SACRAMENTO – (INT) – As cell phone use dramatically increases, health caregivers are getting more inquiries about the radio frequency (RF) energy they emit.

Although the scientific community has not reached a consensus on the risks of cell phone use, research suggests long-term, high use may impact human health. Cell phones emit RF energy when they send and receive signals to and from cell towers, and some scientists and public health officials believe this energy may impact human health.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is out with some guidance for those wanting to limit their exposure to RF energy.

“We know that simple steps, such as not keeping your phone in your pocket and moving it away from your bed at night, can help reduce exposure for both children and adults,” State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith advises. “Children’s brains develop through the teenage years and may be more affected by cell phone use,” said Dr. Smith. The average age when children get their first phone is now 10, and a majority of young people keep their phones on or near them most of the day and while they sleep.

The new CDPH guidance includes practical steps both adults and children could take to reduce exposure to RF energy from cell phones. That includes:

• Keeping the phone away from the body
• Reducing cell phone use when the signal is weak
• Reducing the use of cell phones to stream audio or video, or to download or upload large files
• Keeping the phone away from the bed at night
• Removing headsets when not on a call
• Avoiding products that claim to block radio frequency energy. These products may actually increase your exposure.

Story Date: December 21, 2017