WASHINGTON – More than 22,000 people signed a petition delivered to federal regulators today calling for much tighter standards to limit children’s exposure to radiofrequency radiation emanating from wireless devices, like smart phones and tablets.
The petition to the members of the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, urges them to follow the latest scientific research, which shows that the current standards are woefully outdated and clearly do not protect public health. It was organized by the Environmental Working Group.
“Regulation standards for radiofrequency radiation are no longer adequate for protecting human health, especially children’s health,” said Uloma Uche, Ph.D., EWG environmental health science fellow. “Children’s daily exposure to wireless devices has increased dramatically since the FCC set these regulations.”
The petitioners, along with EWG, are calling on the FCC to develop strict health-based regulation of radiofrequency radiation emitted by wireless devices that are now part of children’s and adolscents’ daily routine.
The FCC set standards for wireless radiation in 1996, before Wi-Fi and smartphones even existed, and before 24-hour daily exposure to radiofrequency radiation became a reality for today’s younger generations. The standards have not changed in the decades since.
“Wireless technology has advanced exponentially since 1996. It’s time for the regulation of these devices to do the same,” said Uche.
Since 1996, an ever-growing body of research has raised concerns about the health effects of radiation from wireless devices, including harm to the nervous and reproductive systems and elevated risk of cancer.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
