all about cell phones & health

7/29/2019 All About Cell Phones & Health

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All About Cell Phones & HealthbyRyan Andrews, July 30th, 2012.

Summary: Many factors contribute to the potential health risks of cell phones. Learn what they are, and how you

can protect yourself.

I dont know about you, but in the early 1990s I wanted one of these:

P.S. Shut up.

To me, radio transmissions from cell phones are kinda irrelevant. I forget about them and instead focus on

important stuff, like what Im going to eat for lunch. But just because I cant see or touch radio transmissions,

they still exist.

There are advantages to cell phones: making emergency calls, catching up with friends, getting business done

while on the bus, and so forth.

But what about any disadvantages?

Cell phones: a growing phenomenon

In 1996, there were 15 million U.S. cell phone subscribers. In 2000, there were 110 million U.S. cell phone

subscribers. Now (2012), there are over 303 million U.S. cell phone subscribers (the total U.S. population is

311 million).

Half of all eight year olds have a cell phone. 75% of twelve year olds do too.
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How do cell phones work?

Cell phones are a complex, low powered radiofrequency transmitter. Radiofrequency energy is a form of

electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is used to transmit information from cell phones to

base stations/antennas.


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How safe is electromagnetic radiation?

Electromagnetic radiation can be ionizing (e.g., X-rays) or non-ionizing (e.g., cell phones & microwave ovens).

Our bodies absorb radiation.

Electromagnetic spectrum

While our cell membranes appear to block non-ionizing radiation, were not sure how it influences ouroverall health long term.

For instance, some folks who live by base stations report various health conditions. Still, no data indicate a

direct cause/effect relationship here.

The SAR (specific absorption rate) is a measure of radiofrequency energy absorption by the body. The FCC

requires that handheld mobile devices not exceed 1.6 watts/kg (e.g., the iPhone 3G = 1.39). Behaviour in

animals appears to be disrupted at 4.0 watts/kg.

The problem of safety standards

Radiofrequency safety standards were based on the following imaginary person who:

was 62; was over 200 pounds; had an 11 pound head; and talked on a cell phone for 6 minutes at a time, without placing it directly against the skull (before you

laugh at the idea of holding a cell phone one inch away from your brain, its been estimated that for


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every millimeter of distance that a cell phone is held away from the head, exposure is lowered by

10%).

Well, based on demographic data, not many folks are that average person the average U.S. male is

about 510 and the average female is 54. And those are the adults. Remember, 75% of twelve year olds

have a cell phone. As you might imagine, they dont quite measure up to the radiofrequency safety standards

model.

Plus cell phones are changing.

The old school Zack Morris cell phone operated at 902.5 MHz. Modern cell phones are double this. Zack

Morris cell phones had antennas that extended out from the phone. Modern antennas are built into the

phone. This means transmissions are closer to the brain.

So what does this mean for our health?

The potential health risks of cell phones

Just because cell phones are available to purchase doesnt mean theyre a good idea to use.

The United States FDA does not test cell phone safety. Most of the information provided to us as consumers

comes from industry. And neither party government nor private industry necessarily has our best

interests in mind.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (World Health Organization) has deemed electromagnetic

fields from cell phones as possibly carcinogenic (same as lead, chloroform and engine exhaust).

Yet possibly carcinogenic doesnt mean definitely harmful. One problem with figuring out the true risks isthat there are many variables to consider with cell phone use, such as:

whos using the cell phone; how long theyve used it; how frequently they use it, and/or how long their calls last; what kind of phone it is; where they use it; and surrounding cell phone traffic.

For every study that outlines something negative related to cell phones, there is another study showing no

effect. As you can imagine, its tricky to find solid conclusions. And many studies related to cell phones were

funded by organizations that have a vested interest in promoting cell phone use.

However, even if we dont yet have solid data, we can make some informed guesses based on what we do

know about radiation and the way the body works.


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How cell phones might harm the body

Scientists speculate that cell phones might harm our bodies in a couple of ways:

Thermal: Radiation can elevate body temperature (think: microwave oven). With a cell phone in ourpocket or by our head, slight temperature increases might disrupt cellular functioning. The eyes and

testes appear especially susceptible.

Non-thermal: Radiofrequency energy can alter cell membrane permeability, the movement ofcalcium ions, cell excitability, free radical production, blood-brain barrier integrity, the stress

response and/or neurotransmitter release.

The role of the blood-brain barrier (as in the non-thermal effect) may be key.

