A Look at Today’s Headlines

An earnest look at the news headlines of recent years will show that this is more than just a ‘public scare’. There has been an abundance of media coverage on the hazards of EMF waves and cell phones. Below is just a sampling of media reports that specifically address the issue of EMF exposure on children:

–

Increase in Childhood Brain Cancers Linked with Cell Phone Use
Reported by Ray Martin
” A Current Affair” – Australia
July 7, 2004

A surprising story on “A Current Affair” TV episode had a prominent (and brave) Australian neurosurgeon actually admitting on national TV that an alarming increase in children’s brain cancers may be connected with mobile phone use (and exposure to other sources of EMF).

Brain Tumours: the Silent Killer Reporter: Ray Martin Dr. Charlie Teo a pre-eminent neurosurgeon is at the cutting edge literally of a 21 per cent increase in children’s brain tumours. He’s curious about the effect mobile phones and Electro Magnetic Radiation [EMR] may be having on these statistics, and has issued a warning to parents to be aware. So cautious is Dr Teo, the subject of his 12-year-old daughter having a mobile phone in their family, he confesses, is a sore point. “The argument for her having a mobile phone was there are some benefits of it and that is in emergency situations, but she has promised me she is a very sensible girl she will use a loudspeaker facility all the time,” he says. Dr Teo has every right to be nervous; it is his personal belief that there may be an association between EMR and the development of brain cancer. And while he is not seeking to be alarmist, he does want people to be more aware, especially with children. It’s a belief backed up by Senator Lyn Allison, who spent a year listening to the scientists to find out what the risks are. She discovered there is very good reason to worry. “We’re all a bit awash now in radio frequency and radio waves generally and we are not altogether sure what effect that has on us,’ she says. Senator Allison says that the fact that brain tumour is now the number one life-threatening disease for children above leukemia is consistent with studies in Europe and the UK. “[These studies show] there has been a 40 per cent across-the-board increase in the number of brain tumours in the past 20 years,” she explains, “now that 20 years has coincided with the use of mobile phone and many other radio frequencies…” And the thickness of a person’s skull, according to scientific studies read by Senator Allison, can also distinguish levels of vulnerability. “Scientists say that the thickness of the skull in children makes a difference, it is quite thin compared with adults and there is more brain fluid which means that the radio frequencies can travel through the brain more easily,” she says. Dr Teo offers more specific evidence of patients whose tumours correspond with their use of mobile phones. “When patients come in with a brain cancer, I often say to them, “your cancer was on the right side of the brain, it is in the area just above your ear, can you tell me if you feel that you have had more exposure than most people to mobile phones,” and I am surprised that most people say, “yes I have used my phone continuously for the last seven years and it is always stuck to my ear on this side…” well that is where the cancer is. Canberra parents Geoff and Denise O’Connell have had their own personal experience of these statistics. They lost their seven-year-old daughter Kessia to a brain tumour. Their own research has made them aware of the risks associated with exposure to EMR. “I wouldn’t move in next to a telecom tower or mobile phone tower and certainly if there were heavy duty electrical wires I would be very uncomfortable,” says Geoff.

——————————————————————————–

What Cell Phones Can Do To A Youngster’s Brain In 2 Minutes
U.K. Sunday Mirror
April 1, 2004

Scientists have discovered that a call lasting just two minutes can alter the natural electrical activity of a child’s brain for up to an hour afterwards…

