San Francisco is taking action to prevent excess radiation exposure from cell phones. The city's Board of Supervisors approved an amended ordinance Tuesday that would require retailers to post how much radiation is emitted by cell phones they sell.

While there is no scientific consensus on cell phone radiation damage, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set exposure limits. Cell phones can't have a specific absorption rate (SAR) -- the amount of radio waves absorbed by the user's body -- that exceeds 1.6 watts per kilogram.

The ordinance points out that research from the European Union (EU) and Israel has "recognized the potential harm of long-term exposure to radiation emitted from cell phones." It also states that while some cell phones emit more radiation than others, consumers are unaware of this information, which prevents them from making informed decisions on which phones to purchase.

If passed next week and then signed by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, retailers will be required to post each phone's SAR, as reported to the U.S. government, in 11-point type.

Skeptics point out that even if consumers can see how much radiation each cell phone has, they may not know what to do with that information.

While the American College of Radiology is in favor of informed decision making and providing useful information, "it is unclear whether many people would be able to look at such labels and make an informed decision regarding which, if any, may emit a level of radiation they may be comfortable with," said Shawn Farley, ACR's director of public affairs in an e-mail to DOTmed News.

The ACR also pointed out that there is an absence of conclusive scientific evidence showing that cell phones pose a radiation risk.

CTIA and the wireless industry are "disappointed" with the decision to advance the cell phone ordinance for a final vote, noted John Walls, CTIA--The Wireless Association's vice president of public affairs, in prepared remarks issued to DOTmed News.

"Rather than inform, the ordinance will potentially mislead consumers with point-of-sale requirements suggesting that some phones are safer than others based on radio frequency (RF) emissions," he said. "In fact, all phones sold legally in the U.S. must comply with [FCC's] safety standards for RF emissions. According to the FCC, all such compliant phones are safe phones as measured by these standards."

The ordinance will be voted on for a second time Tuesday. If approved, the mayor will have 10 days to sign it, and it will become law after 30 days.

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