Mumbaiites get their own radiation shields

The full-length windows in Narendra Doshi’s Mulund (West) flat are covered with a dark film that has electronic chips attached to the side. The film is meant to protect the Doshis from radiation from the 3 mobile phone antennae on the building wall.

The full-length windows in Narendra Doshi’s Mulund (West) flat are covered with a dark film that has electronic chips attached to the side. The film is meant to protect the Doshis from radiation from the 3 mobile phone antennae on the building wall.

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Doshi is among a growing number of Mumbaiites protecting themselves from such radiation. While there is conflicting research on the harmful effect of such radiation, housing societies can earn up to Rs 1 lakh a month in rent from mobile phone firms to allow signal boosting towers and antennae on their buildings.

Doshi, a financial consultant, started researching the harmful effects of radiation after his daughter-in-law delivered a premature baby. In April, a private firm found the radiation levels in his house to be 70 milliwatt/metre square. Though this was below the permissible limit in India (4,500 milliwatt/metre square), the international standard is 1 milliwatt/metre square.

“We do not have any proof the tower is a health hazard. But we cannot wait for health problems to take precautions,” said Doshi’s neighbour, Biju Sumugan.