What Cell Phones Can Do To A Youngster’s Brain In 2 Minutes U.K. Sunday Mirror April 1, 2004 Scientists have discovered that a call lasting just two minutes can alter the natural electrical activity of a child’s brain for up to an hour afterwards… THE CHILD SCRAMBLER THESE are the first images that show the shocking effect that using a mobile phone has on a child’s brain. Scientists have discovered that a call lasting just two minutes can alter the natural electrical activity of a child’s brain for up to an hour afterwards. And they also found for the first time how radio waves from mobile phones penetrate deep into the brain and not just around the ear. The study by Spanish scientists has prompted leading medical experts to question whether it is safe for children to use mobile phones at all. Doctors fear that disturbed brain activity in children could lead to psychiatric and behavioral problems or impair learning ability. It was the first time that human guinea pigs were used to measure the effects of mobile phone radiation on children. The tests were carried out on an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl called Jennifer. Using a CATEEN scanner, linked to a machine measuring brain wave activity, researchers were able to create the images above. The yellow coloured part of the scan on the right shows how radiation spreads through the centre of the brain and out to the ear on the other side of the skull. The scans found that disturbed brain wave activity lasted for up to an hour after the phone call ended. Dr Gerald Hyland — a Government adviser on mobiles — says he finds the results “extremely disturbing”. “It makes one wonder whether children, whose brains are still developing, should be using mobile phones,” he adds. “The results show that children’s brains are affected for long periods even after very short-term use. “Their brain wave patterns are abnormal and stay like that for a long period. “This could affect their mood and ability to learn in the classroom if they have been using a phone during break time, for instance. “We don’t know all the answers yet, but the alteration in brain waves could lead to things like a lack of concentration, memory loss, inability to learn and aggressive behaviour.” Previously it had been thought that interference with brain waves and brain chemistry stopped when a call ended. The results of the study by the Spanish Neuro Diagnostic Research Institute in Marbella coincide with a new survey that shows 87 per cent of 11- to 16-year-olds own mobile phones and 40 per cent of them spend 15 minutes or more talking each day on them. And disturbingly, 70 per cent said they would not change the use of their phone even if advised to by the Government. Dr Hyland plans to publish the latest findings in medical journal The Lancet next year. He said: “This information shows there really isn’t a safe amount of mobile phone use. We don’t know what lasting damage is being done by this exposure. “If I were a parent I would now be extremely wary about allowing my children to use a mobile even for a very short period. My advice would be to avoid mobiles.” Dr Michael Klieeisen, who conducted the study, said: “We were able to see in minute detail what was going on in the brain. “We never expected to see this continuing activity in the brain. “We are worried that delicate balances that exist — such as the immunity to infection and disease — could be altered by interference with chemical balances in the brain.” A Department of Health spokesman said: “In children mobile phone use should be restricted to very short periods of time.”

——————————————————————————–

RF radiation linked to Autism in children
Research Study
Robert C. Kane, Ph.D.,
February 2004

A Possible Association Between Fetal/neonatal Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation and the Increased Incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Robert C. Kane, Ph.D. February, 2004 Summary Recently disclosed epidemiological data indicate a dramatic increase in the incidence of autism spectrum disorders. Previously, the incidence of autism has been reported as 4-5 per 10,000 children. The most recent evidence indicates an increased incidence of about 1 per 500 children. However, the etiology of autism is yet to be determined. The recently disclosed data suggest a possible correlation between autism incidence and a previously unconsidered environmental toxin. It is generally accepted in the scientific community that radiofrequency radiation is a biologically active substance. It is also readily acknowledged that human exposures to radiofrequency radiation have become pervasive during the past twenty years, whereas such exposures were uncommon prior to that time. It is suggested that fetal or neo-natal exposures to radiofrequency radiation may be associated with an increased incidence of autism. The article was published in the journal “Medical Hypotheses”, Volume 62, Issue 2 , February 2004, Pages 195-197

——————————————————————————–

U.K. Gov. Bans Cell Phones in all schools
The Sun, UK Press
November 16, 2003

TEACHERS have been ordered to ban their pupils from using their mobile phones amid rising safety fears.

U.K. Gov. Bans Cell Phones in all schools The Sun, UK Press Sunday, November 16, 2003 TEACHERS have been ordered to ban their pupils from using their mobile phones amid rising safety fears. UK Education secretary David Blunkett has taken the unusual step of writing to ALL schools in England and Wales. Mr Blunkett said mobile phones should only be used by pupils under 16 in EMERGENCIES. A spokesman for Mr Blunkett said: “We felt we had to issue guidance on the widespread use of mobile phones in schools. The department of Health is taking the lead but we have a responsibility where pupils are concerned. We felt we had to get the message across that the non-essential use of mobile phones should be discouraged.” Mr Blunkett’s order to schools follows an investigation led by ex-Government chief scientist Sir William Stewart earlier this year. He warned that children could be susceptible to damage from radiation because their immune system is not fully developed. He also pointed out that the younger the child, the more years they could be exposed to radiation. The report backed claims that minor health complaints like headaches, earaches and skin problems may be linked to mobiles.

