Possible Link Found Between Cell Phones and Children

The results of a test conducted by universities in Los Angeles and Denmark, set to be published in the July issue of Epidemiology, indicate a link between pregnant women who use mobile phones and possible behavioral problems in their offspring. 

Beginning in the 1990s, the study encompassed 13,000 children, reports The Independent.  Because use of cell phones in the nineties was not as prevalent as it is now, there was a proportional number of women who did not use cell phones during pregnancy.  Of the women who did, even if it was only two or three times a day, their children were more likely to eventually have problems with behavior, overall conduct, emotional difficulty, and social interaction.  When it was evident that the child used a cell phone before he or she turned seven, risks increased substantially.

Before the children involved were born, the research group began asking mothers extensive questions.  This questioning continued until the children reached the age of seven.  The Independent goes on to say that the offspring of mothers who frequently used cell phones during pregnancy were 54% more likely to later suffer from hyperactivity, behavioral problems, social difficulties, and emotional problems.  The risk rose if children used a cell phone before turning seven.  These children were 80% more likely to have behavioral problems; deportment problems were more prevalent in 49%; hyperactivity was a greater risk in 35%; and 34% ran the risk of developing social.

The Independent reveals that leading participants in the study were surprised by its results.  However, other scientists are not surprised at all, citing that a recent study in Canada produced similar results on the offspring of exposed rats. 

An international protection agency advises limited use of cell phones among women who are pregnant and children under seven.  It fears continuing exposure to cell phones in pregnant women and young children will eventually lead to problems with memory, paying attention, learning skills, and cognitive functions.  The agency also predicts mood and behavioral problems such as irritability and depression, as well as possible problems with the nervous system and the brain.

(May 21, 2008)