Canada recommends that cell phone radiation to children be reduced. However the country does not promote this recommendation in schools. In fact, most people are unaware of this. In addition, the City of Toronto adopted radiofrequency limits with a standard 100 times more stringent than the current Safety Code 6) and issued recommendations for children to reduce cell phone radiation years ago.
“What you should do: Limit the length of cell phone calls, Replace cell phone calls with text messages or use “hands-free” devices, Encourage children under the age of 18 to limit their cell phone usage.” Health Canada
In 2011 Health Canada issued “ Practical Advice on reducing exposure” which states, “the department also encourages parents to reduce their children’s RF exposure from cell phones since children are typically more sensitive to a variety of environmental agents.”
Health Canada offers Practical Advice on reducing exposure to wireless radiation
- Limit the length of cell phone calls
- Replace cell phone calls with text, use “hands-free” devices
- Encourage children under the age of 18 to limit their cell phone usage.
The Kingston Library asks patrons to turn phones onto airplane mode and disable the Wi-Fi due to patrons electromagnetic sensitivity. See a photo here from the library.
The City of Peterborough in Ontario, Canada has developed an information sheet to help organizations accommodate individuals who have electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS).
The City recommendations include:
- Notify all meeting attendees to set mobile phones to airplane mode at the start of the meeting. Temporarily disable City owned WAP device(s) in immediate proximity to the meeting room.
- Temporarily disable Nexicom owned WAP (Wireless) device(s) in immediate proximity to the meeting room.
- Provide 48 hours notice, not including weekends, to PTS and/or Nexicom, with meeting start and meeting end times.
- Turn off or minimize amount of fluorescent lighting and older style LED lighting in the meeting room.
- Consider booking meeting rooms with adequate windows to the exterior for natural daylighting.
- Peterborough in Ontario, Canada information sheet on electromagnetic sensitivity
2015 Canadian Parliament Standing Committee on Health of the House of Commons Report: “Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation and the Health of Canadians”
- Original Report
- They made 12 recommendations including an awareness campaign on reducing exposures, improved information collecting and policy measures regarding the marketing of radiation emitting devices to children under the age of 14, “in order to ensure they are aware of the health risks and how they can be avoided.”
2015 Canadian Parliament Standing Committee on Health of the House of Commons Report: “Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation and the Health of Canadians”
- Original Report
- They made 12 recommendations including an awareness campaign on reducing exposures, improved information collecting and policy measures regarding the marketing of radiation emitting devices to children under the age of 14, “in order to ensure they are aware of the health risks and how they can be avoided.”
Toronto “ Prudent Avoidance Policy for Cell Towers” (Reviewed in 2007)
- Toronto’s current PA policy was adopted by the Board of Health and City Council in 2008. The Policy was first recommended by the Medical Officer of Health and adopted by the Board of Health in 1999 as a precautionary approach.
- This policy recommended that levels of exposures to radiofrequency (RF) for the general public be kept 100 times below Health Canada’s guidelines. Read more documentation from City Website
2015 National Bill C-648 was Introduced into the House Of Commons
- An Act Respecting the Prevention of Potential Health Risks From Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation” would require manufacturers of all wireless devices to place specific health warning labels clearly on packaging, or face daily penalties /fines and/or imprisonment. Although the Bill did not pass, it made headlines.
- Bill C-648 Video of Bill Introduced
- Video of Press Conference Featuring Terrence Young and Frank Clegg
- Canadians For Safe Technology Press Section Website
Case Study: Measurements of Radio Frequency Exposure from Wi-Fi Devices
Canadian Pediatric Association issued a Position Statement Recommending no Screen-based Activities for Children under Two
- Original Position Statement: Healthy active living: Physical activity guidelines for children and adolescents
- For healthy growth and development: screen time (eg, TV, computer, electronic games) is not recommended for children under 2 years old. For children 2-4 years, screen time should be limited to <1 h/day; less is better.
July 2008: The first policy of its kind in Canada, the Toronto Public Health Department issues Factsheet on Children and Cell Phone Use. Factsheet PDF Memo Staff Report By Department
“Children, especially pre-adolescent children, use landlines whenever possible, keeping the use of cell phones for essential purposes only, limiting the length of cell phone calls and using headsets or hands-free options, whenever possible”
