An Ounce of Prevention

What do dry cleaning chemicals, pesticides, microwaves and cell phones have in common?

All are items now listed as "possibly carcinogenic" by the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer. The finding, announced today by 31 scientists from 14 countries, doesn't involve the discovery of any new data, but rather, reviews of previous studies relating to radiation emitted by cell phones. This marks the first time a government panel has categorized cell phones in the same potentially cancer-causing group as other dubious chemicals.

The list of items labeled "possibly carcinogenic" now numbers 240 and includes things like DDT, engine exhaust and lead. While the studies do not mean that these things definitively cause cancer, the evidence is a clear warning sign that more information is urgently needed and that caution is warranted in the meantime.

Cell phones are particularly disturbing because they are used close to the head and have been previously questioned in several cases of brain tumors. Studies are ongoing, but scientists urge parents to be especially cautious when allowing kids to use the devices.

So, you may want to keep this in mind the next time your preschooler wants to play Angry Birds or decorate virtual cupcakes to send to friends. While the activities are a useful way of keeping kids busy, they may be doing much more than killing just time.

There is one company that is manufacturing radiation-blocking cases for several popular cell phones. Pong research claims (and independent studies have backed these claims) that their covers block between 60 and 90 percent of radiation that would otherwise be absorbed by the body. The cases are not currently available for all cell phones or for laptops and ipads, which also emit radiation. And while the covers are a tad pricey (between $40 and $50, plus shipping), it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.