EMF Radiation and Children
How Electromagnetic Fields are Negatively Affecting Developing Brains Today
In today’s world, children are exposed to a wide range of electronic devices that emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs). These EMFs come from devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers. While these devices have made our lives more convenient and connected, they also have unintended consequences, especially for developing brains.
It’s also critical to note that children in today’s generation are exposed to devices for a longer period since they’re introduced to them at a younger age. For example, a child today most likely got their first phone at 9/10 years old – while 10 years ago, that number would have been 20.
An abundance of research, such as this study has shown that exposure to EMF radiation can negatively affect the developing brain of children. This is because the brain of a child is still fragile, and more vulnerable to the effects of EMF radiation. Due to this, its ability to defend itself/resist is not as strong, and the child would be more susceptible to permanent changes that begin to take form later down the road.
The following are some ways EMF radiation affects children:
- EMF radiation affects brain development
The developing brain of a child is more vulnerable to the effects of EMF radiation. This is because the brain is still developing and is more sensitive to external factors such as radiation. Studies such as this one have shown that exposure to EMF radiation can affect the development of the brain, leading to cognitive and behavioral problems in children in their childhood, whilst also affecting them from the prenatal stage.
- EMF radiation affects sleep
Sleep is essential for the healthy development of a child’s brain. Exposure to EMF radiation can affect a child’s sleep, leading to sleep disturbances and other sleep-related problems. This is because EMF radiation can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Without adequate quality sleep, not only is the child not able to perform with their best cognitive abilities, but they also put themselves at risk for decreased socio-cognitive development, learning problems, and negative emotions. This insufficient sleep also has a lasting impact on a child’s mental health.
- EMF radiation affects behavior
Exposure to EMF radiation can affect a child’s behavior. Research such as this one has shown how prolonged EMF exposure can result in hyperactivity, impulsivity, and other behavioral problems. This is because of its ability to affect the brain’s electrical activity. This electrical activity in the brain generated by the communication between neurons plays a crucial role in determining behavior. The patterns and intensity of electrical activity in different regions of the brain are associated with specific cognitive processes and behaviors.
- EMF radiation affects the immune system
Exposure to EMF radiation can also affect a child’s immune system and response. This is because EMF radiation can cause oxidative stress, leading to damage to cells and tissues. This damage can affect the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases – which is imperative for children as they are still fragile and trying to develop a strong system to stave off illnesses as an adult later on.
Interested in learning more about the specifics? Read here about brain health, immunity here, fertility here, the nervous system here, and here for strategies on how you can make a change.
Recognizing that while electronic devices have made our lives more convenient and connected, they also produce their own set of negative repercussions, especially for developing brains. Parents can protect their children from the effects of EMF radiation by limiting exposure, using EMF protection, encouraging an anti-inflammatory diet, and encouraging good sleep hygiene. By taking these steps, parents can help to ensure the healthy development of their children’s brains – but it is important to take action before it’s too late.
You may be exposed to more EMF radiation than you think – read here about sources in your kitchen, here on whether wired devices might be more beneficial for you, here on the compounding effect and here on how you can use EMF meters to better gauge your exposure.
Updated: July 24th, 2023