The RF Radiation Safety Story
This RF Safe article argues that U.S. radiofrequency (RF) exposure policy is outdated, emphasizing that FCC limits adopted in 1996 are based on preventing tissue heating and do not address alleged non-thermal biological effects. It claims responsibility for protecting public health from electronic product radiation was effectively ceded from health agencies to the FCC, and that Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act limits local governments from opposing wireless infrastructure on health grounds if FCC limits are met. The piece cites epidemiology, cell studies, and animal studies (notably the U.S. National Toxicology Program and the Ramazzini Institute) to argue that evidence has accumulated and regulation should be updated, but it presents these points in an advocacy framing rather than as a balanced review.
Key points
- Frames classrooms and daily life as an ongoing, “invisible experiment” due to Wi‑Fi, smartphones, and nearby small cells, and argues current oversight is inadequate.
- Claims U.S. RF exposure limits (SAR-based) were set in 1996 using a thermal (heating) model and remain the backbone of U.S. RF safety policy.
- Argues Public Law 90-602 assigns electronic product radiation responsibility to the Secretary of Health, but that health agencies ceded practical control to the FCC.
- States Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act restricts state/local regulation of tower siting on health/environmental RF effects when FCC limits are met.
- Cites studies and reviews as evidence for non-thermal effects and cancer risks, highlighting Interphone/Hardell/CERENAT (epidemiology), REFLEX and oxidative stress literature (lab studies), and NTP/Ramazzini (animal bioassays).
- Concludes that the main barrier is regulatory action rather than lack of scientific evidence, advocating for updated standards and oversight.
Referenced studies & papers
AI-generated summaries may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
Comments
Log in to comment.
No comments yet.