In a letter defending the current FCC guidelines for radiofrequency (RF) radiation, Brendan Carr paints a picture of regulatory diligence and scientific oversight. He cites the FDA and National Toxicology Program (NTP) as having confirmed the adequacy of these safety standards. However, a closer look reveals a troubling narrative of misinformation, selective science, and the quiet dismantling of critical research programs.
The Truth About the National Toxicology Program’s Findings
The NTP’s $30 million study found “clear evidence” linking RF radiation to carcinogenic effects, including:
- Glioblastomas (a deadly brain cancer).
- Cardiac Schwannomas (a rare type of heart tumor).
These findings directly challenge the FCC’s outdated thermal-based safety guidelines, which fail to account for non-thermal biological effects such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, and blood-brain barrier disruptions.
Despite these groundbreaking discoveries, the Biden administration ended funding for NTP’s RF radiation research. The program was effectively terminated, leaving critical questions unanswered about RF radiation’s impact on public health. This decision stands in stark contrast to Carr’s claims of ongoing scientific review.
Misleading Commitments to Scientific Review
Carr’s letter emphasizes that agencies like the FDA will continue to review “new scientific data” as it becomes available. Yet, by cutting funding for the very program producing this data, these statements ring hollow. The termination of NTP research not only silences one of the most credible voices in RF radiation safety but also signals a troubling deference to industry interests over public health.
Regulatory Capture at Its Worst
Brendan Carr’s defense of outdated RF safety guidelines fits a pattern of regulatory capture, where agencies prioritize the telecom industry’s profits over public safety. By failing to update guidelines established in 1996, the FCC has ignored decades of scientific advancements showing non-thermal effects at exposure levels far below the current limits.
Key Contradictions in Carr’s Letter:
- Outdated Guidelines Defended as “Adequate”: The 1996 safety limits only consider thermal effects, despite mounting evidence of non-thermal risks.
- Ignored Court Ruling: In 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled the FCC’s refusal to update its guidelines “arbitrary and capricious,” underscoring the inadequacy of these standards.
- Convenient Omission of Funding Cuts: The claim of continued review is undermined by the termination of NTP research—an action that contradicts any commitment to scientific rigor.
Why This Matters
The stakes couldn’t be higher. As RF radiation becomes ubiquitous with the expansion of 5G, Americans face increasing exposure without adequate safety protections. Vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women, are at heightened risk due to their thinner skulls and developing tissues.
RFK Jr., who fought and won a landmark case against the FCC in 2021, has been a staunch advocate for evidence-based safety guidelines. Yet, his silence on Brendan Carr’s nomination as FCC Chair raises questions about whether a strategic decision is at play. In the absence of vocal leadership from RFK Jr., it is up to concerned citizens to demand accountability.
What Can You Do?
- Spread Awareness: Share this blog to inform others about the NTP findings and the implications of terminating its research.
- Contact Your Representatives: Use the sample letter below to voice your opposition to Carr’s nomination and demand updated RF safety guidelines.
- Minimize Your Exposure: Reduce your own RF radiation exposure by keeping devices away from your body, using speakerphone, and turning off Wi-Fi at night.
Sample Letter to Congress
Subject: Oppose Brendan Carr’s FCC Nomination – Demand Updated RF Safety Standards
Dear [Representative/Senator’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong opposition to Brendan Carr’s nomination as Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Mr. Carr’s defense of outdated RF safety guidelines ignores mounting scientific evidence of non-thermal biological effects, including DNA damage, oxidative stress, and increased cancer risks.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) found clear evidence of carcinogenic effects from RF radiation in its $30 million study. Despite these findings, the Biden administration ended funding for the NTP’s research, halting progress on understanding RF radiation’s impact on public health.
The FCC’s current guidelines, established in 1996, are inadequate and fail to reflect decades of scientific advancements. In 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that the FCC’s refusal to update these guidelines was “arbitrary and capricious.” Brendan Carr’s continued defense of these outdated standards shows a clear alignment with industry interests rather than public safety.
We need leadership that prioritizes evidence-based policies to protect Americans from RF radiation risks. I urge you to oppose Brendan Carr’s nomination and advocate for updated RF safety guidelines that address non-thermal effects and prioritize vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]
Conclusion
The FCC’s failure to update RF safety guidelines represents a dereliction of duty that endangers public health. Brendan Carr’s nomination threatens to perpetuate this negligence, making it critical for citizens to act. Use your voice to demand accountability, transparency, and a commitment to science-based policymaking. Together, we can ensure a safer future in the age of wireless technology.
Let’s not allow regulatory capture to silence the science or compromise our health. Take action today.