June 2, 2010
Everywhere you look, from schoolyards to the halls of government, people are glued to their cell phones. An estimated 4.6 billion people worldwide use cell phones—300 million of them in the U.S. The average American spends more than 14 hours a month on a cell phone, far more than the residents of any other nation. With the emergence of smart phones and apps for everything from making dinner reservations to locating public restrooms, many people can't imagine modern life without them.

Neither can I. But new technology brings new risks. Using a cell phone while driving is distracting and dangerous, which has led states across the country, including California, to pass hands-free laws. Now, although the science is far from settled, concerns have been raised about the possible health risks of cell phone radiation.

Cell phones emit low levels of radiation. This radio-frequency radiation, measured by specific absorption rate (SAR), is how the phone communicates with the wireless network - but the radiation enters your head or body at the same time it travels toward the cell phone tower. Emitted radiation levels vary not only by make and model but also by the distance to the nearest cell tower, type of network and other conditions.

While studies cited by industry groups and the Federal Communications Commission show no correlation between cell phone use and negative health impacts, the scientific literature on the potential harm caused by cell phone radiation is far from unanimous. Recent peer-reviewed, independent studies from around the world have found that long-term, heavy cell phone use increases the risk of brain, salivary and acoustic nerve tumors as well as decreased sperm count. Of particular concern is the use of cell phones by children. The FCC's recommended safe levels haven't been updated since 1996, when cell phones were an expensive luxury for adults. Now cell phones are marketed to children whose heads are smaller and skulls are thinner, making them more susceptible to radiation, even at low levels. The European Parliament and health agencies in six nations (Switzerland, Germany, Israel, France, the UK and Finland) have recommended reducing children's exposures to cell phone radiation.

The FCC has posted guidelines for reducing potential risks associated with wireless devices. The precautions include using an earpiece or headset, keeping wireless devices away from the body when they are turned on, using the cell phone speaker, texting rather than talking and buying a wireless device with a lower SAR. While manufacturers must report SAR values to the FCC, this information is not currently given directly to consumers. Radiation levels are listed on the FCC website, but finding that information requires a difficult and tedious search. The Environmental Working Group, the sponsor of Senate Bill 1212, has published a user-friendly radiation guide (www.ewg.org/cellphone-radiation ) that shows the radiation levels of today's best-selling smart phones are pushing the limits recommended by the FCC.

It is time to start a national dialogue regarding cell phone radiation. We don't want to look back and ask why we ignored the warning signs. That's why I have introduced SB 1212, a consumer right to know measure, which requires cell phone manufacturers and service providers in California to disclose cell phone radiation levels so consumers can make better and informed choices. In San Francisco, Mayor Gavin Newsom has introduced similar local legislation.

As we wait for the science to become more conclusive on the potential risks of cell phone radiation, it is common sense that we make this information easily accessible to consumers. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry.

Senator Mark Leno represents the Third Senate District of California, which includes portions of San Francisco and Sonoma Counties and all of Marin County. He can be reached via the web at www.sen.ca.gov/Leno, by phone in the San Francisco District Office at 415–557–1300 or San Rafael District Office at 415–479–6612, or by e-mail, [email protected].



Wireless Precautions

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has posted guidelines for reducing potential risks associated with wireless devices. The precautions are:
  2. Use an earpiece or headset.
  3. Keep wireless devices away from the body when they are turned on.
  4. Use the cell phone speaker.
  5. Text rather than talk.