Part of a Small Cell Wireless Facility in Santa Rosa, California, 3 Remote Radio Units are viewed from below.
TAKE ACTIONS, ACTIONS TAKEN, AND RESOURCES FOR FURTHER ACTIONS
(Updated Feb, 2018)
Untapped malaise about 5G and its attendant infrastructure is gathering momentum around the country. More and more communities are taking action to rein in the proliferation of 4G and 5G small cells set to add millions of new towers and antennas to our already radiation-saturated environment.
Turning a blind eye to public sentiment regarding health, environment, aesthetics, historic preservation etc – and convinced that no one and nothing can stop them – the Telecom industry continues to foist 4G and 5G small cells on municipalities around the country. In response, communities are organizing to halt or slow this build-out, and to keep 4G and 5G small cells and antennas away from homes.
The 1996 Telecommunications Act, removed the public’s right to oppose cell towers on the grounds of environmental impacts from radiation, Since then, some have (wrongly) interpreted this to include health effects to humans. Therefore, much creativity is needed to find “workarounds” to slow or stop the infiltration of these unwanted and unnecessary 4G and 5G small cells.
Below you will find many resources that may prove useful in opposing 4G and 5G infrastructure. Please check back periodically as this page will change to reflect the ever evolving landscape of the push to deploy, and the resistance to, 4G and 5G small cell towers.
“Article IV, Section 51 of the Michigan Constitution states, ‘The public health and general welfare of the people of the state are hereby declared to be matters of primary public concern. The legislature shall pass suitable laws for the protection and promotion of the public health.’ Despite the convenience and the enormous economic growth potential associated with the internet of things, our primary concern as legislators is not convenience nor economic growth. As much as I love technology, per our Michigan Constitution, the public health and general welfare of the people of the state are supposed to be our primary concerns. In this light, we need to proceed with caution before we fully immerse our citizens in the internet of things. I urge my colleagues to vote ‘no’ on Senate Bill Nos. 637 and 894.” Michigan State Senator Colbeck
GOVERNMENT ACTIONS AND THE LAY OF THE LAND
The Telecom industry has been hard at work at the federal level lobbying Congress and the FCC, at the state level with about 5G legislation currently in about 22 states, and at the local level, to “remove barriers” and speed the deployment of 5G cell towers. As we have grown accustomed to, our government is happily complying, much to the chagrin of a growing number of people. Following are some actions taken thus far.
For legislation at the federal and state levels, as well as actions at the FCC, please see https://whatis5g.info/government-actions/
Captured Agency: How The Federal Communications Commission Is Captured By The Industries It Presumably Regulates Norm Alster, Edmund J. Safra Center For Ethics, Harvard University
https://ethics.harvard.edu/files/center-for-ethics/files/capturedagency_alster.pdf
Hos Big Wireless Made Us Think That Cell Phones Are Safe: A Special Investigation
The disinformation campaign — and massive radiation increase — behind the 5G rollout
Mar. 29th, 2018 | Mark Hetsgaard and Mark Dowie | The Nation
A “must share” piece. This article details how for over 20 years the wireless industry has war-gamed the sicence in an effort to obfuscate the findings of independent research that show health impacts from wireless.
https://www.thenation.com/article/how-big-wireless-made-us-think-that-cell-phones-are-safe-a-special-investigation/
Follow-up interviews with Mark Hertsgaard:
Democracy Now: https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/5/how_the_wireless_industry_convinced_the
and, https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/5/how_big_wireless_war_gamed_the
NPR (Hertsgaard with Devra Davis) http://www.stopsmartmetersbc.com/2018-05-22-a-great-interview-on-npr-public-radio-with-devra-davis-and-mark-hertsgaard-author-of-the-nation-article/
and, http://kalw.org/post/nation-investigates-how-big-wireless-made-us-think-cell-phones-are-safe#stream/0
Your Own Health and Fitness https://kpfa.org/program/your-own-health-and-fitness/
Writer’s Voice https://www.writersvoice.net/2018/04/mark-hertsgaard-philip-schultz/ (Interview starts about 32:00)
Rising Up With Sonali https://vimeo.com/262876549?1&ref=fb-share
INTERNATIONAL EMF SCIENTIST APPEAL
Scientists call for Protection from Non-ionizing Electromagnetic Field Exposure
“We are scientists engaged in the study of biological and health effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF). Based upon peer-reviewed, published research, we have serious concerns regarding the ubiquitous and increasing exposure to EMF generated by electric and wireless devices.”
https://www.emfscientist.org/index.php/emf-scientist-appeal
5G APPEAL
“We the undersigned, more than 180 scientists and doctors from 35 countries, recommend a moratorium
on the roll-out of the fifth generation, 5G, for telecommunication until potential hazards for human
health and the environment have been fully investigated by scientists independent from industry.”
http://www.5gappeal.eu/scientists-and-doctors-warn-of-potential-serious-health-effects-of-5g/
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF DOCTORS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Appeal for a standstill on 5G “experimantations” based on the precautionary principle.
