Letters: Opposed to cell tower

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forwarding from? WEEP newsletter..............

Letters: Opposed to cell tower

http://www.sookenewsmirror.com/opinion/letters/159595255.html

Published: June 20, 2012 5:00 AM

I am opposed to the communications tower application 6631 and 6633 Sooke Road

for health reasons and others.

My understanding has been that the District of Sooke wants to create high

density in the downtown core where I live. Mariners Village Phase 1 is high

density and is only metres from our property line. I am concerned that Mariners

Village property owners, as well as tenants and workers, within the 100 metre

distance of the proposed communications tower have not been properly notified or

are even aware of the health issues related to this proposal. I have called and

spoken to people and they know nothing about it.

There is strong evidence that electromagnetic radiation from cell phone towers

is damaging to human (and animal) health. Over 100 scientists and physicians at

Boston and Harvard Universities Schools of Public Health have called cell phone

towers a radiation hazard.

The damage from radiation exposure accumulates over many years, but the

breakdown in health happens only after all body defenses and repair mechanisms

have been exhausted. For some people, short term effects from cell tower

radiation exposure may include headaches, sleep disorders, poor memory, mental

excitation, confusion, anxiety, depression, appetite disturbance and

listlessness. Sufficient information has not been given to those living and

working near this proposed tower.

A study performed by doctors in Germany have found that those living within 400

metres of a cell tower had a newly-diagnosed cancer rate three times higher than

those who lived further away. Breast cancer topped the list, but cancers of the

prostate, pancreas, bowel, skin melanoma, lung and blood cancer were all

increased. (Naila Study)

I am surprised and shocked that our city planner would even consider this

application. I am also curious to know the amount of money Alcatel-Lucent has

enticed the property owner with.. Does the property owner live at the address of

the proposed tower? What amount of money is worth putting our health at risk? We

are talking about our downtown core where people live and work this is a very

serious issue that will require responsible governing.

Real estate in the area is at risk as no one with knowledge would buy near a

cell tower. Tourism will be affected as a 40-metre tower (132 ft) in the middle

of our town does not beautify Sooke in any way. Our community has always

attracted travelers because of its unique natural environment. We have clean air

beautiful views, gardens and an opportunity to show the world we are respectful

and responsible people living here.

I have lived in Sooke in the same house for over 32 years. I had a Teahouse and

B & B in my home for 25 years. I have guest books with hundreds of signatures from

people from all over the world with comments about how beautiful it is here. Two

of my grandchildren live adjacent to our property within 50 metres of this

disastrous proposal. What chance has my one- month-old grandson against this

radiation.

Why should the people living and working in downtown Sooke be put at risk?

I request that council do what they can to stop this.

Sylvia Hallgren

Sooke