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American Morning

FDA Says No Specific Risks Linked to Cell Phone Use

Aired May 22, 2001 - 11:01   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Cell phones are in the spotlight on Capitol Hill today. While a move is underway in Congress to keep cell phones out of the hands of drivers, a new federal report takes a long, hard look at cell phone safety. Our Jeanne Meserve is keeping track of the latest developments and she joins us now from Washington -- Jeanne, good morning once again.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

We're talking about these, an absolute necessity for people in our business, an accessory for other people and just plain annoying to some. The fact that cell phones are everywhere is a fact of life, but what, if any, health risks they pose has been debated for years. The Food and Drug Administration says there is no specific information right now that cell phone radiation can cause cancer in humans.

But today, law makers are calling for more research.

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REP EDWARD MARKEY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: When millions of Americans put this phone up next to their ear, even if only for brief periods of time, there are millions of them that wonder whether or not they may be hurting their own health or their children's health. And when 110 million Americans are using cell phones, it doesn't take a very large error in terms of identification of adverse medical consequences to have an epidemic sized problem.

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MESERVE: Congressman Markey and others want coordinated research on the dangers and more information made available to consumers. Meanwhile, there are more calls to stop what's known as driving while dialing. New Jersey Senator Jon Corzine and New York Congressman Gary Ackerman are introducing legislation today to outlaw the use of handheld cell phones in cars nationwide. They say they're a distraction and a danger. Hands-free devices would still be allowed -- back now to you in Atlanta.

KAGAN: Jeanne, very good. We want to tell our viewers once again we're waiting to hear from Senator Corzine and Representative Ackerman when they introduce their legislation on keeping cell phones out of your cars. You'll see that live here on CNN.

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