Why We Can’t Wait to Update RF Regulations
It has been 25 years since the FCC last revised its exposure limits. In that time, mobile traffic exploded by over 100 000 ×, yet research funding fell. The National Toxicology Program’s landmark study linked long‑term cell‑phone radiation to rare heart and brain tumors, but its budget was cut days after publishing.
“Radiation standards that ignore non‑thermal biological effects belong in a museum, not on public policy.” — John Coates, RF Safe founder
Shielding accessories buy us time, but the real fix is systemic: enforce Public Law 90‑602, restore NTP funding, and modernize the FCC’s guidelines so technology serves people—not the other way around.
What You Can Do Today
- Keep phones away from the body when possible (use speaker‑phone or air‑tube headsets).
- Replace bedtime scrolling with download‑then‑airplane‑mode habits—your circadian rhythm will thank you.
- Support legislation that mandates Li‑Fi in schools and space‑based “direct‑to‑device” networks to move high‑power RF sources off our streets.
Change is coming. Until then, hit the switch above and give your retinas (and mitochondria) a rest in classic amber mode.