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Although it’s not clear that radiation from cell phones creates any health hazard, San Francisco may become the first city in the country to require cell phone sellers to provide information about the amount of radiation each phone emits.  The Federal Communications Commission says all wireless phones sold in the U.S. are safe, and offers considerable information on the subject of radiofrequency (RF) energy.  But there are those who believe the FCC’s regulations aren’t strong enough.

Heather Knight of the San Francisco Chronicle reports SF mayor Gavin Newsom supports the proposal by the city’s Department of the Environment that would require retailers to label cell phones with radiation emission data.

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

San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors would have to approve any requirement imposed on cell phone retailers.  The issue has not yet advanced to the board.

According to Knight:

Other ideas being discussed at the [environment] commission are encouraging the school district to ban cell phone use in elementary schools because children are more susceptible to radiation and requiring that all cell phones be sold with a headset so radiation is farther away from the brain.

Cell phone radiation statistics are available through the technology website CNET and are also available from the Environmental Working Group.

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