October 13, 2011 – Researchers, a former patient, a local legislator and others will be at the University of Southern Maine this coming Monday afternoon, October 17, to help increase knowledge and awareness of the potential risks of cell phone use.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 1 to 3:45 p.m., Monday, October 17, in Room 102 of the USM Wishcamper Center, Bedford Street, Portland.

The event is hosted by the USM School of Nursing and Health Professions, in cooperation with the Environmental Health Trust. The trust was founded to educate individuals, health professionals and communities about environmental health risks and policy changes needed to reduce those risks.

Dr. David Carpenter, the founding dean of the University of Albany School of Public Health, will address the risks of cancer and brain tumors. Carpenter, who also serves as director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany, is credited with directing the nation’s attention to the dangers of PCBs in fish.

Lloyd Morgan, senior research fellow with the Environmental Health Trust and an electronics engineer with 38 years of industrial experience, also is scheduled to present. Other topics include “Electromagnetics: It can kill you or save your life.” The researchers may be attending or delivering their presentations via Skype.

Maine plumber Stuart Cobb and his wife, Kristen Cobb of Portland, plan to attend. Stuart was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which some doctors suggested might have been caused by cell phone use. The Cobbs now are active supporters of a cell phone safety education campaign.

Maine Representative Andrea M. Boland (D-Sanford) will provide updates on efforts to raise awareness of the potential hazards of cell phone use. Boland is sponsor of a bill to require warnings on cell phones and at cell phone retail outlets.

For more information, contact USM Professor of Nursing Helen
Peake-Godin at 780-4140.