How many times in a day do you hear or see people obsessing with their cell phones? It’s like an addiction, not being able to function without it. I confess I may be a bit obsessed with my Smartphone since I feel absolutely lost without it, but I have to admit, my cell phone minutes have plummeted since the latest research findings. As of May 31, 2011 the World Health Organization (WHO) says that “radiation from cell phones can possibly cause cancer”. The WHO now lists mobile phone use in the same "carcinogenic hazard" category as lead, engine exhaust and chloroform.
Researchers found some evidence of increases in brain tumors and brain cancer for mobile phone users. The type of radiation coming out of a cell phone is called non-ionizing which is similar to a low-powered microwave oven. Essentially, our brain starts to cook like food in a microwave. (Scary - It’s like a horror movie!) In addition to leading to a development of cancer and tumors, there could be a whole host of other effects like declining cognitive memory function and other health ailments. "When you look at cancer development -- particularly brain cancer -- it takes a long time to develop.I think it is a good idea to give the public some sort of warning that long-term exposure to radiation from your cell phone could possibly cause cancer," said Dr. Henry Lai, research professor in bioengineering at University of Washington who has studied radiation for more than 30 years.
Earlier this year in February 2011, a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health revealed radiation emitted after just 50 minutes on a mobile phone increases the activity in brain cells. The effects of brain activity being artificially stimulated are still unknown.
Radiation from cell phones can possibly cause cancer. What YOU can do to reduce your exposure to radiation:
- Keep your phone at least 1-inch from your body when your device is transmitting.
- Use the speakerphone function or a wired earpiece to gain some distance.
- Text more and talk less. (To keep the phone away from faces)
- Avoid using your cell phones in elevators, buildings and rural areas (away from towers) if you want to reduce radiation exposure.
The logic behind such recommendations is that the further the phone is from the body, the less radiation is absorbed.
How do you feel about using your cell phone now? Are you trying to limit your minutes? Do you think people will be making lifestyle changes due to the new research?
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/05/31/who.cell.phones/index.html