Cell Tower In Depth Resources

Writing a letter to the decision-makers?

ASK these important questions. Write a letter and ask them at the Board meeting until you have all the facts you need.

1. Will the County receive any revenue from the cell tower rental?

Sometimes cell tower companies on school grounds have been found to have NOT paid property taxes and no one was monitoring their compliance. See this example from Maryland.

2. When is the balloon test?

Ask for a balloon test with public notification so that community members can see just how high the tower will be above the school. If this has already been done then why didn't you know about it? Every community member should have been informed. That is the law.

3. Will this result in the cell tower/compound becoming a HAZMAT location?

In some counties cell towers are required to register as HAZMAT locations with the fire Department. Some counties have not ensured compliance with this requirement.

4. What type of generator will this compound have? Will it be noisy? Will it run on diesel fuel ? How often will it be tested and for how long?

Some new cell tower compounds require a back up generator that must be tested weekly. Generators can run on diesel fuel and that fuel must be replenished. Diesel fuel fumes are a classified Carcinogen per the World Health Organization. If they are noisy will the children on the fields and playground hear it as they work and play?

5. How many vendors will be on the tower?

One tower can hold 3 different vendors. Vendors AND their subcontractors must

have 24/7 access to the cell tower for maintenance and emergencies and May come in when field is in use for any reason. Workers do not need to check in as school visitors do.

6. Please explain the "fall zone."

Cell towers can fall over - so the "fall zone" is important for planning purposes. What is in the fall zone? Is the school , a parking lot or a playground in the fall zone? If the response is that cell towers crumble and do not fall then please send them examples of cell towers (below) that have fallen over at the base. Our children are to precious to be relying on what buildings are "supposed" to do.

7. Will falling ice sheets be an issue?

Cell towers can form ice sheets that fall from the top. The bottom of the tower must

have have fall zone so that there is protection from these falling ice sheets.

8. Does every teacher staff and parent at the school know that the radiation the tower emits is a Class 2 B carcinogen with no safety assurances that researchers say "needs more research"?

Neither the EPA nor the FDA have developed safety exposure limits for this radiation. The EPA states very clearly on it’s website that “ More research is needed to clarify the question of safety. “

9. How high will the fence be? What will it be made of?

What will keep kids from climbing the fence? Many reports are in of teens and troucled adults climbing towers both for fun (on a dare) and because they are suicidal.

10. Who will be authorizing the construction of the cell tower?

The land owner must authorize actions concerning their property. However in many cases you will see that someone other than the Board of Education signed. This is illegal. Ensure all laws are being followed.

11. Who is responsible for the electricity to run the cell tower?

Cell towers on public property have been found to have not run their own lines and

have simply been letting their electric costs be paid by the government entity.

12. Where does the money go?

How many teachers will the school hire with the

money? Look at breakdown of where money goes. Schools often only get small percentage.

13. How was the community notified?

All too often the community was notified by a tiny little notice that most people just threw away as junk mail. Sometimes notices are put in the paper in a 2 by 3 inch space. This is not acceptable. Communities need more notice, a full page flyer!

14. What safety checks will workers get who come to work on the tower? Are they fingerprinted as County school staff is to be sure they are safe for interacting with children?

Maintinance crews have 24 hour access and they come and go with their trucks at least weekly. Often they do not need to go though the same safety protocols as staff at school. Ensure any worker who comes on the school campus will be fingerprinted.

15. Are Teachers, Staff and parents aware of the research linking this type of radiation to sleep disturbances, immune damage, reproductive damage and neurological problems? This radiatio is not just classified as a Class 2 B Possible Human Carcinogen, it is also implicated in many other health issues. People need to know.

16. Will trees be taken down to put the compound up?

Will trees be hurt by the amount of machinery on the ground and the trucks that will pull up to the compound? Will a road need to be built to the compound and what is the environmental impact of that?

17. What parks and natural areas are nearby? Any wildlife sanctuaries or wetlands?

Map it out. Has an environmental impact study been done? Show where impacts could occur to wildlife. Remember that the Dept. of the Interior has stated birds could be hurt by this radiation. Remember that recent research shows that birds magnetic compass is thrown off by this radiation.

This list is a compilation with much help from a parent well versed in the issue.

Thank you to her!

Did we miss a question? Please send us your thoughts.

When communities come together to stop a cell tower,

we hope they have this information...

Feel free to put this Information on your flyer

Cell Towers on School Grounds?

