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HHS Launches Study on Potential Health Risks of Cellphone Radiation
The Department of Health and Human Services has initiated a comprehensive study to investigate whether radiation emitted from cellphones could pose health risks to Americans, marking a significant step in addressing long-standing public health concerns around everyday technology.
“The FDA removed web pages with old conclusions about cellphone radiation while HHS undertakes a study on electromagnetic radiation and health research to identify gaps in knowledge, including on new technologies, to ensure safety and efficacy,” HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement.
The study forms part of a broader strategy outlined in a report released last year by President Donald Trump’s MAHA Commission. This report specifically calls on officials to address electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure resulting from the widespread use of cellphones, Wi-Fi routers, cell towers and wearable devices like smartwatches.
This isn’t the first time government agencies have looked into potential health effects from wireless technology. In 2018, the National Institutes of Health conducted research that concluded there was “clear evidence” linking high exposure to radio frequency radiation (RFR) with cancer in male rats. However, researchers noted important distinctions between the study conditions and real-world usage.
“In our studies, rats and mice received RFR across their whole bodies. By contrast, people are mostly exposed in specific local tissues close to where they hold the phone,” explained senior scientist John Bucher at the time, adding that “the exposure levels and durations in our studies were greater than what people experience.”
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed particular concern about the issue, telling USA TODAY that “electromagnetic radiation is a major health concern,” and that he is “very concerned about it.”
The mobile industry, however, maintains that existing evidence doesn’t support such concerns. A spokesperson for CTIA, the mobile carrier industry trade group, told Fox News Digital: “Radiofrequency energy from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, mobile phones and wireless infrastructure has not been shown to cause health problems, according to the consensus of the international scientific community and independent expert organizations around the world.”
The World Health Organization has similarly stated on its website that research shows “no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to wireless technologies.”
In the United States, cellphones must comply with Federal Communications Commission limits on radiofrequency exposure. The FCC uses a metric called specific absorption rate (SAR), which measures how much RF energy the body absorbs. To be sold in the U.S., mobile phones and similar wireless devices must not exceed 1.6 watts per kilogram, averaging over one gram of tissue.
The FCC maintains on its website that there is “no scientific evidence currently establishing a definitive link between wireless device use and cancer or other illnesses.” Nevertheless, the commission does recommend several precautionary measures Americans can take to reduce their exposure.
These recommendations include limiting time spent on wireless devices, using speaker mode or earpieces “to reduce proximity to the head and thus head exposure,” maintaining greater distance between wireless devices and the body, and texting instead of talking when possible.
The new HHS study comes at a time when Americans’ dependence on wireless technology continues to grow exponentially. According to industry statistics, there are more active wireless devices than people in the United States, with the average American spending several hours daily using their smartphone.
The results of this study could potentially influence future regulations regarding cellphone manufacturing standards, usage guidelines, and public health recommendations. It may also address emerging technologies like 5G networks, which weren’t specifically covered in previous research.
As the study progresses, health experts recommend that consumers stay informed about best practices for limiting exposure while using wireless devices, even as the scientific consensus continues to evolve on this important public health question.
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18 Comments
This study is an important step in addressing public health concerns around wireless technology. While the benefits of cellphones are clear, any potential risks need to be thoroughly investigated. I hope the research provides clarity and guidance for consumers.
Agreed. As the use of wireless devices continues to grow, understanding the health implications is paramount. A rigorous, unbiased study could help inform policy and consumer decisions moving forward.
This is an important issue that deserves rigorous scientific investigation. As our reliance on wireless technology grows, understanding the full scope of health impacts is critical. I look forward to seeing the findings of this comprehensive HHS study.
Agreed. With so much uncertainty and conflicting information out there, an authoritative, unbiased study from the government could help provide much-needed clarity for consumers and policymakers.
Investigating the potential health risks of cellphone radiation is a wise and necessary move by the government. As this technology becomes more ubiquitous, ensuring public safety should be a top priority. I’m hopeful this study will provide much-needed clarity.
Cellphone radiation is a complex and contentious topic. I’m glad to see the government taking a closer look through this HHS study. Careful, impartial research is essential to ensure public safety and inform future policy decisions.
Given the widespread use of cellphones and other wireless devices, understanding the full scope of health impacts is vitally important. I’m glad to see the HHS taking a proactive approach with this comprehensive study. Transparent, unbiased research is essential.
Definitely. With so much uncertainty and conflicting information out there, this kind of authoritative, government-led research could be a game-changer in terms of providing clarity and guiding future safety protocols.
Agreed. As technology continues to advance, staying on top of potential health risks is crucial. I’m hopeful this study will help inform both consumer decisions and policy moving forward.
As our dependence on wireless technology continues to grow, it’s critical that we understand the potential health implications. This HHS study is an important step in addressing longstanding public concerns. I look forward to seeing the findings.
Absolutely. With so many unanswered questions, comprehensive, evidence-based research is crucial. The results of this study could have significant implications for consumer safety and policy decisions going forward.
This is an important issue that deserves rigorous scientific investigation. As our reliance on wireless technology grows, understanding the full scope of health impacts is critical. I’m glad to see the government taking a proactive approach with this HHS study.
I’m glad to see the government taking this issue seriously. Cellphones have become ubiquitous, so it’s critical we understand the full scope of health impacts, both positive and negative. Looking forward to seeing the findings of this comprehensive study.
This is a complex issue with a lot of uncertainty. I’m curious to see what the HHS study uncovers about the potential health risks of cellphone radiation. Careful, impartial research is essential to ensure public safety as technology continues advancing.
Absolutely. With the widespread use of cellphones and other wireless devices, it’s crucial that we have a clear scientific understanding of any associated health effects, both short-term and long-term. I hope this study provides much-needed clarity.
Cellphones have become an integral part of modern life, but the potential health risks cannot be ignored. I’m glad to see the government taking a proactive approach to investigating this issue thoroughly. Transparent, evidence-based research is essential.
Interesting to see the government taking a closer look at cellphone radiation risks. As technology continues to advance, it’s important we stay vigilant about potential health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations. I look forward to seeing the findings of this comprehensive study.
Absolutely. Transparency and evidence-based research on this topic is crucial. Cellphones have become such an integral part of daily life, so it’s crucial we understand any long-term health effects.