Amanda spotted this on the Guardian Unlimited site and thought you should see it.

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Note from Amanda:

One of the few people to benefit from the myth that masts are safe!

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To see this story with its related links on the Guardian Unlimited site, go to
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,1503380,00.html

Vodafone chief leads pay stakes with £5m

Nils Pratley
Friday June 10, 2005
The Guardian

Vodafone chief executive Arun Sarin collected £2.7m last year by exercising share options and received a pay and benefits package potentially worth £4.9m.

The sums confirm the status of Mr Sarin, an American who became chief executive in July 2003, as one of the highest remunerated bosses of a British company.

Share option windfalls have been a rarity at Vodafone in recent years because the group's share price has never regained the heights achieved during the technology boom of the late 1990s.

However, Mr Sarin still held options from 1993 when he was running US firm AirTouch, which became a Vodafone subsidiary. These converted into 5m options over Vodafone shares at 95p and the time-limit for exercising them was about to expire. Mr Sarin appears to have netted a gain of £2.7m from selling the shares at 148p.

On top, he enjoyed a salary of £1.17m, representing a £75,000 pay rise, and was awarded shares worth £1.15m under a short-term bonus plan. He also received benefits of £183,000, the bulk of which covered the costs of his move to the UK from the US.

The remaining £2.4m of his £4.9m package last year comprised shares awarded dependent on performance.

To receive the maximum award, Vodafone will have to rank among the 20% of telecoms companies in terms of shareholder returns over a three-year period. A company spokesman argued the performance conditions were "very stringent".

Man Group also confirmed its place among Britain's biggest payers yesterday as the hedge fund manager's annual report revealed its four executive directors shared £11.3m in pay and bonuses last year.

It still represented a fall for chief executive Stanley Fink, whose £3.81m was down from £4.52m a year ago - the bulk of the sum comprised a £3.3m bonus. On top, he received shares worth almost £400,000 under a share-matching bonus scheme.

But the bulk of Mr Fink's personal fortune is still his direct shareholding in the firm - his 4.5m shares are worth £63m.

Other members of the management team, which led Man's transformation over the last 15 years from commodity broker to hedge fund manager, have even larger stakes. Chairman Harvey McGrath, who was paid £362,000 last year as part-time chairman, has shares worth £83m and fellow non-executive Stephen Nesbitt has £76m worth.

Kevin Davis, head of Man's brokerage division, was the only executive to exercise share options during the year. He netted £280,000 that was on top of his basic package of £2.96m, of which £2.5m was a bonus.

Man's traditional high level of bonuses was maintained even though the group described its year only as "robust" compared to the spectacular growth it has seen in the recent past.

Most hedge fund managers have struggled in the face of increased competition and a seemingly tougher investment climate.

However, Man ended the year with $43bn (£23.6bn) under management despite a fall of 5.4% in the return from AHL Diversified, the key trend-following computer programme which is at the heart of the group's product portfolio.


Copyright Guardian Newspapers Limited

RESIDENTS have reacted angrily to plans for a mobile phone mast in the heart of their Chester community.

Phone company Vodafone wants to install a 12-metre mast and equipment box at the junction of Victoria Road with Victoria Crescent, which is next to Chester Business School.

But people living in and around the area say they are concerned about the health implications of the base station, as it is officially called, and also the impact it would have on the area, which is under a conservation order.

Vodafone staff are in a pre-consultation period with residents about the plans, but it looks certain the phone company will be receiving only objections.

John Hughes, 70, who has lived in Victoria Court for five years, said: “I am very worried about the health effects of these masts. No-one has proved they are safe, and after reading reports that children who live near pylons are more likely to get leukaemia, you do start to wonder.

“Because we have a college here, there are a lot of young people walking about. And they would have to pass that pole every day. I am very worried for their health. I cannot think of a more unsuitable place for it.”

L. G. Bennion, 71, of Victoria Crescent , said: “I have already written to Vodafone about my displeasure. If it was built I would be able to see it from my garden. It is not going to be very nice to look at.

“This is a conservation area. I find it extremely difficult to get planning permission for things I want to do on the house, so it would be very upsetting if Vodafone could put a mast up here without any trouble.”

