Dangerous for health: scientists told why you can't sleep with a smartphone

The California Department of Health has issued a warning that smartphones should be kept at least at arm's length when going to bed to reduce the radiation dose. The statement was made against the background of growing evidence that smartphone use can affect the appearance of cancer, problems with concentration, mental health and reproductive system.

Mobile phones transmit information using low-frequency radio signals, which can be dangerous to humans, especially when transferring or downloading files.

So far, studies cannot prove a clear link between diseases and smartphones, but enough tests have been conducted to warn users and especially children about their danger.

Experts recommend keeping smartphones at least one to two meters away from the bed.

In fact, gadget manufacturers themselves agree with this. For example, Apple has included a notification about "radio frequency detection" in the settings. The notification states that the iPhone's radiation was tested at a distance of 5 millimeters (the thickness of a ballpoint pen) from the body, which complies with American safety standards.

Apple also advises how to reduce radiation — use a speakerphone or headset.

"Most people don't even realize that there is a clear warning to keep the phone away from the body," says Dr. Davis of the Foundation for Human Health and the Environment. "And this is disturbing, because parents who don't know about it calmly leave their children next to gadgets."

The leadership of the California Department of Health draws attention to the fact that low-frequency radio signals are much easier to penetrate into the brain of children than adults, which can lead to damage or long-lasting consequences in the development of the brain.

Last week, the use of smartphones was banned in French primary and secondary schools.