A Missouri lawmaker is calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to investigate several cancer diagnoses among teachers at an elementary school near a cell phone tower, as concern grows among families and staff.
In short:
- U.S. Rep. Sam Graves asked HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to help investigate at least six cancer cases among teachers at Warren Hills Elementary in Liberty, Missouri.
- A 120-foot cell phone tower just 130 feet from the school has raised alarm among parents, some of whom have requested school transfers due to health fears.
- Local health officials found breast cancer rates at the school aligned with broader county and state data, but parents and advocates argue current federal radiation standards are outdated and insufficient.
Key quote:
"The teachers, parents, and staff at Warren Hills Elementary School need some answers as to why so many of their friends, colleagues, and loved ones are being diagnosed with cancer. Or at least the peace of mind of knowing that a truly thorough and independent study has looked into all the possible factors that could be causing this."
— U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.)
Why this matters:
The U.S. is among the countries that allow the most radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted into the environment from cell towers. Many other countries enforce stricter limits, especially near schools and homes.
Over the years, lawmakers — including Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and several federal and state officials — have written to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requesting that their 1996 exposure limits for cell tower and wireless RF radiation be updated. Seventeen residents in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, reported health issues after a nearby cell tower began transmitting, prompting an investigation by the city's board of health and a later-rescinded cease-and-desist order. Similarly, parent protests over a cell tower at Washington Elementary in Michigan prompted U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar to urge the FCC to update its safety limits and led to a bill proposed by State Rep. James DeSana to distance cell towers from schools.
Learn more about wireless radiation and electromagnetic fields and schools that ban cell towers.
