Is a Cellular Antenna at a School Safe?
The cellular telephone may be a status symbol for freeway-bound Angelenos, but some neighbors of Patrick Henry Middle School in Granada Hills would rather do without a proposed cell-phone antenna on the school grounds.
The safety of cellular phones has been an issue since 1992 when the first lawsuit was filed alleging that the hand-held device was the cause of brain cancer. But no case has gone to trial yet. In the meantime, scientific experts are taking a closer look at the electromagnetic waves generated by cell phones that have been thought to be too weak to affect human cells and cause cancer.
While the cellular industry maintains that no scientific evidence has proven there is a health hazard, others in the scientific community maintain that not enough is known.
Is it safe to build cellular antennas on school property?
Julie Korenstein, board member, Los Angeles Unified School District:
“Unfortunately, I do not have the scientific background to tell you whether it is. But I’m always more on the skeptical side when it comes to any health issue, and would rather err on the side of caution. I just always prefer making a decision about a particular issue to wait until all the information is in.”
Arline Kaltenbach, neighbor:
“My bottom line is that I am terribly concerned. . . . I am not willing to gamble with the children. We cannot take a chance. . . . Out of 5 million places that we can locate a cellular antenna, why on earth pick a school ground? . . . It’s too much too soon. We don’t know enough yet.”
Jerrold Bushberg, professor of radiation biology at UC Davis and a consultant with L.A. Cellular as well as school districts and other community groups:
“The answer is ‘Yes,’ provided the exposure meets the safety guidelines established by the American National Standards Institute and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement. They both have the same recommendations for use by cell phones. The standard is 50 times below the level that is thought to be dangerous to the public, 580 microwatts per centimeter. The typical exposure at a school site would not be 580, but one [microwatt per centimeter]. You are looking at levels approximately 30,000 times safer [than the danger level].”
Jeff Fox, a Patrick Henry Middle School parent:
“It does appear by all standards to be completely safe. This is not a new technology. This is a technology that is many years old. . . . It’s just as safe because it’s no more a concern . . . than a television or microwave oven or even a radio.”
Steve Crosby, director of external affairs, L.A. Cellular:
“You’ve already got electronic equipment on schools. You already have telecommunications equipment and emergency equipment on schools, and in hospitals, too. And, the amount of power used is very minimal compared with some of the other uses out there right now. . . . Keep in mind that we site ourselves according to the need. There are areas that are getting very thin coverage. . . . It’s our duty because so many people rely on us, and and we want to make sure we serve our customers appropriately.”
