Do cell phones cause cancer?
Supposedly, cell phones emit low-level, non-heating radiofrequency (RF) energy, rather than electron-stripping ionizing radiation, the type proven to permanently damage tissues and disrupt DNA.
But damage from radiofrequency energy may be cumulative over very long periods. Most American children today face a lifetime of exposure. It is very important to focus closely on the most recently published studies, the ones that show the effects of long-term exposure.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), has reported on key studies that link radiation from long-term cell phone use with increased risks of brain and salivary gland tumors, migraines and vertigo, as well as behavior problems in children, including hyperactivity.
The current U.S. government radiation standards are outdated and no steps have been taken to update them. Particular concern should be focused on the amount of radiation that penetrates a child’s softer, thinner, skull (twice the amount that could penetrate an adult skull), and that long-term use starting in childhood could pose even bigger risks than those already documented. Children’s cell phone use should be limited.
Safety Tips:
1. Save long conversations for land-line phone use.
2. Use a headset or speakerphone setting, and keep the phone itself away from your body.
3. Find out how much radiofrequency energy your cell phone emits. This measurement is called the Specific Absorption Rate, or SAR. The SAR permitted in the U.S. is 1.6 watts per kilogram. The FCC has a list of the SAR of various phone models.
The U.S. government should take a stand and require phones to be labeled with their emissions at the point of sale!
Write to us and let us know how you feel about cell phones and radiation!
Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more informaiton on healthy green living and greeen cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com.
