Optus/Vodafone Are Planning to Build a Mobile Phone Base Station Tower on Top of My Apartment Building

kongkee on 25/02/2019 - 10:25
Last edited 25/02/2019 - 10:35

Hi,

Should I be concern about the overall exposure to radiation or electro magnetic energy (EME)? It would be mounted on the rooftop and I live on the top floor. So I'm directly below the tower, it's also more concerning that I have a baby on the way.

On the other hand, a boost on the internet speed would be a welcome change as we are struggling here. But of course if it's health hazard, I'd rather live with a slow internet.

I found their website and this is the report: https://www.rfnsa.com.au/embed-public-report/718548

Photo of the proposed work: https://imgur.com/h15V5EV

Thanks everyone!

Internet

Comments

  • terrys on 26/02/2019 - 09:43

    As far as the radiation from that tower is concerned, your're probably in the shadow. Think of it as a light tower [ it's the same thing, just different frequencies than those our eyes detect] that is trying to illuminate the area around it. It will be 'shining' to the sides and downward, with the shadow under the tower being lit up by the other towers in surrounding areas that are further away.
    The tower itself would absorb power directed in that direction[directly down], an inefficiency the operator will be keen to reduce…

  • Lateralnw on 26/02/2019 - 10:00
    -7

    TLDR: Move

    If you own the unit I would contest the antenna structure. Your argument is that you are pregnant. They pay a rental fee so someone is getting a kick back.
    If it is so safe then why is there a video telling workers where they should and shouldn't go when on the roof with antenni? They even use special meters to check the levels of radiation.
    Why is there instructions on how to protect yourself if it is harmless? see link.
    https://youtu.be/w2KSLiv8rP0

    These things didn't hurt us either at the time, examples of learning the dangers much later are things like Asbestos, cigarettes, High powered radar this last one will kill you.

    Nuclear radiation in low doses (we get it every day from the sun also) won't kill you either but if you keep hanging around the energy long enough you will build up a level that will kill you, that's why scientist where special detector badges on themselves so they can monitor it. Once they reach a certain level that's it they can't play with it anymore.

    As far as a boost on internet speed you are making an assumption but regardless Baby or phone signal which is more important to you?

    All the best.

    • Yawhae on 27/02/2019 - 10:52
      -1

      I mean, where to begin.

      There are generally two main types of antenna used in mobile phone towers. Panel antennas which are used to communicate to mobile devices and circular antennas which are used to communicate between towers (if fiber isn't available).

      Both types produce non ionising radiation, meaning they do not strip atoms off electrons. These types of antennas produce waves in Radio-Frequency or Microwave. Similar to TV, Radio, Wi-Fi ect..

      They produce radiation at a lower frequency than UV and Infared. Essentially all non-ionising radiation does is cause body tissue to warm.

      Now the reason why there are training videos and meters to detect exposure is to stop your body from cooking. The closer you are to the source the more radiation is absorbed by your body. No different to sun exposure causing sun burn.

      Infact the power drops off so quickly that you can be relatively close without issue. If you were directly in front of the antenna the no go zone can be up to 1.5m - 5m and the restricted access zone can 1.5 out to 15m after that the radiation is below public safe level limits.

      • Lateralnw on 01/03/2019 - 16:41

        Sorry mate, but Current public safe levels.
        That's your out.
        If it can increase your body temperature then it's obvious it can be dangerous.
        Oh BTW I'm across antenna technology. Your circular antenna might even be microwave perhaps you didn't know that?

  • grogling on 26/02/2019 - 10:54
    +11

    There are two types of EM radiation. Ionising and non-ionising. Ionising causes cancer by modifying DNA, non-ionizing doesn't. The difference is the frequency being emitted, the point where radiation can cause cancer is just above visible frequencies, in a band called ultraviolet.

    Mobile towers have much lower frequencies, it's all non-ionising radiation. It doesn't damage DNA and doesn't cause cancer. It can still be dangerous due to heating if you stand right in front of an antenna, it won't cause cancer, but with enough output, it could cause burns. But to put things into perspective, your microwave oven (which is also non-ionising) outputs much more power than a tower would and the food needs to be both inches from the transmitter and contained in a box so all the radiation goes into your food for the heating to work. A tower transmitting much lower signal a fair distance from you won't do anything.

    There is ionising radiation bathing all of us all the time. The biggest source is that big ball of fusing gas in the sky, the sun. UV radiation from the sun CAUSES CANCER, this is why we slip slop slap. There are other sources, like x-rays, that's why doctors limit how many x-rays people get and why a modern x-ray machine only transmits for a very short period of time.

    So in summary, if you're worried about your baby, forget the tower, board up the windows, sunlight is MUCH more likely to cause cancer.

    • cauilfield on 26/02/2019 - 16:06

      the difference is not only the frequency but the source.

      • spaceflight on 26/02/2019 - 22:06
        +2

        The source is irrelevant.

  • trapper on 26/02/2019 - 12:44
    +2

    Microwave radiation is non-ionising.

