Res. No. 585
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.4255, authorizing the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation to commission a study on the effects of exposure to long-term, low radiation emissions from cellular phone antennas on human beings, specifically adolescents.
By Council Members Vallone Jr., Comrie, Fidler, Gentile, James, Lappin, Nelson, Rose, Vacca, Williams, Rodriguez, Halloran, Koo, Oddo and Ulrich
Whereas, Cell phone towers consist of electronic equipment and antennas that receive and transmit radiofrequency (RF) signals; and
Whereas, RF waves are a form of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum between FM radio waves and microwaves; and
Whereas, At very high levels RF rays can heat up body tissue, yet the level of energy used by cell phones and towers are significantly lower; and
Whereas, According to the United States Federal Communications Commission, the regulatory body with oversight over communications equipment, the amount of RF energy that an individual may be exposed to from cell towers is thousands of times less than the safe level for exposure; and
Whereas, Yet, many individuals have expressed concern that the proliferation of new cell towers and exposure can result in adverse health conditions, particularly among children; and
Whereas, There have been some studies which have suggested a link between exposure to RF radiation and adverse health events, including tumor formation and cancer; and
Whereas, Additionally, many of the studies state that there are no health effects related to low level RF exposure, yet, these same studies also acknowledge limitations to the analyses and the need for further research; and
Whereas, A.4255, sponsored by Assembly Member Colton, would authorize the Department of Health and Environmental Conservation to commission a study on the effects of long-term, low radiation emissions from cellular phone antennas on human beings; and
Whereas, Particularly, this study would focus on the physical and mental development of adolescents; and
Whereas, According to the sponsors, given the proliferation of cell antennas in New York City, more must be done to ensure that individuals are safe from exposure to low levels of radio frequency energy; and
Whereas, Additionally, the sponsors state that there is a need for government study on this issue, as the scientific data on cell towers comes predominantly from industry representatives leading the sponsors to question its legitimacy; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.4255, authorizing the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation to commission a study on the effects of exposure to long-term, low radiation emissions from cellular phone antennas on human beings, specifically adolescents.
JM
LS # 1611
11/5/10