Cell Phones & Wireless Devices
Every cell phone emits radiofrequency (RF) radiation when it transmits a signal, which is every few seconds when it's not being used for a call, and almost constantly when it is. The radiation is emitted by the phone's multiple antennas, which in modern devices, are wrapped around the body of the phone. Antennas in baby monitors, DECT phones, routers, game consoles and other wireless devices emit the same kind of radiation.
For almost four decades, the prevailing wisdom among engineers and policy makers was that this type of radiation was relatively harmless. It was understood that enough exposure could raise the temperature of an object or an animal or a human (just like a microwave oven), but little attention was given to growing reports of biological harm, such as increases in oxidative stress that can lead to cancer and other health problems.
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The current human exposure guidelines for RF radiation were developed by engineers in the 1980s, based on very limited experiments with rats and monkeys. Those studies were designed to determine how much radiation was required to raise an animal's body temperature. Once that level was determined, anything less was presumed to be safe, and despite all the advances in science and our understanding of how RF radiation causes biological harm, those thermal-only guidelines remain in effect today.
Fast Facts
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All wireless devices emit RF radiation including cell phones, cordless phones, tablets, baby monitors, wireless headsets, routers and wearables.
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U.S. government studies show that exposure to RF radiation increases the risks of cancer. Thousands of other published, peer-reviewed studies confirm the ability of RF radiation to cause biological harm.
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Current FCC human exposure guidelines are based on science from the 1980s.
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There are simple steps anyone can take to reduce their exposure to RF radiation.
The most important study regarding cell phone radiation was carried out by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), a division of the National Institutes of Health. The 10-year, $30 million dollar study was the largest, most comprehensive study of its kind. The publicly announced purpose of the study was to determine whether or not there were any non-thermal effects of exposure to RF radiation from cell phones. In 2018, a panel of independent experts reviewing the study found "clear evidence" of an increased risk of cancer. The findings were immediately dismissed by the FCC, the Food and Drug Administration which had commissioned the study, and the wireless industry, which had originally supported the study.
The NTP study built on knowledge developed over four decades by scientists from around the world, including studies at Yale University. Dr. Hugh Taylor, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Yale University School of Medicine and his team of researchers conducted a ground-breaking study (Aldad, et al 2012) where they found that pregnant laboratory mice exposed to ordinary cell phone radiation produced offspring that were more hyperactive and had poorer memories compared to a control group that was not exposed. They concluded that cell phone radiation had damaged neurons in the prefrontal cortex of the brain
Tips for Reducing Exposures from Cell Phones
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Use a landline instead of a cell phone or cordless phone whenever possible.
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Keep cell phones away from your head and body (not in pockets, bras, or belt clips).
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Use the speaker phone setting or use an “air tube” headset.
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At bedtime, switch your cell phone to airplane mode or shut the power off.
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Limit children’s use of cell phones. Young children should not use them at all.
Another study conducted by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California (Li, et al 2017) revealed that pregnant women exposed to high levels of RF radiation from sources like cell phones, other wireless devices, cell towers and other electromagnetic fields miscarried at nearly three times the rate as those exposed to low levels. For more information see our BabySafe Project.
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Wireless Routers
Wireless transmitters (“routers”) should not be used in day care facilities, schools, or other places where children spend time. If you are pregnant and must use Wi-Fi at home or at work, do not sit in close proximity to the router and do not position yourself between your device and the router.
• Unplug any domestic wireless transmitter when not in use, especially at night.
• Do not install wireless routers in bedrooms or play areas.
• Avoid wireless baby monitors and cordless phones, which use similar wireless technology.
• If possible, use hard-wired internet connections in your home instead of wireless transmitters.
Cell Phones & Devices Resources
Related Pages
Related Websites
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Click here to read some of the most recent independent, peer-reviewed studies on exposure to radiofrequency radiation and human health impacts.
Our new Cell Phone Safety Card is an easy way to begin the conversation about RF radiation, its potential to cause serious harm, and the easy steps that can be taken to significantly reduce exposure.
Up to ten cards are free. (Click here - Please provide shipping address). For bulk orders, please call our office.
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