Can You Hear Me Now? Cell Phone Radiation & Your Health

So I recently ordered new cases for our cell phones and iPads, after reading some alarming studies about the amount of radiation they emit. Upon their arrival, my husband opened the box and immediately saw “Radiation Protection” written on the side and by the look on his face I knew he was skeptical (and also probably wondering how he ended up marrying such an extremist, nut job). I could almost hear his thoughts ‘Seriously? First it was the shampoo and bathroom cleaners, now even our cell phones are killing us?’. I get it- the poor guy gets hit with these kinds of things a lot. I’m sure it seems that I’m constantly declaring this or that unsafe to him. He usually rolls with it when I bring these things up, but as someone who uses his phone and iPad a lot for work, I’m sure he was semi-concerned for his own safety, but mostly worried about whether or not I was going to ban him from using any technology (for the record, I would never do that..). The unfortunate truth is that we live in a world where we’ve surrounded ourselves with an inescapable amount of dangerous chemicals, toxins and even radiation. While it may seem impossible to avoid these things completely, I believe it’s fully possible to take steps to lower your exposure without moving to Antarctica. All things in moderation, right?

How Did This Happen?

The rapid rise of cellphone use over the last two decades has left most of us with a false sense of security about the safety of using them. Most of us carry a mobile phone at all times and more often than not, it’s kept somewhere in contact with you (in a pocket, in your purse against your side, or even in your hand). In fact, these devices are exposing us to a steady, yet measurable, dose of radiation each day. A risk which has been known since their inception, but conveniently downplayed by manufacturers. I admit that I gave this some thought while pregnant with my son, but it seemed like an urban legend or something. I mean you rarely hear about this in the news, right? Well, curiosity got the cat. I started wondering how much this was really an issue and the more I dug, the more and more alarming studies I found pointing out that this really is a dangerous issue.

What Are The Risks?

Multiple studies have linked cell phone use to cancer (mainly brain tumors), have shown altered brain activity after calls, and have shown altered sperm in the way of lower sperm counts and slower/nonactive sperm. The most alarming thing I uncovered is that the younger the age of the cell phone user, the more danger it has. A child’s skull is much smaller and thinner, allowing radiation to penetrate much deeper into their brains while they’re holding the phone to their ear. Unfortunately, even being in close proximity to the device exposes children to the radiation it’s emitting. Like most Americans, when we’re out to eat and my toddler starts screaming or frantically trying to order a tookie from the waiter (that’s cookie to lay people), I happily pull up a fun app on my phone like Peek-A-Boo Barn or stream Curious George on Netflix. Little did I know how much I’ve been exposing my young kids to radiation. Not to mention how often I use my phone right next to them.

To make matters even worse, iPads actually emit more radiation than cell phones. On our iPads we have learning apps for the kids, silly videos the kids made and even movies we’ve downloaded for trips and such. I started getting really uncomfortable with the kids even being around them while we used them, much less using the iPads themselves. I hated to ban them from using them completely though. One of my sons favorite apps (Endless ABC’s) teaches spelling and vocabulary and used with in reason, it can be a great tool in helping kids get into things like learning to read. After digging around further, I found some easy solutions to help shield your children and yourselves from some of the risks.

Some Easy Solutions Before You Throw Out Your Phone and Run For The Hills

The best thing I stumbled upon was Pong’s radiation reducing cases. Instead of allowing the radiation to expand out in a ‘bubble’ around the phone or device, it routes the current of radiation towards the back of the case and significantly reduces the total radiation emitted, along with shielding the user (who presumably the phone is facing). I bought this one for my phone and it’s actually cuter than I thought it’d be. We also bought a couple for our iPads.

If you’re pregnant and want to protect your bump or if you’re like me and constantly sit with a laptop or iPad in your lap, this radiation shielding blanket from Honest (made by Belly Armor) is a great deal. It’s $59.97 for current members or $79.95 regularly. I ordered one to use when I have devices in my lap and also for my children when they’re using the iPad. 

Whether or not you can buy a fancy new cover right now, there’s still more you can do to help reduce your exposure:

– Use a handsfree option when you can, like speaker phone or an ear piece that plugs into the phone.

– Don’t keep your phone on your body (in a pocket or your bra).

– Keep the device on airplane mode when children are using it (this is good advice for a lot of reasons, as we’ve learned the hard way *AHEM* $21 in-app purchase by a four year old anyone?).

– Don’t sleep with your phone near your head. Even when you’re not actively using it, it still emits radiation.

– Your phone emits the most radiation when the signal is low or if you’re in a fast moving vehicle where it has to constantly search for a new tower. Avoid use at these times, if possible. 

– Dig up your old pager (just joking..)

New smart phones may soon be required to give a radiation safety warning on their label, which perhaps not many people will notice or pay attention to, but at least its a start. Hopefully with some of the advice above you can maintain your Instagram addiction without jeopardizing your health.