential area, Verizon has been negotiating a private lease to put up one of their antennae. Because of the CountyÕs policy of ÔcollocationÕ and the subleasing potential of Verizon, one antenna could soon become a 125 foot tower with antennae from other wireless providers sprouting out. Verizon claims that tourists are demanding better cellphone reception when they visit West Marin. The problem is that these antennae not only cause serious health concerns, they mar the beautiful landscape, and work against what West Marin is about in the first place. Many of us deliberately live in a natural place away from urban stress, enjoying a quiet and uncomplicated life.
Similar to pesticides, the studies on Radio Frequency that are not funded by Industry demonstrate serious long-term health effects. These studies are often suppressed. We have known for years, since DDT was banned, that pesticides and herbicides (yes, Round -up) are linked to chronic illnesses and environmental degradation, but because EMF is invisible, we are still learning about its negative implications. Cellular and wireless towers / antennae cause constant EMF radiation, and there has never been a demonstrated ÔsafeÕ level for this radiation.
Different from what the communications industry assures us is safe, there is solid scientific, epidemiological, and medical studies that confirm that the radiation emitted from cell towers has unprecedented detrimental effects on all living systems.
1. Selected and Extensive Bibliographies on Electromagnetic FieldsÊ and Health, Bridlewood Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) InformationÊ Service, compiled by: Richard W. Woodley, revised 1999, www.wave-guide.org/archives/bridlewood/biblio.html
2. Reported Biological Effects From Radiofrequency Non-IonizingÊ Radiation, www.wave-guide.org/library/studies.html
3. A Cellular Phone Tower on Ossining High School, includes extensiveÊ reference to scientific papers and government documents citingÊ adverse health effects from cell tower radiation, www.cyburban.com/~lplachta/safeweb2.htm).
ÒDr. Neil Cherry, Ph.D.Ê biophysicist from New Zealand, reports that Ôthere is no safe level of ER radiation.Õ Dr. CherryÊwrote a 120-page review of 188 scientific studies...ÔThe electromagnetic radiation causes cells to change in a way thatÊmakes them cancer forming.Õ It can increase the risk of cancerÊtwo to five times, he said. ÔTo claim there is no adverseÊ effect from cellphone towers flies in the face of a large body of evidence.ÕÓ
Karen J. Rogers, Health Effects from Cell Tower Radiation.
People can still choose whether to use a cellphone, but cannot escape the persistent, radiation from a nearby antenna. Several towns in West Marin are now experiencing the Ôun-neighborlyÕ influx of aggressive wireless corporations who want to raise their antennae. Is our devotion to convenience worth the health risks and negative visual impacts? We have made it passionately clear that we will not allow poisons sprayed in West Marin - the chemical pesticides used by the Mosquito District. Now we need to say NO to the poison that we cannot see or smell: EMF radiation. LetÕs really understand and use the Precautionary Principle. With declining nationwide health, we cannot afford to allow any additional harmful substances into our neighborhoods. Despite the false assurances and suspect studies produced by the Wireless and Chemical companies themselves, there is ample evidence that there are harmful long-term effects to our environment, ourselves, and our children.
If you wish to express your objection to the proposed Verizon tower in a residential neighborhood in Pt. Reyes Station, please write to:

Brian Crawford, Deputy Director
Community Development Agency
3501 Civic Center Drive, Rm 308
San Rafael, Ca. 94903

and call:

Johanna Patri (County Planning): (415) 499-7888

/ Pt. Reyes Station / chemfreewm@hotmail.com