Official October 4, 2004 IAFF Press Release is found
at the end of this message.
Here's the link where you'll find the IAFF (International Association of
Fire Fighters) resolution calling for the study of fire fighters
exposed to radio frequency radiation from cell towers/mast
which was passed in Boston on August 17, 2004 by about
75% of those voting. It is Resolution #15. It is found on
pages 21-23.
http://www.emrpolicy.org/news/press/index.htm
The key rationale for supporting this study as stated in the
Resolution:
WHEREAS,
many firefighters who are living with cell towers on or adjacent to their
stations
are paying a substantial price in terms of physical and mental
health. As
first
responders and protectors of the general public, it is crucial that
firefighters are
functioning
at optimal cognitive and physical capacity at all times.
Click
here for
This link gives the record of all the Resolutions that were acted on at the IAFF Convention on August 17, 2004.
http://daily.iaff.org/convention/081704Reso.aspx
For further information contact:
Kristin Craine
Public Relations
International Association of Fire Fighters
1750 New York Ave., NW as amended
Washington, DC 20006
202-824-1590
kcraine@iaff.org
http://daily.iaff.org/100704safe.htm
IAFF Addresses Health and Safety Issues
October 6, 2004 - The IAFF is investigating funding for a study on the health effects of radio frequency exposure from cell towers sited on fire department properties.
The U.S. and Canadian study would characterize exposures from radio frequency radiation in firehouses with and without cellular antennae, and examine the health status of the fire fighters as a function of their assignment in exposed or unexposed firehouses. Specifically, there is concern for the effects of radio frequency radiation on the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system, as well as other metabolic effects observed in preliminary studies.
It is the general belief of international governments and of wireless telecommunications industry that no consistent increases in health risk exist from exposure to radio frequency radiation. However, it’s important to note that these positions are based on non-continuous exposures to the general public to low intensity radio frequency fields emitted from wireless telecommunications base stations. Furthermore, most studies on this subject are at least five years old and generally look at the safety of the phone itself. IAFF members are concerned about the effects of living directly under these stations for a considerable stationary period of time and on a daily basis.
The IAFF is currently working to mandate such a study by including earmarked funds in any FDA or FCC appropriations bill, as well as within other legislation that addresses the 800 MHz issue and radio interoperability.
In addition, the IAFF is including a full moratorium on any cell tower on fire department property until such a definitive study is conducted.
Janet Newton, President
The EMR Policy Institute, P.O. Box 117, Marshfield VT 05658
Tel: (802) 426-3035 FAX: (802) 426-3030
Web Site: www.emrpolicy.org