UAE | Health

Health scare over mobile phone masts

Residents living near mobile phone transmission masts have voiced their concerns over the possible health risks because of the proximity of their homes to the base stations.

  • By Wafa Issa, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:15 August 9, 2007
  • Gulf News

  • Cell phone masts in residential areas, like this one near Safa Park, have generated a scare over possible radiation and health hazards.
  • Image Credit: Vazhisojan/Gulf News

Dubai: Residents living near mobile phone transmission masts have voiced their concerns over the possible health risks because of the proximity of their homes to the base stations.

There is an ongoing debate on the effect of masts if placed in residential communities, and opinion is divided.

Assaheh Asvedi, an Iranian housewife who lives across the street of a mast in Jumeirah, says health risks have always been a worry since the mast was erected three years ago.

"I am always worried that my family's health is being affected by the radiations, but the real problem is that we do not really know if there is a real risk or not," she said. "Now there is a school being built."

Ahmad, a UAE national student who also lives near a mast in Jumeirah, says he is worried as he keeps hearing more theories about the dangerous radiations.

"I think the authorities should conduct serious investigations on the risks of the raditaions and their effect on people. We have the right to know what effects these towers have on the community," he said. "But to be fair, I have been living near a mast for three years, and I have not had any related health issues."

An Indian marketing executive says he is convinced that there is a direct link between a mobile mast and cancer. "The problem is that mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives and we just cannot let go them it," he said.

However, Kelvin, a British accountant who lives 20 metres away from a mobile mast, said: "If I do not mind using the mobile phone more than 20 times a day then I am sure that the radiations ... should not be a problem."

Have your say
Do you know anybody who has the same problem? What action did they take? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or by using the comments form below.


Your comments


And soon people will start realising the effects of wireless networks! Schools in the UK have started removing wireless networks because of the effects on young children.
Stuart
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 10, 2007, 11:56

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