World-News

An excellent breakthrough - the first strong, significant investigative report is published in Globes economic newspaper, about the conflicts of interests in the Israeli Cancer Society and how they downplay the role and weight of environmental carcinogens in cancer, also avoidance from funding research on the subject. It is very long but all of the article (5000 words) is one strong exposure and criticism about the people who work for the society and at the same time they own/ belong to the most polluting industries. And the stress is given by the society to avoid the sun, eat "balanced" diet but people are not protected from cancer because environmental causes are ignored and people continue to be exposed. There are examples and proofs of how different members of the society (and also as a group) - avoid touching the industries that feed them with money. The cellular business has its own section - shortly it details names of people who are invested in the cellular companies (stocks) and manage the society, an executive of a cellular company was the manager of the "knock on the door" operation in which people go from house to house to collect money for the society. It also says for the first time (I asked the reporter to find out about it) that "the contribution of the society to the study [INTERPHONE] is considered in the part of sum which is not funded by the cellular companies, although part of the society's money comes from the same companies".

And it also relates to professor Yossi Riback, head of occupational and environmental unit at the public health school of Tel Aviv university, who sits in the committee of environmental carcinogens of the Israeli Cancer Society while he is also a paid expert of the cellular companies.

The husband of the executive of the Israeli Cancer Society is the manager of the biggest industrial disposal site in the country and is running the council of several industries in south Israel - part of his role is, of course, to claim that the industries don't pollute the country.

It is good to translate it but I don't have the energy/ time right now, if people want it to be tralated I will do that but not now.
http://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/investigative_report_about_the_israeli_cancer_society.pdf

Best,

Iris Atzmon.

11 May 2006

ANGRY residents have vowed to battle a mast being built near their homes.

Mobile phone giant Orange has submitted plans to Bexley council to install a 10 metre mast at the junction of Penhill Road and Harcourt Avenue, Sidcup.

Ian Brooks, of Penhill Road, claims residents have fears over potential health risks and believes the mast will be an eyesore.

He said: "We will fight this application to the very end. The residents in our area feel very strongly against such a mast, we have already fought off two previous applications from another firm.

"The Government has now conceded that radiation levels may not be safe and now we are expected to be guinea pigs under a mobile phone mast until the facts are proven."

Resident Wade Freeman said: "We will obviously do everything in our power to prevent this mast from being erected, not merely from a health perspective, though this will be our main point of concern, but also from an environmental view."

Orange spokesman Jacqueline Sibanda said: "Base stations are extremely low powered and in order to provide good coverage, they have to be located close to the demand.

"Communities have been happy to have radio and television transmitters all around them for the past 80 years.

"Base stations are essentially low powered radio transmitters and therefore there is no reason for them to be considered more dangerous than broadcast transmitters."

Omega this is not true. See under:
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html

A Bexley council spokeswoman confirmed an application had been submitted.

She added that the consultation period is due to end on May 24 and it will go to a committee meeting on June 15.

Copyright © 2006 Archant Regional. All rights reserved.

http://tinyurl.com/p8z43

PARENTS of children at Lyminster Infant School have threatened to remove their children from the school permanently if a controversial 50ft tall mobile phone mast is put up nearby.

The O2 "monopole" mast, with three shrouded antennae, had already been turned down by Arun councillors and by the Planning Inspectorate on appeal, but the mobile phone company took their case to the High Court where the decision was overturned.

The High Court ruled that the law had not been correctly applied by the Planning Inspectorate in its objection to the plans and that the inspectorate must now reconsider the plan and apply the law correctly.

It is unclear at this stage what point of law was mis-interpreted.

If the mast gets the go-ahead, it will be sited north-west of the A259 roundabout, opposite the school, which is on the corner of Wick Street and Worthing Road in Littlehampton.

When the Planning Inspectorate first considered the case in March last year, its inspector David Harmston said that although the mast would be more than 100m away from the school, it was still "near" Government planning guidelines.

He also said that the fact that O2 had not consulted the school over the plans was significant and that the presence of the mast close to the school would be likely to generate "genuine and significant fears and apprehension, however unjustified".

