A GROUP of Somerset councillors is calling on councils to suspend approval of 5G masts in their district due to concerns over health dangers of the technology.
Glen Burrows, Tony Heywood, Dave Loveridge and Li Gibson, who all represent the Eastover ward in Bridgwater, are calling on Sedgemoor District Council to suspend decisions on current applications to erect 5G masts in the Bridgwater area.
The district has seen a recent spike in applications, as telecommunications companies look to rollout 5G.
Two applications have been made for masts in the Eastover ward.
The group says numerous recent scientific publications have shown that electro-magnetic radiation adversely affects living organisms.
The dangers include increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damage, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general well-being in humans.
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There is also growing evidence of harmful effects to both plants and animals, they claim.
However, Public Health England (PHE) says any exposure to radio waves from 5G are 'well within the international health-related guideline levels that are used in the UK'.
"It is possible that there may be a small increase in overall exposure to radio waves when 5G is added to an existing network or in a new area," PHE says.
"However, the overall exposure is expected to remain low relative to guidelines and, as such, there should be no consequences for public health."
A 5G mast could be installed in Bristol Road, Bridgwater
But the Bridgwater councillors believe the government is ignoring a 'growing body of scientific evidence about the dangers' and that Sedgemoor District Council should oppose the rollout of 5G, until further information is made available on the safety or otherwise of the technology.
Cllr Burrows said: “Michael Mansfield QC is currently leading a legal challenge to the government, for failing to take notice of health risks and public concern over 5G. Let’s wait to see what the court decides.
"It is not uncommon for commercial interests to take precedence over public health: tobacco and asbestos are two well-known examples.”
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