Advocates Urge FCC to Update Outdated Safety Guidelines to Protect Public Health
Washington, D.C.—A coalition of public health advocates, scientists, and concerned citizens today unveiled a comprehensive policy proposal urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reclassify radiofrequency radiation (RFR) health risks. The proposal highlights the need to update safety guidelines that have remained unchanged since the 1990s, despite significant advancements in wireless technology and mounting scientific evidence of potential health risks.
The Growing Concern Over RFR Exposure
With the proliferation of wireless devices and infrastructure, exposure to RFR has become an inescapable part of modern life. Current FCC guidelines focus solely on the thermal effects of RFR—the heating of body tissue—while ignoring non-thermal biological effects that recent studies have linked to serious health issues.
Key Scientific Findings Include:
- National Toxicology Program (NTP) Study: This extensive research found evidence that high exposure to RFR led to the development of malignant tumors in the hearts and brains of lab animals.
- Ramazzini Institute Study: Supporting the NTP’s findings, this study observed increased tumor rates in animals exposed to RFR levels similar to those emitted by cell towers, suggesting risks associated with everyday environmental exposure.
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): In 2011, the IARC classified RFR as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” emphasizing the need for precautionary measures.
Children and Vulnerable Populations at Risk
The proposal underscores that children are particularly susceptible to the potential harms of RFR due to their developing nervous systems and thinner skulls, which allow deeper radiation penetration. With the widespread use of wireless devices in homes and schools, children’s exposure levels are at an all-time high.
Policy Recommendations
The policy proposal calls for immediate action in several key areas:
- Updating FCC Safety Guidelines:
- Revise exposure limits to incorporate current scientific findings on non-thermal biological effects.
- Establish a schedule for periodic reassessment of guidelines as new research emerges.
- Restoring and Supporting Independent Research:
- Increase federal funding for independent studies on the health impacts of RFR.
- Reinstate and support National Toxicology Program (NTP) research to deepen understanding of long-term exposure risks.
- Implementing Precautionary Measures:
- Set stricter exposure limits in environments frequented by children, such as schools and playgrounds.
- Encourage the development and adoption of technologies that minimize RFR exposure.
- Enhancing Public Awareness and Transparency:
- Require manufacturers to provide clear information about RFR emissions and safety guidelines.
- Launch educational campaigns to inform the public about potential risks and ways to reduce exposure.
- Ensuring Regulatory Independence:
- Strengthen policies to ensure that regulatory bodies operate independently of industry interests.
- Involve public health experts, consumer advocates, and community representatives in the decision-making process.
- Leading Global Efforts in RFR Safety:
- Collaborate internationally to harmonize safety standards and share research findings.
- Position the United States as a leader in proactive RFR regulation.
Quotes from Advocates
“Updating these guidelines is not just a regulatory necessity; it’s a moral imperative,” said John Coates, an EMF safety expert involved in drafting the proposal. “We have a responsibility to protect our children and the most vulnerable among us, from potential health risks.”
Legal and Ethical Considerations
In 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit called on the FCC to reassess its guidelines, emphasizing the need to address non-thermal effects of RFR exposure. The proposal urges compliance with this mandate to reinforce trust in regulatory institutions and fulfill ethical obligations to public health.
About the Coalition
The coalition comprises leading scientists, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups dedicated to promoting public health and safety in the wireless age. Their collective goal is to ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of community well-being.
Call to Action
The coalition is calling on policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to support the proposal’s recommendations. By embracing updated safety standards and prioritizing independent research, the United States can protect current and future generations while continuing to enjoy the benefits of wireless technology.
For More Information
To read the full policy proposal or to get involved, please visit rfsafe.com or contact:
Media Contact:
John Coates
727-610-1188
