The Independent newspaper reports on a new study that has found that mothers using cell phones can increase the risk of having kids with behavioral problems due to radiation exposure. While it's almost impossible to live without a cell these days (a huge ad for a cell phone company runs right alongside the online article), these findings may give pregnant women pause.
The study talked to the mothers of over 13,000 children in Denmark about their cell phone use during pregnancy, as well as their children’s use of them up to the age seven. It found that even using the handset as few as two or three times a day can raise the risk of their children having hyperactivity, as well as difficulty with conduct, emotions and relationships.
From the story:
"They found that mothers who did use the handsets were 54% more likely to have children with behavioral problems and that the likelihood increased with the amount of potential exposure to the radiation. And when the children also later used the phones they were, overall, 80% more likely to suffer from difficulties with behavior. They were 25% more at risk from emotional problems, 34% more likely to suffer from difficulties relating to their peers, 35% more likely to be hyperactive, and 49% more prone to problems with conduct."
Apparently the results of this study surprised one of its authors, Leeka Kheifets (who had previously expressed doubt about the risks of cell phones) which could possibly legitimize it some. In terms of my own life I'll do what I can to keep calls short the next time I'm pregnant ...
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