I was struck by meeting Devra Davis a few years ago while I was very pregnant. She is a cancer researcher who had just published The History of the Secret War on Cancer. As I waddled up to have her book signed, I pointed out the obvious and asked what a her advice would be to a pregnant woman to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in everyday life. She told me to eat low on the food chain. And I have taken that into consideration with the diet that I consume and share with my family.
Today, Dr. Davis runs Environmental Health Trust. She was recently interviewed on the Leonard Lopate Show on WNYC regarding the issue of cell phones and their potential health impact. She has a new book out (Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation, What the Industry Has Done to Hide It, and How to Protect Your Family) and again is raising questions about an activity most of us do rather thoughtlessly. She recognizes that our culture is forever changed by these devices but argues that we need to look closely at how they might contribute to increased rates of cancer and other neurological problems. My daughter loves to talk on the phone. It doesn't matter if it is her Dad's blackberry, her babysitter's iPhone or our digital home phone. I do everything I can to keep her away from it and if she is talking to someone, that she places it on speaker holding it away from her precious head. Let's just say that again, Dr. Davis has raised my awareness. I'm going to learn about this issue and take precautions now and when I become pregnant again. My next post will be on practical tips for avoiding radiation without completely giving up wireless devices. Stay tuned.
