Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Letters: Opposed to cell tower


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


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