Judge: Berkeley can require cell phone radiation warnings

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) - A federal judge has allowed Berkeley to start requiring cell phone retailers to warn customers about possible radiation risks.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports (https://sfg.ly/1JHYlcA ) that U.S. District Judge Edward Chen of San Francisco says the city can require retailers to say carrying switched-on phones too close to a person’s body might violate federal radiation standards.

Chen blocked Berkeley from making such notifications in September, when CTIA-The Wireless Association filed a lawsuit arguing the rule violated freedom of speech.

But Chen ruled Wednesday the warnings can be enforced now that Berkeley removed a disputed claim that the potential risk is greater for children.

CTIA is asking a federal appeals court to declare Berkeley’s rule unconstitutional.

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Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, https://www.sfgate.com