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Activist Chained Himself to 3G Antenna Installation
29 November , 2005

Europe Netherlands : An activist has chained himself to the fence of an antenna installation today, to prevent the mounting of UMTS (3G) antennas. His group wants an absolute ban of UMTS antennas from the town of Spijkenisse near Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Monday morning a crowd gathered at a power pylon, where operator Orange wanted to install three UMTS antennas. When the workers arrived, Bertus van Drongelen chained himself to the fence. Town councillors, newspaper and television reporters were present. The activist remained chained for many hours.

He said, that many people in the vicinity of antennas have health problems (see article of yesterday, copied below). A spokesman of Orange, Kevin Zuidhof, said that no scientific proof of health effects by radiofrequency radiation has been found, according to the Dutch Health Council. He agreed to propose a discussion meeting with advocates and opponents of the radiation.

The police arrived and after a while announced to intervene. The activist then decided to unlock the chain. "We could not have an escalation. To be taken to the police's quarters has no surplus value", another one said. Nevertheless, more action against the radiation pollution by antennas can be expected.

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Article of yesterday:

Activist will chain himself to UMTS (3G) antenna installation fence

27 november 2005 - An activist against UMTS (3G) is ready to chain himself to an antenna installation fence tomorrow morning. He says his group will be satisfied only when UMTS is absolutely banned from the town of Spijkenisse near Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Monday morning operator Orange plans to install three UMTS antennas in a power pylon, about 75 metres from the nearest dwellings. The workers will meet with a crowd of people. "We call them by flyers throughout the neighbourhood", says Bertus van Drongelen. "To help and prevent the installation of these antennas. If the workers do not leave, one of us will chain himself to the fence." The activists prevented the installation before, in October.

Alex Swinkels, Bertus van Drongelen and Gerard de Kimpe are not just worried about the UMTS-antennas. They know the permanent radiation of mobile communication can have terrifying health effects. Some time ago they visited the occupants of the top floor of the Marrewijkflat, an apartment building in Spijkenisse. "80 Percent of them have severe health complaints, from insomnia to cancer", says Van Drongelen. On top of the Marrewijkflat are several antennas for mobile communication.

The same problems were found at the 5th and 6th floor elswehere. Opposite are antennas for mobile communication, on top of a four story apartment building. "Insomnia, headache, nausea and a general feeling of sickness", the occupants report. Some of them are urinating blood. The physicians and specialists can not find any known disease or abnormality. When the occupants leave the premises, they feel better. Back home the sickness returns.

Therefore, the three activists are convinced of the health effects of the radiation. "It is impossible to have a radiation-free town. The problem of radiation pollution is too complex and it is too late to stop the other antennas", says Van Drongelen. "But at least we want a town without UMTS. The citizens have to be made aware of the radiation hazard." According to scientists, the radiation of mobile communication causes toxic effects.

The activists concentrate on all UMTS-antennas in Spijkenisse. The town council is behind them. The council decided two weeks ago not to grant new antenna mast permits anymore. Councillor Gerrit van Buuren asked operator Orange to respect the wish of the people and cancel the installation. "We have the right permit and documents, we don't see any reason to stop", says an Orange spokesman.

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