We know a little more about the effects of electromagnetic waves on children. Entering on the subject five years ago, the National Agency of Health Security of Food, Environment and Labour (Anses) released its copy on Friday July 8th.
In his expertise, the agency begins by noting that “particularly because of the ongoing development of their bodies and their physiological functions,” children “should be considered as a population most exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.”
However, and despite the detailed work which it is delivered, the penalty agency to issue strong opinions and definitive due to the current state of knowledge, which remains limited.
memory and attention affected
About objects, it is interesting to remember that cell phones are far from the only radio objects in contact with children. Baby-monitors the remote control car, expertise is the opportunity to have an overview of all these products to the younger:
Then, the main lesson of this report is that the electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones, tablets or connected toys can indeed affect cognitive function – memory, attention, coordination -. children
Not enough studies
however, ” current data from the international literature does not suggest the existence or absence of effects in children’s behavior, hearing loss, development, reproductive or immune system, or carcinogenic effects ” wrote the Agency.
in some cases, such as the reproductive system or cancers, “there are virtually no studies available for children”, told AFP Olivier Merkel, head of the risk assessment of new technologies to ANSES.
in other cases, such as hearing loss, “there is nothing obvious in effect negative, “he said.
Train intensive use
If negative effects were identified on welfare (fatigue, sleep disorders, stress, anxiety ), they are put on the account of an intensive use of mobile phones rather than the waves themselves.
Some studies seem to associate “heavy use of mobile phones by young people and health mental affected “, which translates into risk behavior, depression or suicidal thoughts, notes the Anses, hoping that further work be done to check the relation of cause and effect.
based on these findings, the agency reiterated its recommendation from 2013 to stick to “moderate use” of mobile phones and use as often as possible the hands-free kit.
“the mobile phone is still the major source of exposure to radio frequency, this is the most intense,” said Olivier Merkel.
this is due to the intrinsic power of the waves emitted by the phones and the fact that they are placed directly against the body (in the ear or in a pocket).
Queries on shelves
These counsels of moderation, valid for adults, specifically target children are more susceptible to wave their elders for physiological reasons. In the brain, in particular, some areas still in transformation are more sensitive to waves
However, the very young -. Under 6 – are now very exposed earlier – even in utero – for more waves because of the all-round development of wireless technologies (tablets, connected toys, wifi …).
Hence the recommendations of the Anses to apply to all wave-emitting devices “the same regulatory obligations” for the phones. Mainly measuring the specific absorption rate (SAR), which is the amount of energy absorbed by the body, and the publicity of this information.
“We have questions about the tablets, including those that work in wifi but not 3G or 4G, “said the expert of the Anses.
Delaying the age of first use
the health agency would also that the conditions of these measures be revised to be closer to the conditions and the level of overall exposure to the waves to be “reconsidered” to ensure greater safety margins, especially for children.
the experts however ruled out a ban on mobile phones to under 6, passed in 2010 but the decree has never been published.
“There are no health data to justify such action, “said Olivier Merkel. If use at a young age of mobile phones is “fortunately rare”, it recommends “delaying the age of first use.”
E.H. with AFP
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