I am sure at one point or another we have all heard about the potential dangers of cell phone use. However, it still does not seem to be treated as the potential immediate hazard that it truly is. It should!
We are in a time in which the consequences of the frequent use of this technology are beginning to rear their ugly heads. According to George Carlo, PhD, JD, who is an epidemiologist and medical scientist, and the first researcher to conduct industry backed studies of the dangers of cell phone use, claims that phones are slowly prompting a host of health issues.
Unlike other industries where products must be environmentally tested before human use, cell phone companies are not required to conduct any safety testing before cellphones reach the market. There are now over 2 billion cellphone users getting exposed to electromagnetic radiation daily (EMR). On top of that, we are also exposed to EMR through electrical devices, wiring, power lines, alarm clocks, microwaves, etc. Let’s control what we can: how we use our cell phones.
There are many studies that show how radiation exposure from cell phones has very significant effects on our cells, some of which show that exposure can turn on genes that kill or mutate brain cells, as tested in a test tube, and result in brain cancer. According to Dr. Carlo, the time on the phone is irrelevant, as the danger mechanism is triggered within seconds. In a study done by Dr. Carlo, using head only exposure systems and laboratory rats he was able to identify DNA damage and other genetic markers.
Fertility is also highly affected by the exposure. Studies show that couples at a reproductive age who used their cell phones more than 2 hours a day had much lower quality sperm than those who used their phone less. In one study, men who carried a cell phone on their belt and used it intensively for 5 days had a 19% drop in highly motile sperm from their previous levels (Davoudi 2002). Another study found that men who talked on the phone more than an hour a day had 17% fewer higher motile sperm than men who talked on the phone less than 15 minutes a day (Fejes 2005).
Along with brain tumors, and the lowering of fertility, other dangers include: genetic damage, brain dysfunction, headaches, and sleep disorders.
An area of concern should also be children. Today, children are given cell phones at a much younger age, and are therefore exposed to the dangers at a very young age. There is even more risk when organs are still developing and children are growing. An even more vulnerable time is during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant should never let a phone near the growing fetus and should minimize exposure in every way possible.
We need to become mindful and realize that EMR is a serious issue. Down the road there is almost a guarantee that there may be a huge increase in disorders and diseases such as cancer due to the exposure to EMR, especially for those who have been exposed from a very young age. Even so, it is never too late to start making a difference.
How can we avoid this constant exposure?
- Don’t store a cell phone in your pocket, or on your body at all for that matter.
- Keep your cell phone in a purse, or bag, and try to avoid having it near any vital organs.
- Power down your cell phone whenever you can, at night for example, or when driving, when they shouldn’t be used anyways. Even when your smart phone is off, it can emit up to 14 feet of electromagnetic radiation.
- Don’t keep your cell phone near you, or even in the same room where you sleep. Any electronic device can disrupt reaching a deep REM sleep pattern.
- Use your speakerphone feature or get an earpiece to avoid every holding it close to your head.
References: -Davoudi M, Brossner C, Kuber W. 2002. The influence of electromagnetic waves on sperm motility. Journal für Urologie und Urogynäkologie 19: 19-22. -Fejes I, Zavaczki Z, Szollosi J, Koloszar S, Daru J, Kovacs L, et al. 2005. Is there a relationship between cell phone use and semen quality? Arch Androl 51(5): 385-93. -Gutschi, T., et al. Impact of Cell Phone Use on Men’s Semen Parameters. Andrologia. 2011 -Tip 76: Protect Yourself From Your Cell Phone:Radiation Compromises Fertility & Brain health.” Lifestylebypoliquin. N.p., 9 Jan. 2013. Web. 6 July 2015. -Kovach, Sue. “The Hidden Dangers of Cell Phone Radiation.” Life Extension Magezine Aug. 2007. Web. 6 July 2015
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