Authorizes and directs the department of health to study potential health hazards from exposure to radio frequency energy emitted from cellular telephone towers

Title of bill

An act in relation to authorizing and directing the department of health to study potential health hazards from exposure to radio frequency energy emitted from cellular telephone towers and facilities

Purpose

This legislation authorizes and directs the New York State Department of Health to study potential health hazards from exposure to radio frequency energy emitted from cellular telephone towers.

Summary of provisions

Requires the Department of Health to study potential health hazards from exposure to radio frequency energy emitted from cellular telephone towers. The Department is required to report within one year from the effective date of this legislation to the Governor and Legislature its' findings, conclusions and legislative proposals.

Justification

The towers needed to facilitate cell phone communication have caused a great deal of concern. There are numerous stories detailing the potential negative effects of exposure to the electromagnetic radiation produced by cellular towers and facilities. To date, the New York Department of Health has not performed a study on the possible long and short term effects of radio frequency energy.

This legislation charges the Department to perform a study of the effects and report back to the Legislature and the Governor on its' findings, conclusions and legislative proposals.

Legislative history

S.6937 of 2008 (Senate Health Committee)

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.