Are Children More at Risk from Cell Phone Radiation?

What is Cell Phone Radiation?

Radiation is energy that comes from a particular source, traveling through space at the speed of light. This energy creates electric and magnetic fields, known as electromagnetic fields (EMF), which produces electromagnetic radiation (EMR). There are two types of radiation — ionizing and non-ionizing.

Low Frequency non-ionizing radiation is found in:

• Cell Phones
• WiFi Networks
• Radio and Television Waves
• Power Lines
• Microwave Ovens
• Infrared Devices
• Visible Light

High frequency ionizing radiation is found in:

• Ultraviolet Radiation (sunlight, tanning beds)
• X-rays
• Radioactive Waste

Are There Any Regulations Limiting Cell Phone Radiation in the U.S.?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees radiation exposure from cell phones and cell phone towers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) monitor the effects of radio frequency (RF) exposure from mobile devices. Exposure limits for hand-held devices are expressed as Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which is based only on thermal (heat) measurements.

Cell Phone Radiation – What Does the Research Say?

Many studies have examined carcinogenic effects of cell phone usage, including non-thermal effects not monitored by the FCC regulations. The World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has stated that EMF is “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” A larger scientific study in 2000 found a possible correlation between heavy usage and glioma, a form of cancer. As for the effect of radiation from cell phones on children and babies, there is ample research documenting that phone radiation is risky for kids, including a European study that discovered a possible link between EMF and childhood leukemia.

Can a Person Have Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity?

There have been many studies on low-frequency EMF and its effects on psychiatric and neurological conditions. Scientists have found links between EMF exposure and nerve function changes that can affect one’s mood and sleep patterns. Symptoms of electromagnetic hypersensitivity may include headaches, insomnia, fatigue, depression, memory problems, lack of concentration, anxiety, dizziness and nausea, loss of appetite and irritability.

Are Children at Risk from Cell Phone Radiation?

It is widely accepted that cell phone radiation exposure is harmful to children (see references). Studies have found that kids suffer a higher exposure than adults, due to the smaller size of their brains and their thinner tissues and bones. This leads to increased risk of health effects. The American Academy of Pediatrics points out that this exposure is twice as much in the brain and 10 times as much in their bone marrow. Another study found that people who use mobile devices prior to turning 20 are at a greater risk of developing brain tumors than those who begin using them as adults. Research has also found that EMR affects children’s behavior, including a higher likelihood of ADHD. The risk from EMF exposure is especially acute for babies, as common sense would indicate.

Below is an image showing the difference in radiation exposure to the brains of a 5 year old, 10 year old, and adult from a study by Gandhi et al.

How Can We Limit Cell Phone Radiation for Children?

There are steps that parents can take to limit children’s cell phone radiation exposure.

• Keep a safe distance between the child and the device. Don’t use a cell phone if a child is on your lap, and tell your kids to store their phone away from their body.
• Turn on airplane mode when the device is near a pregnant woman or young child, so it does not continue to emit radiation. Be especially careful near babies’ cribs or carriers.
• Have kids use a wired earpiece or the speaker function to minimize exposure. Young children should only use mobile phones for emergencies. Definitely do not choose wireless earbuds, as those also emit significant RF radiation to the head.
• Use EMF protection on cell phones. There are anti-radiation stickers that can be easily affixed to cell phones that neutralize EMR.

EMF Harmony Can Help Minimize Your Children’s Risk to Cell Phone Radiation

Parents will know that it isn’t always easy to monitor your child’s cell phone use or teach them new habits. Fortunately, there’s another option that provides cell phone protection for kids’ health. Our EMF Harmonizer+ is an easy-to use EMF protection sticker that neutralizes the EMR. It works at a sub-atomic level and does not interfere with the phone’s normal operation. Studies have shown the efficacy of this advanced technology. Please take the necessary steps to protect your children — and your entire family — from the dangers of electromagnetic radiation.