Electromagnetic Field Exposure in Children

Most kids in today's society are exposed to a variety of manmade electromagnetic radiation (EMFs). EMFs are electromagnetic waves with a frequency below 300 GHz. Since the kid's developing brain is vulnerable to electromagnetic radiation, concerns about the potential health impacts of EMFs are growing among parents. Let's discuss why this is a cause for concern.

Types of EMF Exposure

There are two types of electromagnetic field exposure:

radiofrequency (RF) exposure, which includes base stations, WiFi, 5G technologies, smart gadgets, mobile phones, and high-voltage transmission lines.
Extremely low frequencies (ELFs) are between 3 and 3,000 Hz.involving high-voltage transmission lines and in-house wiring

Health Concerns Related to EMFs

The primary health concern associated with electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is their carcinogenicity to humans(capable of causing cancer). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified ELFs and RFs as possible human carcinogens (Group 2B).

An increasing number of kids use computers and iPads for educational, leisurely, and social activities. Even infants can be exposed to EMFs in the home or through direct use of electronic devices.

Biological Effects of EMFs

The main impacts of electromagnetic fields on the human body are

Stimulation Effects: Involves nerves and muscles at high EMF levels, can be employed in medical devices, and can produce electrical shock at extremely high stimulation levels.
Thermal Effects: Includes an increase in body temperature. Examples include hot sensations in the ear or body caused by using a mobile phone or laptop.
Nonthermal Effects: These come from continuous long-term exposure and may be linked to electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome or neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the nonthermal effect is the least well-studied.

Carcinogenic Concerns

Human carcinogenesis is one of the most serious concerns associated with EMF. Several studies have looked into the link between ELF-EMF and childhood leukemia since 1979, when the first report was published. However, because of the nature of electromagnetic radiation, most investigations relied on epidemiological data or animal tests.

Mice exposed to in-utero RF from cellular devices showed hyperactivity and memory damage after birth. EMFs from mobile phones changed the blood-brain barrier's permeability and damaged neurons in the brains of exposed rats.

Many theories claim that EMF exposure causes oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, and cell loss, and prevents their production.

Given the effects of EMF on children, the WHO advises lowering personal EMF exposure. They also recommend reducing EMF levels in schools, kindergartens, and other places where children spend a significant amount of time.

Vulnerability of Children to RF

For the past 20 years, there has been a debate about whether children are vulnerable to RF, especially since mobile phone use became widespread. Studies on both humans and animals have shown that using mobile phones can lead to increased headaches, sleep disturbances, changes in neurotransmitter release, alterations in synaptic plasticity, and impacts on neuronal cell cycles.

A Korean study conducted between 1993 and 1999 included 1,928 children with leukemia and 956 children with brain tumors. The study found that children living within 2 km of AM radio transmitters had a 2.15 times higher risk of developing leukemia compared to those living more than 20 km away.

Stewart Report Findings

In 2000, the UK Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, in their "Stewart Report," stated that children might be more vulnerable to EMF than other age groups. They stated that "children are exposed to electromagnetic waves for a longer period in their lifetime compared to adults, and their nervous systems are still developing. Because children have higher conductivity due to more moisture and ionic content, their heads absorb more RF energy than adults' heads." Stewart's report suggested that children should not be encouraged to use mobile phones unnecessarily, and mobile phone companies should not promote mobile phone use among children.

Studies of mobile phone RF exposure in children

The skull thickness of adults is about 2 mm, but for a 5-year-old child, it is around 0.5 mm and increases to about 1 mm by age 10. This means radiation penetration is greater in children than in adults. Additionally, since a child's head is smaller, the energy-absorbing "hot spots," which are the most sensitive to RF, are more pronounced. Many engineering strategies to mitigate RF hazards do not account for the unique characteristics of a child's head.

How to Protect Children from EMF Exposure

Understanding Cell Phone Radiation: Effects and Protective Measures

To protect children from EMF exposure, consider the following measures:

Limit Screen Time: Reduce the amount of time children spend on electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, and computers.
Keep Devices Away from the Body: Encourage children to use speaker mode when using mobile phones and keep other electronic devices away from their bodies.
Educate Children: Teach children about the potential risks of EMF exposure and how to use electronic devices safely.
Choose RF Protection devices: Consider using EMF protection products, such asBodywell stickers that are proven effective through rigorous testing. Key benefits of using Bodywell include:
- Thermal Reduction: Bodywell products can reduce thermal absorption by up to 20%, helping to minimize heat-related effects from EMF exposure.
- Reduction in SAR: Bodywell products have demonstrated an 80% reduction in SAR, significantly lowering the amount of radiation absorbed by the body.
- PH Recovery: Prolonged EMF exposure can disrupt the body's pH balance. Bodywell products help recover pH levels by 100%, maintaining the body's natural equilibrium.

Final Thoughts

Children's nervous systems are more sensitive to electromagnetic waves than adults. While the effects of EMFs on children's health are not well-established, it's important to be cautious and minimize their exposure.

Safety policies for EMF use should prioritize the opinions of clinicians over those of industries. Additionally, more studies on the impact of 5G technology on children's health are needed.