CTIA files lawsuit against San Francisco radiation notice on handheld wireless devices

CTIA, the International Association for Wireless Communications has filed suit against San Francisco’s Cell Phone Right-to-Know regulation. Broadband expert wrote about the San Francisco, California ordinance back in July. This requires wireless vendors to post notices about radiation hazards that tell customers that the radiation may cause health problems. The stores will also have to post “suggestions” on how to reduce the radiation exposure, like turning the wireless unit off when you are carrying it in your pocket. This really defeats the purpose of carrying a cell phone or smartphone. Plus, if you have to use it in an emergency, will that emergency be able to wait while your phone is taking its time booting up and acquiring a signal? This was a real stupid ordinance and CTIA is right about filing a lawsuit to overturn this law. CTIA claims the law is not based on facts. Both the FCC and the FDA have set limits on radiation and they have determined that the handheld devices approved do not pose any health risk. CTIA said “If the millions of wireless subscribers in the Bay Area heed the City’s misguided warning to avoid cell phones, use them less, and turn them off when not in use, it will limit the value and convenience cell phones provide and impact public safety by limiting access to 911 and emergency alerts that can save lives in emergencies.” The World Health Organization came out with a statement that handheld wireless devices might possible contribute to cancer. Their statement has since been debunked by reputable researchers. Are you going to carry a smartphone around and only turn it on when using it? Hmmm… that means no incoming calls and texts to interrupt my day. This ordinance might not be bad after all.