The U.S. is among the countries that allow for the highest levels of cell tower radio-frequency (RF) radiation in the environment.
The U.S. Permits High Cell Tower Radiation Exposure
Cell towers and 5G emit RF radiation
Cell towers, including 4G and 5G cellular antennas, emit radio frequency (RF) radiation, a type of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. Many scientists recommend caution because studies have reported a range of harmful health impacts after prolonged exposure.
This graph shows the selected countries’ regulations regarding public exposure limits for 1800 W/m2 equivalent plane wave density RF radiation, applicable to schools and/or homes. Many countries have limits that apply to places of “sensitive use” such as apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, permanent workplaces, and children’s playgrounds. The U.S. has no specific safeguards for children.
U.S. Lacks Scientific Oversight
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) set human exposure limits in 1996. They have remained unchanged since that date, despite the ever-growing body of scientific studies reporting harmful health-related effects at far lower exposure levels.
The Federal Communication Commission’s wireless radiofrequency (RF) radiation limits are used to assess RF levels indoors (like classrooms and homes) and outdoors (such as playgrounds and sports fields) and serve as the compliance limit for cell tower emissions.
Many international governments enforce stricter limits, especially in children’s areas. Italy and Switzerland take a precautionary approach, while China and Russia maintain active RF research programs.
However, the U.S. has no federal agency tasked with protecting public or environmental health which is conducting ongoing, robust scientific reviews of the long-term effects of cell tower radiation, despite a federal court order that they must do so issued in EHT et al. v the FCC.
U.S. Policy on Cell Towers Near Schools
While numerous countries ban cell towers at schools, the U.S. lacks any federal laws to minimize exposure in classrooms. Some state and local communities have taken steps to safeguard children by restricting towers on school grounds or enacting ordinances to ensure a minimum setback that distances towers away from schools and homes.*
U.S. School Districts that Ban New Cell Towers
- Los Angeles CA
- Palo Alto CA
- Temecula Valley CA
- West Linn-Wilsonville OR
- Portland OR, Loudoun County VA.
Communities with Cell Tower Setback Policies:
- Shelburne MA (3,000 ft away from schools, 1,500 ft away from homes)
- Williamson County TN (1,500 ft schools)
- Copake NY (1,500 ft homes/schools)
- Sallisaw OK (1,500 ft homes)
- Walnut Creek CA (1,500 ft schools)
- Calabasas CA (1,000 ft homes/schools)
- Scarsdale NY (500 ft homes/schools)
- San Diego County CA (300 ft schools)
- Bedford NH (750 ft residential)
- Bar Harbor ME (1500 ft schools)
New Hampshire: State Commission Report on 5G Health and Environment recommends a 1,500 foot setback for cell towers and 4G/5G antennas.