Mr Harmston also said he was not satisfied that an alternative, suitable location for the mast could not be found elsewhere in the area.

On Tuesday, the school's headteacher Jane Taylor was not willing to comment on the issue but did say that it was the parents' right to remove their children from the school if they wished to do so.

Parents of four children at the school have contacted the Gazette to say that if the mast goes up, their children would be moved to different schools in the area.

Some had already put their child's name down on application lists for other schools in the area.

Mark Grout, who has one child at the school and one due to start in September, said: "I've got a mobile phone, everybody I know has got one and there's no problem with reception round here.

"No research has been done on the safety of these masts particularly with young children. I don't know if it's safe.

Thankfully my eldest child will leave anyway this year but my youngest, who's due to start in September will go somewhere else.

"It seems that if you are a big company like O2 with lots of money you can keep on appealing and buy your way through the planning process."

Another parent who also wished to remain anonymous, said: "I'm disgusted that officials seem to feel that they can treat our children like guinea pigs regarding the health issues surrounding these masts.

"I will be removing my daughter from the school should the mast go up."

Many more parents said they objected to the mast being erected so close to the school and had concerns over the possible health implications for their children.

Lesley Coulson of Holly Drive, Wick, Littlehampton, whose five-year-old daughter goes to the school,said: "My concerns are for the health of the children. We don't know what sort of radiation these masts give out and as far as I know there's no proof to say they are safe.

"The children at the school are only young and still developing. They start there when they are four and their skulls are not as hard as an adult's."

At the time of going to print, O2 and the Planning Inspectorate were unavailable for comment.

27 April 2006

All rights reserved © 2006 Johnston Press Digital Publishing.

http://www.littlehamptontoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=467&ArticleID=1467407

NEWS RELEASE From the office of the South-East England's Green MEP Caroline Lucas

May 11th, 2006

HAMPSHIRE'S

Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas has called on Test Valley Council to block plans to build a ten-metre mobile 'phone mast in a residential area in Chandler's Ford.

Dr Lucas said the proposed mast, which T-Mobile wants to build at Knightwood Road - within 300 metres of 100 homes - could pose dangers for residents' health and should not be sited in such a highly-populated area.

"Research conducted on behalf of the European Parliament has demonstrated that safety guidelines governing the exposure of the public to radiation from mobile 'phone base stations are inadequate," said Dr Lucas.

"In the face of real health risks we should adopt the precautionary principle and stop allowing masts to be built at sites - such as Knightwood Road - which are close to built-up residential areas."

Current Government guidelines allowing masts to be built near homes are based on incomplete research, according to a report by Warwick University Professor Gerard Hyland and commissioned by Dr Lucas for the European Parliament.

By measuring the effects of radiation intensity only - and not the frequency of microwave pulses - the research on which the guidelines are based fails to account for unexplained levels of ill-health, including cancers, in those living in proximity to the masts.

"I hope Test Valley planners will protect local residents by rejecting this application," added Dr Lucas.

"But the planning laws make it very difficult for local authorities to take risks to human health into account when deciding whether to give 'phone operators permission to erect masts - and the Government must review the legislation and day-today guidance to require local councils to adopt the precautionary principle when considering the siting of mobile 'phone masts."

ENDS

Note to Editors: Dr Lucas' objection to the planning application can be found at http://www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk or on request

For more information please contact Ben on 01273 671946, 07973 823358 or ben@greenmeps.org.uk

http://www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk

Ben Duncan Media Officer to Caroline Lucas MEP benduncan@greenmeps.org.uk
01273 671946 (office)


Informant: Eileen O'Connor

MOBILE phone mast fears doubled this week when residents heard a mobile company submitted not one but two planning applications.
Vodaphone wants to put a 3G mast around 16 metres high on Willingdon Golf Club course.

Neighbours, some suffering from cancer and many fearing the associated health risks of living near a mast, had already written more than 80 letters of objection, but got a shock this week when they saw two proposals.

But it is understood that the company is hoping one of the two will be approved by Eastbourne Borough Council, not both.

