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Greens want cellphone tower review

25/11/2009 7:28:01

The Greens want an independent review of cellphone towers.

A select committee report has recommended the Government review the New Zealand standard for radio frequency fields to ensure it is in line with the world's best practice.

Green MP Sue Kedgley says there are risks associated with low-level exposure to electromagnetic radiation and she wants a review of the standard which allows cell towers to be erected without consulting the community.

The Greens say recent international research shows electromagnetic radiation can affect people's health and increase the risk of brain tumours. It says adverse health effects can happen at levels of exposure that are thousands of times below the current safety limit.

Ms Kedgley believes the Government should play it safe and stop allowing cell towers, antennas and masts to go up next to homes, schools and playcentres

"People's health should come first. Telecommunications companies must also be required to consult with the people affected before they put up towers or transmitters in their communities."

Recently, Rowan Hegley, a resident of Bucklands Beach in Auckland, parked vehicles in front of a power pole outside his home in order to stop the new telco company 2degrees from erecting a cellphone tower on it.

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