Warning for churches who a-spire to mobile masts
(Though not part of our local campaign
CHURCHES should treat proposals to place mobile phone masts in their spires with great caution, says Christian Ecology Link (CEL).
The church-based environmental charity issued the warning in the light of uncertainty surrounding mobile phones and base stations. Some reports have claimed that radio waves from such equipment could have an adverse effect on health, even possibly causing brain tumours or cancer.
CEL has become especially concerned since the Church of England Archbishops' Council began offering churches the chance to gain 'preferred status' in bids by mobile phone companies to place masts in their spires.
Following an independent study, the Department of Health said the balance of current research evidence suggests that exposure to mobile phone radio waves does not cause health problems, but admitted that 'there are significant gaps inour scientific knowledge'.
Tim Cooper, Chairman of Christian Ecology Link, said: It is not appropriate for Church of England authorities to stimulate further growth in this sector until further research has allayed health concerns. 'Parishes must recognise that there is a considerable moral responsibility on those who receive payment for siting masts on the premises.'
