Data shows that more than three-fourths of teens now own a smartphone. It does not come as a surprise since their generation grew with the rapid advancements in technology, such as smartphones. As a matter of fact, owning a cell phone has become more of a necessity for them rather than a luxury.

Relationship Between RF-EMF and the Adolescent’s Brain

In an article published in the International Journal of Home Science, mobile phone use among adolescents typically involve constant texting, listening to music, playing mobile games, using online dating applications, and making phone calls. But despite the comforts and benefits that smartphones provide, various experts are advising the public to be cautious when using their phones.

Previous and current studies have shown that there are adverse behavioral and health effects caused by cell phone use. Just last month, researchers from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) reported how radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) negatively affects brain functions, such as figural memory, in adolescents. The results of the study were published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

In 2015, a study from the Environment International journal revealed how RF-EMF impacts the memory performance of adolescents. The findings from the Swiss TPH study gave more insights regarding the brain absorption of RF-EMF from wireless communication devices in teenagers. In fact, this research claims to be the first “epidemiological study that measures cumulative RF-EMF brain does in people from this age group.”

The study measured the RF-EMF dose released by the cell phone from 895 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years from urban and rural public schools in Switzerland.

What the Science Says

The participants were asked about the amount and type of media they use, whether or not they use headsets when making or receiving calls, and on what side of the head they usually hold their phones. An operator took note of how often they make phone calls, how long these phone calls were, the number of text messages sent daily, and the volume of data traffic the participants access in a day.

According to Martin Röösli, Head of Environmental Exposures and Health at Swiss TPH, the results of their year-long research confirmed that RF-EMF is indeed absorbed by the brain, particularly in the right hemisphere, and led to a definite adverse effect on the figural memory of adults who fielded and received calls using their right ear.

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Meanwhile, other activities related to cell phone use, such as texting and browsing the Internet, resulted in minimal RF-EMF exposure to the brain and are said to be not linked to any memory problems.

Protect Yourself from RF-EMF Exposure

According to Röösli, one can minimize the risks of the negative effects of RF-EMF exposure by using the hands-free mode of your smartphone or using your earphones when making phone calls. This should be observed especially when you have poor reception or your phone is functioning at the maximum power.

Smartphone users can also purchase cell phone cases that can shield them from the harmful effects of RF-EMF exposure. SafeSleeve offers radiation-blocking cases for your phones (with bonus features like wallet slots, a stand to prop up a device and protection around the entire device) and cases for your tablets, which will ensure that you are protected from RF radiation. They are sleek and effective products, and will prolong the life of your everyday electronic devices. You can get yours here.