Lawmakers Send Letter to FCC Regarding Tower Workers' Radiofrequency Exposure

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Sen Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and House Communications Subcommittee Ranking Member Anna Eshoo (D-CA) are accusing the Federal Communications Commission of failing to enforce safety guidelines on cell tower worker exposure to radiofrequency radiation, saying they are putting the health and safety of a quarter of a million workers at risk. In a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, the lawmakers said that "even though the FCC recommends that wireless carriers control exposure to harmful RF radiation using safety protocols such as signs, barricades, and training, it has come to our attention that these recommendations have not consistently been implemented to protect workers."

They said beyond the hazards to cell tower workers of free-standing structures, the towers are now found atop all kinds of buildings from apartments and schools to hospitals, churches and fire stations, "putting RF technicians but also roofers, water proofers, electricians, carpenters, building maintenance personnel, HVAC technicians, painters, firefighters" and others at risk from the radiation. The lawmakers want the FCC to finalize a notice of proposed rulemaking and to consult with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to make sure it has teeth.


Lawmakers Send Letter to FCC Regarding Tower Workers' Radiofrequency Exposure