A look at the health dangers of cell phone radiation
Make You Sick? A look at the health dangers of cell phone radiation t seems just about everything will give you cancer. What other conclusion could we make based on what we read in the papers and watch on the news? We’ve heard that dental X-rays, deodorants, grilled meat and even playing with vinyl toys will give Iyou “The Big C.” Some of these claims have little scientific basis, but one that is supported by research is cell phone radiation. Even so, the issue has yet to be taken seriously by most of the American public. Leading the charge to educate the American population about the risks of cell phone radiation is Devra Davis, PhD., MPH. Dr.
Davis is a former director of the Center for Environmental Oncology of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and is the author of The Secret History of the War on Cancer (Basic Books, 2007). She has testified MAY/JUNE 2011 Davis says what is especially disobservational studies that have been turbing is that young children are being performed on those who were exposed exposed to cell phones. She explains to radiation from atomic bombs.
that the skull and bone marrow of chil“So the fact that we haven’t seen an increase in brain cancer yet doesn’t tell dren are thinner and more absorptive than in adults, and thereus that we will be fine in fore will absorb much the future – and many more radiation. When of us have only been children are old enough to using cell phones in a have a cell phone, Davis very heavy way for a few says, they should text years,” says Davis. rather than call, except for It’s only fair to point emergencies, as texting out that many cell phone significantly reduces companies have tested radiation exposure.
radiation levels of their Devra Davis Besides cancer, products and also are another potential health issue with cell including printed safety instructions in the packaging that comes with their phone use is its effect on both sperm health (by damaging the DNA) and products. However, Davis questions sperm count. These data come from some of those tests, as they do not research conducted in four indepenreflect real-world use. For example, during tests the phones are not pressed dent research centers located in the United States, Australia, Greece and against the ear – and seriously, except Turkey.
Davis also says that in terms of in emergencies, cell phones should safety, texting while driving is equivanot be pressed against the ear because lent to driving drunk; for more inforthis increases the exposure. Davis also mation she suggests this Department of notes that when cell phones were first being used in the early ’90s, there were Transportation website: distraction.gov. In her book Davis offers many no such warnings. practical suggestions on how to reduce the risk of radiation exposure from cell phones. For example, she recommends investing in a headset with a low-power 1.
Use a head set Bluetooth emitter, using the speakUsing a speaker, hands-free device, or earphones when speaking on erphone function whenever possible. a cell phone distances it from the body and head and minimizes your exposure to radiation She also recommends switching to a landline as often as possible (yes, elec2. Don’t carry a cell phone in your pocket tronics stores still sell them!), but not Even when a cell phone is not in use, it emits radiation. a cordless phone because these devices 3. Beware of weak signal emit radio frequency radiation similar When a cell phone is in standby mode or when the signal strength is to that of a cell phone.
weak or blocked, exposure to radiation increases. Limit use at this time. Cell phones are here to stay, and 4. Keep it away from children the dangers associated with their use Studies consistently show that children are especially vulnerable to are not urban myths. To paraphrase a the effects of cell phone raciation. Generally, the younger the child, quote from everyone’s favorite webthe more at risk they are. slinger, “Cell phones give you great 5. Don’t leave a cell phone on your nightstand power, but with great power comes You may be sleeping, but your cell phone is busy emitting radiation. great responsibility.”
before a United States Senate committee panel about the risks of cell phone use, and her newest book about cell phone safety is Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation, What the Industry Has Done to Hide It, and How to Protect Your Family (Dutton, 2010). One reason Americans are skeptical about the dangers of cell phone radiation is that there are no legal judgments against cell phone companies for causing cancer, and another is that there is apparently little evidence presently to show a cause-and-effect relationship.
In response to the first question, Davis says that there are a number of lawsuits against cell phone companies working their way through the US legal system, but as with the lawsuits against the tobacco industry, these lawsuits often take many years to resolve. Regarding the second question, Davis says it’s only a matter of time – literally – until the evidence will be irrefutable. Davis says it takes about 40 years after exposure to develop brain cancer, which she says we know from %5($.
6HWV 5HSV'9' :LLOV^[VYLJVYK SPM[ZJVYYLJ[S`HUK[YHJR WYVNYLZZ >H[JOOV^[VIYLHR VYTVYLYLJVYKZL]LY` ^LLR TPU\[LZVM PUZ[Y\J[PVU 5HFRUG&DUGV Minimum 50 WHJR WHJR ;YHJR^LLRZ )SHJR)S\L.YLLU VY9LK(ZRHIV\[ *\Z[VT*VSVYZ 5HDGLQHVV%RRN 5HDGLQHVV&DUGV Min.
50 25+ ! ! LH LH ;OL)-:9LHKPULZZ 7YVNYHTPU[YVK\JLZ H[OSL[LZ[V^LPNO[ [YHPUPUNI`LTWOHZPaPUN WLYMLJ[[LJOUPX\L( ZVSPKMV\UKH[PVUMVYHSS H[OSL[LZ )-:ZL[YLWJHYKZIVVRZHUK]PKLVZHYL ;9(+,4(92,+7YVK\J[Z0[PZPSSLNHS[V YLWYVK\JL[OLZLP[LTZPUM\SSVYPUWHY[ 6(75(3/2*%22.6IRURUPRUH 7UDFN)XOO<HDU,QFOXGHV,QVWUXFWLRQ 5HFRUGVHWVUHSVWLPHVEURNHQUHFRUGV PRUH ERRN ERRNVHD ERRNVHD DEDICATED TO HELPING ATHLETES SUCCEED SINCE 1976 29(521(0,//,2162/'&$// 6ROLGVWHHOFRQVWUXFWLRQZLWKQRQVOLSGLDPRQGWUHDGIRRWSODWH %2; $235 STARTING PRICE Custom Paint and Vinyl options available, call for free quote.
QFOR SQUATS, DIPS & PUSH-UPS BEEPS AND LIGHTS UP WHEN PARALLEL TO THE FLOOR NEW! Longer Strap and Improved Clasp The BFS Safety Squat helps athletes get the most from their workouts by encouraging perfect technique in squats, push-ups and dips.
DEDICATED TO HELPING ATHLETES SUCCEED SINCE 1976 :::%,**(5)$67(567521*(5&20 :HVW6RXWK6DOW/DNH&LW\87
From BFS Magazine — May/June 2011. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
