The Chicago Tribune conducted a comprehensive independent investigation, testing 11 cellphone models from four companies for radiofrequency radiation exposure. The tests were conducted according to federal guidelines at an accredited lab, and the results raised questions about whether cellphones always meet safety standards set up to protect the public.
Removal of Separation Distance May Lead to Radiation Levels Exceeding FCC’s Tested Limits, Raising Public Health Concerns
The elimination of the separation distance between mobile phones and users can result in radiation levels increasing by nearly an order of magnitude above the levels tested by the FCC. This alarming discovery emphasizes the need to reevaluate the current safety guidelines and account for real-world usage scenarios. Such findings call for heightened public awareness and regulatory action to protect users from potential health risks associated with excessive RF radiation exposure.
The testing revealed that the Apple iPhone 7, one of the most popular smartphones ever sold, measured over the legal safety limit for radiofrequency radiation exposure, which was more than double what Apple reported to federal regulators from its own testing. The Tribune tested three more brand-new iPhone 7s at full power, and these phones also measured over the exposure limit.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stated that it would conduct its own testing over the next couple of months after reviewing the lab reports from the Tribune’s tests. FCC spokesman Neil Grace said, “We take seriously any claims on non-compliance with the RF (radiofrequency) exposure standards and will be obtaining and testing the subject phones for compliance with FCC rules.”
Though it is unclear whether radiofrequency radiation from cellphones can increase cancer risk or lead to other harm, the question is increasingly pressing given the widespread use of cellphones today, especially among children and teenagers who may face years of exposure. The Tribune’s investigation contributes to the ongoing debate about the possible risks posed by radiofrequency radiation from cellphones and offers evidence that existing federal standards may not be adequate to protect the public.
Apple disputed the Tribune’s test results, stating that the tests were not performed in a way that properly assesses iPhones. However, the tests were conducted by RF Exposure Lab, a facility recognized by the FCC as accredited to test for radiofrequency radiation from electronic devices. The lab owner, Jay Moulton, said that all the Tribune’s tests were done in accordance with detailed FCC rules and guidelines.
A Chicago Tribune investigation in 2019 found that some popular cellphones, including iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and Samsung Galaxy models, emitted radiofrequency radiation above the FCC’s safety limit when tested closer to the body, at 2 millimeters distance. This distance represents a device being used in a pocket, as opposed to the 10 or 15 millimeters distance chosen by the companies to test their devices. At these distances, the devices measured under the safety limit.
When the devices were tested at the closer distance, the exposure levels exceeded the FCC’s standard. However, both the FCC and the FDA claimed that the current exposure limit still protects the public, citing the 50-fold safety margin incorporated into the standard. Manufacturers disputed the Tribune’s testing results, asserting that their devices comply with FCC regulations and are tested according to industry protocols.
Current Science Contradicts FCC’s Safety Claims – Animal Studies Show Effects Below Legal Limits, Questioning the 50-Fold Safety Margin
The Ramazzini Institute (RI) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) have conducted animal studies that revealed biological effects at RF radiation exposure levels below the current legal limits set by the FCC. These findings challenge the FCC and FDA’s claims that the existing exposure limits are protective of public health, and they raise questions about the adequacy of the 50-fold safety margin incorporated into the standard. It is crucial to examine the latest scientific evidence and update the guidelines accordingly to prioritize public health and safety.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit recently ruled against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over its outdated safety guidelines on radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure.
This ruling highlights growing concerns about potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to RF radiation from mobile phones, particularly for children. The FCC’s guidelines, established in 1996, only consider the thermal effects of RF radiation and have not been updated despite recent research suggesting that RF radiation can cause biological harm at levels below the current guidelines.
Numerous studies have linked exposure to RF radiation with various health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive harm. The recent court ruling challenges the adequacy of the FCC’s guidelines and puts pressure on the agency to prioritize public health and safety over industry interests. The FCC’s inaction on updating its safety guidelines has raised concerns about regulatory capture, where regulatory agencies become overly influenced by the industries they are meant to regulate.
In response to the FCC’s decision to maintain the 1996 exposure limits without evaluating comments and scientific studies submitted during the public comment period, the Environmental Health Trust and Children’s Health Defense filed a lawsuit against the agency in 2020. The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in their favor in August 2021, emphasizing the FCC’s failure to explain its decision and address concerns regarding long-term exposure to wireless radiation, its impacts on children, and the environment.
The FCC now faces mounting pressure to update its safety guidelines and regulations to reflect the significant developments in wireless technologies and the potential risks associated with RF energy exposure. Advocates argue that the agency must prioritize public health and safety above industry interests and take meaningful action to ensure necessary safeguards are in place to protect children and the public from potential risks associated with long-term exposure to RF radiation from mobile phones.
