Phone mast fear (From Times Series)

Phone mast fear

10:10am Saturday 19th May 2007

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FEARS that mobile phone masts can cause cancer and other health problems have been supported by new research, St Albans MP Anne Main has warned.

Since 2001, councils have not been allowed to reject planning applications for masts on health grounds, provided the radiation is within international safety guidelines.

But Mrs Main has asked the Government to change the rules, highlighting recent studies showing high levels of cancer, brain haemorrhages and high blood pressure for people living within of 400 yards of a mast.

She said: "Residents do have genuine health concerns about mast location and communities should have a greater say over where we place these masts.

"Put simply, we do not know for certain exactly how safe phone masts are.

"We all accept the need for mobile phones, but common sense indicates we should err on the side of caution, particularly with regards to people's health.

"We should always seek to locate masts in the least sensitive areas and vigorously encourage mast sharing.

"The minister has responded positively to my request to look into the matter."

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