Residents in Varese Demand Transparency and Safety Measures Over New Antenna Installations on Aler Buildings

Updated May 11, 2026 — Concerns are mounting in Varese over the installation of new antennas on residential buildings managed by Aler Milano, with local officials and residents calling for immediate action to address potential health and safety risks. The controversy centers on the lack of prior consultation and the absence of electromagnetic field measurements, raising questions about regulatory compliance and public trust.

— ### **Why Are Residents Alarmed?** Local politicians from AVANTI PSI Varese have flagged the situation as a growing concern, citing fears among residents of both the affected buildings and neighboring homes. The installation of antennas on the Aler Milano buildings in via Carnia has sparked debates over transparency, environmental health, and the role of municipal authorities in safeguarding public welfare. Key issues raised include: – **Lack of prior notification** to residents or the community, despite past commitments from city officials to ensure transparency for large-scale installations. – **Unmeasured electromagnetic fields**, which could pose potential risks to health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. – **A precedent of regulatory ambiguity**, as the city awaits the finalization of a new municipal regulation for electronic communication structures. — ### **The Political Push for Answers** Orlando Rinaldi, provincial secretary of AVANTI PSI Varese, and Vincenzo Remine, a councilor for Quartiere 11 and party member, have led the charge for accountability. In a joint statement, they emphasized that Mayor Davide Galimberti, as the local health authority, has a legal obligation to intervene and ensure public safety through ordinances on hygiene, health, and environmental standards. > *”The mayor must act swiftly to guarantee the right to information and health protection for citizens. The installation of these antennas without prior consultation or risk assessment sets a dangerous precedent.”* — AVANTI PSI Varese (as cited in local communications) The politicians also referenced a 2019 commitment made by then-Councilor Dino De Simone during a citizen consultation, where the city promised to provide advance notice for new installations. This promise, they argue, has not been honored in the current case. — ### **A Pattern of Unresolved Concerns** This is not an isolated incident. Residents point to a 2025 controversy over a power line tower near the Croce Rossa facility and the Faculty of Biology at the University of Insubria, which also lacked proper community engagement. The situation underscores the need for a clear, enforceable municipal regulation on electronic communication structures—a framework that remains in development. > *”The absence of a finalized regulation cannot justify the absence of basic precautions. Precautionary measures, such as temporary deactivation and electromagnetic field testing, should be implemented immediately.”* — AVANTI PSI Varese — ### **What’s Next? Residents and Officials Demand Action** The political group has outlined three immediate steps they expect from the city: 1. **A public consultation** with residents of Quartiere 11 and affected buildings to address concerns and gather input. 2. **Measurement of electromagnetic fields** by independent experts to assess potential risks. 3. **Precautionary deactivation** of the antennas until safety standards are met and regulatory clarity is established. Mayor Galimberti’s office has not yet issued a public response, but the pressure is mounting as residents and local representatives urge transparency and proactive governance. — ### **Key Takeaways: What Residents Should Know** – **Regulatory Gap:** Varese is awaiting finalization of a municipal regulation for electronic communication structures, leaving a legal gray area for new installations. – **Health Precautions:** The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends monitoring electromagnetic fields near residential areas, though it acknowledges that current evidence does not confirm health risks at typical exposure levels [WHO EMF Project]. – **Community Rights:** Italian law (Law No. 248/2005) mandates public consultation for projects that may impact health or the environment, though enforcement varies by municipality. – **Local Precedent:** Similar disputes in 2025 over power lines near sensitive areas (e.g., schools and healthcare facilities) highlight ongoing challenges in balancing infrastructure needs with public safety. — ### **FAQ: Addressing Common Concerns** Q: Are electromagnetic fields from antennas dangerous? A: Current scientific consensus, as outlined by the WHO, indicates that exposure to electromagnetic fields below established limits is not considered harmful. However, public perception of risk remains high, and many communities advocate for precautionary measures, such as independent testing [WHO Fact Sheet]. Q: Why hasn’t the city acted yet? A: The delay may stem from the pending municipal regulation on electronic structures. Until finalized, local authorities may lack clear guidelines for approval or rejection processes. Advocates argue this ambiguity should not override basic safety protocols. Q: What can residents do if they’re concerned? A: Residents can: – Contact AVANTI PSI Varese or Quartiere 11 councilors to voice concerns. – Request a meeting with Mayor Galimberti’s office to demand transparency. – Seek independent electromagnetic field measurements from certified environmental agencies. — ### **Looking Ahead: Will Varese Set a New Standard?** The outcome of this dispute could shape how Varese handles future infrastructure projects, particularly those involving electronic communication structures. If the city responds proactively—by engaging the community, conducting safety assessments, and aligning with pending regulations—it may serve as a model for other municipalities grappling with similar challenges. For now, residents of via Carnia and beyond are watching closely, demanding that their voices and health concerns be prioritized over unchecked development. —