Senators urge FCC to enforce cell phone tower regulations

WASHINGTON (WTNH) — Senator Richard Blumenthal is raising concerns about the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) efforts to ensure that those working in close proximity to cellular antennas are not exposed to dangerous levels of radiofrequency (RF) radiation.

“Even though the FCC recommends that wireless carriers control exposure to harmful RF radiation using safety protocols such as signs, barricades, and training, it has come to our attention that these recommendations have not consistently been implemented to protect workers,” Blumenthal and Sen. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., wrote to the FCC chairman.

“Excessive exposure to RF radiation leads to well-documented potential harms, especially to workers who spend time near the antenna and in the line of the antenna’s beam.

At sufficient power levels and exposure durations, RF radiation has the ability to heat biological tissue. Thermal effects can include eye damage, sterility, and cognitive impairments,” they wrote.

The senators say one in 10 cell phone antenna sites violate FCC rules designed to protect workers from excessive radiofrequency radiation.