California Says Cell Phones Might Actually Be Dangerous to Our Health
For years, there have been rumblings on whether or not the radiation from cell phones could damage your health. Although there is definitely some scientific evidence that proves that certain types of radiation can cause cancer, the jury remains out on whether regular cell phone use is a definite cause or potential cause.
Regardless of any solid findings, however, the state of California has released bold new guidelines on the use of mobile phones and their potential correlation to your health, warning that prolonged exposure to radio waves could be carcinogenic.
The guidelines outline health dangers related to a form of electromagnetic radiation called radio frequency (RF) energy, which come from cell phone towers. Some of the possible health side effects that California Department of Public Health specifically mentions are brain tumors, lower sperm counts, headaches, and potential impacts on learning, memory, hearing, behavior, and sleep. They also expressly warn against exposing children to this energy.
What does California say about children's risk from cell phone radiation exposure? Here is an excerpt from the cell phone warning document published by the California Department of Public Health today.
https://t.co/6SxdfwHC1e pic.twitter.com/2uZ37PIbrM— Joel Moskowitz (@berkeleyprc) December 13, 2017
“Children’s brains develop through the teenage years and may be more affected by cell phone use,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Parents should consider reducing the time their children use cell phones and encourage them to turn the devices off at night.”
Overall, the CDPH says that we should consider using handsfree whenever possible, to keep our phones away from our heads, keep our phones away from us at night (don’t charge your phone on your nightstand, essentially), don’t download large files on your phone, avoid any products that say they block RF energy and try to avoid using your phone in weak signal areas.
According to the CDPH, around 95 percent of Americans use cellular phones regularly, with over 10 percent using their device as their main source of internet access. “Although the science is still evolving, there are concerns among some public health professionals and members of the public regarding long-term, high use exposure to the energy emitted by cell phones,” said Dr. Smith.
“We know that simple steps, such as not keeping your phone in your pocket and moving it away from your bed at night, can help reduce exposure for both children and adults.”
What do you think of California’s new cell phone recommendations? Let us know @BritandCo!
(Photos via Getty)