FAQs

  1. What is the San Francisco Right to Know ordinance?

    • This proposed ordinance aimed to require retailers to display a phone’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) at the point of sale and distribute materials educating consumers on cell phone radiation.
  2. Why was the ordinance indefinitely delayed?

    • It faced legal challenges from the wireless industry’s lobbying arm, the CTIA, who argued about its constitutionality and potential misleading provisions.
  3. Is the ordinance completely scrapped?

    • No, the city plans to introduce an amended version in the near future.
  4. What are the main concerns raised by the CTIA?

    • They claim the ordinance infringes on First Amendment rights of retailers and that the SAR provision was misleading to consumers.
  5. What is the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)?

    • SAR measures how much radiofrequency (RF) energy a cell phone absorbs into the body when it’s being used.
  6. Why is it important to inform consumers about cell phone radiation?

    • Some believe that long-term exposure to cell phone radiation may have potential health risks, although more research is needed.
  7. What other measures are being proposed to address cell phone radiation concerns?

    • Some advocate for warning labels on phones and product packaging, similar to the California State Senate bill.
  8. Who is supporting the new amended legislation?

    • Supervisor John Avalos, who initially voted for the measure, is expected to introduce the amended version.
  9. What is the stance of the Environmental Health Trust on the amendments?

    • They support the ordinance, even without the SAR provision, but would like to see warning labels implemented.
  10. Is the CTIA commenting on the city’s decision?

    • As of now, the CTIA has declined to comment on San Francisco’s decision to delay and amend the ordinance.
  11. What is the timeframe for introducing the amended legislation?

    • It’s expected to be introduced as early as next week.
  12. Will the amended legislation address the concerns raised by the CTIA?

    • The specifics of the amended legislation have not yet been disclosed, so it’s unclear how it will address those concerns.

Summary

The San Francisco Right to Know ordinance, originally passed last June, aimed to provide consumers with more information about cell phone radiation exposure by displaying SAR values at the point of sale. However, the ordinance was delayed due to a lawsuit from the wireless industry’s lobbying arm, the CTIA. The CTIA claimed the ordinance was unconstitutional and misleading to consumers.

The city of San Francisco has decided to indefinitely delay the implementation of the ordinance and is working on a revamped version. The specifics of the amended legislation have not been announced, but it’s expected to remove the SAR provisions.

Despite the delay, the city remains committed to addressing concerns about cell phone radiation. Environmental Health Trust supports the amended legislation, but advocates for the inclusion of warning labels on phones and product packaging, similar to a proposed California State Senate bill.

The public is encouraged to stay informed about the amended legislation that will be introduced in the coming days. By providing consumers with accurate information about cell phone radiation exposure, the city of San Francisco aims to promote informed decision-making and protect public health.

For more information on cell phone radiation and the Right to Know ordinance, please visit the following website: [Insert Website URL Here]