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Is Technology A Toxic Risk?
Necessary News
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Janelle Sorensen:
Breaking news from The World Health Organization this week has the public in a frenzy because an expert panel from the organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified cell phone radiation as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer.
These new findings put phones in the same category as the pesticide DDT and car exhaust. Though Carl Johnson of Forbes.com puts things in context by pointing out that “cell phone risk was placed in category 2B. That category includes 266 other carcinogenic agents including coffee and pickled vegetables.”
Reassured? Read on…
This news comes on the heels of the newest independent studies revealed last week by Dr. Devra Davis (founder of The Environmental Health Trust, author, Healthy Child scientific advisory board member, and member of a Nobel Peace Prize team) that offer stunning proof confirming findings from the Council of Europe that pulsed digital signals from cell phones disrupt DNA, impair brain function and lower sperm count.
What should you do?
Dr. David Katz, Director of Yale’s Prevention Research Center, interviewed Dr. Joel Moskowitz who directs the Center for Family and Community Health in the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley on The Huffington Post regarding the issue and here are here are the takeaways:
- Keep your cell phone away from your body whenever it is on. Use a corded headset, speakerphone or text.
- Minimize cell phone use among children, teens, and pregnant women.
- Demand that the federal government revise regulations, fund research, and issue precautionary health recommendations.
In addition to these tips, check out Time.com’s article about the 10 highest and 10 lowest emitters of radiation in the smart phone category and CNN’s posted a similar list regarding cell phones in general.
But, as another piece in Time asks, ‘If Cell Phones Cause Cancer, What About Laptops?’
Indeed, electric and magnetic field (EMF) radiation is all around us because our modern lives include electricity. Computers, appliances, alarm clocks and cordless phones (and other wireless technologies) all emit EMF radiation.
The issue of biological effects from this pervasive radiation is very controversial. Possible health hazards (including carcinogenic, reproductive, neurological, cardiovascular, hormonal and immune system impacts) are identified by results of some scientific studies, but the evidence they provide is still incomplete and inconclusive and even, in some cases, contradictory.
Until we have more information, some communities and individuals are adopting the “no and low cost” avoidance strategy. According to the California Department of Health Services and the Public Health Institute, “t’s easy to move an electric clock a few feet away from a bedside table, and it’s simple to sit further away from the computer monitor. EMF decreases quickly as you move away from a source. It almost disappears at distances of 3 to 5 feet. You can also take measurements in your home to identify sources of EMF, including faulty electrical wiring that can produce elevated magnetic fields and electrical shock.”
What do you think? Will you or have you taken any actions in your life to prevent these exposures?
Resources:
- US Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- The Collaborative on Health and the Environment
- The Environmental Health Trust
Posted by Holistic Dentist on 06/19/2011 at 11:06 AM
Technology is definitely a toxic risk for children. These are intense chemicals that leak into them either through their mouth when they chew on it, or through their skin if the product is shedding any dusts. People dont talk about this but these products do leak just a bit and children are the most susceptible to this. I really hope parents start to wake up and stop giving their kids these instruments as toys.
Posted by Natalia on 06/13/2011 at 12:21 PM
I’m surprised to read the recommendation of using a corded headset. Several engineers have recommended that I avoid using a corded headset because it works like an antenna. Perhaps a bluetooth, or if possible, using the speaker might be best.
Posted by B on 06/03/2011 at 07:41 PM
My 42-year-old, otherwise very healthy brother, developed a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor exactly one inch above his right ear. He is right-handed. He was a heavy cell phone user, especially while traveling via car for work purposes every day. Now he is fighting for his life in order to continue to parent his beautiful 4-year-old daughter.
Posted by Crystal - Prenatal Coach on 06/03/2011 at 02:19 PM
Thank you for writing about this important topic. I do believe that cell phones and other sources of EMF’s are a cause for concern. In preparation for pregnancy we’ve taken as many precautions as we can because I don’t trust that they are ‘safe’. We use EMF protection at home and use our cell phones the least amount possible and don’t carry them on our bodies.
Posted by Meredith Simonds on 06/02/2011 at 03:52 PM
I’m surprised not to see in the “What you should do” tips list a recommendation to keep and use a land line. I haven’t had one in a couple of years - and then only used it for my fax - but I’ve been considering getting one again. I work from home so that’s where I make most of my phone calls anyway.
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