As per figures revealed by TRAI in April, 2016, over 81.35 percent Indian are currently using cell phones. The figures are much higher in other countries like Unites States, Brazil, Russia, United Kingdom and Philippines. The future estimates are mind boggling as the world perceives more than 8 billion mobile phone users over next few years.
This small yet most important device has transformed the way humans communicate. However, is it only facilitating communication or does it also have an impact on human health? Owing to the widespread usage of cell phones, people and researches are becoming increasingly conscious on the probable health hazard it may lead to or even looking for expert recommendations to avoid phone radiation as much as possible.
Though cell phones are being extensively used today, the device has been around for only a few decades. Thus, the impact of it, if at all on causing health problems, especially long term has not yet been identified. Short term ill effects on human health have also not been noticed yet. However, experts do suggest that maximum radiation protection is what each one of us should aim for.
How Cell Phone work?
The cell phones use radio frequency radiation alternatively known as cell phone radiation to communicate. The communication happens between the cellphone and the nearest located base station. The radio receiver and transmitter which are inbuilt in the mobile phone passes signal in form of phone radiation to the base station’s antenna (which is mounted on the roof or tower). The base station them transmits such signal through the landline phone system.
The radiation emitted by the base station antenna is quite low compared to that emitted by cell phones. Mobile phone radiation may vary depending on factors such as the duration of usage, distance between the device and human head/body and the distance of the user from the base station. Farther is the base station, higher are the phone radiation levels.
Radiations from cell phones are about 100 to 1000 times higher than that from base station and landline phones. Now, doesn’t that calls for some kind of radiation protection?
Are mobile phones a reason to worry when it comes to human health?
Let us analyze the possible harm to human health that the cell phone device and its radiation may lead to.
Cell Phone Radiation
Constant exposure to such cell phone radiations are believed to cause health issues which include constant headaches and brain tumors. However no health reports so far has been able to associate such health problems with prolonged usage of cell phones.
Another theory says that the phone radiation causes a certain area in our brain to heat up. However, human brain is capable of bearing varied level of heat emissions and thus would not get affected or damaged by such radiation. It also negates any direct relation between such emissions and development of tumor in any human organs.
World Health Organization (WHO) in May 2011, classified RF radiation as ‘possibly carcinogenic for humans, based on an increased risk for glioma, a type of brain cancer’. This survey led the mobile phone users to observe precautions during its usage.
Decreased Emotions
An average cell phone user accesses his phone almost 60 times a day. Besides being a mean for voice communication, this device is being actively used for entertainment, games, mails, chats and much more. Thus, the quality time that we earlier used to spend with our family no more exist. This eventually is leading to emotional distances from close ones and causing psychological issues.
Eye Health
Your eyes are constantly hooked up to the bright screens of your mobile while you are deeply engaged in reading, chatting or playing games. This might end up straining your eyes and causing vision related health problems such as blurred vision, redness and eye irritation and even headaches. It is thus advisable to take regular breaks from such activities and give your eyes an opportunity to relax, even if for a short while. Also, ensure that you use an average – big font size to avoid unnecessary strain.
Sleep Obstructions
A study revealed that cell phone radiations caused sleep obstructions in humans. Those who sleep with cell phone in their bedrooms automatically tend to sleep less compared to those who sleep without it. Besides, the radiation may pose as a health hazard for children as their brain tissue and bone marrow have a better absorbing ability.
It is thus recommended to keep your cell phone out of the bed room or at a considerable distance while sleeping.
Spinal Misalignment
As we continue to hold our phone with neck in a downward position while playing games, reading or texting, the device slowly takes a toll on our spine. The health report thus might declare a spinal misalignment, neck and back pain. Children are more prone to this due to their increased exposure to the cell phone device for playing games.