“We believe it should be unethical to ignore the available evidence waiting a possible ‘a posteriori’ demonstration of health damages in the presence of a present and potentially manageable risk for public health.
http://www.isde.org/5G_appeal.pdf
5G FACT SHEETS COURTESY OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TRUST
(Four versions)
1. USA in color with hyperlinks
https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/5G_What-You-Need-to-Know_V4-1.pdf
2. USA in black and white for printing
https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/5G_What-You-Need-to-Know_BW-1.pdf
3. International in color with hyperlinks
https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/5G_What-You-Need-to-Know_International-2.pdf
4. International in black and white for printing
https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/5G_What-You-Need-to-Know_International_BW.pdf
SMALL CELLS, MINI CELL TOWERS, WIRELESS FACILITIES AND HEALTH: LETTERS FROM SCIENTISTS ON THE HEALTH RISK OF 5G
List of letters from scientists, doctors and public health experts sent to government officials regarding the issue of streamlining small cells in neighborhoods. In these letters scientists share the research supporting their opinion that wireless exposure to the public should be minimized and the deployment of small cell antennas into neighborhoods should be halted.
https://ehtrust.org/small-cells-mini-cell-towers-health-letters-scientists-health-risk-5g/
https://whatis5g.info/infrastructure/2017/08/letters-opposing-sb-649-and-small-cells/
CELL TOWERS HEALTH EFFECTS
Joel Moskowitz Ph.D.
April 30th, 2018
“Federal regulations protect the public only from the thermal (i.e., heating) risk due to short-term exposure to high intensity, cell tower radiation. The Federal regulations ignore the hundreds of studies that find harmful bio-effects from long-term exposure to non-thermal levels of cell phone radiation.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 does not allow communities to stop the siting of cell towers for health reasons. Nevertheless, landlords may be liable for any harm caused by cell phone radiation emitted by towers situated on their property.
Localities need to organize and change the Federal law to protect public health and wildlife from exposure to microwave radiation emitted by mobile phone base stations.
Following are some resources regarding the health effects of exposure to cell tower radiation. I will occasionally update this page.”
https://www.saferemr.com/2015/04/cell-tower-health-effects.html
MILLIMETER WAVE FREQUENCY STUDIES AND REVIEWS
Many thanks to Environmental Health Trust for this compendium of studies and reviews.
https://whatis5g.info/health/2017/09/millimeter-wave-frequency-studies-and-reviews/
For more info please see https://ehtrust.org/key-issues/cell-phoneswireless/5g-networks-iot-scientific-overview-human-health-risks/
SUPERB LETTER FROM EMF SAFETY TO SEBASTOPOL PLANNING COMMISSION
May 29th, 2018
A few days after this letter was sent, Verizon withdrew their application for these cell towers in Sebastopol.
This letter is filled with great information and links on health, environment and other issues surrounding deployment of so-called “small cells.”
http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Letter-to-Seb-Verizon-5G.pdf
CITY’S LIABILITY WITH PROW-MOUNTED CELLULAR ANTENNAS
Eric Sirotkin | October 10th, 2017
http://www.electronicsilentspring.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Eric-Sirotkin-Letter-to-SF.pdf
INFORMED CONSENT AGREEMENT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SMALL CELL TOWERS IN YOUR RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY
Ronald M. Powell Ph.D. | Nov. 2017
MY STREET, MY CHOICE!
Website that contains great information and links to help residents fight the unconstitutional onslaught of 4G/5G so-called “Small Cell” cell phone towers being installed in residential zones. Though intended for communities in California, these same resources and strategies can be used in other states with some adaptation. The message is…with creativity and perseverance, we still may be able to stop these things.
