Youngsters today are growing up in a world with thousands of tech gadgets that have become an essential part of daily life. Many parents allow their children to have more than one mobile device, play the latest version of Angry Birds on their tablets, and use their smartphones to touch base with them after school. Yet in a world of technological advancement, we reap the benefits of modern communication without thinking about the potential consequences these devices may have on our children’s health.

Every minute a child uses a cell phone, he is exposed to levels of electromagnetic radiation. This radiation is absorbed by the human body and brain at a rate known as the specific absorption rate (SAR). While the long-term effects of cell phone radiation on the human body are currently unknown, we can consider known facts and make our own decisions about proactively protecting our children from radiation.

In 2011, the World Health Organization classified cell phone radiation as a possible carcinogen for humans, putting it in the same category as car exhaust and cigarette smoke. As a child’s brain continues to develop and mature until age 25, they’re vulnerable to years of exposure to this possible carcinogen, which could result in damage.

There are also strong scientific indications, according to the Journal of Toxicology Review, that directly correlate the effects of long-term exposure of mobile phone radiation on mice. The study exposed mice to the Federal Communications Commission-authorized SAR levels for humans that resulted in severe biological damage to the mice.

Currently, there are more than 7 billion cell phones in use around the world and more than 20 million of those are in the hands of children younger than age 14. It takes time and years of research to better understand what long-term effects radiation may have on human bodies. However, if we look at the results from the Journal of Toxicology Review and heed the warnings of the World Health Organization, we can proactively mitigate our daily exposure to radiation.

Smartphones, cell phones and tablets are an essential part of daily life. We are addicted to the convenience they provide. If we accept this technology as part of our everyday lives, we need to think about the potential side effects and jump start the process of protecting ourselves and our loved ones.

As a researcher, I have worked with a technology firm that researches and develops products to facilitate healthier lifestyles in the digital world: EZ Technologies. Our recent work has resulted in groundbreaking findings on how to reduce SAR of cell phones with the Bodywell Chip. The chip, which is the size of a SIM card, contains metal and mineral imprints that help lower SAR of radio waves absorbed by the body up to 80 percent and works by simply placing it on the back of any smartphone or tablet.

And EZ Technologies is not the only organization proactively trying to change the level of cell phone radiation awareness in today’s world. Internationally, radiation legislation is being discussed, including the long-term effects and potential dangers of cell phone radiation.

In 2012, Italy’’s Supreme Court ruled that a business executive’s brain tumor was linked to extensive use of a mobile phone. Yale University has warned about the effects of cell phones on unborn children, and the Israeli Knesset backed a bill requiring cell phones to bear health hazard warnings.

Cell phones have been in existence for a relatively short time, and the possibility of permanent damage cannot be ruled out. We have no idea what will turn up in 30 years from human exposure to cell phone overuse, but we can take preventative measures today by applying technology that can reduce potential harm. Protect your family. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

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