HHS-OASH-2026-0397-0639
https://www.regulations.gov/comment/HHS-OASH-2026-0397-0639

Public Comment Submission
Docket Title: Request for Information: National Review of the Health and Environmental Effects of Electromagnetic Fields and Radiofrequency Radiation [HHS Press Office]
Submitting Agency: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
To Whom It May Concern:
I am submitting this formal comment in response to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Request for Information (RFI) regarding the health and environmental risks of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiofrequency (RF) radiation [HHS Press Office]. I appreciate the Department's initiative to re-examine the outmoded 1996 federal safety guidelines, which fail to protect local communities, vulnerable populations, and sensitive ecosystems [Environmental Health Trust v. FCC, HHS Press Office].

I am writing as an individual citizen directly impacted by these outdated regulations. In Kiawah Island, South Carolina, our local government is currently considering zoning changes to enable the construction of a 150-foot cellular monopole at the foot of my street. This massive infrastructure is proposed for the private iconic Ocean Course property, positioned adjacent to Ocean Park homes, neighborhood families, and a critical-habitat area for endangered and migratory birds and other wildlife.

My community is a stark example of why HHS must intervene and provide updated, scientifically sound health guidance to the FCC for the following critical reasons:
•	Human Health and Vulnerable Populations: The proposed tower would stand next to Ocean Park residents, including children, and employees and guests of the Ocean Course. The current FCC human exposure limits rely solely on thermal tissue heating and do not account for the biological risks of long-term, chronic RF exposure to children's developing nervous systems [Environmental Health Trust v. FCC, HHS Press Office]. HHS must establish biology-based human exposure limits to protect these residential populations [HHS Press Office].
•	Environmental and Wildlife Vulnerability: Kiawah Island has maintained a 50-year commitment to disciplined development and responsible stewardship of nature. The beach adjacent to the tower sit is a designated critical habitat area providing sanctuary for endangered species an active migratory bird flight path cuts directly through the proposed tower. As highlighted by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in Environmental Health Trust v. FCC (2021), federal agencies have completely failed to address the environmental and wildlife impacts of wireless radiation [Environmental Health Trust v. FCC]. HHS must bridge this research gap to safeguard sensitive ecosystems from constant RF emissions [Environmental Health Trust v. FCC, HHS Press Office].
•	Need for Less Intrusive, Modern Solutions: The reliance on monolithic, high-emission towers is a byproduct of a regulatory framework that has not adapted to modern alternatives. Communities like Kiawah deserve advanced telecommunications solutions that achieve connectivity while preserving natural character, safety, and responsible development. We are asking the Town of Kiawah to develop a scientifically reviewed Island-wide communication plan that protects the community’s residents, birds and sea turtles.

Now that the FDA has removed outdated safety assertions from its public guidance, I urge HHS to fast-track a comprehensive, independent risk assessment. Please protect our people, our wildlife, and our future by directing the FCC to implement modern, biology-based safety standards.

Thank you for your dedication to restoring public health protections.

Sincerely,
David Parsons
Kiawah Island, SC