Blumenthal, Eshoo Seek FCC Information on 5G RF Technology Safety

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif, asked the FCC for further information on how it determined 5G technology is safe. The letter follows an October Senate Commerce Committee 5G deployment field hearing that included such questions (see 1810160050). The National Cancer Institute says there's "no consistent evidence" RF emissions increase cancer risks. The federal National Toxicology Program found earlier this year that high exposure to RF radiation caused tumors in tissues surrounding nerves in hearts of male rats (see 1802020042). The NTP findings don't apply to 4G or 5G technologies. “Most of our current regulations regarding radio-frequency safety were adopted in 1996 and have not yet been updated,” Blumenthal and Eshoo wrote Commissioner Brendan Carr. “The FCC's specific absorption rate (SAR) limits do not apply to devices operating above 6.0 GHz; however, 5G devices will operate at frequencies as high as or even exceeding” the 24 GHz band. “To ensure we communicate accurate information to our constituents … we respectfully request you provide to our offices the 5G safety determination from FCC and relevant health agencies that you referred to during the field hearing” by Dec. 17, the lawmakers said. “Please also include current citations.” The FCC didn't comment Wednesday.