Moms Host Information Seminar Addressing 5G Wireless Cancer Risks

CHICAGO -- A group of concerned Chicago mothers who find themselves in the unlikely position of being wireless safety advocates are hosting a free information seminar about the imminent roll out of 5G technology in the Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Experts from the Teton Village, WY-based Environmental Health Trust (EHT) will address the potential environmental health risks of fifth generation wireless technology. The seminar will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park.

5G is the fifth generation of mobile wireless systems that will enable digital networks to download data at lightning fast speeds. EHT maintains that fifth generation wireless will not only utilize existing 3G and 4G wireless frequencies, but also add higher frequency — submillimeter and millimeter waves — in order to transmit data at super fast speeds. Consumers can anticipate home internet and smartphones becoming much faster. 5G technology also lays the groundwork for “Internet of Things” networks and robotics, such as self-driving cars.

Scientists worldwide are calling for a moratorium on the roll out of 5G telecommunications until potential hazards for human health and the environment are fully investigated by scientists independent of industry. EHT maintains that peer-reviewed published science has determined that cumulative daily radiation, such as that emitted by wireless devices, can increase cancer risk, alter brain development and damage sperm. Scientists estimate that the potential of electromagnetic radiation from the billions of 5G-connected devices poses serious public health risks.

To power 5G wireless, wireless companies must install more equipment with 5G than they did with previous generations of wireless. This includes new base stations and antennas on parking garages, or utility poles that will fill the gaps for cellular coverage, resulting in millions of small cell wireless transmitters emitting non-ionizing radiation across the United States. According to EHT, communities are being stripped of their right to make decisions about this new technology through the elimination of public notice and public hearings.

Wireless carriers and their lobbyists maintain that the amounts of radiation emitted by 5G wireless are negligible. Their critics compare such claims to tobacco companies and doctors stating that smoking did not cause lung cancer or other smoking-related diseases in the 1950s.

The information seminar is hosted by Stop 5G Chicago, a group of concerned Chicago residents that endeavor to “stop 5G radiation in our communities.” Alarmed by the frequent occurrence of certain cancers, particularly rare pediatric cancers in Chicago’s 19th Ward as well as nearby suburbs, concerned mothers from Beverly and Mount Greenwood neighborhoods have mounted a campaign to educate area residents of the potential public health risks of radiation generated from cellular towers.

“I’m running a cancer awareness committee,” said Janesa Cannon, a Mount Greenwood resident and member of Stop 5G Chicago. “I’m talking to families with multiple members with the same type of cancer. You have to ask yourself, ‘is it really lifestyle or environmental?’”

Stop 5G Chicago wants the Chicago City Council to pass an ordinance that would prohibit 5G transmitters from being placed near schools and residential areas. Wireless carrier Sprint is already in the process of installing 5G infrastructure in downtown Chicago.

The wireless safety advocates also want the Illinois General Assembly to repeal SB1451, the Small Wireless Facilities Act, which went into effect June 1, 2018. The bill prohibits municipalities with control over rights-of-way from regulating where small wireless facilities can place base stations and antennas in communities. Sen. Bill Cunningham (18th District) and Rep. Kelly Burke (36th District) were among the bill’s sponsors in the state legislature.

Members of the grassroots group have been going door to door gathering neighbors’ signatures on a petition. Stop 5G Chicago’s Facebook page also shares resources on how residents can take political action, hold elected officials accountable and regain their legal rights.

The information seminar will feature keynote speakers from the Environmental Health Trust, a think tank that promotes a healthier environment through research, education and policy. Following the presentations, the scientists will take questions from the audience. RSVP at chicago@gmail.com, however walk-ins and children are welcome at this family-friendly event.