GET THE FACTS: BE INFORMED

Negative Impact on Home Values

Property Values Decrease when a tower goes up!
People do not like to own homes near ugly metal cell towers.
Would you choose a house with a tower overhead or a house without one?

Safety Issues

Hazardous and Noisy: Towers have back up generators that need to be regularly tested and they are noisy. They have hazardous materials in their batteries and often run off of diesel fuel and these diesel fumes should not be wafting into our children’s playgrounds.
Fires: Cell towers have also caught on fire during routine maintenance. As one just did in Pennsylvania.
They Fall: Cell towers have fall zones and this is the area that would be in danger should a tower topple due to high winds and earthquakes. Another reason they're better suited for commercial/industrial areas.
Dangerous: Ice can also accumulate on the tower and can be dangerous when it falls off.
Crime: Cell towers have attracted criminals and vandals (copper thefts), and we don't need or want to increase the risk of crime in our neighborhood. This is why these commercial facilities are best suited away from homes and schools and parks.
Safety Checks? Workers who do maintenance on the towers are not necessarily checked for safety for children. These strangers come and go as they please. They do not pass the front desk but just drive up.
Accidents: Tower workers sometimes fall off towers, die and are seriously injured. Do we want our children witness to accidents?
Kids Could get Hurt: Tower compounds are usually Hazmat areas. They have fences children can climb up and inside are high voltage electrical lines and dangerous machinery.
Truck Traffic: Trucks come to do regular maintenance. Do we want all these trucks pulling up and backing up near our school?

Environmental Issues

Effects on Birds: The Department of the Interior says the FCC safety standards are outdated and that endangered birds could be at risk from tower radiation. New Research also shows birds lose direction from the radiation.
Trees are often cut down and roads paved to bring the Tower Materials in and to perform maintenance on the tower. Do we really need more concrete?
Potential Long Term Health Risks to Children and Families: Cell towers emit radiation. There are many studies that have shown that living or spending much time within 400m of such towers can significantly increase your risk of contracting various types of cancers. Our children should not be part of this experiment. Lets wait.

Cell Towers do not Belong on School Grounds.

plain and simple.

Schools should be in the business of learning and education, not cell towers and heavy machinery.

This tower was stopped within 24 hours after this meetings where parents took the stage and voiced their concerns. It is well worth the time to listen.

Parents in Action

Brief of Healthy Schools Network, Inc. as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioner Maria Gonzalez

in the Supreme Court of the United States.

Supreme Court Brief on Cell Towers on a School HERE.

Healthy Schools Network is dedicated to assuring every child and school employee an environmentally safe and healthy school through research, information, advocacy and coalition building.

Home Prices Drop 20%! Get The Facts!

"Of the 1,000 survey respondents, 94% reported that cell towers and antennas in a neighborhood or on a building would impact interest in a property."

1. 2014 Survey by the National Institute for Science, Law & Public Policy
Indicates Cell Towers and Antennas Negatively Impact Interest in Real Estate Properties

The Impact of Cell Phone Towers on House Prices in Residential Neighborhoods

2. "CPBSs have a negative impact on the prices of houses in the study areas." Article HERE.

EMFSAFETYNETWORK.

3. Do Cell Towers Reduce Property Values?

Read what law firm Campanelli and Associates state on their site.

4. Get the Cell out Atlanta has a great compilation of Real estate links on lowered property values.

News Reports on Safety Issues

Fires

Cell tower at Risk of Falling after Fire Atlanta Georgia.

http://www.wsbtv.com/videos/news/emergency-crews-worry-cell-tower-may-fall-after/vFQDs/
Pennsylvania Fire results in Collapse Fears: Collapse Zone created at base and they vacated the buildings:

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/breaking/Cell-Phone-Tower-Fire-Collapse-Bucks-County-212501221.html

Cell tower fire closes Rockbridge Road, evacuates day care. http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2011/dec/02/fire-closes-rockbridge-road/
New Jersey Cell Tower Fire: http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2013/05/cell_tower_fire_knocks_out_main_middletown_police_communications.html
Explosion near cell tower likely caused by propane leak, Iowa
http://www.lemarssentinel.com/story/1641878.html
Cell phone tower to be taken down following fire, Georgia

