The Arlington Heights Environmental Control Board is examining reports on the potential health hazards of electromagnetic fields, which could lead to a moratorium on new cellular telephone towers.
The panel is expected to complete its review by Jan. 11 and submit its findings to Village President Arlene J. Mulder.
The action comes after a resident, whom officials declined to identify, wrote a letter to Mulder seeking a moratorium on cell towers. The village has several towers.
The same man also is suing his condo association, which is allowing Nextel Communications to place a cellular tower on his high-rise building, officials said.
The Village Board is expected to review the panel’s recommendation and consider recommendations on the placement of antennas in relationship to residential areas, Village Manager Bill Dixon said.
The Environmental Control Board is studying research conducted by the World Health Organization, as well as material released by the Federal Communications Commission, medical associations and other health and environmental groups.
Officials have gone over numerous documents, most of which conclude there is no risk of cancer from using cellular telephones.
The Village Board is expected to discuss the issue in February after it receives the panel’s recommendation.
