FCC plans review of cellphone standards

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WASHINGTON, June 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is seeking the approval of its five commissioners for a review of cellphone radiation guidelines, a spokeswoman said.

The current guidelines are 15 years old, The Washington Post reported Friday. In the mid-1990s, cellphones had not become almost universal in the United States.

In a statement, the agency suggested the review is simply routine.

"We are confident that, as set, the emissions guidelines for devices pose no risk to consumers," Tammy Sun, a spokeswoman, said.

The FCC said it is especially concerned with the potential health effects of cellphone use on children. A World Health Organization panel, which concluded last year that the phones are "possibly carcinogenic," said children are more at risk of harm from radiation because they have thinner skulls.

Companies supplying wireless phones and their trade group have said they believe the current standards are adequate.