A new review looks at the potential hazards of microwave radiation (MWR) emitted by wireless devices, particularly in children and unborn babies. Although the available data are controversial, studies do suggest a link between MWR and tumors. Lioyd Morgan and colleagues from the Environmental Health Foundation authored the review, which was published in the July 15 online issue of the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure. The authors reviewed the current literature, which points to higher health risks for children compared with adults. They evaluated articles on the epidemiology of cell phone exposures between 2009 and 2014, as well as radiation dose data from cell phones, government documents, manufacturer’s operating manuals, and similar published content. Morgan and colleagues noted that the risk of neurological and biological damage from MWR emitted by wireless devices is highest in children and unborn babies. Because of the better absorption of brain tissue, thinner skull and smaller relative size, children have a higher rate of MWR absorption compared to adults. The susceptibility of fetuses is particularly pronounced because MWR exposure causes degradation of the protective myelin sheath that surrounds brain neurons. Several studies have suggested that children absorb more MWR than adults. One study found that children’s brain tissue absorbed twice as much MWR compared to adults, and others suggest that children’s bone marrow absorbs 10 times more MWR than adults. The researchers noted that Belgium, France, India and other governments have passed laws to avoid the use of wireless devices by children. They also noted that MWR exposure limits have not changed in 19 years and that some smartphone manufacturers have set minimum distances from the body so that their smartphones do not exceed legal MWR exposure standards. For laptops and tablets, the minimum distance from the body should not exceed 20 cm. The authors explain that the current exposure limits were incorrectly set because of the false assumption that the only potential hazard from wireless devices was tissue damage from overheating. However, some studies have reported that non-thermal biological effects may occur in the case of long-term exposure. Although warning messages have been issued by governments around the world, the vast majority of the public has not taken these warnings seriously. L. Dade Lunsford, a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh, points out that as technology advances, the amount of non-ionizing radiation emitted by cell phones and certain toys is increasing, and this needs to be brought to the attention of the public. In an interview with Dr Lunsford in Medscape Medical News, he noted that “the incidence of certain tumors, including the most malignant brain tumors and auditory neuromas, may be increasing, as reported,” but these conclusions are based on data only, and many of the reports have not been confirmed. However, these conclusions are based on data and many reports have not been confirmed. Dr Lunsford explains, “Among the health data of concern, many are uncertain as to whether one or several environmental factors are responsible, and perhaps cell phones are only one of the factors of concern; another possibility is that the increase in incidence may be due to the ability of MRI to detect lesions at an early stage of disease, and that the increase in reports may also contribute to the perception of increased incidence. In addition, the increase in reports may also contribute to the perception of increased morbidity. However, this is enough for the government or companies to design appropriate research studies to confirm the concern. Dr Lunsford also pointed out that it is impossible to reduce the use of cell phones and that without them more people would die, but the safety of the widespread use of digital toys in childhood clearly needs better scientific research, as well as the determination of the duration of use and the concern of parents. Digital dementia in school children” Morgan believes the review points out the dangers of MWR exposure in children and fetuses, and the reasons why such exposure affects children more than adults. Some toys intended for infants and toddlers are very dangerous, and in children, the risk of exposure to carcinogens is extremely high, and the younger the child, the greater the risk. However, in adults, the risk of exposure to carcinogens does not change with age. Morgan also explained the phenomenon of “digital dementia” in school-age children. The term first appeared in 2012 in a book written by a German neurologist, Manfred Spitzer, titled “Digital Dementia”. In this book, the author describes how excessive use of digital technology can cause cognitive decline. Sometimes referred to as FOMO, or fear of missing out, digital dementia refers to a social anxiety and compulsive symptoms that arise from the fear of missing out on social opportunities. Information for Safe Use at Home In terms of advice for specialists and other health professionals, Morgan stresses the need for a safe approach to the use of wireless communication devices. Because these devices are now part of our daily lives, we can use them in an extremely safe way. The car itself is not safe, but for people, the car is very safe. Morgan and his colleagues give some advice, as follows: The first is “distance is your friend”. The intensity of radiation decreases as the distance from the source increases. He points out that if the phone is 15 cm from the ear, then the harm caused by radiation