The debate is still on whether cellphone use increases the risk of developing some sort of brain cancer. While some scientific studies have indicated that there’s definitely an increased risk, others have found no link whatsoever between the usage of cellphones and increased chances of developing brain cancer.
I know, it can be frustrating when you’re kept in limbo, not sure whether you’re putting yourself at risk – like some conspiracy of some sort to keep the research funds rolling, right? Don’t cast the first stone yet, read on for possible explanations for this lack of consensus…
Why is it so difficult for scientists to come to a consensus?
The trouble is that even when there is damage to DNA with the potential to lead to cancer, it can take years or even decades before cancer actually develop. Studies therefore need to be conducted over an extended period to be conclusive. This is similar to the situation with tobacco; tobacco is known to cause lung cancer in smokers, yet it takes many years for that cancer to manifest itself. Bearing in mind that cellphones have only been in use for a couple of decades, and that our usage is becoming ever more intense, it is easy to see why their full impact is still unclear.
Being a parent myself this concept worries me because it applies to children, whose developing brains are particularly susceptible to cellphone radiation, and who have many years of cellphone use ahead of them.
Looking at long term statistics, there are plenty of grounds for advising caution. The incidence of brain tumors has risen over the last thirty years. And heavy use of cellphones has been attributed to this (also linked to an increased incidence of glioma, a certain type of brain cancer). One study has also found there to be an association between cellphone use and tumors of the salivary glands.
Brain cancer is among the most destructive forms of cancer and can be life threatening if not removed promptly and completely.
This reinforces the view that it is sensible to proactively reduce the risks from cellphone usage. Steps to achieve this can include:
- Using a cellphone case
which is radiation shielded on one side. This will prevent exposure of the brain and head/neck structures to harmful electromagnetic radiation.
- Limit length of calls, or use a hands-free option.
- Text instead of calling where possible.
- Use a landline when you are at home in preference to talking on your cellphone.
- Avoid talking on the phone when the signal is weak.
- NEVER sleep with a cellphone under your pillow (this is a common teen practice, and is potentially extremely hazardous because of the intense radiation exposure of the brain – more about this in another post).
There are currently more than six billion cellphone users worldwide. With many unanswered questions regarding the safety of cellphones, a prudent approach is to take steps minimize the risk. Avoid unnecessary exposure to cellphones in general, and when they must be used, protect yourself by using an anti radiation phone case.
Hopefully, in a few decades we will have conclusive evidence one way or the other. In the meantime, it pays to be careful.
