FTC Bars 2 Companies From Making
False Claims About Radiation Shields

AP 7may03

WASHINGTON—The Federal Trade Commission barred two companies from making false claims that their products would protect cellphone users from radiation emitted by their handsets.

The FTC sued Comstar Communications Inc. and Stock Value 1 for making unsubstantiated scientific claims about the shields that fit over cellular-phone earpieces. The government said the shields don't work as advertised and may cause wireless devices to emit even more energy.

However, the government is unlikely to collect any fines or consumer payments because the companies went out of business while the cases were pending, according to an FTC lawyer.

Major studies have found no harmful effects of cellphones, but longer-term research continues. Even if a danger is found, products that block only the phone's earpiece are ineffective because the entire phone emits radiation, the FTC said.

The FTC reached a settlement with Comstar of West Sacramento, Calif., which marketed the "WaveShield" as 99% effective at blocking radiation. An order approved last week by the U.S. District Court in Sacramento bars Comstar from making claims without reliable scientific evidence. Calls to a lawyer representing Comstar were not returned.

A federal judge in Florida issued a permanent injunction and a $726,874 default judgment last month against a Boca Raton, Fla., company. Stock Value 1, later taken over by Meristar International, Inc., sold shields called "SafeTShield" and "NoDanger." Company officials could not be reached for comment.