CELL PHONES – Good or Bad for Our Health?

This article about cell phone use and cancer is a guest post from Lisa Kearney.

From curing Alzheimer’s to causing cancer, one thing is sure, the debate on cell phone risks wages globally.  Notable reports from the World Health Organization, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, National Geographic News, Dr. Oz TV show along with many others have both conflicting and collaborating views.

With a plethora of information written and contradictory opinions, what are we to believe?  One thing is clear no matter what the viewpoint; there is a global bandwagon in which legislators, health officials and the mobile industry are taking serious the risks associated with electromagnetic radiation from cell phone use.

New legislation in the many states and provinces of North America has pushed the use of hands-free devices.  While it is clear that limiting cell phone use when driving is beneficial to our road safety, it also keeps the EMF (electromagnetic radiation) at a distance. The New York Times reported the state of Maine is even considering placing warning labels on cell phones citing the possible link to cancer.  While San Francisco wants cell phones to read the amount of EMF, they emit.

Public perception is also important especially to those in the mobile phone industry when it comes to revenues as they are designing and issuing new phone with lower EMF – Electromagnetic Radiation emissions.

Additionally, companies such as Motorola, the World Health Organization and cancer institutes around the globe are researching the effects of electromagnetic radiation from cell phone use and its links to cancer.  The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute compiled a Memorandum dated July 21, 2008 to exercise caution while using a cell phone to prevent electromagnetic radiation from having an effect. Chief of the Pittsburgh Institute of Cancer sees risks and he issues this analysis report. The report states, “Studies in humans do not indicate that cell phones are safe, nor do they yet clearly show that they are dangerous. But, growing evidence indicates that we should reduce exposures, while research continues on this important question.  Electromagnetic fields from cell phones are estimated to penetrate the brain especially in children.”

With an estimated 75 million people with cell phones in North America alone, it is no wonder this is such a concern.  Reports indicate that cancer rates have not increased over the last decade.  However, the long term effects are the concern.  The need for continuing research is clear.

Some people may see this as alarmist and wonder what all the fuss is about.  However, back in the 60’s we were told that cigarettes were no harm to use either.  So think about it, who benefited from that information?  Was it the consumer?  I think not.

One thing is clear there is no conclusive evidence being reported one way or another.  I wear my seat belt for two reasons, the law and the risk.  Therefore, my cell phone will be given the same consideration.

Here are some pre-cautions you can apply:

1. Use hands-free and text when possible

2. Don’t sleep next to your cell phone at night

3. Keep your cell phone at 3 feet away from you

4. Use a corded phone when possible

5. Limit your air time when on a cell phone call

6. Don’t use your cell phone while driving – pull over to the side of the road.

7. Limit use of cell phone while in low range areas like the mountains or in tunnels when EMF emissions are the highest.

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Related posts:

1. The First Long-Term Cell Phone Health Study Launched By Europeans, Where Is The USA Study?
2. Cell Phone Radiation – What You Need to Know
3. Anti Radiation Cell Phone, Television and Computer Chips Released For Mass Distribution
4. Our Brains React to Our Cell Phones
5. Cell Phones Putting Health Technology in Your Pocket
6. Apple Rejects Application That Would Gauge iPhone Radiation Levels
7. Is Using a Cell Phone Safe
8. Link between Brain Cancer and Cell Phone Use Inconclusive
9. From Applications to Texting, Using Cell Phones for Health
10. A Proposed Law Would Require Warning Labels for Cell Phones

This entry was posted on Friday, January 15th, 2010 at 2:47 pm by Jack Busch and is filed under Cell Phones. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.