IMPORTANT LETTER TO ZONING COMMITTEE ON THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT PUBLIC RIGHTS AND NOT HIDE BEHIND FEDERAL LAWS THAT CAN HARM US
Letter by Dr. Ronald N. Kostoff written to the Montgomery County Zoning Committee. Dr. Kostoff strongly admonishes the County to protect public rights even when these are in conflict with Federal law – in this case, with Section 704 of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. The arguments presented in this letter are compelling and should be brought before every public official making decisions relating to the deployment of 4G/5G “small” cells.
PROTECTING THE MARYLAND PUBLIC FROM HARM BY WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY
Ronald M. Powell Ph.D.
Dr. Powell urges Maryland State Legislators to protect the health of the people of Maryland from the onslaught of wireless radiation.
https://whatis5g.info/5g/2018/01/protecting-maryland-public-harm-wireless-technology/
LETTER TO CONGRESS FROM HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND JUSTICE ADVOCATES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Letter urging the United States senators and representatives to oppose any and all bills related to 5g and wireless radiation expansion.
http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Letter-to-Congress-2017-1.pdf
CELL PHONE TOWERS LOWER PROPERTY VALUES:
Documentation And Research on Cellular Base Stations Near Homes
Environmental Health Trust
https://ehtrust.org/cell-phone-towers-lower-property-values-documentation-research/
SETTING A PRECEDENT:
Telkom can’t just build cellphone masts anywhere it wants, the high court says, in a victory for municipalities
Phillip De Wet | Business Insider South Africa
“Even though telecommunications regulation is exclusively the business of national government, the court said, zoning land is exclusively the domain of municipalities. And so Cape Town has “the constitutional power and right to regulate the zoning of land to determine whether it may be used for masts”.
MESSAGE FROM EMF SAFETY NETWORK ABOUT THE LETTER IN THE ENTRY DIRECTLY ABOVE
For full post please go to http://emfsafetynetwork.org and scroll down to where it says,
Take Action to Oppose 5g and Federal Wireless Expansion.
We need your help!
The letter below to Congress Members was signed by dozens of health, environment and justice advocates and organizations, asking that they oppose the many federal bills related to 5G and wireless radiation expansion. It is packed with peer-reviewed science references and solid reasons to oppose 5g.
Please contact your own US Senators and Representative to let them know you support the letter. This is really important because they place more value on hearing from their constituents.
This link is a simple and painless way to write your federal elected representatives.
https://democracy.io/#!/
For a SAMPLE EMAIL please go to the original post at http://emfsafetynetwork.org and scroll down.
Link to Letter to Congress from health, environment, and justice advocates and organizations urging the United States senators and representatives to oppose any and all bills related to 5g and wireless radiation expansion. http://emfsafetynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Letter-to-Congress-2017-1.pdf
FLYER FOR OPPOSING STATE BILLS
Please feel free to use as is, copy sections, or adapt as needed. No attribution necessary.
https://whatis5g.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Flyer-March-15th-.pdf
SUMMARY DOCUMENT OF SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WITH STATE BILLS
Can be used in crafting comments, educating legislators or for public outreach
https://whatis5g.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DISCUSSION-NOTES-FOR-SB-1188-AND-1767.pdf
WIRELESS RADIATION AND HEALTH: THE CASE FOR THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE
Dariusz Leszczynski, Ph.D. DSC
Slide show presentation on health effects from wireless:
Conclusions:
Current science justifies the implementation of the Precautionary Principle for the 3G and 4G technologies Limiting unnecessary exposures is achievable with 3G and 4G technologies Limiting unnecessary exposures with 5G will be impossible Safety limits for radiation exposure will be of paramount importance in 5G because the avoidance of exposures will be impossible The need of research is very urgent because of the rapidly ongoing deployment of 5G technology and lack of knowledge about effects of the mm-waves Delay in the massive deployment of the 5G is advisable, to gather the appropriate science https://betweenrockandhardplace.wordpress.com/2018/05/23/leszczynski-presentations-in-australia-may-2018/
WHAT 5G MEANS FOR INDUSTRY AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE REST OF US
Handout for legislators or others explaining why 5G is a win/win for industry and a lose/lose for the rest of us.
https://whatis5g.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mondays-handout-revised.pdf
RESOURCES FOR STATES FACING ALEC COOKIE-CUTTER 5G BILLS
Each state should not have to “reinvent the wheel”. This link includes letters, documents, fact sheets, flyers etc. that can be used as is, or adapted to fit your state.