College Ward Labour Cllr Sandra Rudd, deputy chairman of the city council’s planning board, echoed the residents’ comments. “I personally feel it’s too close to homes and would be inappropriate in a conservation area,” she said.

“I’ve asked that Vodafone look at other sites or link up with the Microconnect system which is used successfully in the city centre by BT and is designed to be shared by mobile phone operators."

But Jane Frapwell, electromagnetic field adviser for Vodafone, said: “The Microconnect system is a complimentary device. It does not replace the need for base stations. We always try to be sympathetic to the areas we plan to put our stations in. If it is an area of outstanding beauty, we try to make sure the visual impact is lessened. But people need base stations to use their mobile phones.”

by Lyndsay Young, Formby Times

Jun 9 2005

A LEADING campaigner is lobbying the European Parliament for new research into phone masts.

Formby protester Eileen O'Connor discussed independent research funding with European director generals in Brussels.

Professor Olle Johansson from Sweden and Dr Gerd Oberfeld from Salzburg, who would head the research, believe they can prove masts are dangerous.

As Salzburg 's government director, Dr Oberfeld secured the lowest radiation levels in the world.

His controlled experiment found people were effected when situated 18 metres from masts. He now aims to discover long-term effects such as cancer.

Eileen O'Connor founded anti-mast pressure group Radiation Research Trust after recovering form cancer three years ago.

She said: "He proved without a doubt that it caused severe disruptions to the brainwaves and they all got symptoms such as headaches, nausea and sickness."

Dr Johansson has spent 30 years studying "non ionising radiation", succeeding in reducing high level radiation transmitted from early computer screens.

Eileen is now in talks with John F. Ryan, Luxembourg 's director general for health and consumer protection, about possible funding.

by Sharon McHendry

FERNHILL residents are outraged at a proposal to site a mobile phone mast near to Cathkin Primary and Fernhill private school.

One concerned resident, who does not want to be identified, said that the plan had angered many in the community, especially as the mast would be so close to schools.

At this stage South Lanarkshire Council has received a pre-planning application from the T-Mobile group which only intimates an interest in the site.

However, if T-Mobile choose to take their plans further and they are approved then the mast would go up on Burnside Road not far from Cathkin Primary School, Fernhill School, and a new housing development.

Norman Boyd, chair of Rutherglen Community Council, said that they were firmly opposed to plans for more masts.

He said: “The community council’s view is that far too many of these masts are going up. We are doubtful about the radiation factors but we cannot object on these grounds.

“There’s a rule in it somewhere that we can’t object on health and radiation grounds. The only objection that we could have is that it’s near a school or old folks’ home.

“We are not scared that one mast does damage but of the number of masts that are going up around Rutherglen.”

A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council confirmed that they had received paperwork from T-Mobile.

The spokesperson said: “A pre-application notification from agents acting on behalf of T-Mobile has been received for a mast on Burnside Road. This is common practice and alerts local authorities to areas where telecommunications companies are considering applying for planning permission.

“Should the company decide to proceed we would expect to receive a full planning application in due course.”

by Kenny Smith

Lanarkshire

CAMBUSLANG residents are opposing a plan to erect a new mobile phone mast - which will be hidden inside a bowling club’s flagpole.

Houses in Grenville and Stewarton Drives, beside Kirkhill Bowling Club, have been leafleted over the past few days informing them of T Mobile’s plans for the area.

Already, a petition against the mast has been handed to the bowling club, with about 100 signatures gathered in a very short time.

Protestors have also written to Members of the Scottish Parliament, as well as local MP Tommy McAvoy, and intend to e-mail councillors on South Lanarkshire Council’s planning committee before they meet to decide on the issue next month.

A concerned Stewarton Drive resident said: “Because of an application to build a 3G mobile phone mast within 50 metres of my home, I sought support from my neighbours to oppose the installation.

“These neighbours also live dangerously close to the mast. I was amazed at the universal fear and concern expressed on the health risks.

“I gained almost 100 signatures in a very short time.

“The latest National Radiological Protection Board report acknowledges that more research is required and that there is growing evidence of biological effects from the rays emitted by these masts.

