Res. No. 1474
Resolution calling on the United States Federal Communications Commission to conduct a review of wireless device radiation standards.
By Council Members Vallone, Fidler, Koo, Nelson, Rose, Williams, Wills, Rodriguez and Halloran
Whereas, In 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revised its guidelines for radiofrequency (RF) exposure as a result of a multi-year proceeding and as required by the Telecommunications Act of 1996; and
Whereas, According to the FCC, 44 million people in the United States had wireless phones in 1996; and
Whereas, In 2011, CTIA-The Wireless Association, a trade group for the wireless telecommunications industry, reported that there were 332 million wireless subscriber connections in the United States; and
Whereas, According to the FCC, wireless devices emit RF energy, a form of non-ionizing radiation when used and the closer the device is to the body the more energy a person absorbs; and
Whereas, Companies such as Apple, Inc. recommend that customers carry wireless devices at least 5/8 inch from their bodies to minimize exposure to radiation; and
Whereas, Some researchers believe that low levels of radiation from wireless phones may cause cancers of the brain and central nervous system; and
Whereas, Nevertheless, the majority of evidence, based on studies conducted in the past, does not conclusively link wireless device usage with an adverse impact upon an individual's health, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; and
Whereas, Researchers have noted that lack of scientific evidence that wireless devices have a negative impact on health does not mean they are not a health risk; and
Whereas, Children are increasingly using wireless devices to communicate with their parents and friends; and
Whereas, According to the Environmental Health Trust, the current wireless radiation standards were established for adults and did not take into account usage of wireless devices by children; and
Whereas, The World Health Organization encourages further research on the use of mobile phones and the risk of cancer, particularly as such findings relate to young people who potentially will have a longer lifetime exposure period; and
Whereas, Additional studies are needed to determine the impact of increased wireless device usage on children and others, such as teens and adults that use wireless devices as their primary form of communication; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the United States Federal Communications Commission to conduct a review of wireless device radiation standards.
LS# 3780
07/12/12
FCC