In the last twenty years there has been a leap in the technological development of wireless communications, cell phones, cordless phones, monitors and high voltage lines. Content like music videos, movies and online games are delivered via mobile media thereby adding to its use much more than conversation and text messaging. The need to be digitally connected all the time from everywhere has spawned the use of cell phones, with little regard to how it affects our bodies and overall well being. “Cell phones are like cigarettes, we all know they’re bad for us, but alas, we won’t do anything about it until the medical reports come out 10 years from now” Matz.[i] This paper explores various studies conducted in Sweden, Germany, England and the USA on the potential risk factors for cancer and other afflictions due to the proliferation of cell phones and the need for health safeguards.
The cell phone companies are in denial about the negative effects due the constant use of cell phones. Despite the persistent denial of the big telecom companies, current research has shown without a doubt that the prolonged use of cell phones results in myriad issues in human health.
There are direct and indirect affects of prolonged cell phone usage. Direct affects include cancer, nervous system, brain tumors, Alzheimer’s, etc. Indirect affect includes: harmful affects from high blood pressure, DNA damage, and infertility. Protection against the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation has become a growing need. The cell phone is a microwave transmitter, radio frequency emitter, and generates harmful heat in our cells and tissues.
Cell Phone Microwaves
Microwave energy oscillates at millions to billions of cycles per second. The Journal of Cellular Biochemistry[ii] reports that these frequencies cause cancer and other diseases by interfering with cellular DNA and its repair mechanisms. Microwave’s promotes rapid cell aging. Italian scientists have recently demonstrated that cell phone radiation makes cancerous cells grow aggressively. Research by University of Washington professor Dr. Henry Lai shows brain cells are clearly damaged by microwave levels far below the US government’s “safety” guidelines. Dr. Lai notes that even tiny doses of radio frequency can accumulate over time and lead to harmful effects. He warns that public exposure to radiation from wireless transmitters “should be limited to minimal.” The connection between microwave exposure and cancer has been documented for years. During the Cold War, the Soviets irradiated the US Embassy in Moscow, Russia, with low level, twin-beam microwave radiation. Two successive ambassadors developed leukemia. Other staffers also developed cancer–or their blood showed DNA damage, which precedes cancer. A cell phone must greatly increase its field strength to maintain communications within the metallic cage of an auto. Thus, the effect of microwave radiation inside a vehicle is especially intense. Volkswagen of Europe has warned that cell phone usage inside a car can be “injurious to health due to the extremely high electromagnetic fields generated.”[iii]
Specific Absorption Rate
Cordless phones marked 900 megahertz or 2.4 gigahertz emit the same dangerous microwave radiation as cell phones. A common measure for microwave radiation is the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The SAR of a device, measures the quantity of radiofrequency (RF) energy that is absorbed by the body. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has imposed a maximum SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg.[iv] It is the average power density absorbed in a given volume per average weight density (Watt/Kg). This is the standard used by cell phone companies, among others, to measure levels of radiation. When microwave energy impinges upon body tissue, part of it is absorbed and converted to heat due to ionic conduction. [v] This heat manifests itself as a temperature increase inside the tissue, resulting in cell damage. Cell phone SAR is rated at 1000 MHz, while that of a cordless phone is 100 MHz. When held to the ear it creates a hot spot, the area most exposed to radiation. Exposure to high levels of RF energy can damage the structure and function of the nervous system as well as the eye.
Cancer
According to research conducted by Professor and Inventor Theodore Litovitzan, electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell phones or power lines can cause biological changes at the cellular level. He said that, “Because stress proteins are involved in the progression of a number of diseases, heavy daily cell-phone usage could lead to great incidence of disorders such as Alzheimer’s and cancer.” This article was published in The Washington Post [vi] on May 6th, where it was mentioned that Litovitzan created an electronic chip to shield cell phone users from harmful electromagnetic radiation. He was inspired to conduct his own research after finding out that using cell phones over 2000 hours caused increased incidences of brain cancer. In addition the cancer occurred on the side of the face that it was held.