“The new 3G masts have been linked to negative effects on brain function. The report acknowledges that a minority of the general population may be ‘hypersensitive’ to the energy beams from the masts.”

The protestor pointed to quotes from Michael Clarke, radiation expert at the Health Protection Agency (NRPB).

Mr Clarke said: "We feel we should discourage prolonged use of mobile phones. Our view is that it is sensible to take a precautionary approach to mobile use, especially in the very young.”

The Stewarton Drive resident continued: “The Government recommends children less than eight should use mobile phones only for emergencies.

“The mast, which is at a similar height to the bedrooms of the surrounding houses, will expose the occupants to beams 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“I estimate that 50 per cent of those living within 100 metres of the mast have children of pre-school or primary school age - the age group that NRPB state are most at risk.

“T Mobile cannot tell me what other sites they have assessed before selecting this site in the middle of a residential area.

“There are alternative sites more remote from houses where the mast could be placed but they probably incur extra expense for T Mobile.”

To examine peoples’ concerns about mobile phone masts, the Government set up the Stewart Committee which reported in 2000.

The protestor continued: “This proposed mast does not have to be built, the risks, however small, do not have to be introduced to this residential area.

“As the Stewart Committee suggested, a precautionary approach should be adopted. We would suggest that prudent avoidance would be a better approach in our residential area.

“The health and well being of those who play at Kirkhill Bowling Club will also be put at risk, as they also will be subjected to the energy beams from the proposed mast.

“High-spirited youths have been known to trespass on the bowling green and it is believed that they flew underwear on the flagpole.

“A proper fence will be required round the flagpole to prevent youths shinning up the flagpole and getting fried.

“The field behind Grenville Drive or the pathway across the field at the top of West Coats Road seem more appropriate locations.“

Anyone looking for more information on the protests should e-mail mash_the_mast@yahoo.co.uk.

Jun 9 2005

ANGRY parents fighting to stop a phone mast being erected next to a primary school are calling on all residents to write to North Ayrshire Council and object to the plans.

The campaigning residents have formed a group, SAYNO2O2 and want to stop the 15 metre high 3G mast being put on ground along from Lawthorn Primary School.

They have already written to every parent of children at the school asking for support and now want Irvine Herald readers to sign up and write to the council’s planning team.

They have mounted a letter on a website for residents to print off: http://hometown.aol.co.uk/sayno2o2.

Tamworth Herald

LINDSEY SMITH

10:30 - 09 June 2005

Legal experts have been called in to investigate whether the mobile phone mast at St Edward's RC Primary School in Coleshill can be pulled down in light of concerns over safety.

Warwickshire LEA bosses have ordered the authority's solicitor to begin an urgent investigation into the deeds of the land on which the mast stands, which was sold to British Telecom by the council 11 years ago.

News of the action was announced on the day mast protestors delivered an informal health survey to the school which appears to show that 98 per cent of pupils are suffering from health problems including headaches, nausea, itchy eyes, tiredness or nosebleeds.

County education officer Eric Wood said: "We are concerned at the issues being raised, in particular legal aspects to do with the use of the land on which the mobile phone mast is situated.

"We are asking the county solicitor to investigate as a matter of urgency because the legal and health and safety concerns of the parents must be treated seriously and dealt with as promptly as possible."

The survey, carried out with parents of 200 children at the school, was not sanctioned by Warwickshire County Council, although it is believed no objections were raised to it being circulated to parents.

But the findings have been seen by headteacher, Gillian Owen, who issued a statement to the Herald saying she shares the concern of the parents and supports them in their campaign to have the mast removed.

"They are leading this effort allowing me to concentrate on the busy day-to-day task of running a successful school. "I look forward to hearing of the developments but am not taking an active part in the group that is looking at this serious issue," she said.

The survey was prepared by mast protestors Jackie Slater and Geraldine Canavan with advice from physicist Dr John Walker - who worked with action group SCRAM in their successful fight against the Wishaw mast.

Scientist Anne Silk, who learned of the survey results in a meeting on May 27, is now presenting the findings to a meeting of the World Health Organisation in Geneva on June 15, to call for a national effort to study the health of every child whose school is close to a phone mast.

Shoreham Today

RESIDENTS are ready to go into battle to stop a mobile phone mast being put up outside their homes in north Shoreham.

