CAN LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTAL BODIES ESTABLISH LIMITS FOR RF EXPOSURE?
In the United States some local and state jurisdictions have also enacted rules and regulations pertaining to human exposure to RF energy. However, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 contained provisions relating to federal jurisdiction to regulate human exposure to RF emissions from certain transmitting devices.. In particular, Section 704 of the Act states that, “No State or local government or instrumentality thereof may regulate the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the Commission’s regulations concerning such emissions.” Further information on FCC policy with respect to facilities siting is available in a factsheet from the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (see www.fcc.gov/wtb).
Although some local and state governments have enacted rules and regulations about human exposure to RF energy in the past, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the Federal Government to control human exposure to RF emissions. In particular, Section 704 of the Act states that, “No State or local government or instrumentality thereof may regulate the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the Commission’s regulations concerning such emissions.” Further information on federal authority and FCC policy is available in a fact sheet from the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau .
In the United States some local and state jurisdictions have also enacted rules and regulations pertaining to human exposure to RF energy. However, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 contained provisions relating to federal jurisdiction to regulate human exposure to RF emissions from certain transmitting devices.. In particular, Section 704 of the Act states that, “No State or local government or instrumentality thereof may regulate the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the Commission’s regulations concerning such emissions.” Further information on FCC policy with respect to facilities siting is available in a factsheet from the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (see www.fcc.gov/wtb). • WHERE CAN I OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ON POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS OF RADIOFREQUENCY ENERGY? Although relatively few offices or agenci
Do wireless phones pose a health hazard? What is FDA’s role concerning the safety of wireless phones? What kinds of phones are the subject of this update? What are the results of the research done already? What research is needed to decide whether RF exposure from wireless phones poses a health risk? What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of wireless phone RF? What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency energy from my wireless phone? What about children using wireless phones? What about wireless phone interference with medical equipment? Which other federal agencies have responsibilities related to potential RF health effects? Who funds and carries out research on the biological effects of RF energy? What is radiofrequency energy (RF)? Radiofrequency (RF) energy is another name for radio waves. It is one form of electromagnetic energy that makes up the electromagnetic spectrum. Some of the other forms of energy in the electromagnetic spec