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity
Electromagnetic energy fields are generated by electrical appliances, computers, digital clocks, power lines, WiFi spots, microwaves and cell phones. The human body too generates its own EMF called a biofield. The electrical field generated by cell phones is powerful enough to interfere with our natural biofield, affecting physiological processes like reduced sperm count in men. We are under a constant barrage of electromagnetic radiation. Blake Levitt, author of Electrical Fields, states:
“Prolonged chronic stress is detrimental to every anatomical system, including the reproductive one. Subliminal stress may affect fertility and elevate blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and strokes, as well as suppressed immune function. . . . Even short EMF exposures, like the use of a cordless phone on and off throughout the day, could cause spikes in such hormone levels.”[vii]
When the cell phone is held to the ear it radiates six to eight inches of microwave energy which penetrates directly into our brain. This causes DNA damage, cell mutation and brain tumors. It also disrupts the hormonal balance for instance increased estrogen levels and reduced testosterone. EMF’s are termed as ‘The 21st Century Smog’. Using Bluetooth technology emits stronger radiation, often it is left attached to the ear even after users’ are done speaking. EMF stresses the endocrine system, especially pancreas, thyroid, ovaries, and the testes. Motorola[viii] advises consumers to avoid pointing a cellular antenna toward exposed parts of the body. But independent tests show that cell phones can also leak huge amounts of radiation from the keypad and mouthpiece. This radiation deeply penetrates brain, ear and eye tissues, which are especially susceptible to microwave damage. Belt clip cases allow cell phones to deliver radiation to the liver or kidney areas when a wired, hands-free earpiece is used.
Visual Damage
The duration of exposure is as important as the intensity of the cell phone radiation. The total energy absorbed is measured as the Specific Energy Absorption (SA), and is defined as the energy density absorbed in the tissue divided by its weight density. A research conducted by Technion of Israel showed that the lens of the eye suffers a twofold damage due to the SA which is the total energy absorbed by the tissue. It caused macroscopic damage affecting the optical quality of the lens. The radiation also caused friction between cells resulting in microscopic damage in the form of bubbles, which precipitates cataracts, retina damage and eye cancer.
3 G Cells
The 3 G cell phones transmit more information but need greater bandwidth. The new 3G antennas radiate more than the older models. Debate ranges over how harmful would the installation of these antenna be in crowded urban areas. According to Dr. Zamir Shalita,[i] a retired microbiologist, studies have shown that even 5 microwatts of radiation is harmful. The dangers from antenna radiation maybe less than cell phones, but it is a threat doubtless because these antennae will proliferate. A study conducted by the Dutch technological research institute TNO exposed subjects to third generation base stations. The group got headaches, felt nauseous and had tingling sensations.[ii]
Electrosensitivity
This is a physical impairment in which there is a heightened reaction to electric energy. In 2000 Sweden recognized electrosensitivity as a physical impairment in which that people can suffer nausea, headaches and muscle pains when exposed to electromagnetic fields from mobile phones, electricity pylons and computer screens. The symptoms can include dizziness, irregular heartbeat and loss of memory as reported in The Sunday Times, London.[iii] Since we live in an electrically polluted environment, some of us will be more affected by sensitivity to electricity. Two studies into the condition, funded with £750,000 from the Department of Health and the telecommunications industry, are already under way. [iv] Electricity sickness is not a myth. A documented case of Brian Stein details life modifying steps that he has had to make due to electromagnetic hypersensitivity which was discovered when he suffered severe pains in his ear while on the cell phone.
