Are you someone who can’t go a minute without checking your phone? Do you often find yourself holding it close to your body or even sleeping with it next to your head? If so, it’s time to take a closer look at the potential dangers of cell phone radiation and how it may affect your health.
First, let’s start with the facts. In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified cell phone radiation as a Class 2 B Carcinogen, meaning it is “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” This classification puts it in the same category as lead, engine exhaust, DDT, and jet fuel. Yikes!
But it’s not just cancer we need to be worried about. Studies have found that cell phone radiation is a Group 1 human carcinogen and that heavy cell phone use can increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Additionally, women who carry cell phones in their bras have been found to have an elevated risk of breast cancer. And let’s not forget about the effects on children; the Environmental Working Group published a study that concluded that FCC limits should be strengthened by 200 to 400 times to protect children according to current risk assessment guidelines.
But the potential dangers don’t stop there. Research has found that chronic exposure to RFR was associated with “clear evidence” of cancer in male rats and DNA damage, heart damage, and low birth weight. These findings in animals are further supported by research on humans that found people who use cell phones over ten years “heavily” (around 30 minutes per day) developed increased tumors such as Schwannomas and glioblastomas—the same cell type as found in the National Toxicology Program and Ramazzini Institute studies.
Additionally, studies have found decreased memory and changes in brain function in teenagers and adults exposed to cell phone radiation, as well as developmental damage in animals exposed prenatally. Studies also indicate that RF-EMF is associated with impacts on sperm and decreased testosterone.
Now, I know all of this information might be a bit overwhelming and scary, but the truth is, we need to be informed about the potential risks so we can use our cell phones responsibly and with caution. This means keeping your phone away from your body as much as possible, using a hands-free device, and limiting your usage.
The convenience of our cell phones is undeniable, but the price we may be paying for that convenience is just too high. Don’t wait for the media to bring attention to these important issues. Start spreading the word to your friends and family about the dangers of cell phone radiation. Together, we can make informed choices to protect our health.
I am deeply concerned about the recent findings of the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) study on the effects of cell phone radiation on rats. The study, which cost over $25 million to complete and took over a decade to conduct, found statistically significant increases in cancer among rats that had been exposed to GSM or CDMA signals for two years. This is a major concern, as it contradicts the belief held by many experts that such effects are impossible and suggests that cell phone radiation may indeed be a health concern for humans.
The NTP study exposed rats to three different exposure levels and two different types of cell phone radiation, GSM and CDMA. The exposed rats were found to have higher rates of two types of cancers: glioma, a tumor of the glial cells in the brain, and malignant schwannoma of the heart, a very rare tumor. None of the unexposed control rats developed either type of tumor.
This is particularly concerning as several epidemiological studies have previously linked cell phones to gliomas and Schwann cell tumors. The Interphone study, for instance, found an association between the use of cell phones and gliomas. At least four different epidemiological studies have found an association between the use of cell phones and acoustic neuromas.
It is important to note that the NTP study was conducted on rats, and it is unclear if the same results would be seen in human subjects. However, the fact that the cancerous cells in the rats were the same types of cells as those reported to develop into tumors in cell phone epidemiological studies adds weight to the argument that cell phone radiation may indeed be a health concern for humans.
I urge the public to be informed of these new findings as soon as possible so that they can make informed decisions about their cell phone usage. As a cell phone safety activist, I also call on government agencies to take immediate action to protect the public from potential health risks associated with cell phone radiation. This may include stricter regulations and guidelines to protect children’s health and recommendations for limiting the amount of time spent on cell phones, using a hands-free device or speakerphone, and keeping the phone away from the body when not in use.
The NTP study disproved the hypothesis that cell phone radiation could not cause health effects, redefining the controversy of cell phone radiation. It is time for us to take a stand and protect ourselves and our loved ones from the potential dangers of cell phone radiation. We must take action now before it’s too late.