Cell Phones and Wireless Devices
Cell phones and other wireless technologies enable our children to communicate and entertain themselves, keep track of their busy schedules and do their homework. But there is a growing concern over the safety of exposure to them radiation emitted from these devices. In fact, several countries have taken steps to limit children’s exposure to this radiofrequency (RF) microwave radiation based on thousands of studies showing significant biological impacts. Even manufacturers warn consumers to hold their cell phones, tablets and computers away from the body.
There are some simple steps you can take to minimize your child’s exposure to this growing wireless world. Cell phone calls should be limited to short conversations, and the speaker phone setting should be used whenever possible to keep the phone away from your child’s head. Text messaging or using an air tube headset will also eliminate direct head contact with the phone. “Talk less, text more” should definitely be added to your list of gentle reminders. It is also very important to remind your child to turn off their phone or to put it on “airplane mode” with all wireless features off when not in use.
If your child must spend a good deal of time resting in bed, but wants to talk with friends, installing a corded or “land line” phone in their room is strongly recommended, as it carries no risk whatsoever. Placing cell phones under pillows or on bedside tables is definitely not a good idea, and overnight charging should be done outside the bedroom. Be aware that cordless phones and their bases are also radiation-emitting wireless devices.
Streaming videos and playing games online result in higher levels of wireless radiation exposure, so download and then view or play with the computer or tablet in “airplane” mode. This is also a good technique for downloading e-mails, reading and responding. Reconnect when you want to send your message.
Hard-wired Ethernet cables connected to a WiFi-disabled router provide the same access to the internet as wireless systems. In fact, Ethernet connections are faster, safer, and more secure. If you need a wireless router, make sure it is not installed in your child’s bedroom or a room where your family spends time.
“Smart” or wireless utility meters emit short bursts of pulsed RF microwave radiation many times over a 24 hour period, sending data on your usage of electricity, gas or water to your provider. Some utility companies offer an “opt- out,” where you can keep your analog meter and pay a small fee to do so. A few states have even passed laws requiring utilities to make this option available to their customers. In an effort to reduce the cumulative exposure of this increasingly common type of radiation for your family, ask your utility about an opt-out program or make sure your child’s bedroom or playroom does not share a wall with a smart meter. If your home or apartment is in close proximity to a small cell antenna, similar inquiries should be made and you should create as much space as possible between your child’s bedroom and the antenna.
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) with their high intensity blue/white light are used to illuminate the screens on TVs and other digital devices, including cell phones, tablets, and computers. The bright light from the screens can cause both short and long-term effects on eye health and suppress the production of melatonin, an important hormone that is necessary for sleep and many other vital bodily functions. You can download an app that limits the harsh blue/white light and makes screens a softer yellow/orange hue. Many newer computers come with this app built in.
Cell Phone Safety Tips
• TEXT instead of talking whenever possible.
• When TALKING, use the speaker setting or an air-tube headset.
• NEVER hold your phone directly against your body.
• Make only SHORT or essential calls.
• Set your phone to AIRPLANE mode when not in use with all wireless features off.
• Keep your phone out of pockets, socks and bras. Phone manufacturers warn users not to hold wireless devices “against the body.”
• AVOID using cell phones in cars, buses, trains, and elevators as the phone works harder to get a signal through metal, increasing power levels and radiation exposure to all occupants.
• The weaker or lower your signal bars, the harder your phone works, producing higher levels of radiation.
• Download movies, then switch to AIRPLANE MODE to watch without radiation exposure.
• NEVER SLEEP with your phone on or near your bed and plug it in to charge in another room - don’t charge wirelessly
• PROXIMITY IS EVERYTHING so keep a safe distance from all radiation-emitting devices. Avoid being in a crowded room with everyone on their phone or a wired device.
Safety Tips for Tech at Home
• Cordless phones emit radiation similar to a cell phone and the charging base is a constant source of radiation. REPLACE with corded or “land line” phones.
• Wireless wearables, including ear buds, headphones, watches, and fitness wristbands also emit radiation which is more easily absorbed into your body from direct contact. CONSIDER THE RISKS before purchasing.
• NEVER use wireless laptops or tablets ON YOUR LAP which is in close proximity to reproductive organs. Use an Ethernet cord for these devices (with an adapter if necessary). Always use on a table.
• CONNECT keyboard, mouse, speaker, printer, and other work space accessories to your modem using an Ethernet cord. Make sure WiFi and Bluetooth are turned OFF.
• Virtual reality and gaming consoles, controllers, and accessories are used on or in very close proximity to the body. USE WIRED CONNECTIONS for optimum performance and safety.
• ALWAYS UNPLUG or TURN OFF
routers at night or when you are not using them. WiFi-free modems can eliminate this step.
• BLUE LIGHT from screens can be harmful. Use a blue light blocking screen cover or blue- blocking glasses, or download software that reduces blue light and flicker.
Information obtained from: American Academy of Pediatrics, Physicians for Safe Technology, California Department of Public Health, Safer EMR
Electrical Appliances
An extremely low frequency and electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) is created as electricity flows along a power line or electrical wiring. Some studies show that lengthy exposures to this field at close proximity may be harmful. It would be
prudent to keep your child’s bed away from a wall where the power lines come into your home and to choose battery-operated clocks and radios for bedside tables.
ELF-EMF levels created by most household appliances drop off at 3 to 4 feet, so keeping your child at least an adult arm’s length away from electrical appliances is playing it safe. Hair dryers and electric blankets are especially problematic as they are used close to or directly on the body.
For peace of mind, you may want to contact your local utility that can measure the level of magnetic fields emitted by electrical appliances and equipment in your home.
If you are looking to purchase a new home or rent a new apartment, be aware of the proximity of high-tension power lines, transformers and electrical substations.
Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics urges safe use of cell phones.
Environmental Working Group has a tip sheet on safe use of cell phones.
https://static.ewg.org/ewg-tip-sheets/EWG-CellPhoneGuide.pdf
The TechSafe Schools initiative helps schools reduce the wireless radiation in classrooms with “Best Practices,” technical remediation steps and legal letter for school administrators urging them to take protective action.
https://www.techsafeschools.org/
Physicians for Safe Technology provides an overview of the health implications of exposure to wireless radiation, with links to studies, reports and many other useful resources.
The Bioinitiative Report is for those who want to read the science on radiofrequency wireless radiation. https://bioinitiative.org/
Scientific Studies
National Toxicology Technical Report on Cell Phones and Cancer.Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies in Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD) Rats Exposed to Whole-body Radio Frequency Radiation at a Frequency (900 Mhz) and Modulations (GSM and CDMA) Used by Cell Phones. National Toxicology Program TR595:1-466. (2018) Summary: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/topics/cellphones/index.html
Report of Final Results Regarding Brain and Heart Tumors in Sprague-Dawley Rats Exposed From Prenatal Life Unitl Natural Death to Mobile Phone Radiofrequency Field Representative of a 1.8 GHz GSM Base Station Environmental Emission. Falcioni, L, et al. Environmental Research 165:496-503. (2018)