A ban of hand-held radar guns has been ordered in Sioux City by South Iowa Highway patrol because of concerns that troopers could develop cancer from long-term exposure to the radiation waves emitted by the devices.

The ban was ordered as a precaution while studies are conducted into the possible links between cancer and the use of the guns. The ban affects 70 radar guns that will be withdrawn from service.

Adam smith said “The feeling here is to err on the side of caution until more is known about the issue. 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 cedar Rapids filed workman’s compensation claims, saying they developed cancer from using the hand–held units.