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/cell-phone-tower-to-be-taken-down-following-fire/nQPC6/
Cell phone tower catches fire near U.S. 95 Las Vegas,
http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/20959950/cell-phone-tower-catches-fire-near-us-95
Maryland Cell Tower Destroyed by Fire

http://www.firehouse.com/news/10500668/maryland-cell-tower-destroyed-by-fire
Cell tower catches fire, nearby buildings evacuated, San Bernardino County, California

http://www.dailybulletin.com/20110113/cell-tower-catches-fire-nearby-buildings-evacuated
Kansas City Cell Tower Fire closes Interstate 435

https://screen.yahoo.com/raw-video-cell-tower-fire-213100571.html
Osprey nest, electrical problem sparked Poulsbo cell tower fire Washington State
http://www.northkitsapherald.com/news/124300644.html

Cell Tower Collapse

A cell tower, damaged by fire, has been taken down after it hung precariously over Highway 305. Washington State. http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jun/20/highway-305-blocked-after-cell-phone-tower-starts/
OSHA Investigating Fatal Cell Tower Collapse in Harrison County West Virginia 2014: http://www.wvnstv.com/story/24608973/osha-investigating-fatal-cell-tower-collapse-in-harrison-county
Names released in fatal cell tower collapse. http://www.wvva.com/story/24611430/2014/02/02/a-wva-cell-tower
Burning Cell Tower at Risk of Falling in Seminole County, Oregon
http://www.news965.com/news/news/local/cell-phone-tower-burning-could-fall/nZYBg/
Oswego, New York Cellular Tower Crushes Chief's Vehicle
http://www.firehouse.com/news/10530195/oswego-new-york-cellular-tower-crushes-chiefs-vehicle
Tower collapse: Heavy wind and rain blamed for downing 'major communications' equipment in Berkshires, knocking out police, fire radio service, Massachusetts

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2014/03/heavy_wind_and_rain_causes_col.html

Worker Deaths and Accidents:

Cell Tower Climber Falls 153 Feet, Dies on Impact, Minnesota

http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/home/Cell-Tower-Climber-Falls-153-Dies-on-Impact-160464075.html
Tulsa Fire Department Rescues Worker From Top Of Cell Phone Tower http://wnow.worldnow.com/story/23301861/tulsa-fire-department-rescues-worker-from-top-of-cell-phone-tower
Worker who fell 65 feet from cell tower dies: Arizona: http://azstarnet.com/news/local/crime/worker-who-fell-feet-from-cell-tower-dies/article_c0932089-a4e0-5c14-9ce4-bb2cd8be86c1.html
Worker hurt in 80-ft. fall from cell tower in Marcy New York. http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/12/worker_hurt_in_80-ft_fall_from.html
Cell phone towers collapse in West Virginia, killing 3 http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/02/02/cell-phone-towers-collapse-in-west-virginia-killing-3/
A Deadly Surge in Tower Climber Accidents http://projects.propublica.org/graphics/cell-tower-accidents
Fatal bandwidth: 6 cell tower deaths in 5 weeks: Indiana, Nebraska, Georgia. http://fortune.com/2008/05/28/fatal-bandwidth-6-cell-tower-deaths-in-5-weeks/
Burleson fire dept. rescues man from cell tower, Texas
http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Burleson-fire-dept-rescues-man-from-cell-tower-126770898.html
Gaithersburg Maryland: Trapped Worker is rescued after freezing.
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Crews-Work-to-Rescue-Man-From-Cell-Phone-Tower-188069201.html
Texas: Six Hour Rescue for Tower Worker
http://www.statter911.com/2011/08/05/more-than-six-hour-rescue-to-get-man-from-760-foot-level-of-tower-firefighters-in-burleson-texas-tell-their-story/
Spokane fire department rescues dangling cell tower worker, Spokane Washington.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Fire-department-rescues-dangling-cell-tower-worker-184691911.html
Worker rescued after hanging from Charlotte cell phone tower, Charlotte,
http://www.wtvm.com/story/25218063/man-trapped-at-top-of-cell-tower-in-east-charlotte

Criminal Activity

Two men accused of stealing copper from seven Scotland County cell towers http://www.fayobserver.com/crime/article_84105af4-cc01-5b8b-9a54-d4b502c7c402.html?mode=jqm
2014: Copper thefts on the rise: “Since Jan. 1 in Olathe, KS, alone there have been five reports of cell phone tower break-ins and thefts. Sources say the damage being done to the towers is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The copper is part of the grounding component and without it, if there's a lightning strike, it could fry all the electronics inside and make the tower useless. That means an entire area could be left without service. http://www.kctv5.com/story/24790956/authorities-make-200000-bust-in-cell-phone-tower-thefts
Copper ground wire and a copper bus breaker were stolen from the AT&T cell tower on Coolspring Church Road http://www.sharonherald.com/policefirecourts/x1450995057/Police-Fire-for-March-25-2012

Falling Ice

Tower Ice Falling Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqy32tzTRkA
Giant Icicles Fall From Sky, Smash Cars

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2011/01/12/giant-icicles-fall-from-sky-smash-cars/

FALLING ICE FROM TOWER http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ9hNELFWp4

Other Concerning Situations:

Suicidal person talked down from Tower: Florida

http://www.theledger.com/article/20100805/news/8055093

Teen Talked Down From Cell Tower

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Suburban-Teen-Rescued-From-Cell-Tower-265033731.html

National Association for Children and Safe Technology

Writing a letter to the decision-makers?