T-Mobile wants to build an 11.7-metre 3G mast and transmitter on a small plot of land on the east side of Downsway, at the junction of Upper Shoreham Road .

Rod Hotton, of Downsway, who is leading the anti-mast campaign, said: "This is a case of profit before people.

"The proposed mast would be too close to properties and to one of the main routes for children attending local schools, Buckingham Middle and Shoreham First.

"Children and the elderly are believed to be especially vulnerable to the effects of such transmissions.

"From my house opposite, it will be taller than a lamppost and totally obtrusive."

Mr Hotton has already put up posters and notices, objecting to the mast, in Downsway since he found out about the plans on Friday.

He received a notice through his door from Adur District Council about the application and has since been galvanising his neighbours and residents into action.

Mr Hotton said: "According to current regulations, these mobile phones companies don't need planning permission to put up masts which are under 15 metres.

"But this is not a suitable site. There are other areas in north Shoreham where it could go.

"We are urging everyone in the area to object to Adur council, but we have only three weeks to do it, so the clock is running."

A public meeting was being held at Mr Hotton's home last night to put together a campaign to fight the plans.

An Adur council spokeswoman said the application was due to go before Adur's planning committee on July 4.

09 June 2005

This is Bristol

BY KIRSTY PUGH K. PUGH

11:00 - 09 June 2005

Bristol Zoo has unveiled plans to allow a mobile phone mast to be installed in its grounds. Bradley Stoke-based mobile firm Orange wants to put the transmitter on top of a building near the zoo's reptile house, near the Northcote Road entrance.

The zoo says it will consider comments from neighbours before making a final decision.

But some visitors the Evening Post spoke to about the plans questioned the zoo's suitability as a site for a mast. Despite assurance from the industry that the masts are safe, doubts remain over their potential health effects.

Preliminary drawings posted outside the zoo show that the transmitter would be located on top of a building not used to house animals, behind cladding to minimise the visual impact the tall structure may have. Zoo spokeswoman Heather Holve, said: "We can confirm that we have been contacted by Orange about putting a mobile phone transmitter within our walls.

"We have sent out letters to all the local residents and have posted copies of the plans outside the zoo.

"Things are still at a very early stage at the moment, and depending on the views and opinions of local people the zoo will consider renting space to Orange ."

Orange spokesman, Richard Bryman, said: "In an arrangement with the zoo, a full planning application will be submitted to Bristol city council's planning department in the near future.

"The transmitter site has been proposed because Orange has identified a weakness in the local network coverage.

"The proposed site will increase coverage within the zoo and the surrounding areas. All calls made on mobile phones are routed through transmitters, which are designed to be very low powered and have a very short range.

"If they are too far away from where people live and work then they are of little use."

When the Post spoke to visitors at the zoo, Sarah Ubhi, a 34-year-old mother of two from St Andrews, said: "I would protest about it if it came down to it, as I don't think it is suitable, especially when there are children around.

"There are also the animals to consider - we don't know how it would harm them having to live there the whole time."

Catherine Wilson, aged 28, from Bishopston, said she might reconsider her zoo membership if the plans go ahead.

She said: "The zoo is a lovely place to visit, and this would not be good for the environment.

"If there is any potential risk then it should be avoided especially as there are children and young families involved.

"When the decision is made I will have to think about whether to renew my membership."

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Before I posted this story, I wrote a letter to the local paper in Bristol urging all animal lovers to protest and fight the planning application. I just hope they print it. I have also emailed the zoo.

Sandi

In a message dated 09/06/2005 17:52:15 GMT Standard Time, Mastsanity.org writes:

Can I encourage each and everyone of us to send a quick email to Bristol Zoo advising them of the dangers of allowing Orange to erect a mobile phone mast within the Zoo's grounds.

I have sent one this evening and reference adverse effects in animals as shown by Prof Semm and Dr Alfonso Balmori Martinez.

Their email address is groups@bristolzoo.org.uk and information@bristolzoo.org.uk .


Stephen

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Stephen

Thanks for providing the email addresses for Bristol Zoo, I have sent the following message to them.

