Because of concerns that troopers could develop cancer from long term exposure to the radiation waves emitted by the devices the East Dakota Highway patrol ordered ban of hand–held radar guns. The ban was ordered as a precaution while studies are conducted into the possible links between cancer and the use of such guns.

The ban will affect 70 radar guns that will be removed from service. State troopers will continue to use radar units with transmitters mounted on the outside of their cruisers.

Adam Smith a spokesman for the East Dakota Highway Patrol said in a statement “The feeling here is to err on the side of caution until more is known about the issue,” Smith said. “The whole situation is under review.”

The move is the first of its kind by a state police agency. It comes after three municipal officers in Central City filed workman’s compensation claims, saying they developed cancer from using the hand–held units.