(NaturalNews) Cell phone radiation standards, currently set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), do not protect the public from the adverse health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by cell phones. Fact.
The recently published 2012 BioInitiative Report states "bioeffects are clearly established and occur at very low levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation. This information now argues for thresholds or guidelines that are substantially below current FCC and ICNIPR standards." The report shines the spotlight on the link between exposure to EMFs and Autism, Fetal Exposure, Fertility, Alzheimer's Disease and other neurological and autoimmune disease effects.
After 17 years, which equates to a lifetime with this kind of technology, the FCC is set to review these outmoded and obsolete cell phone radiation standards. The real concern lies in the impact from exposure to non-thermal electromagnetic fields. As far as the FCC is concerned, if there is no heating effect, there is no effect.
Cell phone radiation might not heat but it affects reproductive health, increases the metabolism of glucose by the brain, increases the risk for certain types of cancer, affects brain function, and disrupts normal sleep patterns. These are just a few of the ramifications of using a cell phone, substantiated by the findings of thousands of research studies. The public expects, and deserves to be protected.
These findings do not even address the harsh reality of what is being thrust upon the younger generation. Children are being exposed to the same risks as adults, risks which are only exacerbated due to their thinner skulls, greater tissue conductivity and smaller heads. The FCC is known for its pro telecom industry stance, but this is not the case for other government bodies.
Government report attacks FCC position
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, "Exposure and Testing Requirements for Mobile Phones Should Be Reassessed," is very telling. The GAO states, "The FCC's current RF (radio frequency) energy exposure limit for mobile phones "may not reflect the latest evidence" and "may impose additional costs on manufacturers and limitations on mobile phone design." This comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) classified radiation from devices like cell phones and WiFi as a 'Possible Human Carcinogen' (Class 2B).
Someone not afraid to speak out on the dangers of cell phones is Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a respected neurosurgeon and the chief medical correspondent for CNN. Gupta has examined the research and recommends:
• Never hold the phone up to your head - always use a wired earpiece • No phones for kids • Avoid making calls when connections are compromised. More radiation is emitted during these times.
Joel Moskowitz from the School of Public Health at Berkeley recommends the FCC:
• Form a panel of professional experts who have no ties to the industry • Empower the panel to come up with acceptable standards that protect the general public • Implement these standards
All good advice. Renee Sharp, one of the Environmental Working Group's directors, hopes the FCC can hear this kind of information and comments "the FCC has been wearing a blindfold for more than a decade, pretending that while cell phones were revolutionizing how we communicate; the agency didn't have to take a hard look at what this meant for its so-called safety standards."
Will the FCC once again just succumb to the lobbying efforts of the telecommunications industry or seriously consider these recommendations?
About the author: Since falling prey to a violent reaction to his cell phone in 2002 Lloyd Burrell has spent more than 10 years researching the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on health. He is the author of an eBook entitled "How To Beat Electrical Sensitivity" which offers a solution to the growing number of people whose health is being compromised by exposure to wireless and similar technologies.