The introduction of 5G technology in Glastonbury has been opposed by town councillors until further information has been obtained on the health effects on residents.
For months, members of the community have raised concerns with the council about the safety of the technology, claiming that it is hazardous to human health and the environment due to the higher radiofrequency.
At a meeting on Tuesday June 11, a motion proposed by councillor Mike Smyth read: “This council has a social responsibility to protect the public and environment from exposure to harm, albeit unpredictable in the current state of scientific knowledge, and therefore opposes the roll-out of 5G in the Parish of Glastonbury – based on the precautionary principle – until further information is revealed from a newly convened 5G advisory committee.”
Mr Smyth told the packed meeting: “In April this year, 5G internet roll-out was postponed in Brussels when Celine Fremault, Environment and Energy Minister, identified that it was not compatible with Belgian radiation safety standards.”
Mr Smyth quoted Ms Fremault’s statement, that she could not “welcome such technology if the radiation standards, which must protect the citizen, are not respected, 5G or not. The people of Brussels are not guinea pigs whose health I can sell at a profit. We cannot leave anything to doubt.”
The meeting was also told that in April, a planned upgrade to 5G in Geneva was stopped through the application of the precautionary principle, until independent findings on possible health damage become available.
Mr Smyth concluded by saying that in May, more than 230 scientists and doctors from 40 countries appealed to the World Health Organisation calling for a halt on 5G and that it should be moved from a Group 2B carcinogen to a Group 1, the same as asbestos and arsenic.
He cited an appeal, which states: “We, the undersigned scientists, recommend a moratorium on the roll-out of the fifth generation, 5G, for telecommunication until potential hazards for human health and the environment have been fully investigated by scientists independent from industry.
“5G will substantially increase exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on top of the 2G, 3G, 4G, WiFi etc. for telecommunications already in place. RF-EMF has been proven to be harmful for humans and the environment.”
Mr Smyth said: “This council has a duty of care to the people of Glastonbury and our environment, and we should protect them from potentially harmful situations.”
The motion was approved by the council.
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