San Francisco, Calif. – US District Judge William Alsup today asked the city of San Francisco to delay enactment of its lauded cell phone right-to-know ordinance until he decides whether to grant the cell phone industry’s motion for an indefinite delay.
Judge Alsup promised a decision on the industry motion within two weeks.
“We respect the judge’s commitment to review the arguments made by the city and CTIA alike,” Renee Sharp, director of the Environmental Working Group California office, said. “We wait in hope that he will recognize the consumer freedoms at stake here, and rule in their favor by allowing the enactment of this vital law as soon as possible.”
The law requires cell phone retailers to display posters and give customers brochures that provide consumers with simple steps to minimize their exposure to cell phone radiation if they are concerned about potential hazards. The Federal Communications Commission, which regulates cell phones, has published similar information on its website. The materials do not claim a definitive link between cell phone use and health risks but note that the World Health Organization has classified cell phone radiation as a possible carcinogen.
Environmental Working Group supports consumer right-to-know efforts and increased transparency in the marketplace. Since our 2009 report on cell phone radiation, EWG has provided free consumer tools such as a searchable cell phone database and tip sheet so that interested consumers can minimize their cell phone radiation exposure.
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EWG is a nonprofit research organization that uses the power of information to protect human health and the environment. It has offices in Oakland, CA and Washington, D.C. https://www.ewg.org
