Cell Phones- Do they really affect the brain?
Are cell phones safe to use?
Cell phones flourished with the advent of the new millennium. There are almost 5 billion users in the world today. With this magnitude of users, these questions lurk in everyone’s mind, “Is the cell phone safe for the brain?” “Do they really affect the brain?” These questions arise from the fact that cell phones operate making use of electromagnetic radiation to transmit messages and calls. What are the facts that surround these alleged hypotheses? Here are some data that could shed light into these questions.
There are conflicting research results as to the effect of radio frequency (RF) on mobile users.
The European Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) revealed in a study it conducted in 2007, that “Exposure to RF fields is unlikely to lead to an increase in cancer in humans.”
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hardell, et al, 2007 came up with the findings that long-term use of cellular phones for more than 10 years has also increased the risk for brain tumors especially for ipsilateral exposure. Ipsilateral exposure is exposure on the same side of the brain when you listen to the mobile device.
In Copenhagen, The Institute of Cancer Epidemiology said that “there was no significant increase in brain tumors from 1998-2003.”
Earthtimes News report, June 2006 cited that there was a definite effect of cell phone utilization in the brain. Whether it is good or bad, they still are not sure.
There are; however, more researches attesting to the fact that the long usage of cell phone especially in persons below 20 increases their risk of contracting brain cancer or tumor.
Remedies to solve the problem:
- Children below 20 yrs old should be discouraged to use cell phone.
- It was initially thought that using a handset would decrease the risk of radiation exposure. This was disproved though later and found out to be the opposite. The metallic handset intensified the radiation from the cell sites.
- Use Non-metallic handset instead of the metallic device to reduce RF.
- Use Bluetooth wireless headsets.
- Avoid too much exposure to your mobile. Do not use it if you do not need to.
- The transfer of cell sites to non-populated areas to avoid the higher RF affecting residents.
- Use your ears alternately and do not keep the phone in your pocket or place it under your pillows.
- Do not press the phone to your ears while it is trying to find a connection. This would be the one of the strongest RF phases.
- Recently, clipping the hands free kit with a ferret bead stops radioactive waves’ transmission.
Another evaluation would be released soon this 2010 as a follow up study of the previously conducted researches. It would be interesting to learn whether the results will be positive or not. Taking precautions when using mobile phones would still be the best way to deal with it. Prevention, even without significant data, is wise and responsible.
Photo by timparkinson/ Tim Parkinson