——————————————————————————–

Cell Phones Could Make Teens Go Senile Early
The Independent
Geoffrey Lean, Environment Editor
14 September 2003

Mobile phones and the new wireless technology could cause a “whole generation” of today’s teenagers to go senile in the prime of their lives.

Mobiles ‘make you senile’ By Geoffrey Lean, Environment Editor. 14 September 2003 Mobile phones and the new wireless technology could cause a “whole generation” of today’s teenagers to go senile in the prime of their lives, new research suggests. The study – which warns specifically against “the intense use of mobile phones by youngsters” – comes as research on their health effects is being scaled down, due to industry pressure. It is likely to galvanize concern about the almost universal exposure to microwaves in Western countries, by revealing a new way in which they may seriously damage health. Professor Leif Salford, who headed the research at Sweden’s prestigious Lund University, says “the voluntary exposure of the brain to microwaves from hand-held mobile phones” is “the largest human biological experiment ever”. And he is concerned that, as new wireless technology spreads, people may “drown in a sea of microwaves”. The study – financed by the Swedish Council for Work Life Research, and published by the US government’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences – breaks new ground by looking at how low levels of microwaves cause proteins to leak across the blood-brain barrier.

——————————————————————————–

Mouth Cancer and Mobile Phone Use by Children
PowerWatch
Novemeber 17, 2004

Mouth Cancer and Mobile Phone Use by Children PowerWatch November 17, 2004 John Hamburger, a senior lecturer at Birmingham Dental Hospital, has warned of an increase in mouth cancer among teenagers and children in the West Midlands. Smoking and drinking heavily are usually associated with increasing the risk of developing mouth cancer, and may be implicated in the rise in teenage cancers, but these factors are unlikely to account for the higher levels in incidence in children. Eileen O’Connor, a Sutton Coldfield resident is convinced that the rise in children’s cancer is more likely to be linked to mobile phone use. Youngsters are not following the advice of the Department of Health to use their phones in emergencies only, and are often heavy mobile phone users. Children wearing braces may be even more at risk. It would be informative if John Hamburger could comment on whether there was a higher incidence in children wearing braces. The majority of mouth cancers can be detected at routine dental check ups, and early tumours can be successfully treated. However, due to the shortage of dentists, the latest advice has been to reduce visits to once every two years.

——————————————————————————–

Teen Cell Phone Radiation Risk
CPRNews Bureau
April 04, 2003

Mobile phone manufacturers should take seriously a Swedish finding that their products are dangerous for teenagers and work on developing safer phones, says scientist Dr Neil Cherry.