When the blood-brain barrier loses integrity, it gets leaky, and microorganisms moving around the body have

a better chance of entering the brain space. Rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency (the strength of the old

Zack Morris phone) show a leaky brain.

Leakage across the blood-brain barrier also appears in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Still,observational studies have found little association in humans between cell phone use and the development

of MS (though data have indicated that MS symptoms might get worse with cell phone use).

Another thought is that increased cell phone usage can lead to increased oxidative stress (with concurrent

decreases in antioxidant function). More oxidative stress is associated with a host of problems, such as

damage to DNA, enzymes, lipids and proteins.

Whatever the mechanism, it seems clear that cell phones may have wide-ranging health effects on several

body organs and systems.

Effects on brain health

Data indicate that the brain is susceptible to electromagnetic field radiation.

When we hold a cell phone by our head, the electromagnetic fields can penetrate up to 6 cm inside the

brain. Nerves innervating the eyes and ears may also be exposed to cell phone radiation. Some cell phone

users have reported blurred vision, difficulty concentrating and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

There are some associations between cell phone (and cordless phone) use and brain cancer, with the highest

risk in those under the age of 20 years. Tumors in the brain/neck seem to be higher in those who have usedcell phones for more than 10 years.


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Source: Lehrer S, et al. Association between number of cell phone contracts and brain tumor incidence in nineteen U.S.

States. J Neurooncol 2011;101:505507.

There are a few indicators of how cell phone use might affect the brain. For example:

Brain glucose metabolism around the area of the cell phone antenna tends to increase while the cellphone is in use (by the head).

Alpha brain waves (a sign of relaxed brain activity) seem to increase with cell phone use. Data isntconsistent here and variations might be due to the type of cell phone used.

Cognitive performance (e.g. attention and memory) are another possible indicator, but data on thecognitive effects of electromagnetic fields from cell phones are mixed. Overall, the trend shows no

major impact (note: many of the tests used in the studies were very simple). One study in mice found

that low amounts of radiation from cell phones might actually help to fight off Alzheimers disease

(the study has been criticized by experts).

Effects on reproduction, fertility & pregnancy

There are some potential problems with electromagnetic radiation and testicular tissues. For example:

More cell phone use is correlated to less sperm motility, altered sperm morphology (in other words,funny-looking wigglers) and a decreased sperm count. Animal studies have shown decreases in

testicular size and sperm cell death with exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

Cell phone radiation might also lead to lower testosterone and testicular cancer.


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Source: Agarwal A, et al. Cell phones and male infertility: A review of recent innovations in technology and

consequences. Int Braz J Urol 2011;37:432-454.

If pregnant women use cell phones, there seems to be a greater chance that their children will have

behaviour problems or hyperactivity.

Effects on sleep & immunity

While the exact relationship isnt clear, it seems that cell phone use might affect sleep patterns and

neuroendocrine function. For example:

We know that the light from electronic screens can affect our brains circadian clock. Electromagneticradiation can also alter melatonin production and brain activity during sleep. Melatonin is involved

with sleep, metabolic health, and other processes.

Some cell phone users report more fatigue and headaches might also increase. Its unclear if thesefactors are related to other variables (like overworking, or constantly focusing the eyes to see the

text on the screen).

There are associations between cell phone use and the development of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Effects on kids & youth

I believe that 30% of all childhood cancers are associated with electromagnetic field exposure.

Dr. David Carpenter, Dean at the School of Public Health State University of New York

Ah, the kids these days, with their funny pants, their rock music, and their cell phones. And maybe, their poor

health thanks in part to cell phones.

Young brains continue to develop well into the third decade of life, and of course our brains are at their

busiest when we are young. Plus, in case you havent noticed, children are smaller people than grownups.


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So, the brains of children and teenagers may be more susceptible to electromagnetic radiation. Indeed, many

concerned parents and phone-happy kids have reported symptoms related to cell phone use, such as sleep

problems, dizziness, fatigue, asthma, behavioral problems, etc. However, without solid experimental data,

much of this remains anecdotal.

Data show that young folks who use cell phones have diminished memory. Is this because the phones store

things like phone numbers and addresses (which means we dont have to work to remember them), or

because were distracted by texting, or some other reason? Hard to say.

Effects on skin & joints

Modern technology has been implicated as a cause of various skin conditions, often to the hands and face.

Cell phone dermatitis can be related to nickel, chromium, and/or cobalt sensitivity.

