Every day, we’re swimming in a sea of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) produced by electrical appliances, power lines, wiring in buildings, and a slew of other technologies that are part of modern life. From the dishwasher and microwave oven in the kitchen and the clock radio next to your bed, to the cellular phone you hold to your ear—sometimes for hours each day—exposure to EMR is growing and becoming a serious health threat.
But there’s a huge public health crisis looming from one particular threat: EMR from cellular phones—both the radiation from the handsets and from the tower-based antennas carrying the signals—which studies have linked to development of brain tumors, genetic damage, and other exposure-related conditions. Yet the government and a well-funded cell phone industry media machine continue to mislead the unwary public about the dangers of a product used by billions of people. Most recently, a Danish epidemiological study announced to great fanfare the inaccurate conclusion that cell phone use is completely safe.
But there’s a huge public health crisis looming from one particular threat: EMR from cellular phones—both the radiation from the handsets and from the tower-based antennas carrying the signals—which studies have linked to development of brain tumors, genetic damage, and other exposure-related conditions. Yet the government and a well-funded cell phone industry media machine continue to mislead the unwary public about the dangers of a product used by billions of people. Most recently, a Danish epidemiological study announced to great fanfare the inaccurate conclusion that cell phone use is completely safe.
What is Radiation?
One very "sciency" definition of radiation is the process in which energy is emitted as particles or waves. How even though this defini
How does cellphone and wireless radiation affect us?
Mobile phones use electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, also, other digital wireless systems, such as data communication networks, produce similar radiation. This leads to the following concerns: thermal effects and non-thermal effects- these cover the effect radiation has on the blood brain barrier, cancer risks and cognitive, fertility and behavioural effects. Children are more susceptible to potential harm from radio-frequency radiation than adults.
Thermal Effects
One well-understood effect of microwave radiation is dielectric heating, in which any dielectric material (such as living tissue) is heated by rotations of polar molecules induced by the electromagnetic field. In the case of a person using a cell phone, most of the heating effect will occur at the surface of the head, causing its temperature to increase by a fraction of a degree. In this case, the level of temperature increase is an order of magnitude less than that obtained during the exposure of the head to direct sunlight. The brain's blood circulation is capable of disposing of excess heat by increasing local blood flow. However, the cornea of the eye does not have this temperature regulation mechanism and exposure of 2–3 hours duration has been reported to produce cataracts in rabbits' eyes at SAR (specific absorbtion rate) values from 100-140W/kg, which produced lenticular temperatures of 41°C. There were no cataracts detected in the eyes of monkeys exposed under similar conditions. Premature cataracts have not been linked with cell phone use, possibly because of the lower power output of mobile phones.
The Blood Brain Barrier
Swedish researchers from Lund University (Salford, Brun, Persson, Eberhardt, and Malmgren) have studied the effects of microwave radiation on the rat brain. They found a leakage of albumin into the brain via a permeated blood–brain barrier. This confirms earlier work on the blood–brain barrier by Allan Frey, Oscar and Hawkins, and Albert and Kerns. Other groups have not confirmed these findings in vitro cell studies or whole animal studies, however Frey alleges that an editor determined that a researcher who claimed that his attempts to replicate Frey's research had not validated Frey's results had incorrectly interpreted his own results, and that his research had confirmed Frey's results.
Prof Leszczynski of Finland's radiation and nuclear safety authority found that, at the maximum legal limit for mobile radiation, one protein in particular, HSP 27, was affected. HSP 27 played a critical role in the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.
Prof Leszczynski of Finland's radiation and nuclear safety authority found that, at the maximum legal limit for mobile radiation, one protein in particular, HSP 27, was affected. HSP 27 played a critical role in the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.
How is this radiation related to Cancer?
