| Written by Roshan Shrestha Saturday, 03 January 2009 07:38 | ||||
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One of the common sights we see these days is that of people with their mobile phones next to their ears. A boon for better communication, cell phone usage nonetheless has many health hazards. Various studies indicate that the emissions from a cell phone can be extremely harmful, causing genetic damage, tumors, memory loss, and increased blood pressure and weakening of the immune system. This is alarming information, and one has to take into account all these factors. CELL PHONES AND HEALTH Though there is no evidence of cell phones causing cancer or any such illness, but the suspicion, or fear of the same is not baseless either. The electromagnetic radiation from cell phones does have a potential link to cancer. The fact that this radiation is invisible, intangible, and enters and leaves our bodies without our knowledge makes it even more intimidating. HEALTH CONCERNS Cancer / Tumors Studies have been conducted suggesting that rats that have been exposed to microwaves similar to the sort generated by mobile phones but more powerful, showed breaks in their DNA which could indicate an adverse effect. Also, mice exposed to radiation for 18 months developed brain tumors. Though of course, these studies are not concrete proof. Blood Pressure It was observed that people using cell phones were prone to high blood pressure. Again, there isn't any concrete evidence of the same. Headaches, Heating Effects, Fatigue A study brought out that longer the people used mobile phones; the more likely they were to report symptoms such as hot ears, burning skin, headaches and fatigue. The study did not include a control group (that is people who do not use mobile phones, to make a comparison); therefore the symptoms reported could have been caused by any number of other factors in the mobile phones users' environment, such as working with computers, stress, driving or reading. Memory There have been various studies into the connection between mobile phones and memory loss. A study looked into the effect of radiofrequency (RF) on the section of rats' brains that is linked with the memory. The results showed that RF could modify signals in the cells in a part of the brain that is responsible for learning and short term memory. Posture (holding phone between raised shoulder and ear) Some researchers claim that holding a mobile phone between the raised shoulder and the ear could have a damaging effect on muscles, bones, tendons and discs. These problems would apply equally to a cordless phone or a landline phone as to a mobile phone and are the effect of bad posture. Mobile Phones and Children • Cell phones should be used for emergencies, and not for long conversations.
• Hands-free devices cut exposure by keeping the instrument away from the head and body. • Driving cum mobile phone talking should be banned. • Mobile phones should not be used in Intensive Care Units of hospitals as they can pose a danger to patients by interfering with the working of pacemakers and defibrillators. • People with hearing aids should not use mobile phones. • Base stations, which have low powered antennae on their terrace to communicate with cell phones, should not be located near children's schools and playgrounds.
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