Maine bill would label cellphones as risk

[The Straight Story]

Maine bill would label cellphones as risk


AUGUSTA, Maine, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Maine's Legislature is considering a bill that would require all cellphones sold in the state to carry cancer warnings.

While there is no conclusive evidence cellphones cause cancer, numerous studies suggest a risk of cancer increases from excessive use, said Democratic state Rep. Andrea Boland, the bill's author.

Under Boland's bill, all cellphones sold in Maine, and the packaging, would contain a label telling customers they risk possibly getting brain cancer. The warnings also would urge cell phone users to keep the phones at a distance from their bodies when in use.

Boland uses a speaker to conduct calls via her cell phone, rather hold the cell phone to her head when it is in use, and she keeps the device turned off unless she knows someone plans to call, CNET News reported Monday.

http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/12/21/Maine-bill-would-label-cellphones-as-risk/UPI-24971261419390/

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. Stuffing one up a driver's butt could cause pain and discomfort, too.

but that's a different kind of side effect.

[pnwmom]

2. The obvious difference is that a cell phone, used properly,

may increase the risk of brain cancer, according to more recent research -- as opposed to older research funded by the cell phone companies.

[SoCalDem]

3. and parents especially need to know the risks as they start handing out cell phones

to their latchkey kids.. Having a sitter or maybe even Mom around more might be cheaper than brain tumors..

[pnwmom]

4. You're right -- the risk is especially concerning for children. n/t