7/27/2019 Editorial - Cell Phones

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Letter to the Editor

Democracy requires participation amongst the governed, but the people must be providedthe information necessary to render informed decisions. All people maintain a

fundamental right to safety and health information about technologies that will directly

impact ones health. It is inexcusable to allow technological advances invented to enrichour lives rob us of our lives instead.

According to Dr. Devra Davis, a Nobel Laureate and author ofDisconnect, Cell phonestoday are like electricity and water - things we cant live without. State Senator Mark

Leno agrees stating, Everywhere you look, from schoolyards to the halls of government,

people are glued to their cell phones. Serious concerns have been raised about the possible

health risks of cell phone radiation. In fact, over half of the worlds population has a cellphone and no idea that long-term use may be extremely dangerous to their health.

You might be surprised to learn that nine cities, three states and over 20 countries have

already expressed serious concern and/or taken precautionary measures. A few quickexamples include Switzerland requiring cell phone warning labels, France restricting the

marketing of cell phones to children and India not allowing children under the age of 16 touse cell phones.

The U.S. Presidents Commission on Cancer reports that extended cell phone usage causes

brain tumors. Over 5,000 studies or scientific papers link biological effects from radiationused in wireless signals. In fact, research has shown that talking on a cell phone for as little

as two minutesdisables the blood-brain barrier. A recent study in the Journal of the

American Medical Association demonstrates cell phones causing a rise in glucosemetabolism levels in the brain after fifty minutes of use.

Shockingly, the FCC established cell phone specific absorption rate (SAR) safety limitswithout any pre-market safety testing over 15 years ago. Cell phones emit radiation in

pulses rather than a constant emission. SAR levels are based on a 200-pound military

recruit failing to take women or children into account.

(maybe add from CABTA reflective analysis)

In order to separate truth from fiction, we need more independent research instead of self-serving studies funded by the cell phone industry. UC Berkeley Professor Joel

Moskowitz argues that independent studies demonstrate consistent evidence that heavy

cell phone use for a decade or longer increases brain tumor risk at least 30%. Mr.Snowden of the CTIA wants to be very clear. The CTIA has not said oncethat cell

phones are safe. The CTIA argues that most studies do not demonstrate a direct link

between cell phone usage and cancer. However, these studies examine health effects onlyin the short-term. The early introduction and ubiquity of cell phones in Scandinavia

translates into a 240% increased risk of glioma for individuals using their cell phone in

excess of ten years.

7/27/2019 Editorial - Cell Phones

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In July 2011, San Francisco became the first city and county in the world to pass cell

phone disclosure laws. Across the bay, the cities of Berkeley and New York City aredrafting ordinances similar to San Franciscos example.

San Franciscos trend-setting cell phoneRight to Know disclosure law signifies a pivotalshift in the raging debate over the hidden long-term health risks of cell phones.

According to Dr. Devra Davis, With the passing of this ordinance, the City of San

Francisco has taken a significant leap forward in promoting the awareness of health risksposed by cell phone use. The progressive thinking that led to this event should serve as

an inspiration to other cities and towns around the nation as they propose similar

ordinances. In addition, it is to be hoped that its passage will spur the federal government

to consider a national cell phone ordinance, which would allow the U.S. to adhere to thesafety standards recognized by an increasing number of governments around the globe.

Describing the new San Francisco ordinance as a modest and commonsense measure to

provide greater transparency and information, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom stands up to

the powerful Cellular Telecom Industry arguing that the CTIA buys the science, buysapathy and buys politicians.

Consumers must demand theirRight to Know

Consumers must demand cell phones require warning labels similar to cigarettes.

Consumers must demand their city follow in the footsteps of San Francisco.

Enacting simple precautions to reduce exposure will save us from a potential global

epidemic of brain tumors. Reducing direct radiation exposure to the brain can be

achieved by promoting simple precautionary measures like wearing a headset, using thespeakerphone, or texting. Even if we agree to disagree on the validity of current studies,

we should make the compromise that information and simple precautions help protect

public health. Inaction is not an option.q

Sincerely,

Zachary Markszack@cabta.org