Important Safety Information About iPads and Tablets
Before purchasing a new tablet, please consider this important safety information.
iPads and Tablets Emit Microwave Radiation: Wireless iPads and tablets emit constant bursts of pulsed wireless microwave radiation also known as radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation. Microwave bursts can be happening about every 4 seconds or up to 900 times every hour.
These Radiation Bursts Continue Even When The Wireless Device Is Not In Use
Tablets have up to 5 transmitter antennas emitting radiation as a beacon signal that transmits even when the internet is NOT being used. Yes, the radiation intensity is stronger when you are using the internet with a Wi-Fi connection, however, the radiation does not automatically stop when you work offline. The bursts continue because the tablet antennas “check in” with what is called a “digital handshake” to the base network which is usually a Wi-Fi router or hotspot, or a nearby cell tower. If the network signal strength is low then the tablet’s radiation burst is higher. This digital handshake continuously repeats.
Doctors Recommend Reducing Exposure to This Radiation
The American Academy of Pediatrics, which is the largest organization of pediatricians in the United States, has repeatedly warned of children’s greater vulnerability to this wireless radiation and recommends that families reduce exposure. For example, one of their Ten Tips to reduce exposure includes, “If you plan to watch a movie on your device, download it first, then switch to airplane mode while you watch in order to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.” Worldwide many medical organizations are cautioning the public to minimize wireless exposures. The New Jersey Education Association, and the Maryland State Expert Council on Children’s Environmental Health Protection recommends reducing exposure in classrooms.
The Radiation is Linked To Cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization classified radiofrequency as a Class 2B Possible Carcinogen in 2011, and since that date scientific evidence has increased so much that long-time advisors to the World Health Organization are calling for a reclassification- to Class 1 Human Carcinogen. The $25 million US National Toxicology Program study has linked radiofrequency radiation exposure to cancer, replicating findings of the same tumor types in human studies. DNA damage was also found.
The Radiation Is Linked To Serious Biological Effects
Peer reviewed studies also have found a myriad of other problems from increased headaches and sleep problems to damage to reproduction and brain development. For example, studies have found that Wi-Fi radiation damages sperm, even at very low doses. Rats exposed to wireless had more damaged brain cells than unexposed rats. Connections between this radiation and autism and ADHD have lead to doctors advising reduced exposure in schools nationwide. Doctors are very concerned about the health effects after years of daily exposure to this radiation, especially for children.
A published review of effects of Wi-Fi radiation entitled, “Wi-Fi is an important threat to human health” found that “repeated Wi-Fi studies show that Wi-Fi causes oxidative stress, sperm/testicular damage, neuropsychiatric effects including EEG changes, apoptosis, cellular DNA damage, endocrine changes, and calcium overload. Each of these effects are also caused by exposures to other microwave frequency EMFs, with each such effect being documented in from 10 to 16 reviews.” The paper concludes that, “it follows from these various findings that the placement of Wi-Fi into schools around the country may well be a high level threat to the health of our children as well being a threat to teachers…”
The iPad and Tablet Manuals Have Instructions Advising People To Put A Distance Between The Device and The Body Due To Radiation Exposures
Most people are unaware of the fine print FCC safety warnings in all wireless devices that state the consumer should be a specific distance away from the device to ensure the radiation levels do not exceed FCC limits. When iPads first appeared on the market, the iPad user manual stated, “Orient the device with the cellular antenna (located under the black edge at the top of the device) away from your body or other objects…“ to avoid exceeding FCC standards. Similarly, many other tablet models advise “avoiding direct contact with the transmitting antenna” and/or placing “the antenna away from your body.”
Wireless Radiation From iPads and Tablets Penetrates Into The Body
Many iPads and Tablets Can Be Used Without Wireless Exposures
If you follow some simple steps you can easily turn OFF the wireless antennas on most tablets and still remain connected to the internet. You simply use a cord plugged into the tablet with an ethernet connection and adapter. Then make sure that you also turn OFF the Wi-Fi antennas of the device in the settings (otherwise your tablet will continue to emit microwave radiation).
You also can have everything already downloaded so that you can use the various applications on your tablets without connecting to the internet. for example, you can tae pictures, video, do drawings and other activities on the device without needing the Wi-Fi.
We encourage you to follow these simple instructions:
- Connect your iPad or tablet to ethernet with an adapter and cord (not Wi-Fi). This is the only safe way to use the tablet.
- Turn ON Airplane Mode plus ensure that Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other antennas are all set to OFF.
- Always place Tablet on a table (not rested on the lap, not handheld).
- A Simple First Step To Reduce Exposure: Turn the wireless settings OFF whenever you are done with the internet but still need to use the tablet Aps. Note: you will still be exposed to radiation during wireless connecting times and by the Wi-Fi in room so this is is first step or a way to decrease if you have no choice in your situation. It is not a fully protective measure. Please be sure to start the process of completely wiring up your devices rather than use wireless because the “turn it off when not in use” measure is a half measure and still results in exposure while the Wi-Fi is on. If you are a teacher in a school or a parent in a school see resources here.)
