Cell Phone Dangers for Children

Through the years, there have been so many rumors concerning the health risks of cell phones. But we are a society that would almost rather die, than give them up. That is a real possibility, according to recent research. Eleven different studies have revealed that those who have used a cell phone for ten years, are twice as likely to develop tumors on a nerve connecting the ear to the brain. According to Professor Kjell Mild, of Orebro University in Sweden, it takes a minimum of ten years, for this type of cancer to develop. Cell phone usage has only been widespread since the late 1990's, so some of the dangerous health effects associated with mobile phones are only now being discovered. There may be a link between cell phone use and Parkinson's disease, as well as a correlation with Alzheimer's disease. But even more troubling, is the fact that children's thinner skulls may put them at an even greater risk for developing brain cancer. Some researchers warn that children should only use cell phones in emergency situations.

Another study found that just five minutes exposure to mobile phone signals caused human cells to split. Even though this occurs naturally when tissue grows, it can also occur as a precursor to cancer. Cancers often appear when the body cannot prevent excessive growth and division of cells. Earlier research in the United States in 2001, found that children's brains absorbed 50 to 70 per cent more radiation from hand held phones than adults, due to smaller skulls. Also, there would appear to be greater vulnerability to brain and neurological cancers, because their nervous systems are still developing.

Despite these findings, Firefly Mobile has designed a cell phone for kids, the flyPhone. It was created for smaller hands, and specifically targeted for children 8 to 12 years old. The phone is about the size of a small pocket calculator, and comes equipped with parental controls. This enables parents to limit incoming and outgoing calls, and to restrict texting. In addition to making calls, flyPhone users can play games, listen to mp3's, watch videos, text, and use instant messaging. Firefly Mobile said that its marketing research indicated that there was a need for parents and children in this age group, to be able to communicate easily.

Disney Mobile also targeted younger kids, and incorporated Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh into its phone designs, but backed off of those plans in 2000, amid reports that cell phone radiation may prove to be dangerous for children. (Some later research found cell phones to be safe for all ages.) In 2005, Disney Mobile announced plans for a new line of cell phones, marketed for kids as young as 8. Disney has recently announced, however, that it will discontinue its cell phone service to kids at the end of this year.

A 2 minute cell phone call can change the electrical activity of a child's brain for up to an hour afterward, according to research by scientists at the Spanish Neuro Diagnostic Research Institute in Marbella. They have theorized that these changes could result in impaired learning ability, and emotional and behavioral problems. Dr. Gerald Highland, a government adviser in the UK remarked, "We don't know all the answers yet, but the alteration in brain waves could lead to things like lack of concentration, memory loss, inability to learn, and aggressive behavior."

In the United Sates, Dr. George Carlo, an epidemiologist, was hired by the cell phone industry to prove that cell phones are safe. However, after 6 years of intensive research, he came to the conclusion that cell phones are not safe. He also found that a child's developing skull and brain, were adversely affected by the radiation emitted by the phones. In addition, he felt that the blood brain barrier could be impacted. This blood brain barrier prevents the invasion of toxins. He also found that radio frequency radiation created a type of genetic damage in human blood cells, known as a marker for cancer. In his book, Cell Phones: Invisible Hazards in the Wireless World, he cited that in many circumstances, brain surgeons can tell on which side of the head patients hold their cell phone. (Some have even said that the shape of the tumor followed the pattern of the cell phone antenna.) Children are at increased risk because their cells are rapidly dividing, and the tissues of their body and brain are still growing. Damage to the cells can also cause immune system problems. His conclusion was that government agencies have been slow in addressing the problems. "The watchdogs are not watching, or they're not barking...The question that needs to be asked is, if you had these findings (from recent studies) before the phones went on the market, would the government agencies ever have allowed these phones on the market, and the answer is no."

Dr. David Carpenter, Dean of the School of Public Health, at State University New York, and a physician with the state's health department reported, "It's likely that up to 30% of all childhood cancers are associated with EMF (Radiation) exposure."

Children are using cell phones at a younger age, and for longer periods of time, than ever before. It could take many years before we know the full extent of the dangers, just as it took many years of research to prove the detrimental effects of asbestos and tobacco. Hopefully, we will not suddenly have a large segment of our population experiencing life threatening tumors, and other serious health problems in the years to come. Dr. Sheela Basrur, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, and a mother, expressed, "It disturbs me that kids are the marketing target for devices that are dressed up to look as innocuous as possible, and yet many have longer term health implications attached to them that we're not fully aware of."

Because of ethical reasons, long term studies on children have not been performed. Today's generation of children may be the guinea pigs in the world lab. The cell phone industry is focused on money, and every time they can soften the concerns about potential health risks, you can be certain they will. Several U. S. scientists interviewed by the Toronto Star, mentioned corporate intimidation, and felt that their findings were being minimized to encourage continued sales. (The U. S. cell phone industry emphatically denies this.)

At the very least, in the case of children, it would be wise to err on the side of caution. Moderation is definitely advised, as the jury's still out on this one.

Sources: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=UC1C35BPSOQ11QFIQMFSFGGAVCBQ0IV0?xml=/news/2007/10/08/nmobiles108.xml
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