HOLD THE PHONE
INVESTIGATING HEALTH RISKS OF OUR CELLULAR DEVICES
BY KARIS JONES
POSTED OCT 2, 2013
It’s undeniable the advent of the cell phone changed the way we communicate and it could also change your health. While cell phones have made communication easier and more efficient, the many components of a cell phone pose health risks that could have long-lasting effects and consequences. It’s important to know how you can minimize your risk without having to part with your beloved device.
Cell phones emit radiofrequency (RF) energy in the form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. These emissions can be absorbed through the skin and into the tissues of the body closest to where the phone is held. The amount of RF energy that is absorbed depends mainly on the technology of the phone, the distance between the phone and the user, the frequency of use and also the distance from the cell towers. While there has not been a study with a consistent link between cell phone use and the cause of cancer within the brain, nerves, tissues, head or neck, there have been substantial studies on where concerns lie with cell use.
According to the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, as of 2010, there were more than 303 million subscribers to cell phone service in the United States. In the U.S., that was a threefold increase from the 110 million users in 2000. All of the concern arises out of the potential effects of radiofrequency on the body. The National Cancer Institute reports that RF energy is a form of electromagnetic radiation, which can be categorized as ionizing and non-ionizing. The latter form, non-ionizing can cause body tissues to heat. To put it in perspective, RF emissions can be found in microwaves and are, in fact, what heat your food. Now apply the same concept to your brain tissues after being on a long call. Research has not shown that cell phone use will increase body temperature as a whole, nor do they know the exact affects long term.
The American Cancer Society has concluded, “The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classification means that there could be some risk associated with cancer, but the evidence is not strong enough to be considered causal and needs to be investigated further. Individuals who are concerned about radiofrequency exposure can limit their exposure, including using an ear piece and limiting cell phone use, particularly among children.” Cancer is caused by damage to DNA from genetic factors, lifestyle factors and environmental exposures; including radiation.
Decrease your risk for absorbing radiofrequency emissions by using the following suggestions:
Decrease your risk for absorbing radiofrequency emissions by using the following suggestions:
• Don’t carry your cell phone in your pocket or against your body. If you do, keep the back of the phone where the antenna is facing away from you. Avoid sleeping with your phone in your bed. Instead, place the phone on your nightstand or on the floor nearby.
• Go hands free (or text)! Use speakerphone whenever possible. The farther away from your body, the lower your risk for picking up emissions.
• Don’t use your phone when you have low signals. The phone actually has to work harder to make the connection. The extra work actually ramps up the radiofrequency output. Likewise, avoid using your cellphone inside your car or in an elevator whenever possible. The metal enclosure traps the radiation and reflects it back at the occupants.
To learn more about your specific device visit the FCC.gov website. Using your phones FCC ID number, located on the case of the phone and the FCC’s ID search form you can figure out the absorption rate of radiofrequency energy for your phone. The FCC provides information for phones produced within the last one to two years.
