Cellular Phones and Your Health

Are Cell Phones Harmful to Your Health?

To date it appears they are safe. While there are some concerns that the use of cellular phones might be harmful to users, the final word is still uncertain. There are medical investigations currently going on to find out if there are any health risks associated with the use of cellular phones.

What is The Current Theory?

It is postulated, but not scientifically confirmed, that the frequent and extended use of a cellular phone (where the phone is right at the user’s cheek and the earpiece pressed against the ear) might be associated with increased incidence of brain cancer. This has not yet been proven, although clinical studies are now underway.

How Does the Cellular Phone “Cause” Harm?

The cellular phone antenna is the “probable culprit” in this unconfirmed medical suspicion. It is theorized that the antenna, which receives electromagnetic waves (EMW) or signals, transmits the same EMW to the brain of the person using the cellular phone (since the unit is in close proximity to the brain), and that these EMW might explain the suspected increase in the incidence of brain cancer among chronic users. Whether this observation is valid or not, we still do not know for sure, but it is wise for cellular phone users to take some precautions.

Is One Cellular Phone Worse Than Others?

The ones which are with dual band (1800 MHz) are said to be worse than the regular ones with only 900 MHz. Obviously, there are other factors, like length of exposure and proximity of the cellular phone to the brain, etc.

What Other Illness Can Cellular Phone Use Cause?

The other conditions often mentioned are leukemia and lymphoma. Again, we would like to emphasize that we do not have scientific data to support this suspicion at this time.

What About Electrical Towers?

Basically the same claims have been made by some quarters that those who live near electrical towers or power sources or plants are exposed to dangerous levels of electromagnetic waves, which could cause various illnesses. These are also theories that have not been proven.

What About Televisions and Computers?

Since television sets or computer monitors also emit some electromagnetic radiation, it is advisable not to go too close to the TV or monitor. The fact that medical science does not have any evidence that these EMW are harmful does not mean they are totally safe. It is best to be cautious, especially if you are pregnant.

Do Cellular Phones Cause Infertility or Impotence?

There is no factual basis for this concern. There is no reason to believe that infertility or impotence can be caused by the use of cellular phones at the time of this writing.

How Can We Make Cellular Phone Use Safer?

Whenever possible use cellular phones only as briefly as possible. The lesser the exposure to the EMW the better. The use of “hands-free” devices like earpieces with microphone (about P500) and EMW ear shields (about P150) will help lessen the exposure.

Any Health Risk in Text Messaging?

Text messaging, a very popular preoccupation among some people in these days of instant telecommunication, poses no known hazard to physical health, not even to the fingers used in the process. And since the cellular phone is held farther away from the body when text messaging, the exposure to the EMW is less.

Is Text Messaging Addictive?

There have been cases of psychological dependence on cellular phone text messaging. Abnormal and extreme insecurity and anxiety have been reported among “text-messaging addicts” when they were deprived of access to their cellular phones even for an hour. This condition is not as rare as one would think.

Should the Use of Cellular Phones be Prohibited?

Of course not. Used properly, this technology in today’s world of instant telecommunication is invaluable and indispensable to many worldwide. Cellular phones are here to stay and have often saved lives when used in emergency situations to call EMS and 911 and to report crimes.

For updated info on this topic, check out this video “Are Cell Phones Affecting Your Brain?”