ASK these important questions. Write a letter and ask them at the Board meeting until you have all the facts you need.

1. Will the County receive any revenue from the cell tower rental?

Sometimes cell tower companies on school grounds have been found to have NOT paid property taxes and no one was monitoring their compliance. See this example from Maryland.

2. When is the balloon test?

Ask for a balloon test with public notification so that community members can see just how high the tower will be above the school. If this has already been done then why didn't you know about it? Every community member should have been informed. That is the law.

3. Will this result in the cell tower/compound becoming a HAZMAT location?

In some counties cell towers are required to register as HAZMAT locations with the fire Department. Some counties have not ensured compliance with this requirement.

4. What type of generator will this compound have? Will it be noisy? Will it run on diesel fuel ? How often will it be tested and for how long?

5. How many vendors will be on the tower?

One tower can hold 3 different vendors. Vendors AND their subcontractors must

have 24/7 access to the cell tower for maintenance and emergencies and May come in when field is in use for any reason. Workers do not need to check in as school visitors do.

6. Please explain the "fall zone."

7. Will falling ice sheets be an issue?

Cell towers can form ice sheets that fall from the top. The bottom of the tower must

have have fall zone so that there is protection from these falling ice sheets.

8. Does every teacher staff and parent at the school know that the radiation the tower emits is a Class 2 B carcinogen with no safety assurances that researchers say "needs more research"?

Neither the EPA nor the FDA have developed safety exposure limits for this radiation. The EPA states very clearly on it’s website that “ More research is needed to clarify the question of safety. “

9. How high will the fence be? What will it be made of?

What will keep kids from climbing the fence? Many reports are in of teens and troucled adults climbing towers both for fun (on a dare) and because they are suicidal.

10. Who will be authorizing the construction of the cell tower?

The land owner must authorize actions concerning their property. However in many cases you will see that someone other than the Board of Education signed. This is illegal. Ensure all laws are being followed.

11. Who is responsible for the electricity to run the cell tower?

Cell towers on public property have been found to have not run their own lines and

have simply been letting their electric costs be paid by the government entity.

12. Where does the money go?

How many teachers will the school hire with the

money? Look at breakdown of where money goes. Schools often only get small percentage.

13. How was the community notified?

All too often the community was notified by a tiny little notice that most people just threw away as junk mail. Sometimes notices are put in the paper in a 2 by 3 inch space. This is not acceptable. Communities need more notice, a full page flyer!

14. What safety checks will workers get who come to work on the tower? Are they fingerprinted as County school staff is to be sure they are safe for interacting with children?

Maintinance crews have 24 hour access and they come and go with their trucks at least weekly. Often they do not need to go though the same safety protocols as staff at school. Ensure any worker who comes on the school campus will be fingerprinted.

16. Will trees be taken down to put the compound up?

Will trees be hurt by the amount of machinery on the ground and the trucks that will pull up to the compound? Will a road need to be built to the compound and what is the environmental impact of that?

17. What parks and natural areas are nearby? Any wildlife sanctuaries or wetlands?

Map it out. Has an environmental impact study been done? Show where impacts could occur to wildlife. Remember that the Dept. of the Interior has stated birds could be hurt by this radiation. Remember that recent research shows that birds magnetic compass is thrown off by this radiation.

This list is a compilation with much help from a parent well versed in the issue.

Thank you to her!

Did we miss a question? Please send us your thoughts.

When communities come together to stop a cell tower,

we hope they have this information...

Feel free to put this Information on your flyer

Cell Towers on School Grounds?

GET THE FACTS: BE INFORMED

Negative Impact on Home Values

Property Values Decrease when a tower goes up!

People do not like to own homes near ugly metal cell towers.

Would you choose a house with a tower overhead or a house without one?

Safety Issues

Hazardous and Noisy: Towers have back up generators that need to be regularly tested and they are noisy. They have hazardous materials in their batteries and often run off of diesel fuel and these diesel fumes should not be wafting into our children’s playgrounds.

