Will cell phones sold in Canada soon come with warning labels outlining the alleged dangers of wireless radiation? If Conservative Member of Parliament Terrance Young gets his way, they just might.
According to a report by the Edmonton Sun, Young believes that cell phones emit enough wireless radiation to increase the risk of cancer among heavy users. Noting that some manufacturers place small warning labels on the inside of cell phone manuals, Young argues that this is not enough.
“Their warnings are in fine print, in paper booklets that few people read,” he told Yahoo News. “This new Bill ensures those same warnings will be readable and easy to find, right on the packaging or the device.”
The actual science behind Young’s claims is a bit spotty. Though the World Health Organization (WHO) has called exposure to radio frequency (RF) signals “possibly carcinogenic,” it has also noted that there is not enough evidence to establish a link between cancer and cell phone radiation. Plus, as numerous scientists have pointed out, cell phone radiation is non-ionizing, which is not generally know to lead to increased cancer risk.
Still, until more complete studies can be finished, the controversy will persist. And if the Canadian government does choose to require the labeling of cell phones, it must ensure that it is done right, in a way that is easy for the consumer to read and understand.
Firms should not rely on third-party label printers to meet such regulations. Rather, they should invest in a high-quality color label printer that will save money in the long run.
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