Electromagnetic pollution is subtle: nobody actually sees or perceives it but there is early evidence there may be a link between EMF exposures and autism, affecting our DNA and jeopardizing the health of future generations. In Niscemi (Sicily) within a natural reserve the Naval Radio Transmitter Facility (NRTF-8) station of the U.S. Navy, currently hosts 41 transmitting devices. The same location is where one of the four world ground stations of the MUOS system is taking place. Inhabitants are concerned about the risk linked to this new electromagnetic source. My photography work on Niscemi MUOS started in 2010, when the construction works were still at a very preliminary stage. At that time there was already good deal of awareness in the population. Over the last years, with the project going on, people attention to this issue grew up. Niscemi is already exposed to serious pollution agents, being 10 km far from the Gela refinery, one of the biggest industrial settlements in southern Italy. There are today serious concerns to the effects that the new system would add to the existing, already high, electromagnetic emissions. These concerns are linked to health's statistics showing an above the average number of casualties linked to cancer. The biggest problem is that at present days there is no impartial and serious measurement campaign on the existing electromagnetic field, nor a scientific projection of potential effects of the new installation. The area where the Naval Radio Transmitter Facility is built is particularly beautiful, and it's felt by the Niscemi inhabitants as “their” wood. In February 2013 I had the possibility to photograph families and students in the Niscemi Sughereta, hearing their voices, listening to their concerns, feeling the worries for their children and for their health. Youngsters and families close to barriers, staring to surreal antennas,  small “Davids” versus a gigantic “Goliath”. My viewpoint is pretty clear, no matter if you're in favour or against the construction of the MUOS: I tried to represent the facts and the emotions of most of Niscemi inhabitants. 

A great thank you to Mario, Palma and Enzo for supporting me so much with this project.

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