Deadly bacteria (key board), skin infections
Cell phones are a breeding ground for bacteria because they are constantly handled and then stored in closed cases or purses. There are other items in the purses and this makes it a risky device. The keys of a cell phone can harbor bacteria which can cause skin infections. Young people exchange their cell phones contributing to spread of infection. People cough and sneeze into their phones, or if they speak in crowded areas others may be doing so. The phone could harbor streptococci bacteria or meningococcal meningitis bug. It would be wise to regard the cell phone as a personal piece of equipment like a lipstick. It should not be shared with others. To maintain secrecy children use cell phones in toilets and rest them on infected areas. A recent study in Arizona, USA found that nearly a quarter of cell phones tested came up positive for MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). A new study has found that infectious agents can travel by mobile phone in a hospital. That is, as a doctor goes through a hospital, the phone may pick up some nasty germs and take them along for the ride. Blackberries, PDA’s and cell phones should be cleaned on a regular basis, since they get contaminated and then the germs pass on to the hands of hospital workers[v]. Bloodstream infections can be triggered off by information technology devices in hospitals. Patients are vulnerable to VRE and MRSA bugs, and contaminated cell phones transmit these bugs.[vi] MRSA usually hides in hospitals, but infections have occurred in general community buildings, inside locker rooms and cell phones. These germs can take the form of antibiotic-resistant germs that can contaminate the hands of nurses or doctors and then are passed on to patients. The phones are germ prone, especially the keypads and mouthpieces. Every time we dial a number or send a text message, the germs on our hands transfer to the phone and then straight into the mouth. The germ Acinetobacter baumannii, a common source of in-hospital infections, is found on many hospital cell phones. “The results are disturbing because Acinetobacter baumannii has the propensity to develop resistance to almost all available antibiotics”.
Stress, irritable and Blood Pressure
Teenagers and the young adult spend hours connected to their cell phones. Their developing brain and physique is under high electro magnetic radiation for long stretches of time. This induces stress and anxiety. Mobile phone users are ’stressed out’.[i] It is the ‘always on’ nature of mobile technology that causes irritability and stress. The use of cell phones has impacted our social and cultural lives. Why is it necessary to be always available? Research has shown that limiting the use of cell phones reduces blood pressure. Prolonged usage damages the nerves in the scalp as well as alters the brain’s electrical activity during sleep. Children are more susceptible. The cell phone alters electrical activity of a child’s brain for hours, causing drastic mood changes and possible behavior and learning disabilities. There is good reason to worry. We are awash in EMR, children specially are more susceptible to the irreversible damages caused due to the cell radiation. The cell phone’s deep penetration into children’s brains and the resulting disruption to the subtle electronic exchanges between brain cells could cause kids to lose the ability to concentration and remember, making it impossible to learn.
Dramatic photographs from a recent Spanish study show radio waves from mobile phones penetrating deep into the brains of an adult, 10 year-old and five year-old child. The results show that children’s brains are affected for long periods even after very short-term use. Their brain wave patterns are abnormal and stay like that for a long period. Scientists say that children’s skull is thinner allowing radiofrequency waves to travel through to the brain more easily. New research from Sweden’s Lund University Hospital corroborates the Spanish findings. The Swedes also found that exposure to radiation emitted by mobile handsets and neighborhood relay towers can destroy cells in the parts of the brain responsible for memory, movement and learning. This could result in Alzheimers’.
Infertility
According to results released on 22nd October 2006 at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine annual meeting in New Orleans, the more that men who use the cell phone, the lower is their sperm count. Cell phone radiation could damage human embryos, as well as reduce the number and efficiency of white blood cells. Hungarian scientists are saying that mobile phones may damage men’s sperm. Doctors believe the damage could be caused by the electromagnetic radiation emitted by handsets or the heat they generate. Men who used the cell phone for longer than four hours had lower sperm counts.[i] Professor Aggrawal director of the Reproductive Research Centre at the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, who led the study, said that, “The eyes, breasts and testicles are the areas of the body most likely to absorb the energy and many men carry their mobiles attached to their belt.“ The jury is out on these findings. They argue that the reason that the sperm count could be low would be due to other unknown lifestyle factors like sedentary behavior, eating junk food and stress.
