Maine Bill Proposal Requires Cell Phone Cancer Warning Labels

Maine Rep. Andrea Boland (D-Sanford) is submitting a proposal that would mandate cancer warning labels on cell phones. While the cell phone-brain cancer link is still inconclusive, there is enough research, particularly with long-term effects that show such a link, that made Boland see the need for a consumer warning.

"Scientists warned about tobacco dangers in the '30s and '40s," she says. "But we didn't do the right thing and it took way too long to get the information to consumers about the dangers of tobacco."

This comes on the heels of a similar push in San Francisco supported by Mayor Gavin Newsom that would require all cell phone retailers to label the phones with the SAR radiation levels they emit.

Maine's proposed warning label is stronger, however. If passed, Boland's bill would mandate that cell phone manufacturers put labels on phones that warn of the potential for brain cancer linked to low-grade electromagnetic radiation. The phones would have a color graphic of a child's brain and the word "warning" printed in large, red letters.

Boland's proposal to have a printed warning on each phone is scheduled to be discussed during the 2010 session that starts in January, says The AP.

Mandatory Cell Phone Radiation Labels Backed by SF Mayor (Video)

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is in favor of a proposed measure being considered by the San Francisco Department of the Environment that would require all cell phone retailers to label the phones with the radiation levels they emit. If the proposal passes, it would be the first of its kind in the country.

"The information exists, but not at the point of sale," Mayor Newsom said. "If we prevail, and I believe we will prevail, other cities will follow suit."

The FCC currently requires cell phone manufacturers to stay above a certain Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limit, which is a measure of radiation it considers as safe exposure. However, recent studies have found increased rates of brain tumors and salivary gland tumors, particularly among people who have used the cell phones for more than 10 years. Some experts are calling for a review of the FCC limits.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently made news when its ten-year study found a link between long term cell phone use and brain tumors. Earlier, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a leading public heath and environmental advocacy group, conducted its own research and also came to the conclusion that there is cause for concern. EWG created an online database where consumers can look up the radiation levels of their cell phones.

The proposed legislation that Mayor Newsom supports would require cell phone retailers to display the radiation level (SAR value) next to each phone in a font at least as large as the price and provide information about what SAR values mean. The Department of Public Health would monitor compliance and could levy fines to those stores that don’t comply.



(Source: Mother Nature Network)

'The Children's Wireless Protection Act' Calls for Cell Phone Warning Labels

A non-profit organization called The People's Initiative Foundation recently started a petition campaign for The Children's Wireless Protection Act. An excerpt from the petition reads as follows:

"We the people of the United States petition our leaders and regulators for the immediate placement of clear and visible warning labels on all cell phone packaging as well as on the cell phone itself. The citizens of the United States are not being properly warned or protected against the harmful and potentially deadly health effects from these now ubiquitously used EMR (electromagnetic radiation) emitting products. Further, all warning labels should be paid for by industry.

"Warning Labels should read as follows...

"WARNING, MANY SCIENTIFIC STUDIES HAVE SHOWN SERIOUS HEALTH EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION AND THIS DEVICE, INCLUDING CANCER AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EFFECTS. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN KEEP THIS DEVICE AWAY FROM THEIR HEAD AND BODY."

According to their website, the group is "following the path to protective legislation by interviewing Washington lobbyists and politicians who will be teaching us about the legislative process and how to effectively create a bill that passes." If you are interested in signing the petition or to learn more, visit www.thepeoplesinitiative.org.

Here's the video for the petition campaign:



Note: We have no affiliation, business or otherwise, with The People's Initiative Foundation. We are presenting this information only as a public service.