Cell Phone and Health

Cell Phones usage has risen to the level when it has become basic need of consumers. Most of the time cell phones are found to be next to the ears. Although cell phone usage is a source of better communication, yet it has many health hazards. Various studies indicate that the emissions from a cell phone can be extremely harmful, causing genetic damage, tumours, memory loss, and increased blood pressure and weakening of the immune system. This is alarming information, and one has to take into account all these factors. Though there is no evidence of cell phones causing cancer or any such illness, but the fear is not baseless either. The electromagnetic radiation from cell phones does have a potential link to cancer. The fact that this radiation is invisible, intangible, and enters and leaves our bodies without our knowledge makes it even more threatening.

Possible Hazards:

* Two minutes of exposure to emissions from mobile phones can disable a safety barrier in blood causing proteins and toxins to leak into the brain, could increase chances of developing Alzheimer's multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's. (Scientists at Sweden's Lund University)

* Scientists say exposure to the phones' low-level radiation causes red blood cells to leak haemoglobin and can lead to heart disease and kidney stones.

* Recent studies suggesting a link between cell-phone use and brain tumours, and the possibility that the microwaves could ignite petroleum fumes at gas stations.

* A cell phone unit, or communications tower, has so many of these radiation emanating gadgets. This can be a problem for its immediate environment.

SPECIFIC HEALTH CONCERNS

Cancer / Tumours:

A series of experiment is conducted on rats suggesting that rats that have been exposed to microwaves similar to the sort generated by mobile phones but more powerful, showed breaks in their DNA which could indicate an adverse effect. Also, mice exposed to radiation for 18 months developed brain tumours. Though of course, these studies are not concrete proof.

Blood Pressure:
It was observed that people using cell phones were more prone to high blood pressure. So far, there isn't any solid evidence of such effects.
Pregnancy:
A study at the University of Montpellier in France was carried out on 6000 chick embryos and suggested that the heavily exposed chick eggs were five times less likely to survive than the control group. This study raised questions about possible effects on pregnant women but it has not yet been observed.
Headaches, Heating Effects, Fatigue:
A study brought out that longer the people used mobile phones, the more likely they were to report symptoms such as hot ears, burning skin, headaches and fatigue.
Memory:

A study looked into the effect of radiofrequency (RF) on the section of rats' brains that is linked with the memory. The results showed that RF could modify signals in the cells in a part of the brain that is responsible for learning and short term memory.

Posture (holding phone between raised shoulder and ear):

Some researchers claim that holding a mobile phone between the raised shoulder and the ear could have a damaging effect on muscles, bones, tendons and discs. Any bad posture can affect human muscles and bones.
Mobile Phones and Children:
Because of smaller heads, thinner skulls and higher tissue conductivity, children may absorb more energy from a given phone than adults.

Prevention Tips:
* Cell phones should be used for emergencies only.
* A small chip-like cell phone microwave radiation protection device is available, which has the ability to absorb electromagnetic energy waves from your mobile phone. It helps in reducing the potential harmful effects of these emissions to the human body.
* Using a mobile headset is a good for one’s health.
* Use a hands free mobile car kit while driving, without taking your hands off the steering wheel.