Mobile Phones and Health

Mobile phone radiation and health

The effect of mobile phone radiation on human health is the subject of recent interest and study, as a result of the enormous increase in mobile phone usage throughout the world (as of November 2011, there were more than 6 billion subscriptions worldwide[1]). Mobile phones use electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. Other digital wireless systems, such as data communication networks, produce similar radiation.

In 2011, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified mobile phone radiation on the IARC scale into Group 2B - possibly carcinogenic.

On the basis of current understanding of the relationship between brain cancer and use of mobile phones, including the recently published data from the INTERPHONE study, ARPANSA : concludes that currently available data do not warrant any general recommendation to limit use of mobile phones in the adult population,

continues to inform those concerned about potential health effects that they may limit their exposure by reducing call time, by making calls where reception is good, by using hands-free devices or speaker options, or by texting; and recommends that, due to the lack of any data relating to children and long term use of mobile phones, parents encourage their children to limit their exposure by reducing call time, by making calls where reception is good, by using hands-free devices or speaker options, or by texting.

Cell phone users had an increased risk of malignant gliomas.

Link between cell phone use and a higher rate of acoustic neuromas.

Tumors are more likely to occur on the side of the head that the cell handset is used.

One hour of cell phone use per day significatly increases tumor risk after ten years or more.

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity

Some users of mobile handsets have reported feeling several unspecific symptoms during and after its use; ranging from burning and tingling sensations in the skin of the head and extremities, fatigue, sleep disturbances, dizziness, loss of mental attention, reaction times and memory retentiveness, headaches, malaise, tachycardia (heart palpitations), to disturbances of the digestive system.

Precautionary measures and health advisories

Use hands-free to decrease the radiation to the head.

Keep the mobile phone away from the body.

Do not use telephone in a car without an external antenna.

Use mobile radiation tracking apps have been developed to help to mitigate exposure[