We, the residents of Babcock Ranch, Florida, are deeply concerned about the potential health and environmental impacts of 5G and cell phone towers around the schools and homes within the community (with plans to add more). 

Dr. Sharon Goldberg Testifies at Michigan's 5G Small Cell Tower Legislation Hearing

The current installation of a 199-foot monopole cell tower amid the William and Mary Sports Park adjacent to the softball field, Bill Hammond Trail, BNS elementary, middle, and high school, and less than 500 meters from residential homes, is alarming and has raised serious concerns among the residents. The tower's location poses a significant threat to the community and safety and health of children who gather at the Babcock School, the Sports Complex, and playgrounds. Research shows that children are much more susceptible to radiation.​ Health Issues Emerge after 5G Exposure

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possible carcinogenic to humans. We urge Babcock to halt further implementation, remove current plans for towers, and re-evaluate and consider long-range towers further outside the community for cell reception. 

Cell Tower Health Effects Safety Issues Presentation

The installation of these towers also harms the community's aesthetic value, which is known for its rural, untouched beauty, natural environment, peaceful views, and abundant wildlife, flora, and fauna surrounding it. It can also run the risk of a collapse or catching fire, posing a physical safety hazard to the community.

The installation of cell towers impacts home and land values by decreasing them between 20-30%. People are less likely to want to live and buy near a cell tower, according to a 2005 study done by Sandy Bond, Ph.D. In the Appraisal Journal. According to the National Institute for Science, Law, and Public Policy, 79% of people said under no circumstance would they ever purchase or rent a property within a few blocks of a cell tower or antenna. 94% said a nearby cell tower would negatively impact interest in a property or the price they would be willing to pay for it. This can have a significant impact on the community's economic growth and development.

Babcock has been a steward of the land, but 5G and 4G also impact wildlife and the natural environment, conflicting with its core initiatives to promote "a thriving ecosystem."

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS IMPACT TREE AND PLANT GROWTH

A landmark research review by U.S experts of over 1,200 studies on the effects of nonionizing radiation on wildlife entitled “Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna”  published in Reviews on Environmental Health found adverse effects at even very low intensities including impacts to orientation and migration, reproduction, mating, nest, den building, and survivorship. (Levitt et al., 2021a, Levitt et al., 2021b,  Levitt et al., 2021c).

“A review of the ecological effects of RF-EMF” published in Environment International reviewed found RF had a significant effect on birds, insects, other vertebrates, other organisms, and plants in 70% of the studies reviewed with development and reproduction in birds and insects the most strongly affected.  (Cucurachi 2013).

The research review  “Electromagnetic radiation as an emerging driver factor for the decline of insects” published in Science of the Total Environment found “sufficient evidence” of effects including impacts to flight, foraging and feeding, short-term memory, and mortality. (Balmori 2021)

Electromagnetic (EMF) frequencies have been found to alter the growth and development of plants.  Studies on wireless EMF frequencies have found physiological and morphological changes, increased micronuclei formation, altered growth as well as adverse cell characteristics such as thinner cell walls and smaller mitochondria.  Plants perceive and respond to electromagnetic fields.

We believe that public health should take precedence over technological advancement. Babcock Ranch was initially established to be a model, a solution for emerging communities, and has since become a peaceful haven for those seeking refuge from the harmful effects of all types of pollution; light, water, air and now we are presented with the threat of RF Pollution.

As such, we urge Babcock Ranch, Kitson and Partners to elevate and prioritize this issue of RF pollution, which is becoming increasingly complex and detrimental to human health. We ask that they become part of the solution and stewards by not sacrificing public health for faster download speeds. When it comes to everyday activities like enjoying nature and watching kids play, lightning-fast download speeds are unnecessary. All we need is reliable cell service that allows residents to make important calls when they need to. Therefore, it's essential to put things in perspective and weigh the risks before implementing a technology that has been proven to pose a risk to our well-being.

IN CONCLUSION, WE ASK THAT CELL TOWERS BE REMOVED AND TRADITIONAL TOWERS BE CONSTRUCTED 4-5 MILES OUTSIDE OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER.

If you share these concerns, we urge you to sign this petition. Together, we can make a difference and protect our home values AND our community's health and well-being.

- Concerned Residents

5G Research

2000+ Published Research Articles