Telecom towers in residential areas pose no health risk -NCC
Dispelling longstanding myths and fears, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphatically stated that telecommunication towers in residential areas pose no health risks. This announcement comes amidst widespread concerns among Nigerians who believe that living or working near these towers could lead to cancer or other health issues.
The clarification was made by Abraham Oshadami, the NCC’s Executive Commissioner of Technical Services, during a two-day training session for media executives in Lagos on June 20, 2024. Oshadami addressed these concerns directly, assuring the public that radiation from telecom towers is not harmful.
Addressing Radiation Concerns
“There is really no health hazard associated with telecom masts in residential areas,” Oshadami stated. He explained that the radiation emitted by these towers is minimal and does not pose a threat to human health. “The height of the masts ensures that the radiation is far removed from people. It’s not even as close as the radiation from the TV in our homes. The radiation from masts is not up to what we get from our phones. There’s no cause for panic,” he emphasized.
NCC’s Rigorous Approval Process
Oshadami further elaborated on the stringent approval process that telecom companies must undergo before installing masts in residential areas. “It is in our regulation that before telcos install masts anywhere, they must seek approval from us. The NCC also conducts inspections to ensure compliance. If any mast does not meet the specifications, it won’t be approved,” he said.
According to NCC regulations, telecom towers in residential areas must have a minimum setback of five meters from the nearest property boundary, excluding fences. This requirement is primarily for physical safety rather than health concerns. Oshadami clarified, “The setback is not because of health risks. No sickness has been linked to radiation in all those years of wireless services. The five-meter setback is for physical safety. If a mast were to fall, it would prevent physical damage.”
Physical Safety and Other Precautions
The physical safety concerns are paramount, especially in cases where a mast might have structural issues. “These setbacks are there to ensure physical safety. Sometimes, where there is a defect in the mast, it could fall. So, there must be a standard to ensure no physical damage to anyone,” Oshadami said.
He also noted the presence of generators at mast sites, which could cause vibrations that might affect nearby buildings if not properly managed. “Apart from the structural integrity of the masts, wherever you have a mast, there’s usually a generator. The vibration from the generator could affect buildings if those specifications were not adhered to. These measures are more about physical safety than health risks,” he explained.
Long-Term Health Studies and Findings
Oshadami emphasized the extensive research conducted over the years regarding wireless communication and health. “No one has been able to definitively link any sickness to the radiation from telecom masts. Wireless communication has been with us for many years, and extensive studies have shown no adverse health effects directly attributable to it,” he said.
The NCC’s position aligns with global scientific consensus, which holds that the non-ionizing radiation emitted by telecom towers is not strong enough to cause health problems. Numerous studies by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) support this view.
Community Engagement and Transparency
The NCC’s training session in Lagos aimed to educate media executives and, by extension, the public about the realities of telecom infrastructure and health. By fostering transparency and open communication, the NCC hopes to dispel myths and alleviate public fears.
Oshadami’s statements are part of a broader effort by the NCC to ensure that accurate information is available to the public and that decisions regarding telecom infrastructure are based on sound science and rigorous safety standards. The commission remains committed to monitoring and regulating the telecom industry to protect both the health and safety of the public.
