Despite advancements in technology, the U.S. and European Union have maintained decades-old guidelines for regulating radiation levels from devices like cell phones, raising concerns among some groups.
Megan Gleason reports for the Albuquerque Journal.
In short:
- U.S. guidelines on human exposure to radio frequency (RF) from devices haven't been updated since 1996, with the current limit set at 1.6 watts per kilogram.
- The European Union set its standards in 2003, allowing a higher limit of 2 watts per kilogram, with France imposing stricter limits for devices close to the body.
- Groups in the U.S. and Europe are pushing for more stringent regulations, citing potential health risks from RF exposure.
Key quote:
"I know people who have been egregiously harmed by them, people who were healthy until installation of a so-called smart meter drove them from their homes in agony and turned them into EMF refugees."
— Phoebe Anne Sorgen
Why this matters:
As technology continues to evolve, outdated regulations may fail to address emerging health concerns. In addition, the infrastructure supporting our wireless world—think cell towers and data centers—consumes significant energy and resources. As we move towards 5G and beyond, the push for greener, more sustainable technology is more urgent than ever. This includes not only reassessing radiation safety but also considering the broader ecological impact of our digital habits.
