Exposure to radiation from mobile phones and towers

Bloggers like me have been relentlessly calling attention of the authorities to the health effects of exposure from radiation from the cell phones. Like most us, endocrinologist Dr. Shashank Joshi also says the mobile phone should be used only as an emergency toll to pass on messages. Some reports say that the mobile phones can cause cancer. This is over-exaggeration. Cancer is a multi cause disease with a latency period of 10 to 30 year after exposure. Nobody can say for sure that the EMF radiation exposure can cause cancer.

Mobile towers are particularly more dangerous due to the emission higher levels of EM radiation for 24x7 basis. Ideally, the towers should be put up at a sufficient height away from populated areas. The guidelines specified should be followed by the service providers. Instead of erecting separate towers, the existing towers should be shared by the service providers. The city areas should be monitored frequently by the designated agencies to ensure that the levels are below the prescribed guidelines. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values of mobile phones should be displayed continuously on the screen to caution or alert the user in case of any over-exposure. Keep the mobile phones away from the children.

As regards to the standards, India also should follow the International Standards Specified by International Commission for Non-ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP), a non-governmental expert body to recommend permissible limits for exposures to non-ionizing radiations such as electromagnetic radiation. The guidelines are based on science and should be respected by one and all.