Today, guest blogger Stephanie Harris, a local mom and chiropractor, brings us some important information about cell phones, kids and radiation. I’m delighted that she’s chosen to write about this topic because I find it very concerning (though I admit to having resorted to handing over my Blackberry to entertain my 18 month old while eating out — it still has smudges from the Thai restaurant a relative recently treated us to). It’s hard to believe a device so widely used could be dangerous, but one need only look at the concerns surrounding plastics to know that prevalence provides no assurance of safety. And on cell phones, I would add the obligatory reminder that they are most hazardous when used while driving (which I also acknowledge having done).

Cellular phones are not childʼs play

In our modern world where we rely increasingly on technology in our daily lives, what parent doesnʼt regularly use a cell phone? They are so convenient for sending a text that you are late for a play date, for catching up with a friend while sitting and nursing your baby or for coordinating child care responsibilities with your spouse. What was almost unheard of two decades ago has now become an indispensable utility in our lives today.

As a mom of young children and a cell phone user myself, I have drastically changed my cell phone habits in the last six months after encountering some warnings about the use of such devices around small children. As a parent and a chiropractor, I feel obligated to gently disclose these warnings to other parents, for the sake of our childrenʼs safety. This article is not meant to scare you, but is meant to increase your awareness about how we may be unknowingly subjecting ourselves and our families to radiation through the excessive use of cellular phones.

Cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation when in use and even to some degree when idling in “standby” mode on the countertop. During a call where the user holds the phone to his head, radiation can penetrate the skull and affect cellular electrical activity in the brain. This is particularly concerning when the user is a child, whose skull is much thinner than an adultʼs, so the radiation can penetrate more deeply into a childʼs brain. There are studies coming out which are linking cell phone use to an increased risk of brain and/or salivary gland cancer. Some are referring to cell phones as todayʼs “cigarette”, saying that it is only a matter of time before research shows a direct link of their ubiquitous use to cancer.

Like all things, it is possible to use a cell phone with moderation. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your familyʼs exposure to cell phone radiation:

- Buy a low radiation phone. Visit www.ewg.org/cellphone-radiation for a list of phones and the radiation levels they emit.

- Use speakerphone mode whenever possible.

- Text instead of talk. Texting uses less radiation than talking.

- Turn off your cell phone when at home and use a land line to make and receive calls.

- Children should avoid holding a cell phone to their heads unless it is an emergency.

- Avoid talking on a cell phone while holding or wearing your baby.

This is not a comprehensive list, and this article is really just the tip of the cell phone iceberg. For more information, please visit the Environmental Working Groupʼs website, www.ewg.org. There are also many articles on the subject at www.mercola.com (type in “cell phone” in the search box).

Stephanie Harris, D.C., has a family wellness practice in downtown Durango. She can be reached at drstephdc@gmail.com.

Tags: cell phones, radiation, Safety

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