Editor, The Times:
Telus would like to respond to P. Gregson’s letter of Nov. 23 about Telus’ proposal to add more wireless service in Clearwater.
The radio frequency signals from cell phones and cell towers are very similar to those in use for many decades in televisions, radios and other household devices. In our homes, the strength of the electromagnetic field (EMF) created by a refrigerator is comparable to the strength of the EMF from nearby cell towers.
The safety of radio signals has been studied extensively by accredited scientists and health experts around the world. Please allow me to offer a quote directly from the World Health Organization (WHO) website on the subject of health effects of exposure to low power electromagnetic fields such as those used by cell phone towers:
“In the area of biological effects and medical applications of non-ionizing radiation approximately 25,000 articles have been published over the past 30 years. Despite the feeling of some people that more research needs to be done, scientific knowledge in this area is now more extensive than for most chemicals. Based on a recent in-depth review of the scientific literature, the WHO concluded that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields,” World Health Organization.
Health Canada and B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer also affirm that the low-power signals from cell phone towers pose no known health risks.
Importantly, we are investing to improve wireless service in your community because of local demand for the service. With more than 60 per cent of all 911 calls coming from cellphones today there are also important public safety considerations, not to mention the positive impact on the economy and property values new wireless service can have.
At Telus we are working hard to ensure wireless service coverage and capacity are there when needed, and in a way that works for the local community.
Jim Johannsson
Telus director, public consultation
