Did you know that every time you use your cell phone, you might be exposed to potentially harmful levels of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation? Cnet reports, “Research abounds, but there still is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence as to whether cell phones cause adverse health effects in humans. The science will continue… but it can take years of exhaustive research before studies actually prove anything (if they ever do).”
In the meantime, questions have been raised about the dangers of everyday technology. Some side effects of using a cell phone throughout the day include tiredness, mental fogginess, confusion and frequent headaches. According to the Wall Street Journal, teens spend more than ten hours talking on the phone every month. What does this mean for their health?
Several studies have discovered a link between long-term (ten years or longer) cell phone use and brain tumors, decreased sperm count, and other ailments. However, the research is only beginning to uncover the potential harm.
According to the National Cancer Institute, “the only known biological effect of radiofrequency energy is heating. The ability of microwave ovens to heat food is one example of this effect of radiofrequency energy. Radiofrequency exposure from cell phone use does cause heating; however, it is not sufficient to measurably increase body temperature.”
When several students were asked about their take on cell radiation, many didn’t know what it was. Some Aragon students might have heard of this theory, but others are completely unaware. Aragon junior Diego Martins states, “I use my phone all day, everyday, and I sleep with it next to me on my bed… I am not scared of radiation. I have heard that radiation can cause cancer, but the sun can also cause cancer just from everyday exposure.”
Junior Michael Wraa notes, “the WHO (World Health Organization) has classified mobile phone radiation on the IARC scale into Group 2(B)—possibly carcinogenic… So talking on the phone for long periods of time or sleeping with your phone can cause [damage]. Any time your phone is on you run the risk.”
The same risk also applies to other household electronics such as microwaves and laptops. Wraa adds, “When on, microwaves create an electromagnetic field. The power can give off [radiation]… same with laptops.”
Fortunately, products have been manufactured to decrease the levels of radiation emitted from cell phones and other electronics, including computer monitors, pagers, video game consoles, TVs, baby monitors, hair dryers, cordless phones and refrigerators.
One way to prevent radiation is to text as an alternative to calling; most teens prefer texting anyway. Wraa states, “Holding a cell phone 2-4 inches away from your head can lessen your risk of cancer from radiation by 35-50%,” making texting a safer alternative.
The National Cancer Institute states, “A recent study showed that when people used a cell phone for 50 minutes, brain tissues on the same side of the head as the phone’s antenna metabolized more glucose than did tissues on the opposite side of the brain. The researchers noted that the results are preliminary, and possible health outcomes from this increase in glucose metabolism are still unknown.”
While the world will obviously continue to use electronic devices despite the risks associated with radiation, only time will tell how serious the dangers of everyday technology are.
However, those who are unconcerned are justified as well. Wraa says, “Cell phone radiation is over-exaggerated. Radiation is practically everywhere. The reward is greater than the risk.”
The National Institute of Environmental Health adds, “The weight of the current scientific evidence has not conclusively linked cell phone use with any adverse health problems, but more research is needed.”
This two-sided issue proves that while technology can help us, it can hurt us just as easily. The fact that this issue remains unresolved demonstrates that additional research is still badly needed, and in the meantime, students’ excessive texting habits may just be justified.
