Why say NO 2 O2? · 7 January 05
As O2’s main product is mobile phone services, we urge anyone with doubts about Tetra to boycott their product, an easy and effective way to take action.
Here are three good reasons to challenge O2 on the wisdom of introducing Tetra masts without further research:
- Research so far into the safety or otherwise of Tetra radiation is inconclusive. Not enough is known about this new technology and its effects on the human body. Serious doubts have been raised by expert scientists. There are widespread reports of headaches, sleep disturbance and nosebleeds from people living near masts. Increased rates of tumours and Motor Neurone Disease have been recorded at Drumcarrow Hill, Fife, where a Tetra mast has been transmitting since the late 90’s.
- The purpose of the Tetra system is to provide a communication network for our police force. Individual police officers are not allowed to speak publicly of objections or fears they might have about using the Tetra handsets. The Police Federation, however, has commissioned an independent scientific report on the possible risks of Tetra radiation which raises many serious concerns. Potentially police are at even greater risk than residents due to the intensity of the radiation close to the head. Three officers in just one police force have been diagnosed with oesophageal tumours, two have aleady died. The chances against this happening are millions to one. Research carried out before introducing the system used only 20 minute bursts of radiation over 14 weeks. The Home Office has commissioned a 10 year study to observe the effects of Tetra radiation on police officers using the system.
- The selection and introduction of the system has been suspect to say the least. The Home Office has been severely criticised by the European Commission for its unlawful limitation of tenders for the contract and by the Public Accounts Committee for putting the interests of profit before the safety of police and public. The NRPB, a regulatory organisation for the radiation industry, has unhealthily close ties to the industry it claims to regulate and there are clear conflicts of interest. The nationwide rollout of the Tetra masts has been approved at a national level by government and assembly, so there is no legal requirement for local planning permission. There has been no local consultation over the siting of masts and only a minimum of notification. Our very real fears and concerns are not being listened to.The only way that O2, who own the Tetra system, are going to sit up and take notice is if it affects their profits.
You can download pledge here (word format), print it off, sign it and take into Llani Barbers, The Rescource Centre or hand it to your street representative.
If you already have a phone with O2 please change to another supplier and write to tell them what you have done and why. If you are on a contract it is possible to keep your old number by getting a PAC code from your supplier, and passing it onto your new supplier.
Deadline for returned pledges is Monday January 31st.
