Though the science on the possible health effects of cell phone radiation is far from conclusive, several state and local governments are proposing legislation to address public concerns. And though no law has been implemented yet, it's clear the issue isn't going away.
Oregon
What's being proposed?
Sponsored by Sen. Chip Shields (D-Portland), SB 679 (PDF) would require retailers in the state to affix the following label to a phone and the phone's packaging. "Warning: This is a radio-frequency (RF), radiation-emitting device that has nonthermal biological effects for which no safety guidelines have yet been established. Controversy exists as to whether these effects are harmful to humans. Exposure to RF radiation may be reduced by limiting your use of this device and keeping it away from the head and body."
How we got here
Maine largely led the way in early 2010 with a bill that would have required warning labels that cell phones may cause brain cancer. That legislation later died in a Maine House of Representatives committee, but other states and a few cities soon followed (Congress held a couple of committee hearings in 2009 but has taken no action). Then, almost a year ago, San Francisco really got the ball rolling when it passed a groundbreaking ordinance that required cell phone retailers to display the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) (defined by the FCC as "the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the body when using a mobile phone") for each phone model sold. That ordinance also was scrapped following opposition from the wireless industry, but San Francisco is trying again. And as the following list shows, lawmakers in city halls and statehouses across the country are joining the cause.
Maine largely led the way in early 2010 with a bill that would have required warning labels that cell phones may cause brain cancer. That legislation later died in a Maine House of Representatives committee, but other states and a few cities soon followed (Congress held a couple of committee hearings in 2009 but has taken no action). Then, almost a year ago, San Francisco really got the ball rolling when it passed a groundbreaking ordinance that required cell phone retailers to display the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) (defined by the FCC as "the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the body when using a mobile phone") for each phone model sold. That ordinance also was scrapped following opposition from the wireless industry, but San Francisco is trying again. And as the following list shows, lawmakers in city halls and statehouses across the country are joining the cause.
Some officials have simply called for more research to be done, but others are considering requiring health notices for cell phone packaging and mandating that stores inform customers that cell phones emit radio-frequency energy. CNET will continue to track developments as they unfold, and if we've omitted any cities or states from this report, please let us know in the comments section.
States
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| California state Sen. Mark Leno |
California
What's being proposed?
California state Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) introduced SB 932 on February 18. As now amended by the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality, the bill would require the following notice on cell phone packaging and at the point of sale: "This device emits radio-frequency energy. Consult the user's manual for additional information on safe use." Additional language that said, "Do not hold or carry it directly against the body when connected to a network or you may be exposed to levels greater than the safety limit established by the Federal Communications Commission," was removed after the bill's introduction.
What's being proposed?
California state Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) introduced SB 932 on February 18. As now amended by the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality, the bill would require the following notice on cell phone packaging and at the point of sale: "This device emits radio-frequency energy. Consult the user's manual for additional information on safe use." Additional language that said, "Do not hold or carry it directly against the body when connected to a network or you may be exposed to levels greater than the safety limit established by the Federal Communications Commission," was removed after the bill's introduction.
Current status?
The California Senate committee approved the amended bill on May 9 by a 4-2 vote. It was to proceed to the full Senate for consideration, but on June 2, Leno ordered the bill to an inactive file. He also sponsored an unsuccessful bill last year that required retailers to post a consumer safety warning and list the SAR for each model being sold.
The California Senate committee approved the amended bill on May 9 by a 4-2 vote. It was to proceed to the full Senate for consideration, but on June 2, Leno ordered the bill to an inactive file. He also sponsored an unsuccessful bill last year that required retailers to post a consumer safety warning and list the SAR for each model being sold.
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| Maine state Rep. Andrea Boland |
Maine
What's being proposed?
LD 1014, aka The Children's Wireless Protection Act, would have mandated several points for cell phones that include safety notifications in their owner's manuals. First, the "full language" of the notification would have to be plainly visible on the outside of the product packaging. What's more, the label must direct consumers to the specific page in the owner's manual with the notification and include the phrase, "For the safety of you and your family, please read guidance for use."
