MAST EMISSIONS TEST DECISION IS DELAYED

Monday, September 26, 2005

"MAST EMISSIONS TEST DECISION IS DELAYED"

- BASINGSTOKE GAZETTE (26/9/2005):

A local Campaigner has called on Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council to request more thorough and independent testing of mast emissions.

Simon Preedy, of Cyprus Road, Hatch Warren, Basingstoke, told a meeting of the Environment Overview Committee that industry watchdog OFCOM should carry out random testing of Masts in the area.

He also warned Councillors that all types of radiation need to be monitored, prompting the Committee to ask for a Report on the issue before it makes a final decision on emissions testing.

Councillors met to consider whether to introduce independent testing of emissions, as telecommunications companies currently monitor their own Masts.

Councillor Cathy Osselton was one of several Committee Members who agreed that there should be independent testing. Councillor Osselton said: "I would not be very happy if they [the companies] were doing the monitoring themselves because they could just be paying lip service to us."

 

Mr Preedy tried to persuade Councillors that, as well as independent testing, more needed to be done to monitor harmful radiation that is often blamed by campaigners for health problems. He said: "A measuring device to detect thermal radiation will do nothing to allay residents' concerns about the possible health effects. It is the non-thermal pulsed microwaves that most are concerned about, especially those who suffer from headaches, dizziness and nausea."

The Committee postponed its decision on testing while it awaits a Report on non-thermal microwaves. This is unlikely to be available before its next meeting in October and November.