In view of the exponentially increasing usage of mobile phones, there has been much apprehension worldwide about the health concerns of its prolonged use. It is reported in the media that researchers at Danish Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Copenhagen concluded that “Mobiles don’t cause cancer”. The conclusion was based on their recent study on 420,095 people who had a phone at some point between 1982 and 1995, examined through until 2002. That is occasional radio-frequency (RF) exposures for a period of 13 years.
I strongly recommend that the conclusion should be taken in the proper perspective keeping in mind the following:
1. Cancer is a late-effect. The latent period (since its initiation) for a solid cancer to appear is 30-40 years.
2. The current level of mobile usage is not occasional, but can be quite high, as high as a few hours in day.
Keeping in mind the above uncertainty and the gaps in our knowledge about the health effects, it is not possible to completely rule out adverse health effects even at levels of RF exposures below the international guidelines. Hence, it advisable to have a precautionary approach, such as i) using the phones only occasionally, ii) find out its RF emission levels / SAR Value of the mobiles before it’s purchase, iii) using hand-free types to minimize the exposure to head and neck region and iv) avoid exposure of the mobile to small children.
I strongly recommend that the conclusion should be taken in the proper perspective keeping in mind the following:
1. Cancer is a late-effect. The latent period (since its initiation) for a solid cancer to appear is 30-40 years.
2. The current level of mobile usage is not occasional, but can be quite high, as high as a few hours in day.
Keeping in mind the above uncertainty and the gaps in our knowledge about the health effects, it is not possible to completely rule out adverse health effects even at levels of RF exposures below the international guidelines. Hence, it advisable to have a precautionary approach, such as i) using the phones only occasionally, ii) find out its RF emission levels / SAR Value of the mobiles before it’s purchase, iii) using hand-free types to minimize the exposure to head and neck region and iv) avoid exposure of the mobile to small children.
1 comment:
What is also dangerous now a days is the use of hands free headsets that use "new" technology like Bluetooth – people walk around the whole day with these devices plugged into their ears – if not by RF – these things hold the potential for people to loose their hearing because of damage to the ear canals. Dangers of these devise are not known - so as suggested - moderation is the key.
Post a Comment