List of countries warning of cellphone risks for children grows

Some international authorities are recommending that parents restrict the amount of time their children spend on cellphones as a precaution.

Finland's Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority encourages parents to err on the side of caution, saying radiation from cellphones could pose a health risk but the research into possible effects of prolonged cellphone use is unclear.

The authority's advice is the latest in a growing number of warnings about prolonged use of the devices.

A survey conducted of more than 1,000 Canadian children found almost half of tweens now have a cellphone.

"The brains of adults and children differ when it comes to how they absorb the radiation that cellphones emit," said Devra Davis, a professor of epidemiology and the director of the Centre for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

Children more susceptible

"The brain of a child literally is less dense, it's more porous, it's more susceptible to everything," said Davis.

"The adult brain is thicker and denser, so the radio frequency signal is absorbed less deeply," she said.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a United Nations watchdog, has been investigating whether radiation from cellphones could lead to cancer in children and adults in a study known as Interphone.

The agency was supposed to release a report three years ago, but it hasn't yet been published because the scientists are divided over parts of the study — particularly over research that suggests long-term users of cellphones are more likely to develop brain cancer.

Interphone author and epidemiologist Elisabeth Cardis of the University of Ottawa would like another study to be done specifically on children.

"If there's a risk, it's likely going to be higher because of the usage and because of the innate sensitivity of children," said Cardis. "So I think it's very, very important that we study this so urgently."

Precautionary approach

Other countries are not waiting for more studies, and are instead taking a precautionary approach.

France is about to make it illegal to market cellphones to children under 12. The United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Israel, Russia and India are also advising children limit their use of cellphones.

Health Canada's only note of caution to children is to avoid using a cellphone while riding a bicycle. The department's website says "there is currently no convincing evidence" that cellphones cause serious health effects such as cancer.

The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Authority, an industry group, follows Health Canada's recommendations.

"These countries for the most part have come up with precautionary measures without stating that there is any evidence in their view that links this to any significant danger," said Bernard Lord, the former premier of New Brunswick who now heads the authority.