https://whatis5g.info/5g/2018/03/resources-for-states-facing-alec-cookie-cutter-5g-bills/
FORMATTED EMAIL ON THE HEALTH IMPACTS OF WIRELESS
Email letter ready to be used to educate policy makers and others about the health impacts of wireless radiation, focusing particularly on cell towers and 5G (millimeter wave) frequencies. Two versions: PDF and WORD. Please feel free to adapt as needed to your circumstance.
https://whatis5g.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FORMATTED-EMAIL-ON-HEALTH-IMPACTS-OF-EMFs-1.pdf
https://whatis5g.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FORMATTED-EMAIL-ON-HEALTH-IMPACTS-OF-EMFs-1.docx
CELL TOWER AND SMALL CELL LAW: A REGULATORY AND TRANSACTIONAL PRIMER
BBKLaw | Oct. 11th, 2017
Discussion of legal parameters of what communities can do when faced with both the FCC’s ongoing expunging of regulations on small cell siting and potentially state legislation preempting local zoning rights. “This seminar discusses what localities should be doing now to protect their interests — at the local, regional, state and federal levels.” (Please note that this seminar was recorded before both SB 649 was vetoed and when the FCC’s efforts to “accelerate broadband deployment” were still in process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=cs7V-tBNJ0Y
5G AND THE IOT: SCIENTIFIC OVERVIEW OF HUMAN HEALTH RISKS
Environmental Health Trust
“Published peer reviewed science already indicates that the current wireless technologies of 2G, 3G and 4G – in use today with our cell phones, computers and wearable tech – creates radiofrequency exposures which poses a serious health risk to humans, animals and the environment. Scientists are cautioning that before rolling out 5G, research on human health effects urgently needs to be done first to ensure the public and environment are protected.”
CHAIN OF LETTERS, APPEALS, SCIENCE, AND POLICIES RE 5G SMALL CELLS
67 pages including a 21 page bibliography!
5G WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY: IS 5G HARMFUL TO OUR HEALTH?
By Joel Moskowitz Ph.D.
MESSAGE AND COMMENTS BY RONALD N. KOSTOFF ON MARYLAND’S 5G BILL
“These Bills would convert an intrinsically local issue into a state issue. Most of all, they would be a major contributing factor to the onset of myriad serious diseases.”
RADIOFREQUENCY RADIATION (RFR) AS A PROMOTER/ENABLER OF ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
By Dr. Ronald N. Kostoff April 2018
Dr. Kostoff (Ph.D.) discusses the synergistic effects of radio frequency/microwave radiation in conjunction with other toxic environmental stresses.
https://whatis5g.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BBB_DISRUPT_EMF.pdf
HOW MANY 5G CELL TOWERS ARE COMING TO OUR COMMUNITIES? VERIZON DISCLOSES THE HUGE NUMBERS
Blog post by Nina Beety
Jan. 2018
Taking Verizon’s stated figures, Nina Beety calculates just how many cell towers we can expect in California and elsewhere,
OUTDATED FCC “SAFETY” STANDARDS
Environmental Health Trust
May prove useful in educating your community and elected reps about RF harms.
“Fact: There Are No Safety Standards
Currently there are no national or international “standards” for safe levels of the radiation emitted by wireless or microwave devices. Instead, the US government adopted “guidelines” developed by industry based on decades old research. Guidelines have a much lower certainty than a “standard” as proper long term safety testing was not done to ensure the public was protected from all possible harm.”
https://ehtrust.org/policy/fcc-safety-standards/
HOST A SCREENING OF GENERATION ZAPPED
GENERATION ZAPPED investigates the potential dangers of prolonged exposure to Radio Frequencies (RF) from wireless technology; it’s effects on our health and well-being, as well as the health and development of our children. From its links to breast and brain cancer, to its associations with increased infertility and genetic mutations related to autism and ADHD, to newly developed illnesses, such as Electrical Hyper-Sensitivity (EHS).
SAMPLE LETTER TO LEGISLATORS
The following sample letter was adapted from a letter provided in the Gaithersburg Press Release, Public Hearing on Wireless Facilities Bill Eliminating Public Input and Superseding Local Government Rights to be held March 20 in Annapolis. Please adapt it to your own state and particular “concerns”, such as health, privacy, safety, capped rates, lowered property values, impacts on wildlife, aesthetics, historic preservation, effects on our brains and humanity from a tech-infested future dictated primarily by industry profits, you prefer fiber which is safe, fast, reliable, far more cyber secure and energy efficient than wireless, we’ve already paid for fiber that was never delivered so shouldn’t have to subsidize this needless wireless build-out, or another reason. There is something with “small” cell legislation to “tick off” everyone.
