A controversial new animal study has shown that cell phone activity could cause hyperactivity, poor memory and anxiety in mice children.
Researchers are saying that there could be similar impacts on human babies due to cell phone use.
Another study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found a connection between the parents’ work environment and risk of ASD.
How cell phone use could impact unborn babies
Professor Hugh Taylor from Yale University is of the view that at least some of the instances of behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity, which are increasing of late, could be due to cell phone use.
The study itself was conducted on mice, where active cell phones were placed near pregnant mice.
The offspring of the mice exposed to cell phone radiation were seen to have children with certain behavioral problems whereas the same impact was not seen in mice that were not exposed to the radiation.
Researchers are saying that this could be due to improper development of neurons in the brain’s prefrontal cortex.
Though, according to Prof Taylor, the findings could apply to humans also; that the rising trend of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders could be due to “fetal cellular telephone irradiation exposure,†other experts have called his claims alarmist and unjustified.
While the findings of this study could be termed inconclusive with regard to human babies, women who want to be extra careful should try and limit cell phone use, keep conversations short and use landlines whenever possible.
How parental work exposures could impact babies
The possibility of a child being born with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) is thought to increase when parents are exposed to certain chemicals in their line of work.
Exposure of individuals to chemical such as xylene, lacquer and varnish, as well as solvents and asphalt could likely increase risk of ASD among their children, the study seems to suggest.
When parents were seen to work with varnish, lacquer or xylene, instances of ASD were seen to rise. Also parents of children with ASD were seen as more likely to be exposed to asphalt and solvents.
While the small size of this study means that the findings cannot be considered conclusive, it does seem to suggest the existence of a relationship between work exposures and certain disorders. Further studies may be required to establish the connection, the authors of the study have said.