- Share this information! Read New Jersey Education Association‘s Factsheet.
Important To Know
- More data = higher radiation: For example, streaming video results in higher radiation intensity. So if you want to watch a video, do it on a wired connection, or pre download the video onto your tablet. You also can pre download your music rather than stream it through your tablet.
- Lower signal = higher radiation: When a device has low signal strength, it will emit more radiation to make the connection. So try not to use the device when there is a poor connection. (Unfortunately a stronger signal means your environment has higher RF levels overall resulting in full body exposures from the base stations, routers or access points.)
- Wireless in cars, buses, elevators or other transport = higher radiation: Many people hand children wireless devices in the car unaware that when you are traveling in a vehicle, the radiation can be higher for three reasons. First, the metal can reflect the radiation causing it to bounce around in the car, elevator or moving metal vehicle. Second, the device is trying hard to get out of the car to reach the cell tower, increasing radiation output. Third, when moving, a device needs to ramp up power everytime it passes and connects with a new cell tower.In a 2009 Congressional hearing, the lead NTP National Institutes of Health scientist Dr. Bucher made the recommendation NOT to use cell phones in a car or elevator. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends we “Avoid making calls in cars, elevators, trains, and buses. The cell phone works harder to get a signal through metal, so the power level increases.”
If you need to use Wi-Fi, we recommend that children are at a distance from the transmitting device- and not present during wireless downloading. Then turn OFF all wireless settings before a child uses the device. We encourage you to set up wired (not wireless) ethernet connections throughout your home so that everyone can access the internet without radiation exposure.
Yes, Most iPads and Tablets Can Connect to the Internet With A Wired Connection
Wi-Fi is not necessary for connecting to the internet. Tablets can connect to the internet by an ethernet cord plugged into any standard router or modem, however, depending on the make and model, you may need a few easily available small components. The exact adapters required may change and you can contact the manufacturer or other expert suppliers to be sure you have the correct pieces for your exact model.
iPads
For most iPad models you need an ethernet-USB adaptor, an iPad-USB adaptor, and an active USB hub. Please watch these videos that walk you through the process. It will lead you through each step and even gives a shopping list.
This video from the informative blog “It Takes Time” by Andrea Fabry shows how to connect an iPad to the internet using ethernet.
Andrea details the required accessories for most apple devices.
- Lightning-to-USB Camera Adaptor – like this
- USB Ethernet Adaptor – like this
- Powered USB 2.0 Hub – like this (Make sure the hub is powered.)
- Ethernet Cable – like this
Click here to read her blog post on how her family transitioned to wired connections.
Tablets
For many tablets all you need is a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. However, connecting the ethernet cord can vary depending on the make and model of your tablet. If your tablet has a mini-USB port you may need one more adapter to convert the mini to full USB. It is worth the time and small bit of effort to take these steps. The article “How to Connect Ethernet to a Tablet” details how to connect your iPad, Microsoft Surface Pro, and most Android tablets. Unfortunately there are some tablets that are unable to connect using ethernet, even with adapters. Always check to ensure you can use an ethernet first. We do not recommend purchasing a tablet unless you are sure you can use it NON-wirelessly.
It is important to separately check the antennas to ensure ALL of them are turned OFF.
Putting an iPad on ‘airplane mode’ will initially turn off all antennas, however, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas can be re-activated without switching off the airplane mode. An iPad showing ‘airplane mode’ is not a guarantee that all the antennas are off. In addition, when the Wi-Fi function on an iPad shows “Not Connected,” it does not mean the antenna is off, it only means the iPad is not logged onto any available network — the Wi-Fi antenna is still constantly emitting microwave radiation.
An additional note: Remember to always keep the tablet off the lap — even if the wireless antennas are turned off. Tablets and laptops also emit another type of electromagnetic fields (EMF) called ELF EMF that penetrates into children’s and adults’ bodies with highest exposures directly near the device. This type of EMF is different than the RF EMF but also linked to cancer and other biological effects. So you always want to respect the need for a distance between you and the device or any handheld computer.
RESOURCES
What Parents Need to Know About Safe Technology Factsheet
New Jersey Education Association: Minimize Health Risks From Electronic Devices
Factsheet PDF from New Jersey Education Association: Minimize Health Risks From Electronic Devices
Green Gazette Article: iPads: How Safe Are Our Children?
American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations to Reduce Exposure to Wireless Radiation
American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations Safety Cards
Tips to Reduce Your Wireless Radiation Exposure Dr. Moskowitz University of Berkeley Flyer
Do’s and Don’ts for Safe Technology
