ALL wireless devices can expose you to harmful radiation. This includes your cell phone.
Learn the safest ways to use your cell phone.
American Academy of Pediatrics Cell Phone Tips
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families reduce cell phone radiation exposure.
American Academy of Pediatrics cell phone safety tips for families:
- Use text messaging when possible, and use cell phones in speaker mode or with the use of hands-free kits.
- When talking on the cell phone, try holding it an inch or more away from your head.
- Make only short or essential calls on cell phones.
- Avoid carrying your phone against the body like in a pocket, sock, or bra. Cell phone manufacturers can’t guarantee that the amount of radiation you’re absorbing will be at a safe level.
- Do not talk on the phone or text while driving. This increases the risk of automobile crashes.
- Exercise caution when using a phone or texting while walking or performing other activities. “Distracted walking” injuries are also on the rise.
- 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.
- Keep an eye on your signal strength (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. It’s better to wait until you have a stronger signal before using your device.
- 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.
https://ehtrust.org/key-issues/cell-phoneswireless/fine-print-warnings/?fbclid=IwAR1I_qbpXFnqvZccyf1PwlDF9-97fFwXihpnSEZOgNpM85B35G0xLrZuxts
All wireless devices from smartphones to wireless laptops to baby monitors come with FCC warnings that they are NOT safe to use if held directly on the body because the radio frequency emissions can exceed government limits. Very importantly, if you place a cell phone at body contact, you can exceed radiation limits up to 9 times US FCC limits according to reports of the French government after testing hundreds of cell phones.
https://ehtrust.org/educational-materials-for-classrooms/#
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR CLASSROOMS
Students at every age level can learn about cell phone radiation and how they can reduce exposures. Here are educational resources and vetted science-based health curriculum you can use to educate your students today.
Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition Educational Modules on Cell Phones and Technology
EHT was proud to collaborate with the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition on “Lets Talk Prevention” educational modules on cell phone radiation for high school, middle school, and elementary. Please take the time to download these easy to understand educational materials and consider using them in your classroom. These resources include suggested student activities.
New Jersey Educational Association Recommendations
The New Jersey Educational Association (NJEA) article “Minimize health risks from electronic devices” is a perfect way to share simple steps to reduce physical health effects from devices, including repetitive strain injuries, neck, shoulder and back pain, blurred vision and headaches, altered sleep patterns and next-day fatigue and also wireless radiation exposure
American Federation of Teachers 2019: Technology and Environmental Health: Increasing Awareness and Improving Safety for Teachers, Staff and Students
In 2019, Theodora Scarato presented at the AFT National Conference. Her powerpoint presentation is availible at AFT’s Share My Lesson
“Cellphones and digital devices and Wi-Fi increasingly are being integrated into schools, but are you aware of the scientific research that links wireless technology to health issues, including memory and sleep problems, headaches, and even cancer? Participants will review recent teachers union actions on this increasing occupational health risk and learn educational solutions for schools that enable internet access with lowered health risks.”
Presenter: Theodora Scarato, clinical social worker, Environmental Health Trust
Posters on How to Reduce Cell Phone Radiation
A school nurse asked us for posters she could put in her office. EHT has designed several colorful posters in various sizes. Please see a full list HERE.
Screen an Inspiring Movie
We highly recommend these two films for students, as shown on PBS “Short Guide to Cell Phone Safety” and “The Dangers of Radiofrequency Radiation”
EHT has curated two lists for teachers and families with films on:
California Department of Public Health Cell Phone Guidance
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommendations to reduce cell phone radiation exposure explain why and how to reduce cell phone radiation. The United Educators of San Francisco passed a resolution for safer technology calling for the CDPH recommendations to be shared with all students and staff in the San Francisco Public School District.
Download the California Department of Public Health Cell Phone Cell Phone Advisory
American Academy of Pediatrics Cell Phone Tips
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families reduce cell phone radiation exposure.
American Academy of Pediatrics cell phone safety tips for families:
- Use text messaging when possible, and use cell phones in speaker mode or with the use of hands-free kits.
- When talking on the cell phone, try holding it an inch or more away from your head.
- Make only short or essential calls on cell phones.
- Avoid carrying your phone against the body like in a pocket, sock, or bra. Cell phone manufacturers can’t guarantee that the amount of radiation you’re absorbing will be at a safe level.
- Do not talk on the phone or text while driving. This increases the risk of automobile crashes.
- Exercise caution when using a phone or texting while walking or performing other activities. “Distracted walking” injuries are also on the rise.
- 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.
- Keep an eye on your signal strength (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. It’s better to wait until you have a stronger signal before using your device.
- 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.
Launch A Student Art And Technology Contest
EHT has sponsored several student arts and video contests to spread awareness on cell phones and safe technology. Please see some of the winning music videos fro Jackson Wyoming below. If you would like to start this in your school, please contact us at info@ehtrust.org.
THE COLLABORATIVE FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE SCHOOLS LOW EMF CRITERIA:
- Install a wired local area network (LAN) for Internet access throughout the school.
- Provide wired network connections for desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, and tablets.
- Desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, and tablets operated on a desk, not laps.
- All wireless transmitters shall be disabled on all Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
- Install easily accessible hard-wired phones for teacher and student use.
- Prohibit the use of standard DECT cordless phones operating at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz
- Prohibit the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices in instructional areas/classrooms.
- Measure magnetic field levels to comply with 1 mG in new construction and 2 mG in existing.
READ THE COLLABORATIVE FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE SCHOOLS LOW EMF CRITERIA
MARYLAND STATE CHILDREN’S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND PROTECTION ADVISORY COUNCIL
- Reduce wireless in classrooms as much as possible with wired Internet connections.
- Install a wired network when remodeling or for new construction.
- Turn Wi-Fi OFF when not in use
- Upload first then switch tablets to airplane mode to play games or watch videos.
“The Maryland State Department of Education should recommend that local school systems consider using wired devices“
“WiFi can be turned off” and instead “a wired local area network (LAN) can provide a reliable and secure form of networking…without any microwave electromagnetic field exposure.”
What are teachers and school staff doing?
Numerous teachers’ unions are calling for reducing RFR exposures in schools to as few sources and as low emission levels as possible.
- The United Educators of San Francisco passed a resolution to inform students and staff about why and how to reduce cell phone radiation.
- The New York State United Teachers union passed a resolution regarding safer technology and released a set of “Best Practices.”
- The New Jersey Education Association published “Minimize health risks from electronic devices”recommending the use of cords/cables/wires (rather than wireless) to connect devices and use of corded phones.
- The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation Limestone District has called for a moratorium on Wi-Fi.
- The Canadian Teachers’ Federation and Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association recommend avoiding and reducing RFR.
Ready to learn more?
See the actions taken by parent-teacher organizations here and by teacher unions here.