Teen Cell Phone Radiation Risk By: Anita Mathews Friday, April 04, 2003 Mobile phone manufacturers should take seriously a Swedish finding that their products are dangerous for teenagers and work on developing safer phones, says scientist Dr Neil Cherry. Cherry, an associate professor in environmental health at Lincoln University, Christchurch, said there were more than 50 patents for devices or methods to make phones safer that were not being used by manufacturers. “My estimate is that it is practical to reduce users’ exposure by 100 to 1000 times,” he said. “The primary methods are to manufacture the handset within a ‘Faraday cage’ shield,” he said. “The antenna is on the outside but focused into a narrow beam of about 30 degrees pointed away from the user. The hands-free kit is a fibre-optic cable to connect the phone to the ear and mouth.” Cherry was commenting on a study by Swedish scientists, led by neurosurgeon Leif Salford and published last month. It found that cells in the parts of rats’ brains that controlled sensation, memory and movement died after being exposed to various GSM phones at different levels of radiation for two hours. The rats tested were said to be equivalent in age to teenagers. Salford warned that long-term exposure could potentially lower brain reserve capacity. “We cannot exclude that after some decades of [often] daily use, a whole generation of users may suffer negative effects,” he said. There are 2.3 million mobile phones in use in New Zealand, with an estimated 60 per cent of households having at least one. Cherry claimed that phone manufacturers were promoting their products to teenagers and children to create a lifelong customer base. “Even though science shows that mobile phones are more dangerous than tobacco, they use the fact that radiation is invisible and can’t be seen or smelt like smoke.” He urged the Government to make manufacturers place safety warning on phones. “Companies should be required to publicly agree to make phones much safer.” Cherry also urged parents to minimise their children’s use of mobile phones. “They should find the lowest-exposure cellphone, use a hands-free kit, and frequently question phone makers so they are continuously made aware of public concern. Whenever you can, use a wire phone.” Martin Gledhill, science adviser at the National Radiation Laboratory in Christchurch, also advised consumers to take precautions but said the Salford study had to be replicated and supported by similar research before it could be accepted as definitive. Children younger than 16 were more vulnerable to radiation and should be discouraged from using mobile phones, he said. Manufacturers the Herald contacted insisted their phones abided by international safety standards. Sony Ericsson general manager David Georgetti said the Salford-led study was simply a re-analysis of earlier data produced by Swedish researcher Lennart Hardell. “No overall statistically significant increased risk was found for all mobile phone users.” Georgetti said product safety was a top priority for Sony and its products were well within World Health Organisation limits. “We have also introduced some models with speaker-phone functionality [external speaker and long-range microphone] and a desk-stand accessory which converts any phone to speaker-phone,” he said. Motorola’s director of communications and public affairs (Pacific division), Russell Grimmer, said safety was an important part of the company’s business. “We are sensitive and responsive to any questions about the safety of Motorola products. “We stand behind those products and devote considerable resources to assuring their safety.” Lane Stephens of Nokia Mobile Phones NZ said emission rates were below the prescribed limits. “All Nokia phones fulfil relevant national and international safety standards and limits. Next-generation products are no different, since they must meet the same limits.” Radiation risks The National Radiation Laboratory, a Ministry of Health business unit, provides expert advice, service and research concerning public, occupational and medical exposure to radiation. Its recommendations on mobile phone use are: * Use the phone in places with a strong signal. This allows the phone to transmit at low power (up to 100 times lower than its maximum value), reducing exposure accordingly. * Minimise the length of time on calls. * Extend the antenna and hold it away from the head. * Use a hands-free kit with an external antenna. Individuals concerned about exposure to radiation from mobile phones can refer to guidelines available at the National Radiation Laboratory.

——————————————————————————–

“Mobile Phones Killed My Daughter”
John Coles
THE TIMES
August 28, 2002

A distraught mum blamed the death of her “chatterbox” teenage daughter on radiation from a mobile phone.

Mobile Phones Killed My Daughter John Coles The Times 8/28/02 A distraught mum yesterday blamed the death of her “chatterbox” teenage daughter on radiation from a mobile phone. Blonde Samantha Miller,17, spent every spare moment talking to pals and her boyfriend on the handset she bought two years ago. But the beautician began complaining of crippling headaches and a loss of sensation down one side. She was referred to a specialist and finally diagnosed with a brain tumour on the left side of her head –where she had clasped the phone to her ear. Samantha died in hospital last month. Mum Janet said, “She was a real chatterbox-very lively and out going and that phone never stopped ringing. But she suddenly started getting headaches and went downhill very quickly. It was heart breaking to watch. I`m convinced she died because she spent so much time on the phone. I have lost a beautiful daughter. It is too late for her but I want others especially children to be aware of the dangers. Since this has happened our whole family have stopped using mobiles. But everyone seems to have one these days and I don`t want anyone else to die as a result.” Samantha was struck down with the most severe form of glioblastoma multiforme tumour. She spent her final weeks paralysed in a wheelchair. Her specialist at Yeovil Hospital asked if she had a mobile phone but didn`t speculate on whether it had caused the tumour. Medical physicist Dr. Alan Preece has urged more research into the dangers of mobiles after a study he conducted showed cellular radiation DOES affect the brain.

——————————————————————————–

Unborn Children Damaged by Cell Phone Use
Citizens Initiative Omega
August 22, 2002

The cell phone headset has become popular as a way to reduce the cognitive impairment and cancer risk associated with radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure. However, the possibility of embryonic and fetal damage is now increasing as the radiating cell phone units are being moved elsewhere on or near the body.