    It is not possible for it to break any chemical bonds, damage your DNA or cause any kind of cancer.

    It literally has less energy than visible light.

  • trapper on 26/02/2019 - 12:46
    +13

    The biggest risk here is the devaluation of your property, I assume you are being properly compensated to offset this?

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 28/02/2019 - 09:45

      Depends, I assume it's being installed on common property under a Lease by the Owners Corp. OP needs to enquire how this income will be used. Best case scenario, no more owners corp fees for the next 20 years!

  • [Deactivated] on 26/02/2019 - 13:34

    There is no risk, the antennas are directional so they point away from the building not down.
    Access to the roof will be restricted once it is switched ON, with warning signs telling you not to enter.
    As long as you don't do something idiotic like ignore the sign and start a BBQ on the roof cooking your brains at the same time as the snags you will be fine.

    You will even notice that the signal will be weaker in your apartment than if you walk down the street.

  • Blue Cat on 26/02/2019 - 14:31
    -1

    Just cover the roof with aluminum foil and hot glue & silver duct tape after they install the antenna. Easy fix.

  • mreddie on 26/02/2019 - 14:50

    Sell now

  • IMadeYouReadThis on 26/02/2019 - 14:53
    +1

    There is no risk OP, you should be happy that your strata will get extra revenue from the tower. I wish it was in my apartment!

  • enzioFirenze on 26/02/2019 - 14:54
    +1

    mate your address is on the image you've attached, recommend removing it

  • haemolysis on 26/02/2019 - 14:56

    Cell phone towers are completely safe. It is well established that they do not cause any chemical changes to materials, and have no effect on the human body. Similarly, the wealth of studies on health outcomes confirms this.

    Let me be clear; this isn’t a case of “we don’t see problems yet, but you never know what might come up in future.” Rather: we understand this technology WELL and we know it to be safe, and without cause for concerns now or in the future.

    There is no “better safe than sorry.” You ARE safe.

    And to go one step further: we like to worry about pregnancies because they’re young and delicate and “radiation” causes birth defects. But this form of radiation does not harm embryos and actually, your baby is more shielded and protected from it than you are. As it is not “ingested” as a chemical, the only way for that radiation to even theoretically reach a baby, is to travel through the skin, which it does not.

    However, what you MAY be concerned about, is the value of your apartment due to perceptions from buyers.

  • ozoner on 26/02/2019 - 16:24

    You're more at risk from chemtrails, vaccines, and faked moon landings than the tower. Chill and have a beer.

  • orangetrain on 26/02/2019 - 16:34

    OP, you must go to meeting and be angry. Say you read about radiation and heat etc. Its dangerous and ask them if they can live with a baby dying on hands as well as other hyperbole and loaded questions. Point out that the radiation protection materials will cost a lot. Why should your family suffer while others benefit?

    They'll either offer you a deal (less strata fees, cut of profits, etc) or remove it.

    The ozb way.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 26/02/2019 - 16:36

    Lets assume the science was settled and mobile phone are 100% safe.

    Would you still want to live next to, or underneath one?

    Sell before you lose more $$

  • Brouw3r on 26/02/2019 - 16:48

    Where exactly do you plan on moving to escape all forms of electromagnetic radiation?

  • Lexan on 26/02/2019 - 17:02

    Nokia is involved too.

  • stumo on 26/02/2019 - 17:48
    +1

    The thing is… If you ever decide to sell, the potential buyer will also be posting this question etc. So your sale price will be affected, even if your body isnt.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 28/02/2019 - 09:47

      I doubt a potential buyer will be able to see it from the street nor have access to the roof.

  • itsdougie on 26/02/2019 - 18:15

    time to buy a blocker

  • woteva on 26/02/2019 - 21:23
    +1

    You wont need a microwave oven anymore ;)

  • JIMB0 on 26/02/2019 - 21:43
    +5

    I wouldn't panic too much as optus signal strength is usually pretty poor.

  • N1NJ4W4RR10R on 26/02/2019 - 22:06
    +1

    To the best of my knowledge you'd be fine radiation wise, especially living directly under it.

  • bmerigan on 26/02/2019 - 22:44
    +1

    World Health Organisation says it is safe

  • skd22 on 27/02/2019 - 00:07
    +3

    EME safe, you are out of the RF zone anyway.

    I also work in telco, I just want to say, negotiate to get your cut off the money they will make from the lease with VHA/Optus.

    If you are on the top level closest to the proposed antenna location i would be more concerned about access for maintenance esp faults at night and or in the case of power issues Teclo carriers wanting to deploy generators to keep there site alive, ensure you know who and when Contractors will be allowed to access the roof, you don't want to have noise issues stemming from this.

    It's your right as an Owner in the apartment to get all the answers before they pass the property and planning and start construction.

    :)

  • MarsTitan on 27/02/2019 - 00:12

    Congrats.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/02/2019 - 00:16
    +2

    Should I be concern about the overall exposure to radiation or electro magnetic energy (EME)?

