This age of technology has placed mobile phones in the hands of nearly 5 billion people worldwide. Everyone, from the highest CEO of a multi-million dollar company, to college students, to the single moms waiting tables, have acquired cell phones and use them faithfully every day. Unfortunately, most don’t even consider the possibility of health issues that may arise from the use of a cell phone, the worst of which is the risk of cancer.
Instead of concerning themselves with the possible risks, many focus on what a cell phone can do for them. Today’s phones go far beyond the convenience of placing and receiving calls. Users can use them to text, email, or send communications through messaging apps like WhatsApp. Cell phones also take the place of both video and digital cameras, let their users play games, download and listen to music, and so much more. But this convenience comes at a shocking cost.
To combat these risks, cell users are encouraged to take the following precautions. The first is to reduce the use of cell phones, and other wireless devices. Whenever possible, use a landline instead. People are urged to carry the cell phone in a bag or purse, rather than in a pocket. For men, this is especially important, because when carried in the pants pocket, or on the hip, it can affect fertility. Don’t use it in areas where there is limited reception, as this forces the phone to use more power to transmit. When a call must be made, use a headset, preferably wireless, or at the very least, a shielded wired one.
Instead of concerning themselves with the possible risks, many focus on what a cell phone can do for them. Today’s phones go far beyond the convenience of placing and receiving calls. Users can use them to text, email, or send communications through messaging apps like WhatsApp. Cell phones also take the place of both video and digital cameras, let their users play games, download and listen to music, and so much more. But this convenience comes at a shocking cost.
Health Concerns
Health issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol, and even STDs used to be the leading health concerns, but those days are long gone. They have been replaced by overuse of cellphones, and the serious risks that go with it.1. Cancer
There have been numerous studies that have aimed to prove that the use of cell phones may cause cancer. Many of those have shown little proof, but some concluded that users have a higher risk of glioma, which is a malignant brain tumor. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has even classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as those produced by cell phones, as a possible carcinogenic to humans. Because it takes so long for the negative effects to show up, another study began in March 2010, called COSMOS, which will follow 290,000 cell users over the age of 18 for the next 20 to 30 years, to conclusively study the effects of prolonged cell phone use.To combat these risks, cell users are encouraged to take the following precautions. The first is to reduce the use of cell phones, and other wireless devices. Whenever possible, use a landline instead. People are urged to carry the cell phone in a bag or purse, rather than in a pocket. For men, this is especially important, because when carried in the pants pocket, or on the hip, it can affect fertility. Don’t use it in areas where there is limited reception, as this forces the phone to use more power to transmit. When a call must be made, use a headset, preferably wireless, or at the very least, a shielded wired one.