Treading the green grass of my beautiful college campus, I imagine the tissues of my body slowly heating up and burning away as my body becomes a magnet for the carcinogens from the electromagnetic radiation coming from the roof of Kiely Hall. I am studying within the caustic locale of a device that is supposed to keep Queens College students and faculty safe.
The microwave antenna installed on the roof of Kiely Hall is one of 400 devices installed as part of a citywide operation to prevent communication issues during emergencies.
The devices are meant to ensure that, during high-risk situations, first responders and the government have no problems communicating clearly and effectively. As we know from the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001, New York City is a prime target for extremist groups.
Though I now feel safer, the attacks still made me wonder about my safety. These electromagnetic devices were created to establish fast interagency communication, which means that they are extremely powerful. Does this power mean that I am putting my health in jeopardy? It seems as though I may have to pay the price of harming my body to ensure my security. Even more alarming is how little the college students and faculty know about the health concerns the antenna may pose, not only for students and staff, but also for the children (who are the most vulnerable to the radiation) attending the on-campus daycare center.
Researchers and scientists have proven that exposure to radiation has long-term health concerns. It increases the chances of developing childhood leukemia, breast cancer, genetic alteration and even brain tumors.
The antenna's operation began earlier this year, and the vast majority of students and faculty continue to obliviously carry out their daily routines. How many of those on campus would be concerned about the "circular thing" on top of Kiely Hall if they knew it could, over time, cause Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease? The antenna is being taken leniently by the public because the college is making little about it known. Though the focal point of the public's attention is now on the CUNY budget cuts, this is important, too.
It may be absolutely necessary to keep such a device in operation, but how am I supposed to attend QC without thinking that I am not only paying for an education, but also for a disease that could potentially paralyze me?
QC students and staff should be afraid of the possible health concerns the antenna poses. QC's Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications was supposed to have more information on the antenna in July 2008, but it has yet to deliver.
It would not be much trouble for the school to inform students and staff about what they need to do to stay safe. It should not be the case that people are only made aware of this when others, or even themselves, fall ill.
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