Need Research & Conversation about Distributed Antennae Systems

Tonight, I would like to discuss my concerns regarding the installation of distributed antenna systems around our town. I was disappointed to learn that when a I was told that a current Scarsdale resident communicated with Mayor Hochvert to express her concerns associated with the biological safety of this wireless technology, the Mayor responded to her concerns saying that this technology is safer than cell phones. As a researcher of wireless radiation, I beg to differ, the Chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Yale University, Dr. Hugh Taylor, also begs to differ, and dozens upon dozens of independently funded, peer-reviewed scientific publications, also beg to differ.

Wireless technologies are proliferating rapidly in every aspect of our lives, and while they may be convenient, emerging research suggests that they are also impacting our health, even at levels far below FCC standards. Small, but powerful transmitters used to facilitate two-way communication, such as distributed antenna systems (DAS), increase our exposure to wireless radiation, also known as “microwave radiation” or “radiofrequency (RF) radiation.

Research (NOT funded by the wireless industry) has demonstrated a myriad of adverse biological effects from wireless radiation including reproductive dysfunction, single- and double-stranded DNA breaks, immune dysfunction, stress protein synthesis in the brain, altered brain development, sleep disturbances, memory disturbances, and increased brain tumors. In 2011, wireless radiation was classified as a Group 2B carcinogen by the World Health Organization.

The amount of radiation received from wireless devices and transmitters depends on proximity and duration of exposure. Children, the elderly, people with implanted medical devices and women who are pregnant are particularly at risk. Thus, the installation of DAS antennas around our town would substantially increase collective chronic, low level exposure to wireless radiation, even among our most vulnerable. Further, property values of those residences located next to or near DAS antennas will undoubtedly plummet as more people become aware of the dangers associated with wireless exposure in coming years.

I urge this administration to carefully consider the aforementioned information if and when this technology is deployed. A local law must be enacted to define DAS minimum distance installation requirements near residences and schools. Let’s be proactive about this and operate via the precautionary principle. It’s not complicated—be smart and protect the health of our community.

Zoe Berg is a recent graduate from Barnard College and a Fox Meadow resident.