is reduced by 10,000 times. Unless the phone is turned off, it is always in a state of emitting radiation. When you are not using your cell phone, you should not take it with you. It is better to be able to keep your phone inside something like a purse, bag and backpack. These devices that emit radiation should be kept away from the abdomen of pregnant women, and mothers should not use cell phones when caring for their babies. Baby carers should also not be placed in cribs. Children and teens need to know how to use these devices safely. Cell phones should not be placed in children’s rooms at night, and the Pew Research Center reports that 75 percent of people keep their phones under their pillows all night during the peri-adolescent years. Because the risk is cumulative, the longer the use, the greater the amount of radiation, so children should be taught to reduce the amount of time they spend using wireless phones. Finally, Wi-Fi routers in the house should be placed away from people, especially from rooms where children spend a lot of time. Boys should not carry their cell phones in the front pocket of their pants. Although no studies have evaluated whether excessive exposure to MWR during prepubescence has an effect on sperm during adolescence, it can still be potentially harmful. And girls should not carry their cell phones in their bras. This recommendation comes from a case study that included four young women who kept their cell phones in their bras and subsequently developed breast cancer, in two cases at the age of 21. The authors noted that some studies suggest that cell phone use increases the risk of brain tumors, but other studies have shown otherwise. In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of glioblastoma in the United States and Denmark, and an increase in the incidence of brain tumors in Australia. Researchers have noted that because the time elapsed between the moment of exposure to a carcinogen and the diagnosis of a solid tumor is approximately 30 years or more, tumors induced by childhood exposure to MWR may appear decades after exposure. In a commentary to Medscape Medical News, Dr Lunsford noted that much of the data from the study came from adolescents, and therefore does not apply to the hypothesis that there is a long latency period between exposure and tumor formation. In a female patient with breast cancer at age 21, the duration of exposure to cell phones was only 6 years. Unfortunately, for these cases, we do not know anything about the denominator or the numerator. Usage data are closely guarded secrets by cell phone service providers, and the duration of exposure provided by patients may be inaccurate because of recall bias. In addition, the mechanisms of tumor formation are poorly understood; the most likely factor contributing to neoplastic formation is the rapid division of cell lines (e.g., skin tumors), whereas tumors caused by MWR are formed by mechanisms clearly different from those described above. However, Dr Lunsford noted that there does not appear to be sufficient evidence for an increased risk of localized melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma either. The results of previous studies are controversial. The potential health risks associated with cell phone use, particularly the risk of brain tumors, remains a hot issue. The studies conducted vary and so do the conclusions reached. At present, there is no consensus on the extent to which cell phone use can lead to tumorigenesis – a question on which there is no consensus. For example, a recent study conducted in France (published in Occup Environ Med. 2014;71:514-522) noted a higher than average risk of glioma and meningioma in individuals with a high duration of cell phone use. There was no association between regular cell phone use and the risk of brain tumor development, but the above association was significant in those individuals who had a high cumulative lifetime use of cell phones. The first study in Europe to specifically evaluate the health effects of cell phone use in childhood and adolescence did not find a link between cell phone use and increased risk of brain tumors (Medscape Medical News, 2011). However, based on the findings of several studies – that cell phone use increases the risk of glioma – the World Health Organization later identified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2B), and that same year the debate, which had died down slightly, was reignited. Similarly, in 2011, a study conducted in Denmark noted that there was no evidence to support an increased risk of brain tumors or any other tumors from cell phone use over an 18-year observation period. This Danish study included 420095 Danish cell phone users (1982 to 1995, followed up to 1996) and compared these subjects to non-cell phone users to see the association between cell phone use and increased risk of tumor development. The results of the follow-up were updated in 2007. When the researchers analyzed intracranial CNS tumors according to morphological subtypes, they found a slight increase (not significant) in the incidence rate of gliomas in men. Moreover, the rate was highest among short-term users. However, the results of the extended study were strongly refuted by international experts who joined together and published their opinions on ElectromagneticHealth.org, a US health education and advocacy website. Therefore, based on the current findings and evidence, it is up to the individual user to decide whether and to what extent to use a cell phone, and whether there are pros and cons.