Will climbing a radio tower cause me any physical harm?

Question

There's a tower in my neighborhood that I really want to climb to take pictures of the skyline from. It's a pretty disused tower in a pretty slow part of town. Here it is:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/91/223331531_d5b8a1cc5c_b.jpg

My question is, will I be hurt in any way by the signals being transmitted? What is the purpose of this tower, and is it safe to climb? I need advice on this.

Answer 1

No Radio tower is safe to climb while transmitting, the radiation emitted is the best method of permanent birth control.

Answer 2

Radio Tower Climb

Answer 3

Just when the cops face plant you in the turf to cuff you when they arrest you for trespassing. ; D

Seriously, though, research has been mixed on the effects of EMF (electro-magnetic fields), but they do not appear to be harmful, at least not in any immediate way. If you have any fillings or any metal rods from repairs due to other stunts gone wrong, those might decide to vibrate or even build up static charges.

It does not appear to have any microwave capability, those can do some real, immediate damage.

The real potential for injury would, of course, be falling (or, at least, the abrupt stop at the end of the fall) or electrical lines. Given the exposure to the elements, damaged insulation on the electrical supply is not an insignificant risk. And speaking of which, I'd make sure the potential for T-storms is O.

Answer 4

Yes, you will be hurt. You will be exposed to large amounts of both RF and microwave energy. Depending on the power output of the transmitter and the length of your exposure, it will cause anything from blindness, sterility, internal baking of your organs, and/or death. Do yourself a favor and hire a hot air balloon or small plane for your pictures! High frequency, electromagnetic exposure is never a good thing! If, unfortunately this is a "after-the-fact" question, go see your Doctor and explain what you did and what you may have been exposed to. Print this out and take it with you if you need to!!

Answer 5

There's no way of knowing the power output of any of the transmitters. Powerful transmitter aerials at close proximity can cause cataracts on your eyes. In addition there's the small problem of trespassing and possible criminal damage charges if you are caught climbing the tower without permission.

Answer 6

you won't be hurt by any signals. other than the obvious problem of falling off, you could get hurt if any of the beams you step on break or bend, which is a possibility since it looks pretty old and not well taken care of. you could also be arrested for trespassing. and i'm sure i don't have to tell you that climbing it in a lightning storm is a bad idea. if it's that important to you to get the bird's eye view for your photos, find out what exactly the tower is, who owns it, and see if you can get permission to climb it at your own risk.

Answer 7

Yes, if you fall off, get put in jail, or touch any high voltage lines that are insulated from the structure. Since it is anchored to the ground, there cannot be any voltage on the structure itself, but you could touch something with one hand and ground your other to the tower - I wouldn't do it.

Answer 8

from the looks of that tower id be willing to stay on the ground! dont ask for trouble,unless you want a bum full of buckshot,someone might see you and take aim and that person being the ownner of the towers property.

Answer 9

Climbing Radio Tower

Answer 10

keep in mind that it may attract a lightning strike. choose a clear day. also, beware of being charged with trespassing; the tower is probably private property.
As a mom I must say "You're gonna break your neck"