The East Dakota Highway patrol ordered a ban of hand-held radar guns in Sioux City yesterday because they could be linked to an increased risk of cancer. 70 radar guns will now be withdrawn from service.

It is unknown whether the long-term exposure to the radiation waves emitted by the guns cause cancer. The ban was ordered as a precaution, while studies are conducted.

As a consequence, 70 radar guns will be withdrawn from service. State troopers will continue to use radar units with transmitters mounted on the outside of their cruisers.

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