Objectors now face the battle of collecting petitions once again to meet the specifics of both mast applications.

They take the form of a pole mast and a tree mast, the latter aiming to fit in with the wooded surroundings

Naomi Markwick, of Millbrook Gardens, has been leading the collection of written objections from her road, Colwood Crescent, plus Hill Road and others to submit to the borough council.

She said, "The tree mast is totally the wrong sort of species of tree for the area so the attempt to make the thing fit in would fail."

The site is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Mrs Markwick said, "There's quite a lot of rare wildlife there and it backs on to ancient woodland and such areas in Britain are few and far between."

The prospect of a second mast plan brought the main issue to the forefront again — objectors feel the health risks are overwhelming.

Mrs Markwick said, "There is a baby with leukaemia who is living next to the site and a number of people with cancer. I myself have a high risk of cancer because members of my family have had cancer and there are other people with immune problems."

Geoffrey Mears, of Downs Avenue, said, "We believe these masts are very dangerous.

"They are extremely hazardous to health."

Mr Mears and others quote anti-phone mast website Mastsanity.co.uk, the main national organisation opposing the insensitive siting of mobile phone and Tetra masts in the UK.

Mr Mears said, "These masts are being planned to go right at the back of a residential area so there will be a lot of people at risk.

"The original application was for one and now that's two the concern has doubled."

He said if the masts are situated on the golf course, it will devalue property in surrounding roads and cause stress to homeowners, "But this is nothing compared to the health risks," he added.

Formal written opposition to the plans must be with EBC planning department before the deadline on May 20.

11 May 2006

All rights reserved © 2006 Johnston Press Digital Publishing.

http://www.eastbournetoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=488&ArticleID=1495594

The Irish Examiner reports that parents of pupils at St Mary's National School in Waterford who are opposed to a mobile phone mast close to the school convened a meeting on Tuesday night to discuss their next move. Local Fianna Fail senator Brendan Kenneally has raised his concerns over the development. He has urged Ballygunner GAA club to take down a mobile phone mast sited beside the school.

http://www.enn.ie/frontpage/news-9685843.html

Jacqueline Rose, EMR Project Manager, Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel was in this conference: http://www.apdee.org/ehe06/ and prepared the attached summary.

The keynote speaker was Professor Paulo Vecchia, the chairman of ICNIRP. Other Plenary speakers were the vice-chairman of ICNIRP.

Iris Atzmon


Report from EHE ’06 Conference

27-29 April 2006

Attendance:
An estimated 150 people from around the world where meant to attend the conference in Madeira, Portugal. In actuality about 100-120 people attended, mostly from Europe and the UK. Many presenters did not attend and someone that I spoke to said that at least 50% of presentations that he wanted to hear were cancelled to due lack of attendance.

Most participants were either academics, researchers, from technology companies or representatives of governmental bodies/authorities. Apart from myself and one other woman, there was no representation from NGOs or the environmental sector.

Content:
The general focus of the conference was scientific/technological. There were …. Plenary sessions, which were attended by all participants. The keynote speaker was Professor Paulo Vecchia, the chairman of ICNIRP. Other Plenary speakers were the vice-chairman of ICNIRP,

1. Plenary Session Conclusions
Professor Paulo Vecchia presented a general overview of the current international situation. His first point was that there needs to be a harmonisation of EMR standards and guidelines throughout Europe and around the world, based on ICNIRP standards. This is especially true for exposure guidelines for workers (a topic heavily discussed).

The second conclusion, and one repeatedly stressed, was that no causal/biological link has been proved between EMF and morbidity. Numerous research studies were presented by Prof Vecchia and other plenary session presenters, which all stressed the point that no clear scientific proof exists to confirm a theory often presented in epidemiological studies. It is important to note that I felt the scientists in attendance did not seem to place too much value on these epidemiological studies. Numerous problems where mentioned with them which warranted their lack of consideration. In summary Prof Vecchia stated that “RF fields can not be established as carcinogenic causes”.

