myFOX Health: Cell Phones and Brain Tumors EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Each week, Fox Health Expert, Dr. Archelle Georgiou, helps explain some of the leading health headlines. THis week, she talks about:
1) Pesticides and ADHD Risk. Exposure to the pesticides, known as organophosphates, has been linked to behavioral problems in children in the past, but previous studies have focused on communities of high-risk populations. This study is the first to examine the effects of exposure in the general population of kids. Using data from a national survey, researchers found that children with higher levels of the certain types of pesticides in their urine is associated with a higher risk of ADHD. Those with high levels were almost twice as likely to develop ADHD as those with undetectable levels.
Where did the pesticides come from? Food may be a factor. Since the Environmental Protection Agency regulations have eliminated most residential uses for these pesticides, the largest source of exposure is believed to be food--especially commercially grown produce. According to a 2008 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 28 percent of frozen blueberries, 20 percent of celery, and 25 percent of strawberries contained traces of one type of organophosphate. Other types of organophosphates were found in 27 percent of green beans, 17 percent of peaches, and 8 percent of broccoli.
This doesn't mean parents should stop feeding their kids fruits and but here are some ways to minimize the exposure and potential
risk:
--Buy fruits & vegetables from a farmers market, are organic or locally grown.
--Wash and peel produce before serving them --Put variety into a childs diet to minimize ongoing exposure from a particular food.
2) Cell phones and Barin Tumors: Despite the completion of a $24 million dollar, 13 country study on the risk of brain tumors from cell phone use, there is continued debate over this issue. A World Health Organization study surveyed of almost 13,000 participants and found up to 40% higher incidence of a cancerous brain tumor among the top 10% of people who used their mobile phone most. In addition, the highest risk found was for tumors on the same side of the head as users held their phone.
However, the 21 researchers involved in the study disagreed on the findings and the study is considered inconclusive. An important reminder is the the lack of a conclusion does not eliminate the possibility that there is risk from cell phones. Reasonable advice for those concerned about the radiation is to use a headset, and minimize use of cellphones in kids. Most importantly, don't use a cell phone when driving. The distractions are
linked to motor vehicle accidents.
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