Editor;
TELUS would like to respond to Linda Louise’s letter of October 27.
Over the past five years there have been 128 motor vehicle accidents along Highway 6 between Playmor Junction and Nakusp of which 62 resulted in injuries or deaths. Improving cell phone coverage along the highway won’t eliminate accidents but it will enable motorists to more quickly call for help when they need it most, which could help save lives.
Please allow me to offer a quote directly from the World Health Organization (WHO) website on the subject of health effects of exposure to low power electromagnetic fields such as those used by cell phone towers:
“In the area of biological effects and medical applications of non-ionizing radiation approximately 25,000 articles have been published over the past 30 years. Despite the feeling of some people that more research needs to be done, scientific knowledge in this area is now more extensive than for most chemicals. Based on a recent in-depth review of the scientific literature, the WHO concluded that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields,” World Health Organization.
The radio frequency signals from cell towers are similar to those in use for many decades in televisions, radios and other household devices. Health Canada and B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer also affirm that the low-power signals from cell phone towers pose no known health risks.
TELUS’ proposed cell towers along Highway 6 will fully comply with Health Canada’s Safety Code 6, which is required by law. Safety Code 6 is one of the most stringent safety standards in the world and is very similar to the ICNIRP standards used throughout most of Europe.
We understand how important wireless service is to the local economy, public safety and preserving property values so we are working hard to ensure wireless service coverage and capacity are there when needed.
Jim Johannsson
TELUS Director, Public Consultation – Wireless Networks