Cell phones emit radiofrequency (RF), which can be harmful to users. However, there are certain standards that cell phone makers need to pass before they are allowed to put their products on the market. Currently, guidelines state that the specific absorption rate (SAR) or the amount of RF that can be absorbed by the body should not exceed more than 1.6 watts per kilogram.
This rule, however, was made 18 years ago and may not be applicable in today’s times, especially since more and more kids now have access to mobile phones. This concern prompted the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to ask the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review the guidelines with young users in mind, Time.com reports.
It appears like a lot of work for something that seems so trivial, but if previous research stating that RF may lead to brain cancer were to be taken into consideration, then the AAP looks to be moving in the right direction. In addition, researchers found that according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the average RF energy deposition in kids is two times higher in the brain and 10 times higher in the skull’s bone marrow.
If your kids have their own cell phones, encourage them to text instead of calling so the phone is as far away from their brains as possible. Until guidelines are changed, it’s up to you to protect your children from any possible side effects.
(Photo by horizontal.integration via Flickr Creative Commons)
