Rye's School Board halted Verizon's plan for a new cell tower close to an elementary school, prioritizing children's health over enhanced cellular service.
Ian Lenahan reports for Portsmouth Herald.
In short:
- The Rye School Board unanimously rejected Verizon's proposal for a 131-foot cell tower on school district land, near Rye Elementary School.
- Concerns were raised about the potential health risks to children, despite the lack of formal proposal to the town's planning department.
- Local parents led a successful petition against the tower, gathering over 150 signatures to underscore their opposition.
Key quote:
"I think that because of our responsibilities, there has to be an absolute certainty that something we would approve has no potential health risks."
— Matt Curtin, School Board chairperson.
Why this matters:
All wireless devices - including cell phones, WiFi routers, and the towers they depend on for service - emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation. While this radiation is different from high frequency radiation (like the type emitted by x-rays), a growing body of data suggests that RF radiation may still have the ability to alter cellular molecules, potentially increasing the risk for negative health impacts. With 91% of US homes connected to WiFi and an average of 17 wireless devices per household, experts encourage continued research and recommend exercising caution by taking small steps to reduce personal exposure.
