Petition for a moratorium of small cell installations in the Town of Sheffield, MA

We the undersigned, recommend a moratorium on the roll-out of the fifth generation 5G in the Town of Sheffield, MA, until potential hazards for human health and the environment have been fully investigated by scientists independent from industry.

Our concerns regarding small cell installations:

•Small cell wave antennae, although they can be more discreet visually, are biologically harmful. The FCC which regulates safety levels, has not tested these frequency levels thoroughly. Their safety limits only pertain to what was tested in 1996 and has not been updated since.

•International scientists ² and recent research speak of harm from millimeter waves (5G). Thus, Sheffield will benefit if the Town By-laws preclude any implementation until the FCC properly updates their safety regulations to include millimeter waves.

>5G will substantially increase exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on top of the 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, etc. for telecommunications already in place. RF-EMF has been proven to be harmful for humans, the environment and pollinators.³

•In 47 USC § 324 ⁽¹⁾ states that all radio stations (of which wireless towers are) shall use the “minimum amount of power necessary to carry out the communication desired”. The MINIMUM frequency and no more is all that is needed for proper wireless communication. Higher levels have always been considered more dangerous and facilities need to be tested periodically to be sure the FCC levels are maintained.

•The 1996 Telecom Act  § 107 does not preclude Sheffield from regulating the ordinance relating to telecom ⁴, be they health, environment or otherwise. For now, we the undersigned wish to keep Sheffield Safe by having a moratorium on the rollout of 5G in Sheffield.

¹ In all circumstances, except in case of radio communications or signals relating to vessels in distress, all radio stations, including those owned and operated by the United States, shall use the minimum amount of power necessary to carry out the communication desired. (June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title III, § 324, 48 Stat. 1091.)

² EU Appeal to Halt 5G Implementation 5G Appeal – 5G Appeal Scientist 5G appeal call for 5G roll out moratorium

³ Rev Environ Health 2022; 37(2): 247–258; Martin L. Pall* Millimeter (MM) wave and microwave frequency radiation produce deeply penetrating effects: the biology and the physics

⁴ The operations of Wireless Telecom facilities was never preempted from local zoning authority – by virtue of the fact that final version of Telecommunications Act of 1996 § 107, the words ‘operate’ and ‘operations’ were removed…meaning local municipalities DO have a say on issues such operations in general and those that affect health!

SNAPSHOT OF THE PROBLEM

5G AFFECTS POLLINATORS NEGATIVELY

5G STUNTS TREES

5G IS BIOLOGICALLY TOXIC TO HUMANS

5G STUNTS CROPS

5G IMPAIRS BIRDS NAVIGATION CAPABILITY

5G VISUALLY IMPACTS SCENIC TOWNS

“Numerous recent scientific publications have shown that EMF affects living organisms at levels well below most international and national guidelines”. Effects include increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damages, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general well-being in humans. Damage goes well beyond the human race, as there is growing evidence of harmful effects to both plants and animals.”–As of September 9 2022, 424 scientists and medical doctors have signed the 5G Appeal and are urgently calling for the EU to halt the roll out of 5G due to serious potential health effects from this new technology. 

“There are no studies that show that this technology and the increasing and common exposure to 5G and 4G base stations at levels allowed by the government is safe. On the contrary, studies have repeatedly and convincingly showed increased risk of the microwave syndrome and cancer, at levels that are far below the levels that the government and the telecom companies falsely claim are safe.” -Mona Nilsson, managing director of the Swedish Radiation Protection Foundation

August, 2021: The U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit court: the FCC failed to provide a reasoned explanation for its determination that its current guidelines adequately protect against harmful effects of exposure to radiofrequency radiation.

Over 600 cities in Italy have passed resolutions to halt 5G, as have cities throughout Europe, such as Trafford, United Kingdom, Lille, France, Ormidia, Cyprus, Balchik, Bulgaria. Hawaii County, Easton Connecticut, Keene New Hampshire and Farragut Tennessee have passed resolutions to halt 5G in the US with many more passing legislation to restrict 5G rollout. Other communities that have passed ordinances to restrict cell antennas near homes and schools include numerous cities in California such as Petaluma, Mill Valley, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Encinitas, Fairfax, Palo Alto, Walnut City and San Diego County as well as  Bedford New Hampshire, Mason Ohio and more. Locally Lenox and Pittsfield, MA are addressing radiation concerns from RF towers.

According to Verizon, 5G Ultra Wideband network’s signal can reach up to 1,500 feet without obstructions. This means a pole every 1500’ if no buildings or trees are in between. If obstructions limit the signal more poles closer together will be erected affecting the beauty of the landscape, its draw for tourism and more toxic radiation frequency coverage.