Posted by EarthCalm Staff- Updated on 6/14/2020 to
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently endorsed pending legislation introduced into Congress by Rep. Dennis Kucinich in August 2012 that would require new research into the safety of cell phone radiation, especially for children.
Cell Phone Right to Know Act
Known as the “Cell Phone Right to Know Act”, the bill proposes that adverse human biological effects associated with exposure to electromagnetic radiation from cell phones and other wireless devices be examined and that cell phones be labeled with these effects.
In particular, the bill proposes that
• Safety standards be required that protect children and other vulnerable populations, e.g., that warning labels be placed on cell phones, warning consumers of radiation dangers.
• A research program be started to study cell phone radiation levels.
• The Environmental Protection Agency be required to update the standards for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).
American Academy of Pediatrics Endorsement
In December 2012, The American Academy of Pediatrics sent a letter to Rep. Kucinich, stating their support of the bill. The AAP is a non-profit professional organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical sub-specialists, and pediatric surgical specialists.
Elaborating on the Academy’s support of the bill, the letter describes how children are disproportionately affected by environmental exposures, including cell phone radiation.
“The differences in bone density and the amount of fluid in a child’s brain compared to an adult’s brain could allow children to absorb greater quantities of RF energy deeper into their brains than adults.”
American Academy of Pediatrics Letter a "Wake up Call"
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) supports The AAP’s endorsement of the Cell Phone Right to Know Act. Founded as a non-profit in 1993, the EWG states its mission is to “use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment.”
Pleased that the American Academy of Pediatrics has joined the mounting calls for legislation aimed at ensuring cell phone safety, EWG Senior Scientist Renee Sharp states:
“Many people wrongly still regard the question of cell phone safety as a fringe issue. The fact that the American Academy of Pediatrics is officially supporting a bill calling for more research, more protective standards, and better labeling of cell phones’ associated radiation exposure should be a wake-up call that this is an issue that must be taken seriously.”
Sources:
H.R. 6358 The Cell Phone Right to Know Act Congress.gov (2012) VIEW HERE
American Academy of Pediatrics Endorses Cell Phone Safety Bill EWG (2012) VIEW HERE
The Cell Phone Right to Know Act H.R. 6358 Parents For Safe Technology (Article) VIEW HERE