A healthcare professional calls for updated FCC rules and community input on tower siting, and reports mi…

I am submitting this comment in response to HHS’s Request for Information on Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs), Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation, and Wireless Radiation Exposure. I am responding from the perspective of a healthcare professional and personal experience (patient). As a health professional, I am aware that the FCC rules do not take into account the current research regarding health impacts of currently used frequency bands and intensities of exposure. The rules were set up when there was minimal research, and frequency bands used were much fewer G’s. Also, general exposure was much less 2 or 3 decades ago. The current exposure levels were unimagined several decades ago. It is well past time the health impacts be studied and FCC rules be adjusted appropriately to well done research. Community input is also very essential for siting of towers. The local folks are the ones that are living with the exposure, and it is important they be given a say. They are generally not compensated for the presence of a tower/exposure, unless they are hosting the tower. It is not uncommon for a tower ‘host’ to not be living in the host location. Personally, I have had to make significant educational and tool expenditures to mitigate EMF exposure effects in my home environment. Multiple migraines per day arrived with a new EMF exposure, along with a notable decline in cognitive function, memory, and capacity to meet complexities of daily life with aplomb. I support HHS taking an active role in examining the potential health and environmental effects of wireless radiation. Questions about human health should be addressed by federal agencies with appropriate expertise in medicine, biology, epidemiology, and public health, and the experiences of individuals and families who report being affected should be considered alongside the scientific evidence. I urge HHS to carefully evaluate these experiences and the scientific evidence, identify gaps in current research, give particular attention to children and other potentially vulnerable populations, and establish appropriate federal research priorities regarding wireless radiation and public health. Thank you for providing individuals and families with an opportunity to be heard.