Resources for Parents and Family
What You Need To Know About The Health Risks of Cell phones and Wireless Devices
This page contains resources on children, wireless and health for parents including summaries of the science, prevention tips for the home, articles, videos, book picks and more. We hope you will peruse this page, bookmark it and come back again. The resources are just a small sample of the wealth of information on the subject.
What is the problem?
All wireless devices use microwave radiation to communicate – but at levels much lower than your microwave oven. Decades ago, it was assumed that since the microwave levels for wireless communication were low, they could not heat or harm people. Therefore, cell phones and wireless devices came on the market before they were properly tested for long term safety. However these early assumptions of safety are no longer valid. Recent science indicates that wireless can have harmful biological effects. Hundreds of scientists and over a dozen governments are all saying the same thing, “Reduce exposure to children.”
What are the health concerns from cell phones and wireless?
Click to View/Download EHT Safety Card
Children and pregnant women are most vulnerable to the effects of wireless radiation. Research repeatedly shows that a child’s brain and body absorbs more radiation than an adult brain due to a child’s thinner skull and unique physiology.
There are decades of peer reviewed studies demonstrating serious biological health effects from low level microwave radiation including neurological damage, DNA breaks, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, sleep and memory disturbances, ADHD, abnormal behavior, sperm dysfunction, and brain tumors. These effects have occurred at exposure levels far far lower than the safety standards most governments use.
Children will have a lifetime of exposure. Since the health effect is cumulative, children require special protections. Due to these health concerns, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued recommendations to reduce wireless exposure to children.
What devices emit wireless radiation?
All cell phones and all Wi-Fi devices exposure us to wireless radiation. Be aware that home cordless phones emit the same type of radiation as cell phones. The DECT base station for your home cordless phone emits radiation nonstop all day. Other devices include computers, laptops, tablets, e-book readers, wireless printers, speakers, gaming consoles, baby monitors and even your wireless mouse.
How can I reduce my family’s exposure?
Reducing exposure is actually quite simple. Start by using your cell phone differently to minimize exposure and decrease your cell phone use. At home get a corded phone (to replace the cordless home phone) and forward your cell phone to it. Connect your home computers, printers and accessories with a cord or cable with all wireless features OFF.
No need to get overwhelmed, just take it one device at a time. Some devices need an inexpensive adapter to connect with cords (Learn more here). Be sure you have turned the Wi-Fi off the device itself (on settings) once you are using corded connections. In fact, even some iPhones can connect with cords so you can text and use apps radiation free.
Environmental Health Trust has a Q and A about children and wireless at this link.
Learn about EMFs and Autism at this link.
Learn more. We have several videos at the bottom of this page for parents. We hope you will take some time to learn more with these resources.
Printable Factsheet
Printable Postcards
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Ten Steps Towards Safe Technology at Home
Dr. Martha Herbert’s Letter about Wi-Fi in School
Simple Steps to Strengthen Family Connections EveryDay
Ten Steps to Successfully Unplug Children from Technology by Cris Rowan
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GOOD READING
Many parents ask for articles to read and share with friends and family. Check out these articles and share them with your friends.
Child Brain Development
How Cell Phones Affect A Child’s Brain, Healthy Living Magazine
The Kids Are Not All Right. How Wireless Tech Is Harming Our Youth And What Parents Can Do Right Now
The Whole Picture and What You Can Do
Parents Magazine: How Wireless Devices Can Be Dangerous for Your Family
Schools
Baltimore Sun: Wifi in Maryland schools may put your kid at risk for cancer
Cindy Lee Russell, MD, Vice President of Community Health, Santa Clara County Medical Association has published several excellent articles in the SC Medical Association Bulletin:
WiFi In School: Are We Playing It Safe With Our Kids?
Shallow Minds: How the Internet and Wi-Fi in Schools Can Affect Learning
Boston Parents Paper: Is Wi-Fi In Schools Safe? By Brian Spero
The New US Government Study on Cell Phones and Cancer
Consumer Reports: Does Cell Phone Use Cause Brain Cancer? What the New Study Means For You
PBS: How Might Cell Phone Signals Cause Cancer May 30, 2016
Cell Phones and Cancer
Green Gazette: Save the Girls. Make the Bra a No-Phone Zone (on Breast Cancer) by Dr. Devra Davis
Green Gazette: Wireless Communication and Precautionary Principle, Dr. Dariusz Leszczynski
REDUCE TOXINS IN THE HOME
12 Steps To Reduce Fetal Exposures
Prevent Cancer Now: Cancer Prevention Tips/Healthy Home/Lawn and Garden/Toxic Products.
Skin Deep Database: Just type in the name of a personal care or cosmetic product to assess the ingredients and get a health/safety rating.
Guide To Healthy Cleaning Products: Is your dishwashing soap toxic? Take a look at how hundreds of home cleaning products and air fresheners compare when you investigate for toxic ingredients.
Avoid Pesticides: Check out pesticide rankings of 48 fruits and vegetables.
LINKS TO LEARN MORE
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Children and Wireless Radiation
Medical Doctors Consensus Statements And Recommendations On Cell Phones/Wireless
Letters From Doctors About Wi-Fi in School
Baltimore CBS News New Research Links Cell Phones To Health Issues In Children
Families Managing Media Website
Tech Diet – Four Tech Tools To Help “Tech Fat” Families Reduce The Use Of Technology
BOOK PICKS
Links go to authors websites when possible
The Autism Revolution: Whole Body Strategies for Making Life All It Can Be Dr. Martha Herbert
Safer Technology
Wireless-wise Kids: Safe ways to use mobile and wireless technology by Lyn McLean and Janet Selby
An Electronic Silent Spring: Facing the Dangers and Creating Safe Limits by Katie Singer
Disconnect, The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation by Dr. Devra Davis
Children and Screens
The Big Disconnect, by Dr. Catherine Steiner Adair
Wired Child: Reclaiming Childhood in a Digital Age by Dr. Richard Freed
This is just a sampling of the wealth of information available.