Best wishes
Jane


Dear Bristol Zoo

I was shocked to read that you are considering allowing a phone mast on your premises. Please do not allow any phone masts in or near your zoo - for the sake of the animals and the visitors health and safety.

The reports below are just a tiny sample of the mounting evidence of adverse health problems related to mast and phone emissions. It is so important to provide sanctuaries that are free from radiation emissions in this increasingly polluted world.

Please do not alienate those of us who are electrosensitive and those who wear hearing aids and other sensitive medical aids which are known to be affected by masts.

Animals may be even more sensitive than humans to pulsing microwave radiation emissions, please do not risk their health.

Jane Lee



Scientists serious about 'electricity sickness' claims

Reports by Nic Fleming, Health Correspondent

(Filed: 24/01/2005)

Scientists and health advisers are taking the claims of people who say electricity makes them ill seriously for the first time.

The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) is carrying out a review of existing scientific studies into "electromagnetic hypersensitivity" (EHS).

Brian Stein suffers from electromagnetic hypersensitivity

Click here for his story:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;sessionid=E0CMT53CZW1TXQFIQMFSM5OAVCBQ0JVC?xml=/news/2005/01/24/nelec124.xml

Two studies into the condition, funded with £750,000 from the Department of Health and the telecommunications industry, are already under way.

Sir William Stewart, the government's adviser on radiation, has called for more research into the issue.

Some researchers believe a proportion of the population suffers ill health, with symptoms including fatigue, severe headaches and skin problems, because of exposure to electromagnetic fields.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/connected/main.jhtml;sessionid=E0CMT53CZW1TXQFIQMFSM5OAVCBQ0JVC?xml=/connected/2004/04/07/ecnrad31.xml
Other scientists say there is no evidence.

The Swedish government, which recognised EHS as a physical impairment in 2000, calculates that 3.1 per cent of its population – 200,000 people – suffer from the condition. A recent warning by Sir William, head of the NRPB and the Health Protection Agency, that parents should limit their children's use of mobile phones received widespread publicity.

However, his suggestion that another section of the population, as well as the young, could have extra sensitivity to exposure to either radio frequency fields from mobiles or electromagnetic fields in general did not.

The NRPB has commissioned Dr Neil Irvine, of the Health Protection Agency, to carry out a review of existing scientific literature on EHS.

His report, focusing on symptoms, prognosis and treatment, will be published in the summer.

The Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research programme, funded by the Government and the telecommunications industry, is spending £8.6 million on 29 studies, two of which will investigate EHS.

A team at King's College, London, is looking at whether mobile phones cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea and fatigue in those who claim to be hypersensitive and those who do not.

Researchers at the University of Essex are exposing two groups of volunteers to signals from a mobile mast to test if cognitive functions such as attention span and memory are affected. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;sessionid=E0CMT53CZW1TXQFIQMFSM5OAVCBQ0JVC?xml=/news/2004/12/13/nmast13.xml
Half will be people who say they suffer EHS.

Dr David Dowson, a former GP who is now a complementary medicine specialist based in Bath, said he had seen around 10 patients he believed to be suffering from EHS. "I think the condition is increasing in prevalence, because we are living in a more electrically polluted environment."

Olle Johansson, associate professor of neuroscience at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, has been studying EHS for 20 years.

He has shown in experiments that there is an increase in the number of mast cells near the surface of skin when exposed to electromagnetic fields, a similar reaction to that when it is exposed to radioactive material.

He said: "If you put a radio near a source of EMFs you will get interference. The human brain has an electric field so if you put sources of EMFs nearby, it is not surprising that you get interference, interaction with systems and damage to cells and molecules.''

Others say the condition is in the mind.

13 December 2004: Volunteers tested on phone mast 'dangers'
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;sessionid=E0CMT53CZW1TXQFIQMFSM5OAVCBQ0JVC?xml=/news/2004/12/13/nmast13.xml

7 April 2004[Connected]: Radiation rules made stricter 'as precaution'
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/connected/main.jhtml;sessionid=E0CMT53CZW1TXQFIQMFSM5OAVCBQ0JVC?xml=/connected/2004/04/07/ecnrad31.xml

© Copyright of Telegraph Group Limited 2005

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;sessionid=E0CMT53CZW1TXQFIQMFSM5OAVCBQ0JVC?xml=/news/2005/01/24/nelec24.xml


Informant: Sarah Benson

Starmail
http://www.buergerwelle.de/

Researches Find Mobile Phones Can 'Excite' Antigens
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/482104/

From Judy Tidwell

If you have noticed an increase in skin rashes or allergic reactions to dust mites and pollen, your cell phone may be to blame. In what researchers called surprising results, a study indicates radiation emitted by mobile phones may increase allergic reactions.