Frequent users of smart phones have also reported conditions such as Blackberry thumb and phone neck

minor but still annoying tendonitis or muscle pain.

Effects on driver attention

We think were better multi-taskers than we really are, and cell phone use while driving is no exception.

Some research suggests that talking on a cell phone while driving is effectively like driving while impaired. In

fact, a study at the University of Utah that compared drunk drivers to drivers on cell phones even found that

cell phone drivers exhibited greater impairment than intoxicated drivers. Ouch.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that of all the traffic accidents

caused by distracted drivers, about 20% of those involved cell phone use.

As a result, many regions have banned cell phones for drivers outright, or restricted cell phone use to hands-

free devices only.

Environmental effects

Cell phones arent just a health hazard whilewere using them. They can be a health hazard before and after

we use them, too.

Producing new cell phones requires precious metals to be extracted from the earth. This is resource-intensive and generates tons of carbon dioxide. This can impact global weather patterns.

An expensive mineral called coltan is a component of cell phones. It can resist heat and store an electrical

charge. Its found mainly in regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the mining and production

process often involves child/youth labour and environmental hazards. Riverbeds must be cleared, toxic waste

is generated, and mining zones include areas that are home to gorillas (gorilla populations in Congo have

decreased by 90% in the last several years).


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Despite the difficulty of producing cell phone materials, we dont treat our phones as permanent

investments.

Worldwide, more than 1.2 billion cell phones were sold in 2009. And the average consumer only keeps their

cell phone for 18 months. More than half of cell phones are replaced because we get tired of the design.

What happens when they are discarded? Cell phones are classified as hazardous waste. Their components

include non-degradable plastics and often, heavy metals.

Unfortunately, the U.S. recycling rate on cell phones is only 8%. Yikes.

Thus, cell phones can also affect our health even when we arent using them.

Discarded cell phones

Summary and recommendations

I think that in 20 years well look back on cell phones in the same way we look back on cars and alcohol.

They have valuable functions in society, but when misused they can kill you.

Devra Davis, PhD, MPH

Its still not clear exactly how risky cell phones are for both us and our environment. We still dont know all

the factors involved, nor which ones are most harmful to us.

But when put together, all the data on cell phones suggest that we should be careful. If we wait for scientificproof on this issue, it might be too late.

Luckily, we can implement simple, low-cost preventive measures right now to help keep ourselves safe.

Simplify your phone. Additional capabilities on cell phones might mean additional health risks. Use it less. If you can use a landline for a call (i.e., phone with a cord), do it. Turn it off. A cell phone only emits radiation when its turned on. Text more. Texting can reduce radiation exposure to the brain.


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Set limits for kids. Use landlines for most calls. Find a phone with a lower SAR value (see resources below) Dont hold a cell phone next to your head. Use a hands free device/ear piece. Use the speaker

function when possible.

Keep cell phones away from your body. Instead of keeping them in your pocket, keep them in apurse, man-purse or backpack. The further the cell phone is away from your body, the less exposure

you have to the radiofrequency (another benefit of texting).

Pregnant women: dont keep a cell phone next to your body (when its turned on).

Men: avoid keeping a cell phone in your pocket (when its turned on).

Use the quiet car. If you can ride the car on the train that prohibits cell phones, youll be exposed toless electromagnetic radiation. If everyone around you has a switched-on cell phone, you are getting

exposed to more electromagnetic radiation.

Dont sleep with your cell phone on your nightstand. If you can get your cell phone repaired and avoid buying a new one, do it. Cell phone waste is a

major problem.

When you must discard your cell phone, make sure to recycle it properly or donate it (see resourcesbelow).

Resources

Highest radiation cell phones Lowest radiation cell phones SaferPhoneZone.com Is there a cell phone antenna near you? Environmental Working Group Guide to Safer Cell Phone Use A major study, known asCOSMOS, was launched in 2010 in Europe, tracking cells phone users for 20

years. Another study ismobi-kids.

Cell phone recycling & donation resources

Call2recycle.org- just enter your zip code and find a drop off location United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency Recycle Cell Phones- options for drop off or mail-in

recycling

Volunteerguide.org- options for donating old cell phonesReferences

Volkow ND, et al. Effects of cell phone radiofrequency signal exposure on brain glucose metabolism. JAMA

2011;305:808-813.

Lehrer S, et al. Association between number of cell phone contracts and brain tumor incidence in nineteen

U.S. States. J Neurooncol 2011;101:505507.
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