On 31 May 2011 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans . The IARC assessed and evaluated available literature and studies about the carcinogenicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), and found the evidence to be "limited for carcinogenicity of RF-EMF, based on positive associations between glioma and acoustic neuroma and exposure". The conclusion of the IARC was mainly based on the INTERPHONE study, which found an increased risk for glioma in the highest category of heavy users (30 minutes per day over a 10‐year period), although no increased risk was found at lower exposure and other studies could not back up the findings. The evidence for other types of cancer was found to be "inadequate". Some members of the Working Group opposed the conclusions and considered the current evidence in humans still as “inadequate”, citing inconsistencies between the assessed studies.
This fact aside the scientific community is highly divided on the issue to this current time.
For instance, in 2006 a large Danish group's study about the connection between mobile phone use and cancer incidence was published. It followed over 420,000 Danish citizens for 20 years and showed no increased risk of cancer.The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz) considers this report inconclusive. However given the spotlight on this issue and the deadly subject of cancer this writer has determined that it is worthy of stirring up caution.
This fact aside the scientific community is highly divided on the issue to this current time.
For instance, in 2006 a large Danish group's study about the connection between mobile phone use and cancer incidence was published. It followed over 420,000 Danish citizens for 20 years and showed no increased risk of cancer.The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz) considers this report inconclusive. However given the spotlight on this issue and the deadly subject of cancer this writer has determined that it is worthy of stirring up caution.
Cognitive Effects
A 2009 study examined the effects of exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by standard GSM ( European Telecommunications Standards) cell phones on the cognitive functions of humans. The study confirmed longer (slower) response times to a spatial working memory task when exposed to RFR from a standard GSM cellular phone placed next to the head of male subjects, and showed that longer duration of exposure to RFR may increase the effects on performance. Right-handed subjects exposed to RFR on the left side of their head on average had significantly longer response times when compared to exposure to the right side and sham-exposure.
Fertility Effects
A number of studies have shown relationships between mobile telephone use and reduced sperm count and sperm quality. Peer reviewed studies have shown relationships using statistical questionnaire techniques, controlled experiments on living humans, and controlled experiments on sperm outside the body. For instance, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a web page entitled "Cell Phone Radiation Damages Sperm, Studies Show" published August 2013.
Behavioural Effects
A study on mice offspring suggested that cell phone use during pregnancy may cause behavioural problems that resemble the effects of ADHD. Rats have repeatedly proved there similarity to humans in reaction to stimuli so this writer hastens once more to encourage caution.
What is the difference between radiation from cellphones and wireless devices?
Users of wireless devices are typically exposed for much longer periods than for mobile phones and the strength of wireless devices is not significantly less. However, wireless routers are typically located significantly farther away from users' heads than a mobile phone the user is handling, resulting in far less exposure overall. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) claims that if a person spends one year in a location with a Wi-Fi hotspot, they will receive the same dose of radio waves as if they had made a 20-minute call on a mobile phone.
How can I protect myself from these forms of radiation?
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself from potential harm from radio-frequency radiation emitted by these devices:
Always use the hands-free or headset mode when talking on the cellphone!
Some researchers say a wired headset, especially a “hollow tube” headset you can special-order—which will be labeled as such and uses hollow tubes rather than wires to conduct sound—is the best. But even a Bluetooth wireless headset will reduce your radio-frequency radiation exposure by several thousandfold.
Keep the cellphone or wireless device off your body!
Carry your phone in a purse or bag with the antenna (back of the phone) pointed away from you, not in your pocket or bra. When you’re talking on it (with a headset or on speakerphone) put it on a table in front of you. Just a few inches can substantially reduce your radiation exposure.
Text instead of talking!
Holding your cell phone away from your head to send text messages exposes you to less radiation than talking on it without a headset.
Turn it off!
Phones only emit radio-frequency radiation when they’re searching for or receiving a signal, so a phone that’s off or in “airplane mode” is safe.
Replace cordless phones with corded models!
Cordless phones can emit as much radiation as cell phones, and the charging station constantly emits radiation.
