Cell Phone Radiation: Are We at Risk?

One cannot imagine leaving the house without the ubiquitous cell phone or survive a day without it. Our society has depended on cell phones and other wireless devices too much that most are literally and physically connected to theirs all the time, as if it has become a part of their appendage so much that a day without this technological piece is like going out into the concrete jungle without a limb. In some third world societies, it has become such part of basic necessity that ranks on the same level as food.

It's one of those things, everyone has it, otherwise you are out of the loop. Child, adult, elderly, you name it. It's hard to imagine any human activity that cannot incorporate a cellphone with it, eating, cooking, driving, sleeping (beside one), some even while having sex talk on their cellphones. Even some homeless person on the street tots one.

Cell phones has become so intertwined in our lives that it has replaced some daily rituals and relationship habits. The last thing you check before you sleep is your cell phone, not your kids nor your partner. In the morning, upon waking up, before you even brush your teeth or wash your face, the first thing you check, you guess it right, your cell phone for any messages, missed calls, Facebook status, Twitter tweets you might have missed. 

Cell phones come in different prices, shape and sizes and even has become a sort of status symbol for some. Our modern society is simply addicted to cell phones. No matter what the price they come with, they bring something into our lives, much more than convenience and connectivity, as they could also pose a possible unseen danger that few of us seem to really care, radiation. Staying connected 24/7 may have a price, one much more than you ask for.

The effects of cell phone radiation to the human body has been the subject of much debates as well as research. In 2008, Dr. Khurana, an Australian neurosurgeon has caused quite as stir not only in the medical profession but also across the world when he concluded that the use of cell phones increases the risk of brain tumors. In the next couple of days, international newspapers carried this story with some to exaggerated proportions stating that cell phone use is more dangerous than smoking. Critics lambast Dr. Khurana's findings since it has not undergone peer review nor published in any scientific journal.

A number of scientific studies on radio frequency radiation emitted by cell phones and cell towers found that these may cause some modification in the human cellular makeup and could dangerous to bodies at dangerous levels. Another study held that the same RF may possibly cause DNA damage, a leading precursor of cancer. Independent studies have found the link between radiation and its impact on the brain chemicals. But until today, there's no definitive study that maps a direct causal link between RF radiation by cell phones and wireless device and its direct effect on a humans. Two facts are sure, one, cell phones make use of electromagnetic waves to function and also emit a radio frequency (RF) and two, constant exposure to it make unaware humans vulnerable to changes inside the body. The type of radiation emitted by cell phones is akin to those of the microwave range.

This is the exact opposite of the saying " What you don't know, will not hurt you", because in this case what you don't know may could, well, hurt you. Equally controversial are wireless communication systems, some may call it 'wifi' systems. It is the trend this days, seldom will you find an office, school, mall, store that do not boast of wireless connectivity. Our homes are not spared with home routers and personal pocket wifis being the rage in certain places.

Cell phone radiation is measured by means of SAR or specific absorption rate. At some point, some of the waves emitted by antennas or cell phones get absorbed by the body and this is measured by the SAR. Since most of the wireless devices make use of radio waves, the Federal Communications Commission or FCC (U.S.) recommends cell phone manufacturers to conduct their own SAR testing including severe or worst condition (highest levels) of operation of all frequency bands used in the U.S. for any particular cell phone. The FCC previously requires that the SAR of all cell phones sold in the US must be below 1.6 watts per kilogram.

1. When you are in your car with your cell phone, you are in increased risk to the radiation exposure due to the confined space of the car. As much as possible turn it of when you drive.

2. Phone radiation reaches up to 300 feet.

3. Laptops emit the same RF.

There is no definitive studies that focused on the direct causal relationship between cell phones and other wireless device to harmful biological effects on the human body yet, but scientific research proved that indeed a cell phone device and other wireless technologies emit these radiations. The missing link is a study that would correlate this fact and its impact on the body. It requires a thorough study spanning a long period of time, and more funds to discover a direct link between cell phone use and its health risks. But this fact should put people on the side of caution. Rather than waiting for an answer to make us all stand in attention, why not apply caution as much as you can in the use of this devices.

In other countries like Europe and Japan, the safety absorption limit is set at 2 watts per kilogram. The FCC sets the limit at 1.6 watts/jg. As a first step to prevent absorption, one must take the time to buy those phones within this safety SAR limit or below. You may do this by asking the cell phone technician or seller or looking at the unit itself where you will find the FCC ID number in a sticker somewhere usually under the battery. With this important number you now log on to www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid. You find an instruction on FCC ID number and then enter it in two parts, the first one being the Grantee number (3 digits) then the remaining numbers which refers to the Equipment Product Code, then press 'Search'. You will then find the grant of equipment authorization for this particular FCC ID number including data on highest SAR values for this unit.

It has been found that radiation affects children easily due to their largely undeveloped brains so it is best to shield the young ones from such by making cell phone far away from them as much as possible or not allowing them to play with it for extended periods.

Don't make the mistake of taking it to bed with you. Many sleep with their cell phones beside them, tucked under the pillows or worse harmlessly lying next to their heads. This is a very bad idea and increases your risk of exposure to RF without your being aware of it. At night, when you are not expecting an important call, try turning your mobile device off before you sleep, and leave them outside your bedroom, or place them in a secure area in your bathroom. In the close confines such as a car, try turning your phone off, to lessen your exposure to radiation in such a closed space. Besides, using your cell phone while you drive presents another dangerous risk to on-road safety.

As much as possible make use of the speakerphone. This way you phone is inches away from your head thereby reducing radiation exposure to your brain. These practice may put a damp on your convenience but what is a few hours or minutes a day without the constant buzzing and ringing? Technology and its invasion in our lives may have come to such a point when there are times you just want to break free and a time to tune in to yourself may become necessary.

Increasing the distance from wireless devices and your body can also be a safe measure. Another way is to hold the cell phone a few distance slightly from your head to minimize exposure. Still, not obstructing the antenna while you are making a call can greatly reduce radiation exposure. You may do this by holding the cell phone at its base rather than holding or touching parts of the antenna while you're at it. If you are a heavy cell phone user, it is a food idea to buy a hands free kit to further decrease exposure to radiation. When at home, make more use of your landline phone when making longer calls. Landlines may not be facing extinction yet.

Others may also opt buy quantum or scalar devices aimed to help deflect the effect of radiation to the human body as discussed in a previous hub on this concern. Due to a study on the adverse effects of wireless technology to the human brain some European countries like France had already banned wireless in schools and other public areas.

One may never escape the radiation of cell phones and wireless systems while you are out and about as our societies become increasingly wireless, but you can still make your homes a safety haven to have a breather from all these.

If you like this hub, you may want to read on the benefits of quantum and scalar energy devices on "Does Manny Pacquiao Wear a Quantum Pendant?".