Letters-to-the-Editor & Commentary

Letters – Health Issues Must Be Considered with Cell Towers

Published 6 years ago6y ago • Bookmarks: 108

November 1, 2018

To the Editor:

I read with interest your article in the October issue about the MTA cell tower that has been erected in Tarrytown. In addition to the safety and aesthetic issues cited by opponents of that particular tower, there are even more important health issues to consider for this tower and the one being considered off Route 117 by the Town of Mount Pleasant

As a physician, I have followed the growing literature on health impacts of cell phones and cell towers for over two decades. In short, emerging research suggests that low level exposure to microwave radiation is capable of causing DNA damage, increasing the risk of certain cancers and learning and memory deficits. Children are more vulnerable to these effects.

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On September 25, 2018, I submitted written comments to the Mt. Pleasant Town Supervisor on the health impacts of placing a cell tower on its proposed location off Route 117. The alternate location I proposed is land owned by Westchester County that is currently used only for parking for the North Country Trail. It is located just off 117 about 100 yards from proposed tower but on the opposite side of the road. There are no nearby residents, so no health impacts would result.

In an October 17 call with Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor Fulgenzi, I was told that the cell tower could not be placed on my alternate location as it was parkland and would also be a less optimal location to solve the dead zone problem for fire and police.

These issues require further research and validation of assertions.

Lucy R. Waletzky MD

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