Florida Coalition for Safe Technology
The Florida Coalition for Safe Technology is a grassroots movement motivated to protect the residents and the environment of Florida from the detrimental effects of small cell 5G radiation technology. We are a resident led group of people who work together throughout the state of Florida to get local municipalities to adopt strong and resident protective wireless ordinances while, simultaneously, fighting to get the state legislature changed to protect home rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about 5G technology and its potential impacts.
Q: What is 5G?
A: 5G stands for the fifth generation of cellular network technology. It is the successor to 4G LTE networks and offers faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect many more devices simultaneously.
Q: I don’t have very good cell phone coverage. Won’t 5G small cell Wi-Fi antennas make my wireless phone service better?
A: No. 5G small cell Wi-Fi antennas are designed for internet use only. They do not provide a stronger phone signal. What determines your phone signal strength is your relationship to the nearest macro-cell tower. (These are the big towers, which are designed to cover large distances. Small cell Wi-Fi antennas have a very short range and are typically attached to existing infrastructures like streetlights, utility poles and buildings. As the industry manufacturers themselves state: “Data (not phone coverage) is king.”
Q: What are 5G small cell Wi-Fi antennas good for?
A: 5G small cell Wi-Fi antennas were developed:
1)
for people who want to download games or streaming video to their phones as fast as possible (in 20 seconds, say, as opposed to 4G technology’s 90-120 seconds)
2) to facilitate the seemingly ever expanding Internet of Things (including “smart” refrigerators, “smart’ coffee makers, etc.)
3) to more precisely track your buying habits, places you visit, etc. in order to sell this data to other corporations.
Q: Why should we be concerned?
A: 5G technology requires the installation of small cell facilities every 100-200 meters in residential areas. These emit radiofrequency radiation 24/7 in close proximity to homes and schools. Scientific studies have linked RF radiation to various health issues, and the technology has not been proven safe through independent, long-term testing.
Q: How does it affect health?
A: Numerous studies and reports from around the world highlight increased reports of health issues such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, headaches, and even cancer linked to proximity to cell towers. Both international bodies like the WHO and national agencies such as the National Toxicology Program have raised concerns, with findings indicating potential carcinogenic effects and DNA damage associated with radiofrequency radiation. Additionally, the psychological and psychosomatic effects cannot be overlooked, as individuals may experience heightened anxiety, stress, or psychosomatic symptoms due to concerns about exposure. Legal battles and community actions, like firefighters successfully advocating for the removal of nearby towers due to adverse health effects, underscore the ongoing debate and real-world implications of this issue. Despite these concerns and mounting evidence, regulatory responses have been criticized for inadequately addressing long-term exposure and potential health impacts, leaving communities and individuals grappling with uncertainties and health risks. Furthermore, the growing awareness of potential health risks associated with proximity to cell towers has led to concerns regarding the desirability of properties located nearby, impacting property values and the overall attractiveness of such areas for those living in the community and prospective buyers or renters. Go Here to learn the risks about health
Q: How does it affect property values?
A: Properties near cell towers and small cell installations have been documented to decrease in value by 20%. Many potential buyers are concerned about both health risks and aesthetic impacts, making properties with nearby installations less desirable and harder to sell. In addition, insurance companies are not insuring homeowners who are within the fallout zone. Plus mortgage companies are not lending to people who buy homes within a certain radius of small cell towers. Go HERE to learn the risks about property value decrease
Q: What about the effects of the densification of 5G small cell Wi-Fi antennas in residential neighborhoods on wild birds and pollinators?
A: Americans for Responsible Technology (ART) reports: “Scientists have found that insects like honeybees can be dramatically affected by high frequencies associated with 5G. These higher frequencies can raise the bee’s internal temperature, leading to changes in behavior and physiology, with unknown and unpredictable results.” ART also reports: “RF (radio frequency radiation) can disrupt the magnetic “compass” that many migrating birds and insects use, causing disorientation and possibly disrupting migration patterns.” So, setting human health risks to the side for a moment, ask yourself if you’re willing to risk our honeybees and birds just so you can download a video game or streaming movie about 40-50 seconds faster than you can now. Go HERE to learn the risks about environmental and wildlife concerns
Q: What are the fire safety risks associated with cell phone towers?
