Parents will do anything to protect their children from harm, anything…
Pregnancy is one of the most exciting times in a Mother’s life. It can also be very overwhelming- you want to do everything right and give your baby the best possible start in life. You might be reading a lot, or looking online for all kinds of tips and ideas about pregnant life. One thing you might not encounter is how your EMF exposure might be affecting your baby.
It has been well established that the health of our smallest family members are more affected by electromagnetic fields than adults (mostly due to a still-developing nervous system and thinner skulls and bone structure).
According to researcher Ann Louise Gittleman in her book Zapped,
“When it comes to EMFs, studies have shown that [children’s] thinner skulls and bones allow them to absorb twice the amount of radiation as a grown-up. EMFs can more deeply penetrate their brain tissue, which is more conductive than an adult’s because it contains a higher concentration of fluid and ions. One study found that a cell pone call lasting only two minutes causes brain hyperactivity that persists or an hour in children.”
- Cell phones emit radio frequency radiation (RF). RF has been shown to damage cellular DNA, which may lead to cancerous mutations. Even low-level RF exposure causes the body to create heat stress proteins, a temporarily protective measure that is harmful if this stress response is chronic.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified cell phone radiation as a Class 2B Carcinogen – the same class as the pesticide DDT and lead!
- According to the Environmental Working Group, childrens’ brains absorb twice the amount of cell phone radiation as adults’ brains (source)
- Studies on the health effects of cell phone radiation have mixed results. But does funding bias contribute to the controversial results? This study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal found that industry-funded research was vastly more likely to show no health effects (72% – no effect, 28% – effect) versus independently-funded research (67% – effect, 33% – no effect).
- As recorded in the book Zapped, Dr. Ronald Herberman, M.D., a director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, said, “Although the evidence is controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory to share some precautionary advice on cell phone use.” He counseled his staff to limit the amount of time they spend on their cell phones and to avoid making calls in public places “where you can passively expose others to your phone’s electromagnetic fields.”
- The BioInitiative Report has compiled up-to-date research on the effects of EMFs and RFs. According to the document, which can be viewed here (PDF), “The great strength of the BioInitiative Report (www.bioinitiative.org) is that it has been done independent of governments, existing bodies and industry professional societies that have clung to old standards. Precisely because of this, the BioInitiative Report presents a solid scientific and public health policy assessment that is evidence-based.”
- According to the BioInitiative report, “Roughly, 1800 new studies have been published [between 2007 and 2012] reporting effects at [radiation/EMF] exposure levels ten to hundreds or thousands of times lower than allowed under safety limits in most countries of the world.”
During pregnancy you have a unique opportunity to protect your baby from these insults and to help them to have the safest start in life that they possibly can.
At this point, you might be thinking, ‘But wifi and cell phones are everywhere! I can’t avoid them all.’ And you would be correct. But you can minimize your exposure, which goes a long way.
Here are 3 ways to reduce your exposure to cell phone radiation:
1. When it comes to cell phone radiation, the vital factor is the proximity of the phone to your vital organs – particularly your brain. Distance yourself from the phone and/or wireless laptop.
2. Did you know that you are most vulnerable to environmental toxins and radiation when you are sleeping? Turn it off at night.
3. Even when you aren’t making a call, the phone is emitting constant radiation to connect to the nearest antenna. Avoid “wearing” your phone, so keep it out of your pockets and don’t clip it onto your belt.
It is not paranoia to exercise caution with your children and cell phone radiation – it is wisdom!
In 2013, a panel consisting of five leading experts on EMFs and children’s health gathered to give their safety recommendations (you can listen to the recording of the panel here). They urged that children should not use cell phones except in emergencies and should not play with radiating phones – even if the phone is on airplane mode, the battery is still emitting magnetic fields. Pregnant women and couples wishing to conceive should also exercise more extreme caution and should strictly follow the previous tips in this post.
The Baby Safe Project (https://www.babysafeproject.org) is a great resource if you’d like to learn more. See their index of nearly 40 scientific studies looking at the health risks of pregnancy and EMF’s (click here). If you’re pregnant, or know someone who is, please take a moment to consider the seriousness of this issue. You wouldn’t take any chances with your precious little ones, we don’t want you to either!
Some mother’s choose to invest in clothes that will shield the baby from this radiation exposure. Belly Armor is a company that makes blankets, women’s clothing, men’s clothing, baby gear, and other items that you can wear or use in your home to block EMF’s from the environment. There are many other companies offering similar solutions.
It is well worth your time to do a little research on these products and change habits. The health of your child is worth it!
Cathy Cooke, BCHN, BBEC Holistic Nutritionist and Building Biologist is the founder of Whole Home and Body Health which provides EMF Assessments, Mold Testing, and Nutrition and Health Consulting located in Boise, Idaho. Cathy is available for consulting via skype and phone, and is also willing to travel as needed for home assessments. Schedule an appointment today!