For years, I’ve been concerned about cell phone safety. What are the health effects of putting a radio transmitter one-quarter inch from your brain? In the same spot? For hours at a time?
When I wrote about this in 2000, the cell phone industry indicated there weren’t any risks and federal regulators reported they didn’t know. They said:
- There is overwhelming evidence no link exists between cell phones and health effects. – The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association
- Further studies are needed because there isn’t enough information to assure the public that there are, or are not, any low incident health problems associated with the use of cell phones. – The Federal Communications Commission, the agency that regulates cell phones
What’s new in the great cell phone safety debate?
I was disappointed to read the federal Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Communication Commission’s Web site called “Cell Phone Facts – Consumer Information on Wireless Phones." Federal agencies continue to dodge this important issue. The Web site states:
Do wireless phones pose a health hazard? The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of radio-frequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in the stand-by mode. Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue), exposure to low-level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low-level RF exposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research. In some cases, other researchers have had difficulty in reproducing those studies, or in determining the reasons for inconsistent results.
CNN’s Larry King Live offered an informative program last week on “How Safe Are Cell Phones?” It was helpful to have the issues about cell phones discussed on such a prominent national program.
On the program, advice was given to follow the recommendations of federal agencies and your cell phone company regarding safety when using your cell phone.
The FDA and FCC recommend:
If there is a risk from these products – and at this point we do not know that there is – it is probably very small. But if you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to radio-frequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every day, you could place more distance between your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a remote antenna.
Meanwhile, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association continues to ignore the concerns about cell phone safety.
When I checked the association's Web site today, I learned National Wireless Safety Week is June 2-6. The focus of the week is to "remind the more than 250 million wireless subscribers in the U.S. to not only act responsibly when using their wireless device, but to take responsibility and use their phones to help someone else in need.”
Today an awards dinner honored eight wireless samaritans who used wireless technology to save lives or fight crime. Industry leaders, members of Congress, FCC leadership, and key Capital Hill staff were recognized for their efforts in promoting wireless technology as a vital safety tool.
It's discouraging that the industry continues to ignore cell phone safety concerns and sponsors a National Wireless Safety Week as a public relations tool to promote wireless technology.
Here is some information for you to consider on cell phone safety:
“Cell Phones” – Food and Drug Administration
“Report Identifies Research to Bolster Knowledge of Any Potential Health Effects of Wireless Communication Devices” – National Academies
“Study: Cell Phone Users Have Lower Sperm Count” – Consumeraffairs.com
"A Phone Safe Enough For The Kids?” — Business Week
“Hands-Free Mobiles Increase Radiation Risk” – Cell Phone Radiation News Bureau
“Dr. George Carlo’s Interview” – Electropollution
"Cell Phones: Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age" by George Carlo, Ph.D. – Carroll and Graf Publishers
Tomorrow's post on Unlocking The Power of Your Money will discuss More States Requiring Hands-Free Cell Phone Use.
Even I was worried about the Do wireless phones pose a health hazard?
When I searched about this I got many types of +ve and -ve answers. The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of radiofrequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in the stand-by mode. Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue), exposure to low level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low level RF exposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research. In some cases, other researchers have had difficulty in reproducing those studies, or in determining the reasons for inconsistent results.