What's being proposed?
LD 1014, aka The Children's Wireless Protection Act, would have mandated several points for cell phones that include safety notifications in their owner's manuals. First, the "full language" of the notification would have to be plainly visible on the outside of the product packaging. What's more, the label must direct consumers to the specific page in the owner's manual with the notification and include the phrase, "For the safety of you and your family, please read guidance for use."
Current status?
The bill was sponsored by Maine state Rep. Andrea Boland (D-Sanford), who also introduced the unsuccessful 2010 bill. The bill eventually passed the House of Representatives, but was voted down in the Senate. The legislative session ended June 15.
The bill was sponsored by Maine state Rep. Andrea Boland (D-Sanford), who also introduced the unsuccessful 2010 bill. The bill eventually passed the House of Representatives, but was voted down in the Senate. The legislative session ended June 15.
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| New Mexico state Rep. Brian F. Egolf |
New Mexico
What's being proposed?
New Mexico state Rep. Brian F. Egolf (D-Santa Fe) sponsored HM 32, which directs the state government to "study available literature and reports on the effects of cell phone radiation on human health." Also, by November 11 the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment must prepare a report with "recommendations on how to alleviate any dangerous effects that cell phone radiation has on human health."
What's being proposed?
New Mexico state Rep. Brian F. Egolf (D-Santa Fe) sponsored HM 32, which directs the state government to "study available literature and reports on the effects of cell phone radiation on human health." Also, by November 11 the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment must prepare a report with "recommendations on how to alleviate any dangerous effects that cell phone radiation has on human health."
Current status?
The House of Representatives passed the legislation by a 43-24 vote on March 13.
The House of Representatives passed the legislation by a 43-24 vote on March 13.
What's being proposed?
Sponsored by Sen. Chip Shields (D-Portland), SB 679 (PDF) would require retailers in the state to affix the following label to a phone and the phone's packaging. "Warning: This is a radio-frequency (RF), radiation-emitting device that has nonthermal biological effects for which no safety guidelines have yet been established. Controversy exists as to whether these effects are harmful to humans. Exposure to RF radiation may be reduced by limiting your use of this device and keeping it away from the head and body."
Current status?
Though there was a public hearing on April 11, a spokeswoman for Sen. Shields' office told CNET that the bill has been shelved for the remainder of the legislative session.
Though there was a public hearing on April 11, a spokeswoman for Sen. Shields' office told CNET that the bill has been shelved for the remainder of the legislative session.
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| Pennsylvania state Rep. Vanessa Brown |
What's being proposed?
Like California's proposed legislation, HB 1408 also would mandate a label on cell phone packaging. As currently written, though, Pennsylvania's label specifically mentions possible health consequences. "This device emits electromagnetic radiation, exposure to which may cause brain cancer. Users, especially children and pregnant women, should keep this device away from the head and body."
Current status?
Introduced by Pennsylvania state Rep. Vanessa Brown (D-Philadelphia), the legislation now has 11 co-sponsors. On April 28 it was referred to the House Committee on Consumer Affairs. The 2011 session ended June 30.
Introduced by Pennsylvania state Rep. Vanessa Brown (D-Philadelphia), the legislation now has 11 co-sponsors. On April 28 it was referred to the House Committee on Consumer Affairs. The 2011 session ended June 30.
Cities
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| Councilman Shane Brinton, Aracata, Calif. |
Arcata, Calif.
What's being proposed?
Councilman Shane Brinton hasn't proposed any official legislation yet, but he told CNET that he's following the issue and may introduce a bill.
Current status?
Brinton said he was taking a "wait and see approach" to see how San Francisco proceeds with its amended "Right to Know" ordinance (see below).
Brinton said he was taking a "wait and see approach" to see how San Francisco proceeds with its amended "Right to Know" ordinance (see below).
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| Councilman Max Anderson |
Berkeley, Calif.
What's being proposed?
On December 14 of last year, Councilman Max Anderson sent a letter (PDF) to fellow council members recommending that the specific absorption rate be disclosed for all cell phones sold in the city.