Dr. Hajime Kimata from Unitika Hospital, Kyoto, Japan believes microwaves emitted by mobile handsets can 'excite' antigens - substances which cause allergic reactions - in the bloodstreams of people who already suffer from allergies.

Dr. Kimata tested 52 people who had a history of allergies. They all watched a one-hour video -- half of them while talking on their mobile phones and the other half with their phones turned off.

"When we did blood tests we found that the mobile phones had raised the levels of certain chemicals in the blood which provoke allergic reactions such as eczema, hay fever and asthma," Kimata said. "We were surprised but we carried out a properly controlled study. One group of patients had their phones turned on and receiving for an hour while they watched a video. The second group watched the same video while having their phones turned off so they couldn't receive calls. There was a significant increase in allergy levels which seemed to be linked to the use of mobile phones."

Further testing indicated that the group using mobile phones also had greater skin reactions when exposed to house dust mites or pollen from cedar trees.

Previous testing of mobile phones has resulted in contradictory claims concerning their affect on the health of their users. In a British study two years ago, researchers could find no evidence that mobile phones cause any risks to health, but recommended caution in using handsets, especially for children.

Earlier this year, researchers in Sweden claimed that mobile phones could damage key brain cells and trigger the early onset of Alzheimer's disease. Radiation from mobile phone handsets appeared to damage areas of the brain associated with learning, memory and movement in laboratory rats.

http://allergies.about.com/cs/skin/a/aa030203a.htm


Informant: Robert Riedlinger

Starmail
http://www.buergerwelle.de/

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A response from Bristol Zoo

Dear Mr Kearney

Thank you for your email with attached papers. I will forward these to the relevant Zoo staff involved in this proposal.

Just to clarify. We have been approached by agents for Orange to provide space for a mobile phone transmitter site. The agents are currently conducting a pre-planning consultation period and have alerted the Zoo’s neighbours to this proposal. During this period any comments or enquiries about this proposal should be directed to:

Sue Hammett
Council and Community Liaison Officer (Orange)
4520 Aquarius
Solihull Parkway
Birmingham Business Park
Solihull
B37 7YN
Sue.hammett@orange.co.uk



Regards

Heather Holve
PR and Marketing Manager
Bristol Zoo Gardens
Dir. 0117 974 7308
hholve@bristolzoo.org.uk
http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Bristol Zoo Gardens maintains and defends biodiversity through breeding endangered species, conserving threatened species and habitats and promoting a wider understanding of the natural world.





-----Original Message-----
From: Receptionist
Sent: 10 June 2005 10:37
To: Jo Gipps
Cc: Heather Holve
Subject: FW: FAO Director General and Heather Hoave
Importance: High

-----Original Message-----
From: stephen
Sent: 09 June 2005 18:20
To: information@bristolzoo.org.uk; Groups
Subject: FAO Director General and Heather Hoave
Importance: High


Dear Sir/Madam

I write to express my overwhelming concern in relation to an article appearing within the Evening Post concerning proposals to erect a mobile phone mast within the grounds of Bristol Zoo. Can I strongly suggest that in order to ensure that as an organisation concerned with the health and well being of animals and in particular those animals within your care that you only agree to such a course of action once you are in full possession of all relevant facts.

I suggest that the provision of factual and unbiased information by mobile phone operators such as Orange is unlikely and remind you of the multi million pound annual turnover of these companies who rely on persuading land owners such as you to accept their base stations with typical tie in contracts for ten years.

Using the analogy that once ink has been put to paper the buck rests with you, can I ask if you are aware of the research papers written by acclaimed scientists that SHOW DIRECT ADVERSE EFFECTS IN ANIMALS FROM PULSED MICROWAVE RADIATION AS EMITTED BY MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS.