Furthermore, the vice-chairman of ICNIRP presented an extensive range of short-term lab tests carried out on humans who were exposed to limited radiation levels from mobile phones. From these lab experiments no evidence was found of biological changes in the patients. When questioned regarding the fact that there was a problem with assessing the acute exposure of low level radiation from mobile phones verses the chronic exposure represented in epidemiological studies, no satisfactory answer was provided. It was repeatedly mentioned that until clear biological and scientific evidence exists, no one was willing to say with any conviction that EMR caused ill health effects.

The adoption of a precautionary approach should be carefully considered as according to Prof Vecchia, “setting precautionary limits may create confusion and generate more public concern”. He continued to say that the costs, risks and impacts of EMR must be carefully assessed and balanced with other environmental hazards and what society is willing to accept.

The issue of public confusion, lack of knowledge and information was raised. Prof Vecchia expressed the need to put risks into perspective, whilst another plenary session presenter stated that “concern, fear, anxiety and confusion pose more of a risk then EMR”

2. Other Session Conclusions
Most of the other sessions focused on the presentation of new technology to measure and assess exposure and research. There were a limited number of case study presentations, the most relevant being that of Eva Marsalek. She works at an Austrian environmental organisation which champions the issues of public participation specifically with respect to EMR. They are based at the Vienna University.

Other case study presentations included
· German Telecommunication Research program
· Residential sources of exposure to Power Frequency, UK
· Sao Paulo, Brazil

All these presentations were very interesting and highlighted what was happening in other countries. All these presentations however were made by governmental bodies, and there was no pure environmental representation.

General Conclusions:
After conversations with some of the participants, there was a strong feeling that the conference was a bit of a white wash. No conclusions were reached (other then the need for more research), and there was a definite sense that plenary session speakers were trying to assure participants that no scientific proof existed. In addition, the blame was being directed at other possible causes, such as the thermal effects of radiation rather then EMR itself, nutrition and that public confusion had fuelled the flames of panic. The need to educate the public and adopt a clear precautionary approach was not discussed sufficiently.

Two aspects which were discussed extensively were setting clear exposure guidelines for workers and the issue of hypersensitivity to EMR by specific groups of the population.

CONTROVERSIAL plans to install a phone mast close to a primary school has not gone down well with residents.

Mobile phone company Hutchison 3G has submitted planning applications for a 12m radio mast to be erected at the junction between Grange Avenue and Parkstone Road.

The proposed site is in the middle of a residential area and within 90m of St Peter and St Paul's playgroup.

Home owners, parents and staff at the playgroup plans to present a petition to the council.

Will Burkitt, who lives on Parkstone Road, believes the proposals are outrageous and should be vetoed.

He said: "This plan has aroused a lot of bad feeling in the area and I wish to protest in the strongest possible way. Firstly it's a very built up area with many old residents and secondly it's close to an area where small children play everyday.

"Radiation transmitted from these masts can damage the health of people living close to them and they are also an eyesore."

Staff and parents at the playgroup were equally vocal in their condemnation of the mast.

Cynthia Dunmall and Mariam Hutchison have run the playgroup for the last 15 years.

Mrs Dunmall said: "We are concerned about the children's health and welfare. We have a petition going and everyone we have asked has signed it."

Cinnamon Austin, whose three-year-old son Quinn attends the playgroup, was also not happy about the positioning of the mast. She said: "There might be possible health risks associated with phone mast, there might not. But when my child is involved I'm not prepared to take the risk."

When the Observer contacted 3G for comment, we were referred to Erickson employee and mast expert Gareth Combes-Olney.

He said: "All of Hutchison 3G's equipment is carefully safety tested and complies with international safety standards set by the International Commission for Radiation Protection.

Omega read "Base Stations, operating within strict national and international Guidelines, do not present a Health Risk?" under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/

"We are more than happy to talk to anybody who has concerns on 07792 328255."

The application is at the consultation stage and will come before the planning committee in the next two months.

09 May 2006

All rights reserved © 2006 Johnston Press Digital Publishing.

http://www.hastingstoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=479&ArticleID=1490895