    No. The electromagnetic radiation from radio towers is non-ionizing. It's low-energy so can't damage cells. Unlike high-energy X-rays or Ultra-violet radiation which can definitely damage cells - the Sun is literally more dangerous.

    The energy radiating from your in-house wiring is much stronger and it's not harming you either. You'll be fine.

  • justwii on 27/02/2019 - 10:18

    Just out of curiosity, how many percentages of support in the OC they need to approve building such thing in your strata scheme? And does your strata get anything in return?

  • drfuzzy on 27/02/2019 - 11:23

    I assume the OP is renting.
    If he owned the apartment he would see the income generated by leasing the roofspace from the body corporate and its effect on his outgoings. He would then sing a different tune.

    • kongkee on 27/02/2019 - 13:52

      Nope, I own the unit.

      A lot of people are saying it's safe but resell value would decrease. I'd rather not have it installed tho.

      And no, haven't talk to strata about the incentives of it.

  • Captain M on 27/02/2019 - 13:57

    Optus n voda have crap reception so you will be fine.

  • This Guy on 27/02/2019 - 17:27

    Everybody here is missing the point.

    OP is concerned. Yes that concern is not justified.

    Concern can lead to psychosomatic illness.

    If OP is content with our reassurances then all is fine.

    If OP is still concerned than they should consider a pointless move.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2019 - 10:08

      Concern can lead to psychosomatic illness.

      That boy needs therapy.

  • Akya on 27/02/2019 - 18:01

    There's no real "proof" that EM causes health issues. There are conspiracy theories that big companies and governments are stopping all the research with "proof" from getting out. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-18/5g-phone-network-expe… I saw the presentation at Griffith Uni in Brisbane that this article refers to, sounded like a conspiracy theory more than anything tbh.

  • kokita on 28/02/2019 - 00:02

    I will share the numbers with you.
    https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/environmental_info/radiation/under…

    The public limit is 2000mG (milligauss) = 200 microtesla
    Normal residential exposure = up to 2.5mG
    Residential near powerlines exposure = up to 100mG

    YOUR CASE:
    Underneath the tower = 1.5% x 2000mG = 30mG = 3 microtesla
    50m-100m from the tower = 5% x 2000mG = 100mG = 10 microtesla

    However, 25 years research still no conclusion on health effects from EMF exposure.
    My personal conclusion, better move out.

    PS.
    If you sleep with electric blankets = around 25mG
    If you stand 1m away from microwave = around 25mG
    You will die faster from smoking and unhealthy diet rather than EMF exposure

  • Tails on 28/02/2019 - 00:25
    +1

    To make things short and sweet.
    No, you're not gonna get cancer from transmitters on the roof. We're covered in all sorts of radiation, WiFi, Cellular, Bluetooth etc.
    Plus, phone towers don't transmit downwards, they tend to transmit outwards.
    I live approx 350 m away from a phone tower and I don't have any cancer.

  • hopper on 28/02/2019 - 04:58
    -1

    If someone is pregnant in your house or u have a child,then move out, i give A F**k for down votes.
    Try spending a day by sitting underneath a existing base for a day, u will see the difference in your brain and body.
    Those giving you advice that it's safe will give a damn if you are affected.

    • gomelbcityfc on 06/03/2019 - 16:11

      Why the neg for hopper?

  • TimApple on 28/02/2019 - 10:53

    ITT: People who don't understand physics.

    There is completely no risk. It's akin to saying you're going to get cancer because someone yelled at you. Radio wave is completely safe.

    • gomelbcityfc on 06/03/2019 - 16:08

      I am no engineer, but as I understand it radio waves may not be harmful but MICROWAVE are deadly. OP should find out what type of waves they are

      I think microwave are the round ones like you see on the hill on canterbury rd surrey hills vic. Maybe somebody should research any abnormal cancer cluster effects in that area….

  • ToTheMoon on 28/02/2019 - 16:59

    would be controversial in China but never thought people in Australia bother this.

    This is so funny in China - some people insist to take the towel down, then they call the service provider to elect it back since the signal is way too poor. Some pregnants are panic about radiation and never believe in what professionals say, but they use cellphone all days. They stop neighbours using Wi-Fi, knocking everyone's door to ask if they are using Wi-Fi.

  • gomelbcityfc on 06/03/2019 - 16:05

    In order of priority

    1. Sell (even if not harmful there is the PERCEPTION)

    2. Rent it out (remove stress of worrying about it)

    3. Install EMR shielding paint (CEILING) and/or curtains to stop radiation getting in through windows

    4. Grin and bare it… and eat healthy to balance the negative effects :)

    Here is a link my son used these guys to test radiation near where he is building as the tower was quite close, the guy said to install heavy sarking (aluminium lining under plaster) and shielding curtains. Obviously first option not available to you, but you can do paint and curtains

    https://www.emrshieldingsolutions.com.au/yshield-downloads/S…

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