Fetal Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation (EMF/EMR) Citizens’ Initiative Omega August 22, 2002 CHICAGO, July 22 /PRNewswire/ — The cell phone headset has become popular as a way to reduce the cognitive impairment and cancer risk associated with radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure. However, the possibility of embryonic and fetal damage is now increasing as the radiating cell phone units are being moved elsewhere on or near the body. In many cases the devices are relocated immediately adjacent to the area where an embryo or fetus is carried. Researchers have emphatically reported that an embryo/fetus should not be exposed to radiofrequency radiation, such as that emitted by the portable cell phone or portable telephone. One particular reason to avoid RF radiation exposure during pregnancy is that an embryo/fetus may not be fully protected by amniotic fluid for extended periods of time due to the natural movement of the mother or the embryo/fetus within the womb. Secondly, the pelvic structure promotes deep RF radiation penetration and that radiation can be absorbed within the developing embryo/fetus. Published research results continue to reinforce the general understanding that human exposure to RF radiation can cause damaging genetic effects. These effects include chromosome damage, DNA damage, cancer, memory loss, and cognitive impairment. One area not yet adequately investigated by researchers may determine the significance of any link between the increasing rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder or, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and damage to an embryo or fetus caused by increasing levels of RF radiation exposure. During this time of increased Autism/PDD incidence, no other environmental substance has become so globally widespread as has human-generated RF radiation. During the last several years, industry-funded researchers have repeatedly reported a link between RF radiation exposure and genetic damage. After making their results known many of those researchers have found that their research programs were prematurely terminated. This also happened to researchers a generation ago when RF radiation biological effects were first made known. Be aware that research findings, both industry-sponsored and independently conducted, continue to yield additional data that show the same results. Human exposure to RF radiation, electromagnetic fields, at levels typically encountered by using a portable cellular telephone or living in close proximity to a cell tower may be hazardous to your health, or to your unborn child’s health. The Associated Bioelectromagnetics Technologists is a non-funded, non-revenue generating consumer advocacy association. SOURCE The Associated Bioelectromagnetics Technologists

——————————————————————————–

Top Scientists Damns Companies for Targeting the Young and Putting Their Health at Risk
Daily Mail, London
January 26, 2002

Mobile phone firms are cynically targeting children despite fears they are most at risk from radiation, a leading scientist claimed.

Top Scientists Dams Companies for Targeting the Young and Putting Their Health at Risk Daily Mail, London Saturday, January 26, 2002 Mobile phone firms are cynically targeting children despite fears they are most at risk from radiation, a leading scientist claimed yesterday. Sir William Stewart who led the world’s biggest investigation into mobile phone safety, said those who encourage under-16’s to buy handsets were irresponsible. The warnings came at the same time that the British government announced they are spending 7.5 million pounds to continue research into cell phone safety. Children’s brains are thought to be particularly vulnerable to mobile phone radiation because their skulls are thinner than adults. As many as nine in ten British teenagers are thought to own mobile phones.

——————————————————————————–

EMF and Childhood Leukemia Risk
Microwave News
September/October 2000

Leading Epidemiologists See Childhood Leukemia Risk at 4 mG September/October 2000 A pooled analysis of raw data from nine different electromagnetic field (EMF) studies has found that children exposed to 4 mG or more were twice as likely to develop leukemia. There was no excess risk at lower exposures. “The level of [statistical] significance that we see for the excess risk at high exposure makes chance an unlikely explanation,” an international team of leading epidemiologists writes in the September issue of the British Journal of Cancer (83,p.692-698, 2000). Led by Dr. Anders Ahlbom of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, the study team includes Drs. Nicholas Day of the U.K., Maria Feychting of Sweden, Martha Linet of the U.S., Mary McBride of Canada, Jörg Michaelis of Germany, Jørgen Olsen of Denmark, Tore Tynes of Norway and Pia Verkasalo of Finland, each of whom has led an important study in his or her own country. The new findings are similar to those announced last year by Dr. Sander Greenland of the University of California, Los Angeles (see MWN,S/O99), in an analysis that combined data from many of the same studies. “It’s a pretty consistent picture. It’s more consistent than one would have any right to expect, given the differences in how these studies were carried out,” Greenland told Microwave Newsthis September. “The main point is, you don’t see anything until you get into the higher categories.” Greenland’s findings will be published in the November issue of Epidemiology. The Ahlbom and Greenland papers reflect a growing consensus on the apparent association between magnetic fields and childhood leukemia. But there is no consensus on what those data mean.