The current international consensus states that Cell Phone Radiation do not cause cancer or increase the growth of cancerous tumors. Cancer can develop over many years, even decades. So yet, population studies have only looked at the health impacts of cell phone radiation after a few years.
Using a cell phone while driving increases the chance of a traffic collision dramatically. Driving while using a hand held mobile phone is prohibited. Because cell phone use is so prevalent (approximately five billion users were projected in 2011). Public worries regarding the potential health impacts of cell phone radiation receive a lot of attention in the media.
Because so many people use cell phones. Medical researchers are concerned that any health dangers associated with them. This could pose major public health issues no matter how minor. It’s critical to be aware of the dangers and potential consequences of cell phone use. It can guide you to make your own decisions about how you use your phone.
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Health Concerns About the Use of Cell Phone
Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation is used by cell phones to communicate with base stations. When RF radiation is strong enough, it has a “thermal” effect, meaning it elevates body temperature.
Low amounts of RF radiation emitted by cell phones have been linked to health problems such as migraines and brain tumors. This has answered the question, “can cell phone radiation be harmful?”.
Research into the Dangers of Cell Phone Radiation to one’s Health
International research has revealed no conclusive or convincing evidence that Cell Phone Radiation are harmful to one’s health in the short or long term.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified RF radiation as “probably carcinogenic for humans” in May 2011, citing an increased risk of glioma, a type of brain cancer.
Many people have called for a “precautionary approach” to cell phone use since the WHO statement was released. The investigation is still ongoing. Also, check out are cell phone towers dangerous?.
Radiation as Regards to Cell Phone use
Radiation is a mixture of electrical and magnetic energy that moves at the speed of light through space. Electromagnetic radiation is another name for it (EMR).
Radiation is Divided into Two Categories
- Ionising Radiation (IR) – this type of radiation can cause changes in atoms or molecules in the body, which can lead to tissue damage like cancer. X-rays and gamma rays are examples of infrared radiation.
- Non-Ionising Radiation (NIR) – does not produce these changes but can cause molecules to vibrate. This can result in temperature increases as well as other consequences. UV radiation in the sun, visible light, and light are all examples of NIR.
The Workings of the Cell Phone System
The cell phone system, which includes the individual handset and base stations, functions similarly to a two-way radio. To achieve the best coverage, base station antennae are set high above the ground (on a tower or roof).
A radio receiver and a transmitter are both included in a cell phone. When you make a call, your phone communicates with a nearby base station by emitting radio frequency (RF) radiation through its antenna. Your call is routed through the landline phone system once the base station receives your signal. The amount of RF radiation emitted by mobile phone base stations is relatively consistent.
The Handsets Generate Different Levels of RF Radiation Depending on Three factors
- How long you use the phone; how near you hold the phone close to your body; and how close you are to the base station.
- To compensate for a weak connectivity to the base station, the handset increases its radiation output.
- The amounts of RF Radiation that your head is exposed to from the phone are 100 to 1000 times higher than that from base stations.
Regulations for Cell Phone Systems
The RF radiation from a phone held near your ear is predicted to heat a small portion of your face, to a lesser extent, and your brain by a fraction of a degree. This is less than the heat generated by exercise.
On the other hand, high doses of RF radiation overheat biological tissues and cause harm. The exposure limits for RF radiation from cell phones are set considerably below the point where any significant heating occurs.
Cell phone Radiation and your Health Research
Many studies on RF radiation and its effects on the body have been conducted around the world. A biological effect, an effect on the body, and a health effect are two completely different things.
For example, RF radiation from a cellphone causes a fraction of a degree increase in temperature in a specific part of the brain. This biological effect is not inherently harmful to one’s health. The human body is capable of coping with extreme temperature changes without harming itself.
Use of Cell Phones and Cancer
RF radiation cannot cause cancer since it is a type of non-ionizing radiation. There is no alternative biological mechanism by which RF radiation could cause cancer.
Other Probable Health Implications of Cell Phones
The research into whether or not cell phone radiation causes health concerns other than cancer is ongoing. No detrimental health consequences have yet been discovered.
Cell Phone use might also have Unintended Consequences for one’s Health
Consider the following scenario:
- Medical electronic equipment – RF radiation can interfere with medical electronic equipment if it is susceptible to the field. In hospital buildings, cell phones should be turned off.
- Traffic accidents – studies show that talking on a cell phone while driving significantly increases the likelihood of a collision. Driving while using a hand held cell phone is prohibited.
Precautions to Prevent Exposure to Cell Phone Radiation
So far, evidence suggests that cell phones are not dangerous, but long-term hazards and repercussions remain unknown. If you’re concerned, you can lower your RF radiation exposure by doing the following:
- Choosing a cell phone model with a low specific absorption rate (SAR), which refers to the amount of RF radiation absorbed by body tissues.
- Using a landline phone if one is available.
- Keeping your cell phone calls short
- Using a hands-free kit
- Not carrying your mobile phone close to your body when it is switched on
In fact, they can increase RF radiation since the phone will immediately raise its RF output to counteract the shield’s effects and provide the greatest possible communication.
Where Can I Obtain Assistance?
- Your doctor
- Radiation Protection and Nuclear Agency. If you are in Australia, you can contact ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency) (03) 9433 2211, and
- ACMA (Australian Communication and Media Authority) (03) 9963 6800
What to Remember
- The current international consensus is that cell phones do not cause cancer or support the accelerated growth of existing tumors
- Cancer can develop over many years, if not decades.
So yet, population studies have only looked at the health impacts of cell phone use after a few years.
- Using a cell phone while driving increases the chance of a traffic collision dramatically.
In all states and territories, talking on a hand held mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
For more information on this, contact us via our contact page. You can as well check out Do cell phone pose a health hazard.
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