In Australia, telecommunications companies are permitted to install “low impact” mobile phone masts without either council approval or public consultation. Hence, as well as being located on free-standing towers, these devices can be seen on the roofs of many shops, churches, and other public buildings.

A discussion paper commissioned by the Australian Democrats has reviewed numerous studies which looked at the possible adverse health effects of electromagnetic radiation exposure. Specifically, it considers health disorders which have been the subject of publicised health trends, such as increasing incidence of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure, asthma and allergies.

The authors of the paper draw a link between these health trends and the research into adverse health effects of electromagnetic radiation. Consequently, the Democrats have called on the government to remove the “low impact” exemption from planning laws for mobile phone equipment, at least until proper studies on the adverse health effects of this technology have been completed.

The complete discussion paper, “Joining the Dots”, is available from :
http://www.democrats.org.au/docs/2007/Joining_the_Dots11.pdf