Cell towers, including 4G and 5G cellular antennas emit radio frequency (RF) radiation, a type of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. Although this type of radiation is non-ionizing, this does not ensure safety. Many scientists recommend caution because studies have reported a harmful health impacts after prolonged exposure.

The U.S. lacks federal regulations governing the placement of cell towers near homes, hospitals, and schools. However, some state and local communities have taken steps to address the issue.

What school districts ban cell towers on school property?

Several U.S. school dictricts ban cell towers on schol property:

• Los Angeles Unified (CA): Passed three resolutions banning towers, including one that set a “cautionary level” for radiofrequency radiation at 10,000 times lower than US federal limits for public exposure. 
• Palo Alto Unified (CA): Passed a 1,500-foot setback.
• Temecula Valley Unified (CA): Prohibited new towers and lease renewals via a policy and resolution.
• Portland OR: stopped considering new leases for cell towers.
• Montgomery County (MD): Stopped towers at elementary schools.
• West Linn-Wilsonville OR & Prince George’s County (MD): Did not renew cell tower leasing agreement.
• Loudoun County (VA.): Prohibited new towers for 5 years.

Click on the districts name and hyperlinked source for documents.

Hundreds of scientists are calling for safeguards due to growing evidence of harmful effects.

International Policies to Restrict Cell Towers at Schools

The United States allows higher levels of cell tower radiation in the environment than several other countries. Many nations—including Italy, Switzerland, China, and Russia—have adopted far stricter regulations. Scientists caution that even these more restrictive limits may not ensure safety as effects have been found at levels orders of magnitude lower. However, cell towers commonly permitted in the U.S. could violate regulations in these countries.  These countries often require greater setbacks from homes, schools, and playgrounds to better protect public health, particularly for children

Country Policies to Ban Cell Towers at Schools

• Turkey: Cell antennas must be distanced from schools and playgrounds and not placed on the same floors as preschools or primary schools in multi-story buildings. RF levels are continuously monitored near schools and hospitals.
• Greece: Towers are prohibited on school grounds, with stricter RF limits within 300 meters of schools, hospitals, and elderly care homes.
• France: RF levels must be minimized within 100 meters of schools, daycare centers, and healthcare facilities.
• Bangladesh: Cell towers are banned on residential buildings, schools, colleges, playgrounds, high-density areas, and heritage sites.
• Israel: Requires at least a 100-meter setback between towers and schools or homes.
• Chile: Prohibits cell antennas in “sensitive areas” like kindergartens, hospitals, and nursing homes.
• Queensland, Australia: : New towers are not allowed on school property, must be 200 meters away, and emissions are capped at 1% of federal limits.
• New Zealand: Bans towers on school property and enforces a 50-meter setback.
• Toronto, Canada: Recommends exposures be 100 times lower than federal limits under a “Prudent Avoidance Policy.” 
• Russia: Cell tower antennas and base stations are no longer allowed near schools, and a national plan is underway to relocate existing installations away from educational institutions.

EHS Factsheets on Cell Tower Radiation Policy

Download our factsheets on cell towers and schools here .

Fact Sheets and Briefings on Cell Tower Health and Safety Issues

Note: These can be emailed and placed on the official record of school boards because they include hyperlinks to scientific studies.

More briefings and factsheets covering cell tower impacts on everything from property values to insurance liability and risk can be found here.

TEMECULA VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

RESOLUTION 2023-2024/09 IN THE MATTER OF WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION INSTALLMENTS

WHEREAS, the health and safety of our students and employees are fundamental concerns of the Temecula Valley Unified School District;

WHEREAS, the Temecula Valley Unified School District cannot prevent wireless service facilities from being situated near its schools;

WHEREAS, the desire of the wireless companies to market new wireless services has since led to a proliferation of cellular facilities targeting residential areas and near schools;

WHEREAS, wireless infrastructure is being deployed at an unprecedented speed and cellular facilities have been approved without proper justification and proof that the placement is to serve existing demand or provide public safety benefits;

WHEREAS, serious concerns exist regarding wireless permits approved near schools without proper notification to school officials and nearby property owners or proper review and oversight of the wireless applications;

WHEREAS, cities, counties, and local municipalities have relied upon Section 704 of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 to preempt local communities and school districts from opposing the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of environmental effects of radiofrequency emissions to the extent that the proposed facilities comply with the Federal Communications Commission regulations concerning such emissions;

WHEREAS, cities, counties, and local municipalities have not had to demonstrate that these telecommunication facilities comply with the Federal Communications Commission regulations concerning radiofrequency emissions as they relate to multiple-transmitter sites and complex environments whereby all significant contributions to environmental exposures are cumulatively considered;

WHEREAS, based upon new and emerging scientific evidence there continues to be considerable debate as to the adequacy of existing public exposure standards including those promulgated by the Federal Communications Commission. Specifically, a recent decision by the United State Court of Appeal found that the Federal Communications Commission, the commission regulating facilities and devices that transmit radio waves and microwaves, failed to adequately provide explanation or its guidelines on wireless facilities and their harmful effects of radiofrequency. (Environmental Health Trust v. Federal Communications Commission (D.C. 2021) 9 F.4th 893, 900.) While the court emphasized that it took no position on the scientific debate on the health and environmental effects of the radiation, it held that the Commission failed to provide a reasoned explanation on the cancer-related health effects and impacts of radiation on children. (Id. at 909.);

WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission is obligated to conduct periodic reviews of current research and analysis of health implications associated with radiofrequency exposures in cooperation with industry, agency, and organizations responsible for community health and safety to ensure exposure to guidelines are appropriate and scientifically valid;

WHEREAS, regardless of the regulatory compliance, the scientific and medical communities urge a cautionary approach to radiofrequency exposure. Recent environmental research suggests that exposure to radiofrequencies, including a cumulative effective of low- intensity exposure, can cause increased incidence of cancer, neuropsychiatric effects such as headaches, concentration difficulties, memory changes, and reproductive complications and infertility. (J.M. Pearce, “Limiting Liability with Positioning to Minimize Negative Health Effects of Cellular Phone Towers” (October 19, 2019).).

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Trustees of the Temecula Valley Unified School District adopts and implements revised Board Policy 3514, prohibiting new wireless telecommunication installments on Temecula Valley Unified School District’s school grounds as well as prohibiting any extension or renewal of existing ground leases for the maintenance of wireless telecommunication installments on District property.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees requests and supports that the City of Temecula immediately establish local municipal zoning setback rules of 1,500 feet or more for operations of wireless telecommunication transmitters near a school site;BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees requests the City of Temecula to provide timely notification when new wireless telecommunication transmitter permit applications are filed and provide comment on the health risks from the proposed installment as it relates to compliance with existing Federal Communications Commission regulations associated with cumulative exposures;