Telecom towers are not hazardous: COAI

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), GSM operators' association said that there is no health hazards pertaining to telecom towers and said that such concerns 'have no basis in fact or finding'.

In a statement issued on Monday, COAI said that such speculations are wrongly aimed at creating panic amongst the public.

“In this regard, we want to first place on record that the above concerns have no basis in fact or finding (whether international or in India) and are wrongly aimed at creating a scare and panic amongst the public,” COAI said.

In the recent times there were reports that radiation emitted from base stations is hazardous to health. It further cautioned the readers about possible health related problems and medical consequences that could result from emissions of the cell phone towers.

COAI said the organization as well as the industry have always welcomed healthy discussions based on scientific evidence in the matter.

“The discussion should be based on holistic review of scientific evidence, and not on the basis of non-standard tests or benchmarks or because of any vested or commercial interest, which could paint an alarming, misleading and inaccurate picture of the situation,” it added.

The organization also justified its stand and said that various scientific bodies, including WHO, ICMR have carried out independent research and study into it.

“We would also like to assure you that the industry continues to monitor the scientific press carefully in the area of mobile phones, base station and health related issues. In case you have any scientific data which is contrary to the above findings, please do not hesitate to share the same with us,” said COAI.