New guidelines on exposure to radiofrequency energy from cell phones

The Californian Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued new advice on how both adults and children can take practical steps to reduce their levels of exposure to radiofrequency energy from cell phones. 

The new guidance identifies studies that suggest that there is a link between long term use of cell phones and illnesses such as cancers, lower sperm count and inactive or less mobile sperm, as well as effects on memory and learning. 

The new advice also identifies children as being at greater risk due to the level of growth and development occurring in their bodies and because of the greater cumulative exposure over their lifetime.

Canadian Parliament warns that cell phones may cause health issues

A report published by the parliamentary committee warns that cell phones may cause cancer, infertility and learning disabilities. The report identifies three of the largest studies on the link to cancer (The European Interphone Study, the French CERENAT Study, and the Swedish Hardell Group Studies) and recognises that all results show a greater risk of cancer at higher levels of use.

Canada’s house of commons standing committee on Health also urged the federal government to launch a public awareness campaign about the possible hazards and safe use of wireless technologies.

1 California department of public health (CDPH), division of environmental and occupational disease control, 2017. how to reduce exposure to radiofrequency energy from cell phones. available at: <https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/EHIB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Cell-Phone-Guidance.pdf> [Accessed 7 January 2018] 

2 Parliament of canada, house of commons, report of the standing committee on health, 2015. radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation and the health of canadians. available at: <http://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/41-2/HESA/report-13/page-5> [Accessed 7 January 2018] 

3 World Health Organisation (WHO), international agency for research on cancer (IARC), 2011. iarc classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans, no. 208. [press release] 31 may 2011. available at http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2011/pdfs/pr208_E.pdf [Accessed 7 January 2018].