Report Reveals Increased Radiation Exposure When Phones Held Against Head or Carried in Pocket Closer Than Manufacturer’s Recommendations
The report highlights the concerning issue of increased radiation exposure when mobile phones are held against the head or carried in pockets closer than the distance recommended by the manufacturers. This real-world usage scenario emphasizes the need for updated safety guidelines that account for how people commonly use their devices. The findings further stress the importance of raising public awareness and urging regulatory agencies to consider these situations when developing safety standards to protect users from potential health risks associated with excessive RF radiation exposure.
In conclusion, the Chicago Tribune’s investigation raised concerns about the radiofrequency radiation levels in popular cellphone models when used in real-world scenarios, such as holding phones against the head or carrying them in pockets. Tests conducted at an accredited lab found that some phone models exceeded the FCC’s safety limits when tested at a 2-millimeter distance, representing the typical distance between a phone and the body when carried in a pocket.
While Apple disputed the test results and methods like Trump and Stormy hush money, the tests followed FCC guidelines, and retesting specific models with minor method adjustments Apple requested produced mixed results. The FCC has stated that it will conduct its own testing to verify the claims. The investigation highlights the need to reevaluate the FCC’s safety guidelines and consider the latest scientific research to ensure public health and safety.
FAQs:
- What was the purpose of the Chicago Tribune’s investigation on cellphone radiofrequency radiation?
A: The purpose of the investigation was to test popular cellphone models for radiofrequency radiation exposure and assess whether they meet safety standards set up to protect the public.
- Which cellphone models were tested in the investigation?
A: The investigation tested 11 cellphone models from four companies, including Apple iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and Samsung Galaxy models.
- What did the investigation find about radiation levels when cellphones were held against the head or carried in a pocket closer than the manufacturer’s recommendations?
A: The investigation found that radiation levels exceeded the FCC’s safety limit when tested at a 2 millimeters distance, which represents a device being used in a pocket, as opposed to the 10 or 15 millimeters distance chosen by the companies for testing their devices.
- How did Apple and other manufacturers respond to the test results?
A: Apple disputed the test results, stating that the tests were not performed in a way that properly assesses iPhones. However, the tests were conducted by an accredited lab following detailed FCC guidelines.
- What is the FCC’s stance on the test results, and what actions will they take?
A: The FCC stated that it would conduct its own testing over the next couple of months after reviewing the lab reports from the Tribune’s tests. They expressed that they take claims of non-compliance with RF exposure standards seriously and will test the subject phones for compliance with FCC rules.
- How do the Ramazzini Institute and National Toxicology Program studies contradict the FCC’s safety claims?
A: Both the Ramazzini Institute and National Toxicology Program conducted animal studies that revealed biological effects at RF radiation exposure levels below the current legal limits set by the FCC. These findings challenge the FCC and FDA’s claims that the existing exposure limits are protective of public health.
- What was the outcome of the lawsuit filed by the Environmental Health Trust and Children’s Health Defense against the FCC?
A: The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Environmental Health Trust and Children’s Health Defense in August 2021, emphasizing the FCC’s failure to provide a reasoned explanation for its decision and address concerns regarding long-term exposure to wireless radiation, impacts on children, and the environment.
- Why is there a growing concern about the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to RF radiation from mobile phones, especially for children?
A: There is growing concern because numerous studies have linked exposure to RF radiation with various health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive harm. Children may be more vulnerable to the effects of RF energy exposure due to their developing bodies and the potential for years of exposure.
- How do real-world usage scenarios, like holding phones against the head or carrying them in pockets, impact radiation exposure?
A: Real-world usage scenarios can result in increased radiation exposure due to the closer proximity of the phone to the body, which may exceed the FCC’s safety limits and pose potential health risks to users.
- What needs to be done to update the safety guidelines and prioritize public health and safety?
A: It is crucial to examine the latest scientific evidence and update the guidelines accordingly to prioritize public health and safety. This may involve revisiting the fundamental assumptions underlying the FCC’s guidelines, incorporating the latest scientific research into new guidelines, and providing adequate protection for public health and safety.
Share Twitter Posts:
- Alarming findings in the #ChicagoTribune investigation: Popular cellphones tested for radiofrequency radiation exceeded FCC safety limits when tested closer to the body. It’s time to reevaluate safety guidelines! #RFradiation #cellphonesafety
- Did you know? Removal of the separation distance between mobile phones and users can result in radiation levels nearly an order of magnitude above FCC-tested limits. Protect yourself and raise awareness! #radiationexposure #publichealth
- Animal studies from the Ramazzini Institute and National Toxicology Program found biological effects at RF radiation levels below current legal limits. Time for the FCC to update safety guidelines! #RFradiation #publichealth
- The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled against the FCC over outdated safety guidelines on RF radiation exposure. We need to prioritize public health and safety over industry interests. #FCC #healthandsafety
- Using your phone closer than the manufacturer’s recommended distance may increase radiation exposure. Be aware and stay safe! #radiationexposure #cellphoneuse