American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics is the largest group of U.S. pediatricians and doctors focused on children.
Recommendation to Families on How to Reduce Cell Phone Radiation
- Prefer texting to voice calls
- Use cell phones in speaker mode or hands-free to distance the cell phone away from the head.
- Make only short or essential calls on cell phones.
- Avoid carrying your phone against the body like in a pocket, sock, or bra.
- Do not talk on the phone or text while driving.
- If you plan to watch a movie on your device, download it first, then switch to airplane mode while you watch in order to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
- Minimize use in areas of low signal (i.e. how many bars you have). The weaker your cell signal, the harder your phone has to work and the more radiation it gives off.
- Avoid making calls in cars, elevators, trains, and buses. The cell phone works harder to get a signal through metal, so the power level increases.
- Remember that cell phones are not toys or teething items.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has written numerous letters regarding the need for stronger protections for children when it comes to cell phones and wireless radiation.
“The AAP urges the FCC to adopt radiation standards that: Protect children’s health and well-being. Children are not little adults and are disproportionately impacted by all environmental exposures, including cell phone radiation. Current FCC standards do not account for the unique vulnerability and use patterns specific to pregnant women and children. It is essential that any new standard for cell phones or other wireless devices be based on protecting the youngest and most vulnerable populations to ensure they are safeguarded throughout their lifetimes.”
“The differences in bone density and the amount of fluid in a child’s brain compared to an adult’s brain could allow children to absorb greater quantities of RF energy deeper into their brains than adults. It is essential that any new standards for cell phones or other wireless devices be based on protecting the youngest and most vulnerable populations to ensure they are safeguarded through their lifetimes.”
AAP Letter to the FCC Chairman calling for the FCC to open up a review of RF guidelines (7/12/2012)
“Children, however, are not little adults and are disproportionately impacted by all environmental exposures, including cell phone radiation. In fact, according to IARC, when used by children, the average RF energy deposition is two times higher in the brain and 10 times higher in the bone marrow of the skull, compared with mobile phone use by adults.”
Time Magazine (2012): Pediatricians Say Cell Phone Radiation Standards Need Another Look
Click here to download a PDF of all the letters by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