Fires: Cell towers have also caught on fire during routine maintenance. As one just did in Pennsylvania.

They Fall: Cell towers have fall zones and this is the area that would be in danger should a tower topple due to high winds and earthquakes. Another reason they're better suited for commercial/industrial areas.

Dangerous: Ice can also accumulate on the tower and can be dangerous when it falls off.

Crime: Cell towers have attracted criminals and vandals (copper thefts), and we don't need or want to increase the risk of crime in our neighborhood. This is why these commercial facilities are best suited away from homes and schools and parks.

Safety Checks? Workers who do maintenance on the towers are not necessarily checked for safety for children. These strangers come and go as they please. They do not pass the front desk but just drive up.

Accidents: Tower workers sometimes fall off towers, die and are seriously injured. Do we want our children witness to accidents?

Kids Could get Hurt: Tower compounds are usually Hazmat areas. They have fences children can climb up and inside are high voltage electrical lines and dangerous machinery.

Truck Traffic: Trucks come to do regular maintenance. Do we want all these trucks pulling up and backing up near our school?

Environmental Issues

Effects on Birds: The Department of the Interior says the FCC safety standards are outdated and that endangered birds could be at risk from tower radiation. New Research also shows birds lose direction from the radiation.

Trees are often cut down and roads paved to bring the Tower Materials in and to perform maintenance on the tower. Do we really need more concrete?

Cell Towers do not Belong on School Grounds.

plain and simple.

Schools should be in the business of learning and education, not cell towers and heavy machinery.

This tower was stopped within 24 hours after this meetings where parents took the stage and voiced their concerns. It is well worth the time to listen.

Parents in Action

​Brief of Healthy Schools Network, Inc. as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioner Maria Gonzalez

in the Supreme Court of the United States.

Supreme Court Brief on Cell Towers on a School HERE.

Home Prices Drop 20%! Get The Facts!

"Of the 1,000 survey respondents, 94% reported that cell towers and antennas in a neighborhood or on a building would impact interest in a property."

1. 2014 Survey by the National Institute for Science, Law & Public Policy Indicates Cell Towers and Antennas Negatively Impact Interest in Real Estate Properties

The Impact of Cell Phone Towers on House Prices in Residential Neighborhoods

2. "CPBSs have a negative impact on the prices of houses in the study areas." Article HERE.

EMFSAFETYNETWORK.

3. Do Cell Towers Reduce Property Values?

Read what law firm Campanelli and Associates state on their site.

4. Get the Cell out Atlanta has a great compilation of Real estate links on lowered property values.

News Reports on Safety Issues

Fires

Brief of Healthy Schools Network, Inc. as Amicus Curiae in Support of Petitioner Maria Gonzalez

1. 2014 Survey by the National Institute for Science, Law & Public Policy
Indicates Cell Towers and Antennas Negatively Impact Interest in Real Estate Properties

Explosion near cell tower likely caused by propane leak, Iowa
http://www.lemarssentinel.com/story/1641878.html

Cell phone tower catches fire near U.S. 95 Las Vegas,
http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/20959950/cell-phone-tower-catches-fire-near-us-95

Osprey nest, electrical problem sparked Poulsbo cell tower fire Washington State
http://www.northkitsapherald.com/news/124300644.html

Burning Cell Tower at Risk of Falling in Seminole County, Oregon
http://www.news965.com/news/news/local/cell-phone-tower-burning-could-fall/nZYBg/

Oswego, New York Cellular Tower Crushes Chief's Vehicle
http://www.firehouse.com/news/10530195/oswego-new-york-cellular-tower-crushes-chiefs-vehicle

Burleson fire dept. rescues man from cell tower, Texas
http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Burleson-fire-dept-rescues-man-from-cell-tower-126770898.html

Gaithersburg Maryland: Trapped Worker is rescued after freezing.
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Crews-Work-to-Rescue-Man-From-Cell-Phone-Tower-188069201.html

Texas: Six Hour Rescue for Tower Worker
http://www.statter911.com/2011/08/05/more-than-six-hour-rescue-to-get-man-from-760-foot-level-of-tower-firefighters-in-burleson-texas-tell-their-story/

Spokane fire department rescues dangling cell tower worker, Spokane Washington.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Fire-department-rescues-dangling-cell-tower-worker-184691911.html

Worker rescued after hanging from Charlotte cell phone tower, Charlotte,
http://www.wtvm.com/story/25218063/man-trapped-at-top-of-cell-tower-in-east-charlotte