Small cell wireless antenna (also called 5G) is the fifth generation of wireless infrastructure. It uses new types of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) to transmit large amounts of data, promising to connect the Internet of Things at blazing fast speeds. 5G works best over short distances, requiring antennas to be closer to one another and to users. 800,000 small cell wireless facilities are forecasted to be installed across the country by 2026 - adjacent to homes, schools, public spaces, offices…everywhere we work, live and socialize. Verizon was granted a permit to install these antennas in Kirkland last year. AT&T is expecting to have its permit approved at the Kirkland City Council meeting on February 4, 2020.

5G antennas will impact the aesthetics of our city while potentially compromising our safety and privacy, and reducing our property values.

Most troubling is that hundreds of peer-reviewed studies connect RFR to severe health and environmental risks. Some of these health risks include increased incidence of cancer, DNA damage, neurological damage, infertility in men, headaches, insomnia, and impaired memory and learning. Environmental risks include damage to bee colonies and risks to bird migratory patterns.

For all these reasons, we are asking the Kirkland City Council to enact an ordinance prohibiting telecom companies from placing small cell antennas within 1500 feet of schools, daycare centers, residences or parks, or to forego 5G altogether and opt for fiberoptic options.

Please sign our petition so the City Council knows how concerning this issue is to the residents of Kirkland. Thank you!