Radiation and Cell phones :

Radiation and Cell phones :
Cell phones work by emitting radio frequency radiation (RFR) that transmit through the antenna on your phone. This antennae lies right next to your brain. The potential risk of a mobile phone comes from its emission of low levels of radio frequency radiation (RF), the same type of energy that comes off a microwave oven. The RF pulses off the device's antenna right next to the user's head, and that proximity to the brain is what concerns some researchers. It is well known that high levels of RF can produce biological damage through heating effects (this is how your microwave oven is able to cook food). However, it is not known whether, to what extent, or through what mechanism, lower levels of RF might cause adverse health effects as well.

Risks to children :

Preliminary scientific evidence found exposure to radio frequency radiation might have subtle effects on biological functions, including the brain. Children may be more vulnerable because of their developing nervous system, the greater absorption of energy in the tissues of the child's head, and a longer lifetime of exposure.


Views of scientists and researchers :

Inconclusive. There have been some 200 studies on the safety of cell phones. And they all seem to conflict concluding that scientists still aren't sure as to the safety of cell phones. The catch is that these are short-term studies. Cell phones have only been in the mainstream for a few years. No one is sure of the long-term effects.

Preventive measures :

Limit time spent on your cell phone.
Use a phone design that moves the antennae away from the head.
Discourage children from using them.
Don't use a cell phone if the signal is weak. The phone shoots out more radiation to compensate for a poor signal.

SAR Levels :

Human exposure levels to mobile phones are measured by testing the Specific Absorption Rate, referred to as SAR .The SAR measures how much energy is absorbed into the body. Individual countries set SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) guidelines, which indicate to the public what level of radio or other electromagnetic waves emitted by electrical appliances, is safe. In the UK,these guidelines are set by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB)and the SAR limit for the general public is set at 10 watts per
kilogram (w/kg). ICNIRP*set the SAR limit for the general public at 2 watts per kilogram (w/kg).

Motorola
http://www.motorola.com/General/rfhealth

Nokia
http://www.nokia.com/safety

Carphone Warehouse
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/customer_services/knowledge_base/healt01/willu01.html

SAR Test Laboratories - information about testing the radio wave emissions of mobile phones
http://www.sartest.com


Are mobile phones dangerous ? :


Radiowaves given off by mobiles can heat-up body tissue, having damaging effects Radiowaves are not powerful enough to cause heat damage to the body

Magnetic fields created by mobile phones can affect the way that your body cells work
The magnetic fields are incredibly small, and so unlikely to affect cells in our body


People who make long mobile phone calls sometimes complain of fatigue, headaches, and loss of concentration The same results have never been reported in laboratory conditions and may be due to other factors in modern lifestyles

Mobile phone users are 2.5 times more likely to develop cancer in areas of the brain adjacent to their phone ears Researchers admit it's unclear this increase is linked to using mobiles

The International Agency for Research on Cancer found a link between childhood cancer and power lines. Like mobile phones, power lines also emit radiation The radiation produced by powerlines is a differnet kind of radiation, with much more energy than that coming from mobile phones

Radiofrequency waves similar to those in mobile phones altered the gene expression in nematode worms Worms are not humans, there is no guarantee that our brain cells will behave in the same way

Look Ma, No Hands!
If you are worried about the potential hazards of cell-phone radiation, here are few ways to reduce your risk:
Use a hands-free headset.
Use a phone that places the antenna as far away from you as possible.
Extend the antenna during use.
Limit calls inside buildings.
Use the phone in open spaces as often as possible.
Limit use by children.