HOUSE MEMORIAL 32

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Brian F. Egolf

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT TO STUDY AVAILABLE LITERATURE AND REPORTS ON THE EFFECTS OF CELL PHONE RADIATION ON HUMAN HEALTH.

     WHEREAS, the constitution of New Mexico provides that "The protection of the state's beautiful and healthful environment is hereby declared to be of fundamental importance to the public interest, health, safety and the general welfare"; and

     WHEREAS, studies have shown that the radiation emitted from cell phone towers is, even at low levels, dangerous to human health; and

     WHEREAS, other studies, including those relied upon by the federal communications commission, state that the current levels are safe; and

     WHEREAS, conflicting studies give rise to legitimate doubts in the minds of members of the general public as to the safety of the use of cell phones and the equipment needed for cell phones to function; and

     WHEREAS, opponents of the cell phone industry and those who disagree with the federal communications commission question the scientific methods and sources of funding that have been used to support the claims that the current radiation levels are safe; and

     WHEREAS, the primary responsibility of the federal communications commission is to regulate interstate and international communications by radio, wire, satellite and cable; it does not have expertise in health or public health issues; and

     WHEREAS, basic principles of public health include the application of multi-professional skills to maintain and improve the state of well-being of communities; and

     WHEREAS, residents of New Mexico have expressed concern regarding how radiation emitted from cell phone towers may have effects on the health and well-being of their families and communities; and

     WHEREAS, residents of New Mexico have also expressed concern regarding how the placement of cell phone towers may disrupt emergency and law enforcement communications, and whether cell phone towers negatively affect the value of their property; and

     WHEREAS, the conflicting studies and continued concern from residents of New Mexico make it clear that there is a need for a comprehensive, impartial review of all available literature on the effects and the potential dangers of radiation emitted from cell phone towers on human health;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health and the department of environment be requested to study and review all available literature and reports on the effects of cell phone radiation on human health; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health and the department of environment submit a report on the effects of cell phone radiation, with recommendations on how to alleviate any dangerous effects that cell phone radiation has on human health, to the legislative health and human services committee by November 1, 2011; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of health and the secretary of environment.

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