Telecom masts don’t cause cancer, other diseases – NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission has allayed fears that telecommunication masts cause cancer and other health problems.


NCC Zonal Controller, South-East, Mrs. Emilia Nwokoro, who spoke during a consumer conversation forum organised by the Commission in Enugu, said several studies have been conducted to ascertain whether telecommunication masts pose health risks.

Nwokoro explained that the researches did not provide any evidence that the telecommunication infrastructure was harmful to human beings.

“A number of studies have investigated the effects of radiofrequency fields on brain electrical activity, cognitive function, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure in volunteers.

“To date, research does not suggest any consistent evidence of adverse health effects from exposure to radiofrequency fields at levels below those that cause tissue heating.

“In line with the position of International Telecommunications Union supported by International Council on Non-ionizing, Radiation Protection and the World Health Organisation, NCC has maintained that as at today, there is no conclusive evidence to show correlation between the electromagnetic fields from telecommunications masts and health risk to individuals around these infrastructure,” she said.

Nwokoro assured that NCC would continue to educate the public on issues concerning public health and telecommunication services.