Early studies of adverse effects in animals include Löscher & Käs (1998), which recorded recorded reduced milk yields, emaciation, spontaneous abortions, abnormal behaviour patterns, conjunctivitis, heart failure and stillbirths in cattle when kept close to a base station. When cattle were moved away from the base station their condition and milk yields improved. The severe symptoms reappeared when the cattle were moved back to their original field beside the base station. The symptoms only appeared when microwave transmitters were added to an existing television transmitter. Löscher and Käs also report the profound affects experienced by the farmer and his family since the microwave transmitters were installed. Löscher postulates that the effects are connected to changes in melatonin levels. Abelin (1999) looked at adult sheep disturbance with RF exposure at Schwarzenburg, Switzerland. Alpeter et al (1995) tested bovine salitary melatonin at the same location. Turning the transmitter off revealed significant rises in bovine melatonin and human sleep quality. The biological effect of proximity to a base station is reinforced by a study of fecindicity in mice near an ‘antenna park’ Magras and Xenos (1997) which states ‘RF power densities between 168 nW/cm2 were measured. Twelve pairs of mice divided in two groups, were placed in locations of different power densities and were repeatedly mated five times. One hundred eighteen newborns were collected. They were measured, weighed and examined macro and microscopically. A progressive decrease in the number of newborns per dam was observed which ended in irreversible infertility’.

Whilst aware that in 2002 English Nature commissioned a review of this subject, additional research papers have been written after this date and include studies by Professor Semm in August 2002, who was previously employed by Deutsche Telecom and Dr Alfonso Balmori Martinez whose papers include ‘The effects of Microwaves on the trees and other plants’, recently published in the peer reviewed journal ‘Ecosistemas’ (Spain) and ‘The effects of microwave radiation on the wildlife’ which includes for research carried out in the United Kingdom., published in March 2004, December 2003 and February 2003. English Nature accepting the limitations of the original study have in December 2004 asked the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology to examine the additional reports of adverse effects.

I can also advise that DEFRA in their letter to me dated 10/09/04 agree 'there are some areas of uncertainty that might warrant some further consideration and discussion with the industry' and p rovide the following transcript taken from a letter to me dated 14/07/04 from the Director General of the RSPCA Jackie Bollard

‘I am copying this letter to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (the government department that responded to the Stewart Report) as an official register of our concern on the matter . This issue is not one with which the RSPCA has had much previous dealings but the Society would certainly be concerned by any evidence showing that animals might be suffering as a result of these masts (for example through impaired neurological functioning, increased abnormal behaviour, adverse effects on reproductive ability and success or reduced quality or length of life). I do acknowledge your concern and also importantly note that the Stewart Report made very little mention of any potential impact of these masts on the health or welfare of farm or wild animals living nearby, choosing to focus nearly exclusively on the perceived or potential consequences on human safety. As the use of mobile phones and the associated erection of telecommunications masts on such a large scale has only been a relatively recent phenomenon, it is true that any long-term effects on people or animals may be difficult to assess or estimate. For this reason and because much of the research undertaken seems to lead to inconclusive findings, an impact on animal health and well being may no be beyond the realms of possibility. As such, this is a matter of concern and I would agree that the issue requires further examination'.

I have also taken the liberty of attaching some of these and suggest these warrant your EARLY READING. I can also upon request put you in direct contact with the Authors of these papers.

I would be grateful if you could acknowledge receipt of this email to prevent me troubling you further.


Yours sincerely

Stephen Kearney

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Re the animals, why does this appear to be a matter for Orange at all? Are they going to consult with the hippos? Surely it is simply a matter for the zoo. Neighbours are a separate matter, but I would have thought the zoo would have more concern for its own residents.

Andy

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Further info on the Bristol Zoo mast proposal. Sandi's objection letter was published in the Bristol Evening Post yesterday (mine was published on Monday). I also had an objection letter published in the Western Daily Press yesterday. For some reason these letters have not appeared in the mast "News Now" stories.

John Elliott

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Probably because they are letters or the system picks it up as an animal story! It just goes to show that no technology can replace human workers effectively!

