Communications of the ACM
Researchers Declare Wireless Devices a Safety Risk for Children
Credit: Anti-Radiation Stick
Children and fetuses are the most at risk from neurological and biological damage that results from microwave radiation emitted by wireless devices, due to the higher rate of absorption of microwave radiation by children than by adults, according to newly published research. The work is described in "Why Children Absorb More Microwave Radiation Than Adults: The Consequences," published online in the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal.
The paper describes how a fetus is particularly vulnerable to microwave radiation, which can cause degeneration of the protective myelin sheath that surrounds brain neurons. The authors recommend that wireless toys be banned due to the serious potential health risks.
The paper also documents cancer registry studies showing increased brain cancer incidence. Because the average latency time between first exposure and diagnosis of a tumor can be decades, the total number of tumors induced in children may not be diagnosed until well into adulthood.
The authors explain that current exposure limits are based on an erroneous assumption that tissue damage from overheating is the only potential danger of wireless devices. However, extensive scientific reports document the non-thermal biological effects from chronic (long-term) exposures, the researchers say. Although government warnings have been issued worldwide, most of the public is unaware of such warnings.
Pediatric neurologist Dr. Maya Shetreat-Klein states, "Pregnant women deserve to know that wireless radiation can have an impact on the developing brain. We're seeing alarming increases in the number of children diagnosed with neurological disorders over the past decade, and anything we can do that might help reduce that rate should be taken very seriously." Dr. Shetreat-Klein made her statement while launching the Baby Safe Project in New York this June.
The authors state that consumers are unaware that manuals for cellphones, tablets, and laptop devices provide specific advice on recommended distances (20 cm rule for tablets/laptops and about ½ inch for cellphones) between the device and a user in order to ensure compliance with exposure standards. Children and adults use wireless devices in ways that "violate" these recommendations, putting them at even increased risk, the researchers say.
The authors make specific recommendations: pregnant women should avoid wireless exposures; children should not play with wireless toys; adolescent girls and women should not place cellphones in their bras or in hijabs; and government exposure limits need to be urgently revised.
The paper's authors include: Santosh Kesari, M.D., Professor of Neurosciences at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and Director of Neuro-oncology at Moores UCSD Cancer Center; Devra Davis, cancer researcher, toxicologist, Founder and President of the Environmental Health Trust; and L. Lloyd Morgan, Senior Science Fellow at the Environmental Trust.
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