5 ways to reduce the effects of Mobile Radiation

Of the several key advancements of the present millenium, mobile phones stands out as it completely revolutionized our communication system. Currently  2/3 of the global population use cell phones. But on the flip side, it raises serious health concerns among the leading researchers internationally. On a daily basis, more than 5 billion people are being exposed to mobile radiation.

As the new smart phones are gradually becoming powerful and are able to do more things, we are getting more addicted than ever before. Even by conservative estimates, the average mobile consumers are glued to their devices more than 3 hours a day. Undoubtedly, cellular phones offer substantial advantages like easy, efficient, and cheaper communication via calls, texts and internet access . But, overuse of mobile phones not only affect your health but has a direct and hazadarous impact on your social and psychological well being.

Health Disadvantages for Using Mobiles :

In his 2017 book (“Perpetual Contact: Mobile Communication, Private Talk, Public Performance”) James Katz writes, “They (mobile phones) have transformed social practices and changed the way we do business, yet surprisingly we have little perception on their effects in our lives.”

Dr. Devra Davis, director for environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh said. “We do not have enough information nor do we have enough time to be sure that cell phones are safe, and there is reason for concern that they may be harmful.”

Although mobile devices can affect psychological and social well being as well, we will limit our discussions mainly to the physical health issues now and how to overcome them.

What is SAR ?

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is the amount of electromagnetic field radiation human body absorbs while using mobile phones. In 1996, the Federal Communication Commision (FCC) published guidelines with inputs from various authorities. They decided to set the radiation exposure limits. The maximum SAR value was fixed at 1.6 watts/kg of body weight for any cell phone. You can see this video,

to find out how to check SAR in your phones and 1 simple way to reduce radiation exposure at home.

Where are the Evidences?

A study conducted in Netherlands found that mobile radiation was detected by the brain. 31 healthy females were exposed for 15 minutes to  3G mobile phones. Analysis of EEG demonstrated increase in their cortical reactivity due to mobile radiation. This altered activity in the brain was initiated during the dialling process.

Another study was done in USA using PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan and was published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). Researchers found that 50 minutes of mobile phone usage increased brain glucose metabolism. It was concluded that the human brain is extremely sensitive to acute mobile phone radiation.

Numerous studies have continued to provide evidence about the adverse effects on human sperms from cell phone usage. Scientists from China in 2016 found that mobile phone usage negatively affects sperm quality in men. Long term use decrease the sperm concentration, semen volume and total sperm count and hence causes male infertility. Researchers from Israel in 2015 suggested that certain aspects of cell phone usage may bear adverse effects on sperm concentration. In another meta-analysis concerning 1492 samples, mobile phone exposure was associated with reduced sperm motility and viability.

WHO (World Health Organization) classifies mobile phone radiation as a “possible human carcinogen”. In 2017, an Italian Court agreed with Roberto Romeo who claimed work-related mobile phone use led to the development of  his brain tumor. He used mobile phones three to four hours daily, for 15 years. A medical expert estimated the damage at 23% of Romeo’s bodily function. He was awarded compensation by the court.

In another study, in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, raises concern about mobile phone usage. The researchers found that the rate of glioblastoma almost doubled in the UK in just 20 years (1995-2015). Dr. Alasdair Philips, the lead researcher commented, “The paper itself is not about cell phones, its just about this change of the tumours…but cell phones seem like they are the most likely cause.”

There are significant ongoing researches all over the globe. One such initiative is the COSMOS (Cohort Study of the Mobile Phone Users) study on the long-term health effects of the mobile phone radiation. They will follow approximately 300,000 adult cell phone users in Europe for 30 years.

5 Ways to Reduce Mobile Phone Radiation-

1. Reduce the amount of time spent on the mobile phone– This is a recommendation from US FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Avoid talking longer than you must. Biological damage is cumulative, so any reduction in talking time will protect your health in the long run. It is better to consider texting whenever possible.
2. Use a hands-free technology– Another recommendation from US FDA is to use speaker mode or a wired-headset to place more distance between the head and the cell phone. Even Apple on their own website advises: “Use a hands- free option, such as the built-in speaker phone, the supplied headphones, or other similar accessories.”
3. Don’t sleep with your mobile– In the research conducted in the University of Melbourne, it was shown that mobile phone radiation slows Melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates body’s sleep-wake cycle. Hence, the best option is to turn off your mobile phone before going to sleep, and keep at a safe distance from your bed. If required, use an alarm-clock instead. This will not only enhance the quality of your sleep but will also reduce the amount of radiation exposure to your body.
4. Make calls only when you have a ‘good signal’– Many studies have shown that when phones have less connection bars, emissions increase by as much as 1000 folds. Hence, make calls only after checking your connection bars (usually at the top panel of your phone) and be sure to have a ‘full signal’.
5. Carry your phones away from your body– Try to keep phones in your purse or in the backpack, whenever possible. This will definately decrease your radiation exposure.

Conclusion–

Follow the proven ways, mentioned above, to safeguard yourself while using smartphones. Consider sharing this information with your friend, family and your loved ones.