FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Mike Sturla D-Lancaster Chairman, Democratic Policy Committee www.pahouse.com/sturla	State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown D- Philadelphia Hearing Co-Chair www.pahouse.com/brown

HDPC hears testimony on cell phone warning labels in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 1 – Members of the House Democratic Policy Committee heard testimony today about health dangers stemming from cell phone usage at a public hearing at Drexel University, committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, said.

State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown, D-Phila., requested the hearing and served as co-chair. The hearing looked specifically at legislation Brown has introduced, House Bill 1408, which would require warning labels on cell phones to alert consumers of potential health dangers of microwave radiation.

"At times technological gadgets are developed so fast and are disseminated with such demand there is little time to investigate the consequences of long-term usage," Sturla said. "Representative Lowery Brown has been a strong advocate for the health of her community from ensuring healthy food options are in local markets to investigating evidence of cancer risks derived from cell phones. I applaud her for her determination to ensure these topics are examined."

Lowery Brown added, "It is critical that consumers have all the relevant information regarding the products they use as a part of their everyday life before determining if the product is right for them and their families. There is mounting evidence that the long-term usage of devices like cell phones may have an impact on health and today's Policy Committee hearing allowed for an informed dialogue on the issue to begin."

Those testifying at the hearing included: Ellen Marks, director of government & public affairs, Environmental Health Trust; Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, founding director emeritus, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute; and Gerard Keegan, director of state legislative affairs, CTIA-The Wireless Association.

For more information about the Policy Committee or for hearing materials visit www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.

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