Investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson recently interviewed Theodora Scarato, Director of the Wireless & EMF Program at Environmental Health Sciences, on how the FCC’s sweeping new proposal to fast track cell towers across the nation places public health and environment at risk. Scarato highlighted the latest science and how cities and states are calling for a halt to the FCC’s industry-friendly proposals.
Listen to the podcast on Spotify here.
The FCC’s unprecedented rulemaking entitled “Build America: Eliminating Barriers to Wireless Deployments” would dramatically expand federal authority and strip local government control over cell tower and wireless 4G/5G infrastructure, overriding local zoning and environmental review and cutting the communities most impacted out of the decision-making process.
Hundreds of individuals, organizations, and local governments have already filed opposition. As an example, the City of Marietta, GA warned the FCC that the proposal could “eliminate virtually all meaningful local authority,” forcing communities to accept cell tower installations with minimal oversight.
Scarato shared highlights of her recent policy review paper entitled “U.S. policy on wireless technologies and public health protection: regulatory gaps and proposed reforms,” which documents the history of wireless regulation in the U.S., including the gaps, blind spots, loopholes, and decades of regulatory capture. In addition to wireless radiofrequency (RF) radiation safety issues, cell towers can reduce property values, present fire risks, and create liabilities.
Scarato stated, “This is an unprecedented federal power grab. If these rules advance, cell towers could be automatically approved near homes and schools, even when residents, parents, and local officials overwhelmingly object. Local democracy is not a barrier to deployment, it is the foundation of accountable government. Children and families should not be treated as collateral damage in the race to fast track cell towers. We need science-based protections, oversight, accountability, and transparency, not industry-driven federal preemption.”
Attkisson and Scarato discuss the following in the podcast:
Outdated safety limits for human exposure to cell tower radiation: U.S. cell tower and wireless radiofrequency (RF) radiation limits have not been updated since 1996, despite significant advances in research and technology.
U.S. lags behind safety measures globally: Many countries have adopted stricter limits, setbacks, or bans on cell towers near schools, while the U.S. has no comparable federal protections.
Growing body of research: Numerous studies link harm to cell towers. A 2022 review found that 73.6% of studies on people living near cell towers reported biological or health effects, including cancer and neurological impacts.
Children are more vulnerable: Scientific literature shows children absorb higher levels of RF radiation and face greater long-term risk due to developmental sensitivity.
Continuous exposure matters: Research indicates that long-term, 24-hour exposure from nearby cell towers can result in greater cumulative brain exposure for children than typical cell phone use.
Communities across the country are calling for:
- Local decision-making authority over cell towers
- Science-based safety standards for RF radiation
- Transparent measuring and monitoring for RF radiation exposure
- Common sense protections for children to mitigate risk
What you can do:
- Watch the Podcast .
- Subscribe to the EHS Wireless and EMF Program newsletter.
- Join EHS action campaigns:
Learn More About Cell Towers
About Theodora Scarato, MSW
Theodora Scarato is Director of the Wireless and EMF Program at Environmental Health Sciences. She is a leading expert in environmental health policy related to cell towers. She has co-authored several scientific papers and serves as a Special Expert to the International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (ICBE-EMF). As the then Executive Director of Environmental Health Trust, Scarato was a lead expert working on the landmark federal case against the FCC in which the court, in 2021, mandated the agency explain how its 1996 cell tower radiation exposure guidelines were adequate. So far, the FCC has not responded to the Court order. She is also a petitioner in the case and has filed numerous scientific submissions to the FCC in the ongoing effort to ensure the FCC responds to the 2021 DC Circuit Court mandate.
About Sharyl Attkisson
Sharyl Attkisson is a five-time Emmy Award winner, and recipient of the Edward R. Murrow award for investigative reporting. For thirty years, Attkisson was a correspondent and anchor at CBS News, PBS, CNN and in local news. She is host of the TV program Full Measure, and creator of the Full Measure After Hours podcast.