WORD version: whatis5g.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Sample-letter-for-voicing-opposition-to-SB-1188-and-HB-1767.docx
PDF version: https://whatis5g.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Sample-letter-for-voicing-opposition-to-SB-1188-and-HB-1767.pdf
5G WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY: MAJOR NEWSPAPER EDITORIALS OPPOSE “SMALL CELL” ANTENNA BILLS
Joel M. Moskowitz PhD, from Electromagnetic Safety, assembled a list of editorials that oppose forcing small cells on communities.
http://www.saferemr.com/2017/07/major-newspaper-editorials-oppose-5g.html
SO-CALLED “SMALL CELL” CELL PHONE TOWERS IN SANTA ROSA (72-720, OR MORE)
Girl standing next to “small” wireless facility…before the “small” cell has even been added to pole.
Wireless Small Cell Facility may include a refrigerator-sized power supply box that houses equipment such as nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries, computers, and noisy cooling fans. Further up the pole are boxes for a wireless smart meter, a radio base station, and 3 Remote Radio Units. One or more “small cell” antennas, measuring 3-6 cubic feet, will be mounted atop the pole and complete the eyesore (“small” cell not seen in image).
Note added on June 8th, 2018: After much public opposition, Verizon has decided to make the refrigerator-sized battery back-up boxes optional,
http://scientists4wiredtech.com/santa-rosa/
WHAT THE TELECOM INDUSTRY DOESN’T TELL YOU…BUT DOES TELL ITS INVESTORS
Slide collection assembled by the Environmental Health Trust. Internal statements to stakeholders warning of the possibility of future litigation from health effects caused by their technology. Companies include VERIZON, AT&T, Vodaphone, Crown Castle and many more.
https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Telecom-10-K-Liability-and-Insurance-Companies-Slides-EHT-6-2016.pdf
CELL TOWERS & ANTENNAS—HOW CLOSE IS TOO CLOSE?
Feb.5th, 2017. Manhattan Neighbors for Safer Telecommunications. Compilation of studies, reports, and reviews on health effects from cell towers.
“Explore what the science is telling us about electrosensitivity and cancer risks near antennas…and choose where you live carefully. The brief snapshot of studies below will give you a starting point.”
http://manhattanneighbors.org/cell-towers-and-antennas-have-health-and-cancer-risks-how-close-is-too-close/
SMALL CELLS & A WIRELESS WORLD, THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE – By Oona McOuat
An Electronic Document Submitted to the Salt Spring Local Island Trust, Mar. 12, 2017. This is a wonderful presentation by Oona McOuat, on 5G and EMFs. It was written to the city of Salt Spring, BC to assist them in making informed decisions around 5G build-out. It can be used as is, or modified as needed by other communities. Document can be found here.
For a quick, accessible introduction to small cells, wireless, and wildlife, please also check out Cellular Deception, a music video by Oona McQuat.
TWO PIECES BY OMAR MASRY FORMER SAN FRANCISCO CITY PLANNER/SENIOR ANALYST
SB 649 CHALLENGES | LEGISLATIVE PITFALLS April 5th, 2017
This article provides excellent material when up against government officials who don’t like to hear about the health or environmental effects of wireless radiation. Click HERE.
10 KEY ISSUES FOR CALIFORNIA CITIES & COUNTIES ON THE CHALLENGES OF SMALL CELLS & “NOT SO SMALL CELLS” The Medium.
This article is replete with problems from “small cells” beyond health. A must-read for municipalities grappling with ways to oppose 5g infrastructure.
https://medium.com/@omarmasry/10-key-issues-for-california-cities-counties-on-the-challenges-of-small-cells-not-so-small-c9e966f257a
WALL OF SHAME – GALLERY OF PHOTOS OF 5G “SMALL CELLS”
https://whatis5g.info/photo-gallery-of-small-cells/
HOW MANY PIZZA BOXES REPRESENT THE VOLUME OF ONE DAS ANTENNA?
Tired of industry lies about the small cells being no larger than a small pizza box, this blogger went to Domino”s Pizzaria and took measurements.The numbers do not lie. Cannot say the same for the Wireless companies, the CTIA, and their lobbyists.
For more video clips on actions people are taking around the country, please hold your cursor over the Take Action tab at the top of this page, and then click on “Video Clips of Communities Taking Action.”