California Senate to consider cell phone radiation bill

A bill that would require California retailers to inform consumers of the possible health risks of cell phone use received its first reading this week in the Rules Committee of the state senate. Following minor amendments, the legislation now proceeds to the Senate Environmental Quality Committee for initial consideration.

Sponsored by Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), SB 932 would require retailers to include notices on product packaging that cell phones emit radio frequency (RF) energy. A second notice also must be posted at the point of sale when purchasing online or in a physical store.

In an interview with CNET, Leno says he hopes the legislation will educate consumers not only on any potential health risks, but also offer solutions for reducing RF exposure. "There's ever-mounting evidence of a likely relationship between long-term cell phone use and health risks when you put the phone next to your brain," he said. "Even cell phone user manuals suggest that you don't keep your phone on or next to your ear."

As it currently reads, the required notice omits any mention of a phone's specific absorption rate (SAR), while indirectly referencing the FCC's 1.6 watts per kilogram limit. "This device emits radio frequency energy," the notice says. "Do not hold or carry it directly against the body when connected to a network or you may be exposed to levels greater than the safety limit established by the Federal Communications Commission. Consult the user's manual for additional information on safe use."

Read more: http://www.cnet.com/8301-17918_1-20058458-85.html#ixzz1Kzq0q6PO