Vote: Should Stores Be Required to Warn Consumers About Cell Phone Safety?

By Tonka Dobreva 05.16.2017 interact

Where do you usually keep your cell phone? If you carry it in a pants or shirt pocket, it may be too close to your body.

The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that cell phones use radiofrequency radiation (RF) to send signals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified RF radiation as a “possible human carcinogen.” The CDC says “there is no scientific evidence that provides a definite answer” to whether cell phone can cause cancer. But the center does provide tips on how to reduce exposure to RF radiation — by using hands-free headset and speaker-phone more often.

Cell phone safety information is usually included in the fine print of the cell phone manual, but the city council of Berkeley, California thinks that a more prominent warning should be visible to consumers  — and the responsibility should fall on cell phone retailers. Berkeley is expected to pass a first-of-its-kind law that requires cell phone stores to post signs or give handouts to consumers warning them to keep their cell phones away from the body to minimize RF exposure.

Berkeley city officials say consumers have the right to know about potential health dangers. But a trade group representing the cell phone industry is denying that cell phones carry health risks and is suing Berkeley, claiming that the new law violates the companies’ First Amendment rights.

We want to know what you think –should retailers be required to warn consumers about cell phone safety? V0te in the poll below and tell us in the comments section your opinion. As usual, we will feature the results of the poll and some of your comments on the show.


  1. Bailey Krueger

    The phones/iPods should have a label because most people don’t know and if they get radiation than they might sue you.

  2. Tammie

    I believe that cell phone companies should denfinetly be required to warn consumers on the issue of cell phone safety. It’s the honest thing to do. It may seem minor, but it could save a life. And in the long run, isn’t that what’s most important?

  3. Ricky Bobby

    Technically they put the information on there its just small, but i think they should make it clearer.

  4. Neil

    They should because it is more likely to keep that from happening and even if the person doesn’t listen to them they can say its not their fault because they warned them about this.

  5. Ms. Casias

    The public must be notified that there are health risks associated from using a cell phone. Just like in Texas we cannot text and drive, it saves lives. With the sell of alcohol/cigarettes there are notices to the public because it can cause birth defects and many other health issues. The same applies to cell phones.

  6. ava

    yes i think you need signs in stores

  7. Rory Graham

    Why can’t the phone company make a lead case that can flip open.

  8. Ava Campos

    Yes, every consumer should be aware of the risks and dangers of having your phone close to you. It would help keep everyone safe.

  9. abbie h

    my friend kayla and i think they should, because why would someone buy something knowing it would hurt them.

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