An RMIT building is undergoing extensive radiation testing after a seventh staff member has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Two of the tumours suffered by the seven staff members, all of whom worked in the top two
levels of Building 108 of RMIT’s business school since 1996, are malignant.
The roof of the building is home to two phone towers, which has sparked fears that the tumours may have been caused by radiation emission.
Radiofrequency radiation, such as that emitted by mobile phone towers, has been associated with a range of health problems, including brain tumours and lymphomas, according to the Electro-Magnetic
Radiation Association of Australia, with studies finding that even low levels of the radiation can have adverse health effects.
The Cancer Council of Australia, however, has suggested that the most likely explanation for the high proportion of brain tumours is simply chance, claiming that there has been no definitive link between the radiation released by the phone towers, and the development of cancers or tumours.
Tests of the building in 2001, including radiofrequency monitoring, as well as air and water quality testing showed no signs of unacceptable levels of radiation emission, however RMIT Student Union Environment Officer, Oliver Whitla, believes that the extent of the testing was not adequate.
“Has research around mobile phone tower radio-wave emissions taken into account long time periods and distance exposure?” He asked.
Although unable to give an official Union stance, Whitla also questioned RMIT’s willingness to be open with the staff and students after the news was revealed to students by the media, and not the University.
He also queried the impartiality of the investigation, with RMIT gaining funding from Mobile Phone Carriers Forum, which represents the major phone companies in Australia, for having the towers on its buildings.
“Will the current investigation at RMIT be impartial and transparent from beginning to end?” he questioned.
RMIT student Patrick Stafford feels that although there is something ‘dubious’ about the towers, he does not lay the blame on RMIT.
“I don’t believe RMIT are responsible”.
Students and staff have been removed from the building while testing is being complete
Two of the tumours suffered by the seven staff members, all of whom worked in the top two
levels of Building 108 of RMIT’s business school since 1996, are malignant.
The roof of the building is home to two phone towers, which has sparked fears that the tumours may have been caused by radiation emission.
Radiofrequency radiation, such as that emitted by mobile phone towers, has been associated with a range of health problems, including brain tumours and lymphomas, according to the Electro-Magnetic
Radiation Association of Australia, with studies finding that even low levels of the radiation can have adverse health effects.
The Cancer Council of Australia, however, has suggested that the most likely explanation for the high proportion of brain tumours is simply chance, claiming that there has been no definitive link between the radiation released by the phone towers, and the development of cancers or tumours.
Tests of the building in 2001, including radiofrequency monitoring, as well as air and water quality testing showed no signs of unacceptable levels of radiation emission, however RMIT Student Union Environment Officer, Oliver Whitla, believes that the extent of the testing was not adequate.
“Has research around mobile phone tower radio-wave emissions taken into account long time periods and distance exposure?” He asked.
Although unable to give an official Union stance, Whitla also questioned RMIT’s willingness to be open with the staff and students after the news was revealed to students by the media, and not the University.
He also queried the impartiality of the investigation, with RMIT gaining funding from Mobile Phone Carriers Forum, which represents the major phone companies in Australia, for having the towers on its buildings.
“Will the current investigation at RMIT be impartial and transparent from beginning to end?” he questioned.
RMIT student Patrick Stafford feels that although there is something ‘dubious’ about the towers, he does not lay the blame on RMIT.
“I don’t believe RMIT are responsible”.
Students and staff have been removed from the building while testing is being complete
posted by ODDeS and Associates at 10:46 PM
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