Minimize Children’s Radiation Exposure by Cell Phones

As more and more kids are using cell phones, and the links between cell phone radiation and cancer – particularly brain tumors – are being investigated, here are a few precautions you and your kids can take to temper concerns about cell phone radiation:

• Don’t hold the cell phone to your ear. Use the speaker or a hands-free device, or redirect your cell phone to a land line (not cordless) when you’re at home.
• Don’t sleep near your cell phone. Power off all electronic devices at night or charge them in a room away from where you sleep.
• Set clear boundaries with your kids about when they can and cannot use their phones. The less time they’re using their phones, the less they will be exposed.
• Don’t carry your cell phone close to your body (like in your pocket). Put it in a bag or set it down slightly away from you when you can. (The same goes for laptops; do not place them directly on your lap.)
• When it comes to radiation, texting is safer than talking.
• Educate yourself and your kids! The KiMS PTSA is hosting a screening of Screenagers, a documentary on technology (especially cell phone use) and kids. Get tickets for the April 25th event here.

Additional links to research:

• Cancer and Cellular Phones, American Cancer Society
• Is the WHO Saying Cell Phones Cause Cancer?
• Mobile phone radiation causes brain tumors and should be classified as a probable human
• carcinogen
• Mobile phone use and brain tumors in the CERENAT case-control study