cteongress of tbe mniteb ~tates 
September 10, 2012 
The Honorable Julius Genachowski 
Chairman 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 1ih Street, SW 
Washington, D.C. 20554 
Dear Chairman Genachowski: 
~a~btngton. 119~ 20515 
We write to urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to work in consultation with relevant 
Federal agencies and formally begin a comprehensive review ofradiofrequency energy exposure limits 
for mobile phones. We have long believed that more research into the potential health effects of wireless 
emissions is necessary. Particularly in light of the recent recommendations by the Government 
Accountability Office on this issue, the FCC should undertake a serious review of the current limits. 
Mobile phone use has exploded since the FCC put in place the current exposure limits in 1996, and the 
ways in which they are used has changed significantly since then. Mobile phones are no longer simply an 
accessory or a supplementary phone -more and more consumers are relying on mobile phones as their 
only telephone. As smartphones in particular become more ubiquitous, more consumers are carrying their 
phones with them at all times and keeping them closer to their bodies. Perhaps most critically, the age at 
which Americans own their first mobile phone is dropping significantly as more and more teenagers and 
children now have phones. 
Given all of the changes that have occurred in mobile phone use in the more than 15 years since the limits 
were put in place, we urge the FCC to begin a comprehensive review that takes into account 21st century 
usage habits and the most current scientific data. Consumers are being exposed to radiofrequency energy 
more frequently and for a much longer period of their lives than ever before. While the scientific 
community has not yet come to any final conclusions on the potential health effects of mobile phone use, 
there is more data available today than ever before. 
There is no doubt that mobile phones have had a positive impact on our economy and on our ability to 
stay connected to one another. The prospects for the future are even brighter. We must be sure, however, 
that this technology is deployed in a manner that protects human health. We urge the FCC to conduct a 
serious review of the current limits and take any action necessary to protect the health of consumers. 
Sincerely, 
~~~ 
PATRICK LEAHY 
United States Senator 
/?~~~~~ 
BERNARD SANDERS UE~WELCH 
United States Senator United States Representative 
cc: The Honorable Robert M. McDowell, Commissioner 
The Honorable Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner 
The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner 
The Honorable Ajit Pai, Commissioner 
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 
1124