Mobile Phones - where's the harm?

By: Jesse Kielthy

No industry has had such an impact on our daily lives as that of the mobile phone industry. In the industry's short history, the number of mobile phone users in the developed world has increased exponentially. It's little wonder then that debates are raging about the health implications that these devices will have.

Electronic devices, such as phones, emit electro-magnetic radiation. Using these phones implies that such radiation will, in some way, have an abnormal effect on our health and our lives. Furthermore, holding the phone to our head, where the radiation will be in close proximity to such vital organs as the brain and our eyes, does little to lessen the anxieties feared by some.

Phones emit what is known as non-ionising radiation, where some heating effect will occur, but usually not enough to cause any long-term damage. At high levels, the radio frequency (RF) signals used by phones to transmit voice signals across the network can heat human tissue, but mobile phones operate at power levels well below the point at which such heating will take place. Guidelines are set in place by the World Health Organization (WHO - www.who.int/peh-emf/en) to avoid all identified hazards, from short and long term exposure, with a large margin of safety incorporated into the limit values. Significantly, the main conclusion of reviews commissioned by the Organization is that exposure to electro-magnetic fields within the limit recommended by it do not have any known consequences on health. Also, the Federal Communications Company (FCC - http://www.fcc.gov) in America, which regulates the licensing and use of radio transmitters in the States, has concluded that "the available scientific evidence does not demonstrate any adverse health effects associated with the use of mobile phones". No study to date has provided conclusive evidence that cell phones can cause any of the feared illnesses.
However, the mobile industry is relatively young. While the timeline of wireless phones will date back to the mid-twentieth century, it is only within the last decade or so that cellular phones have become commonplace and an integral part of our lives. Because of this, studies into the long-term effects on our health have been somewhat limited.

For those who are more apprehensive, there are ways to actively combat radiation levels. The further the phone is from the user, the weaker the level of radiation. Therefore, hands-free sets are available, which increase the distance between the user and the phone. Placing the antenna as far away from you as possible is something else that can be done. If it's possible to extend the aerial on your phone, do so. Also, the longer people expose themselves to radiation, the greater the risk that they are taking. If someone is regularly using mobile phones from a young age, then it follows that they are at a greater risk. Therefore, limit the use of phones by children.

It's clear that using mobile phones does not pose a danger when used in moderation. For those who seem to be constantly on the mobile however, be a bit more careful. Show a little caution and use technology to your advantage - that way, possible long-term risks are reduced.