What's being proposed?
On December 14 of last year, Councilman Max Anderson sent a letter (PDF) to fellow council members recommending that the specific absorption rate be disclosed for all cell phones sold in the city.
Current status?
A representative for Anderson's office said no official legislation has yet been proposed and that Councilman Anderson is only discussing ideas.
A representative for Anderson's office said no official legislation has yet been proposed and that Councilman Anderson is only discussing ideas.
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| Councilman Michael Brownrigg |
Burlingame, Calif.
What's being proposed?
In May, Councilman Michael Brownrigg said the council had "agreed in principle" to proceed with SAR-related legislation that could require retailers to "publish information for consumers that is already available, but in a more accessible format." In an e-mail to CNET, he also said that Burlingame "may explore other avenues for alerting cell users to some simple techniques that reduce cell radiation exposure."
Current status?
What's being proposed?
In May, Councilman Michael Brownrigg said the council had "agreed in principle" to proceed with SAR-related legislation that could require retailers to "publish information for consumers that is already available, but in a more accessible format." In an e-mail to CNET, he also said that Burlingame "may explore other avenues for alerting cell users to some simple techniques that reduce cell radiation exposure."
Current status?
On August 15, the council agreed to six recommendations to minimize "exposure to cell phone emissions" that will be incorporated into Burlingame's Healthy Cities initiative and will be posted on its Web site.
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| Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown |
Philadelphia
What's being proposed?
On December 2, 2010, the city council passed a resolution (PDF) that authorized the Committee on Public Health and Human Services "to hold hearings on the potential health risks from cell phone radiation and the actions the city of Philadelphia can take to better educate all cell phone users, particularly children and teens, on ways to reduce radiation exposure by using headsets, speaker phones, and texting."
What's being proposed?
On December 2, 2010, the city council passed a resolution (PDF) that authorized the Committee on Public Health and Human Services "to hold hearings on the potential health risks from cell phone radiation and the actions the city of Philadelphia can take to better educate all cell phone users, particularly children and teens, on ways to reduce radiation exposure by using headsets, speaker phones, and texting."
Current status?
A representative for Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, who sponsored the resolution, said no further developments were expected before the city council began its summer recess on June 16.
A representative for Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, who sponsored the resolution, said no further developments were expected before the city council began its summer recess on June 16.
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| San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos |
San Francisco
What's being proposed?
First passed last June, the "Right to know" ordinance (PDF) would have compelled retailers to post a consumer safety notice and list the SAR for each model of phone being sold. Also, retailers would have had to distribute consumer safety materials on request.
What's being proposed?
First passed last June, the "Right to know" ordinance (PDF) would have compelled retailers to post a consumer safety notice and list the SAR for each model of phone being sold. Also, retailers would have had to distribute consumer safety materials on request.
Current status?
Almost immediately, the CTIA, the wireless industry's lobbying arm, sued the city and moved its annual trade show to San Diego. After delaying implementation several times, city officials finally agreed in May to shelve the law. An amended version of the ordinance that deletes the SAR requirement was introduced by Supervisor John Avalos in July. As it now reads, the legislation would amend the San Francisco Environment Code require retailers in the city to post informational notices on radio-frequency (RF) exposure in stores and offer fact sheets to consumers that request them. The 11-member board unanimously passed the revised resolution at its July 19 meeting.
Almost immediately, the CTIA, the wireless industry's lobbying arm, sued the city and moved its annual trade show to San Diego. After delaying implementation several times, city officials finally agreed in May to shelve the law. An amended version of the ordinance that deletes the SAR requirement was introduced by Supervisor John Avalos in July. As it now reads, the legislation would amend the San Francisco Environment Code require retailers in the city to post informational notices on radio-frequency (RF) exposure in stores and offer fact sheets to consumers that request them. The 11-member board unanimously passed the revised resolution at its July 19 meeting.
Read more: http://www.cnet.com/8301-17918_1-20058696-85/cities-and-states-consider-cell-phone-radiation-laws/#ixzz2Sh0WiDdB
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