Use a low radiation cellphone!
Cell phone retailers aren’t required to display the specific absorbency rate (SAR), or the amount of radiation a phone causes your body to absorb. Search FCC.gov/cgb/sar to find out the SAR level of your model, or consult the Environmental Working Group’s online database: EWG.org/cellphones.
Keep cellphones and wireless devices away from your head!
All three will expose you to radio-frequency radiation, so banish all three from the bedroom or, at least, keep them away from your head and body. If you must have wireless Internet, turn off your router when you’re not using it, especially at night—a power strip with a timer can help.
Keep your phone fully charged!
When a cell phone’s signal strength is weak or blocked, it has to work harder—and consequently emits more radiation.
Be wary of devices that claim to block EMF exposure!
A Google search yielded 236,000 results for “EMF protection,” most of which were sites selling “protective” devices ranging from pendants and crystals to microchips and herbal remedies. Most experts agree that many are based on quasi-science and there’s no evidence that they work. Some “EMF shields” for your phone can actually increase the amount of radiation that it emits, since they block the signal and the phone has to work harder.
Watch out for children!
Since children are more susceptible to potential harm from radio-frequency radiation than adults. If you give your children a cell phone for safety reasons, also give them a headset and encourage them to text or use the speakerphone instead of putting the phone close to their heads. Also, if you occasionally let your toddler play games on your cell phone, put it into “airplane mode” so it won’t search for a signal—which means it won’t emit radiation.
Always use the hands-free or headset mode when talking on the cellphone!
Some researchers say a wired headset, especially a “hollow tube” headset you can special-order—which will be labeled as such and uses hollow tubes rather than wires to conduct sound—is the best. But even a Bluetooth wireless headset will reduce your radio-frequency radiation exposure by several thousandfold.
Keep the cellphone or wireless device off your body!
Carry your phone in a purse or bag with the antenna (back of the phone) pointed away from you, not in your pocket or bra. When you’re talking on it (with a headset or on speakerphone) put it on a table in front of you. Just a few inches can substantially reduce your radiation exposure.
Text instead of talking!
Holding your cell phone away from your head to send text messages exposes you to less radiation than talking on it without a headset.
Turn it off!
Phones only emit radio-frequency radiation when they’re searching for or receiving a signal, so a phone that’s off or in “airplane mode” is safe.
Replace cordless phones with corded models!
Cordless phones can emit as much radiation as cell phones, and the charging station constantly emits radiation.
Use a low radiation cellphone!
Cell phone retailers aren’t required to display the specific absorbency rate (SAR), or the amount of radiation a phone causes your body to absorb. Search FCC.gov/cgb/sar to find out the SAR level of your model, or consult the Environmental Working Group’s online database: EWG.org/cellphones.
Keep cellphones and wireless devices away from your head!
All three will expose you to radio-frequency radiation, so banish all three from the bedroom or, at least, keep them away from your head and body. If you must have wireless Internet, turn off your router when you’re not using it, especially at night—a power strip with a timer can help.
Keep your phone fully charged!
When a cell phone’s signal strength is weak or blocked, it has to work harder—and consequently emits more radiation.
Be wary of devices that claim to block EMF exposure!
A Google search yielded 236,000 results for “EMF protection,” most of which were sites selling “protective” devices ranging from pendants and crystals to microchips and herbal remedies. Most experts agree that many are based on quasi-science and there’s no evidence that they work. Some “EMF shields” for your phone can actually increase the amount of radiation that it emits, since they block the signal and the phone has to work harder.
Watch out for children!
Since children are more susceptible to potential harm from radio-frequency radiation than adults. If you give your children a cell phone for safety reasons, also give them a headset and encourage them to text or use the speakerphone instead of putting the phone close to their heads. Also, if you occasionally let your toddler play games on your cell phone, put it into “airplane mode” so it won’t search for a signal—which means it won’t emit radiation.