Davis D. Wireless technologies, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and children: Identifying and reducing health risks. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101374

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

The review examines experimental, epidemiological, and clinical evidence on biological impacts of wireless technology on children. The review reports that more than half of toddlers regularly use screens contrary to pediatric guidelines, and that early device use is linked to speech delays, technoference, and addiction-like behaviors. The authors recommend an ALARA approach for microwave radiation and an independently funded research program on long-term physical and psychological impacts.

Why This Matters

The paper describes children as living in a sea of wireless radiation that did not exist in previous generations. It notes that devices such as phones and tablets function as two-way microwave radios with multiple simultaneously operating antennas. The review highlights electrohypersensitivity as a reason to reduce wireless exposures in schools and health care settings. Expert groups advising governments do not agree on the best approaches to be taken.

Cite This Study

Unknown (2023). Davis D. Wireless technologies, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and children: Identifying and reducing health risks. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101374.

Show BibTeX

@article{davis_d_wireless_technologies_non_ionizing_electromagnetic_fields_and_children_identifying_and_reducing_health_risks_curr_probl_pediatr_adolesc_health_care_2023_doi_101016jcppeds2023101374_ce4707,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Davis D. Wireless technologies, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and children: Identifying and reducing health risks. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101374},
  year = {2023},
  doi = {10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101374},
  url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1538544223000238?via%3Dihub},
}

DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101374 PubMed: 36935315

Quick Questions About This Study

The review concludes that an approach recommending microwave radiation exposures be as low as reasonably achievable seems sensible and prudent.

The review states that a wide range of evidence indicates numerous non-thermal effects from wireless radiation on reproduction, development, and chronic illness.

The review notes that standards for evaluating radiation from wireless devices were set in 1996 to avoid heating tissue and remain unchanged in the U.S. and many other nations.

The review reports that more than half of all toddlers regularly have contact with screens, often without parental engagement, despite pediatric recommendations for limited screen time under age two.

The review recommends an independently funded training, research, and monitoring program on the long-term physical and psychological impacts of rapidly changing technology, including ways to mitigate impacts through hardware and software modifications.