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Feature Article:
Cell Phone Cancer
Cell phones - do they cause
cancer?
Many people would like to know the answer
to that question. Cell phones have been in use since the 1980s. Their
popularity, however, increased tremendously in the 1990s and continues to grow
steadily.
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Some Interesting Facts about Cell Phones
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Cell Phone Cancer? There is no
definitive answer about whether cell phones cause cancer, since the information
available can only be based on short-term studies. However, several major
studies show no evidence linking cell phones and cancer at this time.
The amount of time people spend on cell phones has increased and will be
factored into current and future studies. This ongoing research will continue
for many years to see if there may be a relationship between slow-growing tumors
in the brain or other places in the body over longer time periods.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT CELL PHONE
USE
Cell phones use non-ionizing radiation or low levels of radiofrequency energy
(RF). Exposures to low levels of RF from cell phones have not been found to
cause health problems.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) have developed guidelines that limit the amount of radiofrequency energy
that cell phones are allowed to emit in the US. The RF exposure from cell phones
is measured in Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). |
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What can I use to
protect myself from cell phone cancer and radiation
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The SAR measures the amount of energy absorbed by
the body. The SAR permitted in the US is 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6W/kg).
According to the FCC, this amount is much lower than the level shown to cause
any changes in laboratory animals. Every cell phone manufacturer is required to
report the RF exposure of each of its phone models to the FCC. To find out
specific information on your cell phone, you can go to the FCC web site.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?
Although health problems related to long-term use are thought to be unlikely,
there are some steps that can be taken to limit your potential risks.
Save your lengthy phone conversations for a conventional telephone (landline).
Change to a cell phone that has its antenna outside the vehicle.
Use a headset and place the phone away from your body.
Find out how much SAR energy is emitted from the telephone.
CHILDREN AND CELL PHONES
Generally, cell phone studies have involved adults aged 18 or older. Most
children didn't use cell phones until the mid-1990s. This leaves the effects of
cell phone use on children questionable, but taking the same steps outlined for
adults with your children may help to reduce the potential risks.
Other national governments have recommended that children be discouraged from
using cell phones. In December 2000, the British government handed out pamphlets
that recommended minimizing children's cell phone usage, even though there was
no scientific evidence confirming or denying a health risk.
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