A: Cell phone towers pose safety risks to communities. One significant concern is the potential for fires. Electrical components within cell towers, such as wiring and batteries, can malfunction or overheat, leading to electrical fires and release of toxic chemicals. These fires can quickly spread and pose a danger to nearby structures and communities. Additionally, the structural integrity of cell towers is crucial to consider. Towers can collapse due to various factors, including extreme weather conditions like strong winds, heavy snow loads, or seismic activity. A tower collapse not only endangers anyone in its immediate vicinity but can also cause significant property damage. Since it is considered an electrical fire, the power company needs at least 1 hours to turn off the power first before fire fighters can tend to the fire. Needless to say, this is extremely dangerous.
Q: What are Firefighters saying about 5G nationally?
A: Firefighter groups in the United States have long opposed cell towers on their stations. Not only that, but in California they have been able to be exempt from the forced placement of towers on their stations because of the strong opposition they have- due to health concerns from the radiation. “The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) opposes the use of fire stations as base stations for towers and/or antennas for the conduction of cell phone transmissions until a study with the highest scientific merit and integrity on health effects of exposure to low-intensity RF/MW radiation is conducted and it is proven that such sitings are not hazardous to the health of our members.” The IAFF Official Position Against Cell Towers on Fire Stations passed in 2004. Read the Full Article and Statement from International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) .
Q: What can we do?
A: The news is not all depressing. You can help to make crucial changes to your local and State laws! Communities can advocate for protective local ordinances that establish minimum setbacks from homes and schools, aesthetic requirements, and thorough application processes. Residents can attend city council meetings, contact elected officials, and join together to demand safe technology implementation that protects public health and the environment. Click on your city to find out how you can help. If your city is not featured, consider being the contact advocate for your city in Florida. We need leaders who are passionate and able to make change happen. Go HERE to find out how you can help in your city
5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology. It uses higher frequency radio waves than previous generations, requiring more cell towers placed closer together. Small cell 5G installations are typically mounted on utility poles or street lights and emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation.
5G technology requires the installation of small cell facilities every 100-200 meters in residential areas. These emit radiofrequency radiation 24/7 in close proximity to homes and schools. Scientific studies have linked RF radiation to various health issues, and the technology has not been proven safe through independent, long-term testing.
Numerous peer-reviewed studies have linked RF radiation exposure to biological effects including DNA damage, oxidative stress, neurological effects, and increased cancer risk. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing bodies and thinner skulls, which allow deeper penetration of radiation.
Properties near cell towers and small cell installations have been documented to decrease in value by 5-20%. Many potential buyers are concerned about both health risks and aesthetic impacts, making properties with nearby installations less desirable and harder to sell.
The impact of cell tower emissions on trees is an area of ongoing research and debate. Studies suggest that electromagnetic radiation from cell towers affects tree health. Some researchers propose that exposure to electromagnetic fields may lead to physiological changes in trees, such as altered growth patterns, leaf morphology, or nutrient uptake. Additionally, there are anecdotal reports of trees exhibiting symptoms such as leaf discoloration, premature leaf drop, or stunted growth in close proximity to cell towers.
Communities can advocate for protective local ordinances that establish minimum setbacks from homes and schools, aesthetic requirements, and thorough application processes. Residents can attend city council meetings, contact elected officials, and join together to demand safe technology implementation that protects public health and the environment
Cell phone towers pose safety risks to communities. One significant concern is the potential for fires. Electrical components within cell towers, such as wiring and batteries, can malfunction or overheat, leading to electrical fires and release of toxic chemicals. These fires can quickly spread and pose a danger to nearby structures and communities.
Recent News
Stay informed about the latest developments in our campaign for safe technology.
Residents protest sudden 5G tower installations in Miami-Dade
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – The battle over 5G coverage is intensifying in a southwest Miami-Dade neighborhood.
Hideous and concerning’: Neighbors in Tampa’s Bayshore Beautiful neighborhood push back against multiple 5G tower installations
Florida's 'Advanced Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Act' allows cellular companies to install smaller 5G cell towers without local government approval.
Cities Taking Action
Communities across Florida are standing up for their right to safe technology implementation. Join the movement in your city.
St. Pete Beach
Tampa
Orlando