Mobiles ‘quadruple crash danger’
It is an accepted fact that mobile use while driving distracts, delays reaction time, causes poor reflex, and leads to fender benders. People gabbing on their phones drift off lanes and forget to signal. Most authorities have a ban on driving while speaking on the cell phone.
The mobile telecommunications and health research program (MTHR) has been set up to look into the possible health impact of Mobile Telecommunications, An amount of £7 million have been allocated to the program by industry and Government in the UK. So what is happening between the telecom giants and health companies in corporate America? The world’s largest mobile telephone manufacturers have rejected claims of any health hazards. We see the efficient workings of a capitalist industry; they created patents to shield users against radio waves used by phones. U.S. neurologist Christopher Newman last year filed a lawsuit against leading U.S. phone companies[i] including Motorola, stating that his use of cell phones caused a malignant brain tumor. He said the patents were designed to make mobile phones more effective by using fewer radiowaves — rather than to specifically prevent brain tumours. The Times also quoted Nokia Vice-President William Plummer as saying that the patents did not prove the existence of any health hazards through the use of mobile phones. The discovery that manufacturers have apparently “hedged their bets” by applying for patents[ii] on irradiation-reducing components has alarmed consumers’ groups and some scientists. Dr Alan Preece, a medical physicist at Bristol University points out that, “I think they are hedging their bets by doing this so that if the evidence does emerge, they have products up their sleeves.” After the studies of the 1993 telecom industry research proved that the cell phone microwave exposure was unsafe, what has the industry done to resolve the issues surrounding cell damage and tumors? Despite damning evidence, the FDA still prevaricates: “There is no reason to conclude that there are health risks posed by cell phones to consumers.” Meanwhile, the telecom industry has been pressing to increase by more than ten the allowable human exposure to cell phone radiation. “Manufacturers stressed the increased efficiency, safety and flexibility that the devices offered, while critics lamented the detrimental impact on driving, privacy, health, etiquette, and even society itself.”[iii]
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) each regulate wireless telephones. FCC ensures that all wireless phones sold in the United States follow safety guidelines that limit radiofrequency (RF) energy. FDA monitors the health effects of wireless telephones. Each agency has the authority to take action if a wireless phone produces hazardous levels of RF energy. In February 2002, the Federal trade Commission (FTC) charged two companies[iv] that sold devices that claimed to protect wireless phone users from radiation with making false and unsubstantiated claims. According to FTC, these defendants lacked a reasonable basis to substantiate their claim. They were Stock Value 1 from Florida and Comstar Communications from California.
The big telecomm companies deny the possible health issues. The uncertainty of inconclusive research, should caution users to reduce their exposure to the radio frequency waves emitted by cell phones by keeping their calls short. It is best to carry the unit in a purse or briefcase rather than on the trouser belt. According to the Federal Communications Commission choose a phone with a low SAR, (the FCC safe limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram). If the rate isn’t listed on the phone or package, use the model number and FCC ID number (look under the battery) to check with the FCC at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/sar/ The attorney general of Connecticut stated on Sixty Minutes on June 16th 2002, “Should we be trusting this industry with our brain tissues and our very lives?” It is unfortunate that physical well-being and connectivity come at the cost of our health. We need a series of safeguards so that users can buy into technology without fear. You cannot feel electromagnetic fields. The cell phone towers and power lines may cause leukemia in children, but there is no conclusive evidence. There is no need for public panic or hysteria. What it really comes down to is the responsibility that the big telecom corporations should take as they peddle their goods to the unsuspecting user. It is widely believed that industry has never given health concerns anything better than a back seat in pursuit of a profit. While some studies show that cell phone radiation does not cause harm, there is enough evidence to support the theory that cell phones do cause harm. Cell phone companies need to not just market the product or sell an experience, but also establish a healthy symbiosis with technology and the user.
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