Sandi

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FYI I sent this off on 11th June. I have just received a reply. Don't know how to get it on to this email, so will have to do another one now. It's another good result! Best Jen


Dear Ms Holve,

I write with regard to the proposed Orange mast at Bristol Zoo.

It would appear from emails on the Mast Sanity list that the Zoo is a most worthy and dedicated organisation with ethical and humane priorities concerning the animals in its care. I quote, "Bristol Zoo Gardens maintains and defends biodiversity through breeding endangered species, conserving threatened species and habitats and promoting a wider understanding of the natural world."

There is now a huge raft of scientific evidence worldwide, proving long term harm to humans and animals from electro-magnetic radiation (mobile phone masts) at levels far below the so-called ICNIRP 'safety' guidelines. These guidelines were not arrived at by doctors, epidemiologists or scientists, but by technicians who were calculating the immediate heating (thermal) effects of the radiation. By their own admission, the guidelines cannot claim to protect against long term exposure, which is now known to have serious biological risks, including damage to DNA that can be passed on through future generations. As a Zoo wishing to protect and breed endangered species, the proximity of a mast could have untold repurcussions.

The Operator (Orange) will not disclose this information. Indeed, no Telecom Operators are willing to admit the dangers, and go out of their way to mislead and misinform people with whom they wish to do business ie prospective landlords. Their line is always - "We operate well below the safety guidelines, so there is no need for concern."

You should also be aware that permitting one Operator will almost definitely force you into accepting more, because of the Government Planning Policy of mast and site sharing. Whatever they tell you, once you have signed the contract you will effectively have no say or control over the development either in upgrading or on the number of dishes, side lobes etc.

If the health, safety and well-being of the animals in your care is important to you, I beg you to turn down whatever tempting financial offer Orange may have made to you. Some things are beyond price - and the integrity and success of the vital work you do, should not be jeopardised by profit. Doubtless they will remind you of what useful things can be done with the money their mast will provide. It will be of little use, however, if your precious animals no longer thrive or survive. And please remember, the Operators are not serving your interests, they are serving their own. Against them, you will be powerless. If your animals, or your employees become ill, you will not be able to ask them to leave. A number of landlords have fallen into the trap of thinking that they can renegotiate their contract midway. In practice this is virtually impossible.

It is just as important to consider that your employees may be equally at risk, though human illness such as cancer and leukaemia may take longer to surface. As the controversy rages on this subject and the media coverage increases, there may at some point even be an impact on visitor numbers. For instance, as a parent, I would not allow my child to come into close proximity to a mast. This is why so many schools are now fighting against them, and why so many parents are now withdrawing their children from schools that have them on site.

Please, for all our sakes, because these animals are entrusted into your care, refuse Orange and other Operators who may approach you - and if you really want to help - make the reasons for your refusal known to the Press. You will have the gratitude, support and respect of us all.

Yours very sincerely,

Jennifer Godschall Johnson

Exeter Express and Echo

BY BEN NORMAN

12:00 - 09 June 2005

Mobile phone mast emission metering equipment is to be struck off Exeter City Council's shopping list. The council's executive decided two years ago to set aside £25,000 to spend on hi-tech mast monitoring gear.

The decision to buy the equipment was made amid widespread public unease at the health impact of masts.

Public concern about the issue has been highlighted by the Echo's Shockwaves campaign, which is calling on the Government to fund more research into mast emissions.

But now the council's environmental health officials say they do not believe there is any real benefit to be gained from monitoring masts.

A report to the council's community scrutiny committee said the equipment would be used to monitor emissions that are established to be well within the safety limits.

At the meeting, Jayne Donovan, the council's head of environmental health services, said: "It is clear that if the council measured mast emissions the results would be very similar to levels monitored nationally.

"The emissions we would get would be likely to be below international guidelines.

"In my opinion, there would be very limited uses of the information and the results would not be able to provide any meaningful health protection tool.

"However, we will continue to keep abreast of research and other developments in the field."

The committee voted to recommend that the council's executive should support the move not to buy the monitoring equipment.

Conservative city councillor Norman Shiel, the deputy chairman of the committee, said: "I support this recommendation. It would be gesture politics to spend taxpayers' money on this monitoring equipment."