Attn Parents: NBC Today Show Segment Shows How Cell Phone Safety is Tested on Plastic Heads Which Experts Say Is Inadequate, Especially for Kids.

By B.N. Frank

On November 5, 2015, The Today Show featured a segment about pediatricians’ warning parents to limit children’s exposure to cellphones. They also demonstrated how cell phones are safety tested on plastic mannequin heads (w/video) based on a 200+ pound man.

“Children are not little adults,” Dr. Gisela Mercada-Deane, chair of radiology at the American Academy of Pediatrics, said.

The current FCC test does not take into account that children’s skulls are thinner and can absorb more radiation, Mercada-Deane added.”

Actually no “safe” level of cell phone or wireless WiFi radiation has STILL been scientifically determined for children or pregnant women. These were also not the first warnings by the AAP or other experts when this Today Show segment aired almost 3 years ago.

Warnings are being reported more every day – for kids and everyone else and by a variety of sources. In fact, cell phone manufacturers have warned their shareholders that they may eventually be held liable for the harm they have caused.

Regardless, over the years, cell phones and other wireless devices have been and continue to be portrayed being used unsafely on TV, film, and in marketing campaigns (even for prescription medicines) by people of all ages.

Most parents probably assume that all technology is safe for their kids because public school systems have been encouraged to go “high tech.” Of course, many don’t realize that tech inventors have been limiting their own kids’ exposure to it and even sent their kids to private “low tech” schools.

Most kids probably figure that all wireless products operate via magic. Why wouldn’t they? Sesame Street even has a character that is a “Smart Phone.”

The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing for wireless devices was set in 1993 when less than 10% of the population used cell phones. It was based on a model of the human head taken from a male military recruit in the top 10% in height and weight (6 feet 2 and 220 pounds).

SAR is a measure of maximum power emitted under one frequency whereas most smartphones today use several different frequencies.

Many health experts do not consider SAR to be accurate because it only protects users from the acute effects of the heat generated by radiation (i.e., the thermal effect).

SAR testing basically boils down to what happens in 6 minutes (see page 3). SAR does not protect us from non-thermal effects caused by the cumulative exposure over time.

In 2011, The World Health Organization classified all sources of cell phone and wireless WiFi radiation as a possible carcinogen in the same category as chloroform, engine exhaust, and lead. Many experts insist it should be classified as a Carcinogen.

Research has also confirmed that wireless radiation exposure can

Worsen pre-existing conditions even when it didn’t cause them
Disrupt the blood-brain barrier which can cause it to leak
Cause a cumulative toxic effect when combined with other toxins
Harm pets, nature, and wildlife

The Telecom Industry (aka Big Wireless), The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and many elected officials only seem to care that plastic heads aren’t harmed by exposure to wireless radiation for short periods of time.

We’re all now exposed to multiple sources of wireless radiation for more than 6 minutes at a time. SAR testing doesn’t take that into consideration either.

Remember – SAR is the only testing necessary for all digital, electronic, and wireless products – not just cell phones. Other products include:

Baby monitors
Bluetooth and other hands-free devices
Cordless phones
Digital and wireless utility “Smart” Meters
Fitbits and other activity trackers
Home assistants (Alexa, etc.)
Virtual Reality (VR) products
Wi-Fi routers
All “Smart” Appliances

While well-meaning people continue raising money for research to cure cancer and other health issues, legislation written in 1996 protects The FCC, SAR Testing, and everyone else making a buck from technology.

Technology can be great when it’s used safely. However “The Precautionary Principle” has been ignored for over 20 years already. How much longer?

For more information, visit the following websites: