Guidelines to reduce Harmful Effects of Mobile Phones
Highlights
- Use of mobile phones causes harmful effects on the body
- Using cell phones at a very young age has long term effects on the health
- Simple steps need to be taken to avoid these effects like not keeping the phone in the pocket, keeping it away from the bed at night
Exposure to mobile phone radiation can cause harmful effects on health and it is essential to keep these devices away from the body, reveals the California Department of Public Health.
Smartphones have become part of our daily lives and are no longer just limited to calls and texts, but to other things like banking requests, conduct video conferences, movies and games.
‘Exposure in both children and adults can be reduced by taking simple steps like not keeping the phone in the pocket, keeping it away from the bed at night.’
The department of California's public health (CDPH) has issued a warning against the hazards of cell phone radiation, despite its incredibly use in our daily lives.
Exposure to Mobile Radiation
A lot of discussions have taken place during several occasions, but there are no clear and definite conclusions. However, the CDPH has requested people to lower their usage of mobile phones and to keep them at a distance whenever possible.
"Although the science is still evolving, there are concerns among some public health professionals and members of the public regarding long-term, high use exposure to the energy emitted by cell phones," said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith.
Exposure in both children and adults can be reduced by taking simple steps like not keeping the phone in the pocket, keeping it away from the bed at night.
Use of cell phones has become common among children for their entertainment and educational use. Using cell phones at a very young age has long term effects on their health, warns CDPH.
"Children's brains develop through the teenage years and may be more affected by cell phone use, parents should consider reducing the time their children use cell phones and encourage them to turn the devices off at night," said Dr Smith.
Cell phones emit Radiofrequency (RF) energy that aids in emitting and receiving signals. Though there is no definite conclusion on this matter, few scientists have warned that these frequencies have ill effects on human health over a long period.
The Federal Communications Commission has not given any standard safety limit on the safe exposure of RF energy. However, CDPH recommends the following guidelines:
- To carry cell phone in the backpack or briefcase or purse and not in the pocket or belt holster
- To reduce the use of cell phone when the signal is weak
- To limit the use of cell phones while streaming audio or video, or while downloading or uploading large files
- To keep the cell phone away from the bed at night
- To remove headsets when not on a call
- To avoid products that claim to block radio frequency energy
- To avoid using in fast-moving vehicles or trains
Harmful Effects of Cell Phone Usage
Cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation from the circuit system and battery that can cause harm to biological tissues.
Microwave electromagnetic radiation is known to cause heating and burns. However, does not contain sufficient energy to change substances by ionization chemically. Prolonged exposure to heat may be the reason for the chemical damage in a cell or tissue.
Cell phone users may be at an increased risk of cancers such as glioma, salivary gland cancer, acoustic neuroma, and meningiomas. Blood-brain-barrier can be disturbed by mobile phone microwave radiation during standard calls.
Sleeping with a cell phone under the pillow or near the bed causes sleep disturbances. Cardiovascular Irregularities can also be increased with cell phone use.
Reference
- Cell Phones and Cancer Risk - (https:www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/cell-phones-fact-sheet)
Source: Eurekalert
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Hannah Joy. (2017, December 18). Guidelines to reduce Harmful Effects of Mobile Phones. Medindia. Retrieved on Jan 18, 2025 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/guidelines-to-reduce-harmful-effects-of-mobile-phones-175583-1.htm.
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Hannah Joy. "Guidelines to reduce Harmful Effects of Mobile Phones". Medindia. Jan 18, 2025. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/guidelines-to-reduce-harmful-effects-of-mobile-phones-175583-1.htm>.
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Hannah Joy. 2017. Guidelines to reduce Harmful Effects of Mobile Phones. Medindia, viewed Jan 18, 2025, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/guidelines-to-reduce-harmful-effects-of-mobile-phones-175583-1.htm.