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Cell Phone Radiation May Cause Cancer and Infertility


The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released its first cellphone-use guidelines, warning that the devices could be hazardous due to radiation. The CDPH released new guidelines for how to reduce exposure to radiation from cell phones for the first time last week, and chief among its concerns is the increase in use of them in recent years, especially among children.

"Although the science is still evolving, there are concerns among some public health professionals and members of the public regarding long-term, high use exposure to the energy emitted by cell phones," said CDPH Director Karen Smith. "We know that simple steps, such as not keeping your phone in your pocket and moving it away from your bed at night, can help reduce exposure for both children and adults."

Cell Phone Radiation May Cause Cancer and Infertility© Thinkstock

The guidelines, issued last week, note that “some laboratory experiments and human health studies have suggested the possibility that long-term, high use of cell phones may be linked to certain types of cancer and other health effects.” These include brain cancer, tumors of the acoustic nerve and salivary glands, lower sperm count, headaches and effects on learning, memory, hearing, behavior and sleep.

The guidelines recommend keeping phones away from the body when they're not in use—in a backpack, for example, rather than a pocket—and sleeping with phones away from the bed. People may also choose to use speakerphone or a headset to make calls, rather than holding the phone to their heads. 

What can you do to lessen the risk, according to the health agency?

1. Keeping the phone away from the body

2. Reduce cell phone use when the signal is weak

3. Reduce the use of cell phones to stream audio or video, or to download or upload large files

4. Keep the phone away from the bed at night

5. Remove headsets when not on a call

6. Avoid products that claim to block radio frequency energy. These products may actually increase your exposure.

Cell Phone Radiation May Cause Cancer and Infertility© Flickr

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) maintains that there are no scientific findings that provide a definitive answer to the question of whether cell phone radiation causes cancer. Most large studies documenting cancer rates haven't found significant evidence that cell phone use raises cancer rates or causes other negative health effects. Given the widespread adoption of cell phone use, scientists would expect cancer rates to have spiked if usage was really risky. But that hasn't happened.

Cellphones and other devices, including televisions, radios and microwave ovens, emit a kind of energy called electromagnetic radiation, or radio frequency energy. This type of radiation is weak and does not damage cells or DNA. 

“This document is intended to provide guidance for people who want to reduce their own and their families' exposure to RF energy from cell phones,” the guidelines state, “despite this uncertainty.”

Source: CDPH

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