Time to think on danger of Mobile
Phone Radiation: Some evidences to support!
Patel VK1, Patel U2, Patel NP3
1Dr Vishnu Kumar Patel, Assistant Professor (Surgery), S S Medical
College, Rewa (MP),2Dr Umesh Patel, Associate Professor
(Pediatrics), LN Medical College, Bhopal (MP),3Dr Narmada
Prasad Patel, Associate Professor (Medicine), LN Medical College,
Bhopal (MP), India
Address for Correspondence: Dr Vishnu Kumar Patel, Email:
drvishnu.patel@gmail.com
Abstract
Mobile phone use has increased dramatically since its introduction in
1980’s. The expanding use of this technology has been
accompanied by concerns about health. Recently several expert groups
critically reviewed the evidence on health effects of low-level
exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields.12 years back in
October 2002, German physicians appealed to persons in the field of
health care, politicians and the public with "great concern" claiming
"soaring incidences of symptoms and diseases in the general population"
to be causally related to the "commence of radio (wave) burden", i.e.
due to mobile radio technology. Today his “great
concern” has proved by many animal and human studies.
Key words:
Mobile phone, electromagnetic energy, radiation injuries.
Manuscript received:
10th May 2014, Reviewed: 25th
May 2014
Author Corrected:
20th June 2014, Accepted
for Publication: 29th June 2014
Introduction
In recent years mobile phones have become very popular with adult and
young people. As a tool of personal security and communication, its use
has increased dramatically since its introduction in the early-to-mid
1980’s. The expanding use of this technology has been
accompanied by concerns about health. Public concern has been expressed
regarding the possibility of adverse health effects related to
radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (EME) emissions from mobile
phones and their associated base stations. In the late 1990s, several
expert groups critically reviewed the evidence on health effects of
low-level exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields, and
recommended research into the possible adverse health effects of mobile
telephone use, especially after prolong use [1-5]. Parents become
particularly anxious if their children are exposed to a presumed hazard
that is unseen but which may have possible long-term harmful effects
[6-9]. Some diseases and health conditions such as cancer, or severe
and lingering pain and disability, are more feared than others [10].
Thus, even a small possibility of cancer, especially in children, from
a potential hazard such as RF EME exposure receives significant public
attention. Exposure to cell phone radiation occurs because cell phones
emit radio frequencies (“RF”), a type of
non-ionizing electromagnetic energy that falls between FM radio waves
and microwaves on the spectrum.
Radiation Induced Genetic
Damage
Bioeffects are clearly established and occur at very low levels of
exposure to electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation.
Bioeffects can occur in the first few minutes with cell and cordless
phone use. Bioeffects can also occur from just minutes of exposure to
mobile phone masts (cell towers), WI-FI, and wireless utility
‘smart’ meters that produce whole-body exposure.
Chronic base station level exposures can result in illness. Several
thousand scientific studies over four decades point to serious
biological effects and health harm from EMF and RFR. These studies
report genotoxicity, single-and double-strand DNA damage, chromatin
condensation, loss of DNA repair capacity in human stem cells,
reduction in free-radical scavengers (particularly melatonin), abnormal
gene transcription, neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, damage to sperm
morphology and function, effects on behavior, and effects on brain
development in the fetus of human mothers that use cell phones during
pregnancy. Though cell phone radiation does not have the capacity to
break chemical bonds in DNA, but recent studies shows that there is
significant impact of DNA damage on prolong exposure to mobile phone
radiation in animals as well as humane [5,11,12,15], with
damage not always being repaired by the cell. Mutated cells are seen as
a possible cause of cancer. On the other hand DNA carries the damage
genetic material to next generation which leads to damage for future
generation of cells. Studies also have shown that it does affect brain
activity and may have other serious side effects linked to certain
types of cancers [10,13,14]. Recent studies show that cell phone
radiation from prolonged cell phone use puts individuals at an
increased risk for glioma, acoustic neuroma and meningioma. Because of
the dangers of cell phone radiation, the World Health Organization
(“WHO”) reclassified cell phones as
“possibly carcinogenic” to humans in May 2011.
Animal Studies
In one study, it was found that long-term exposure to mobile
phone radiation leads to reduction in serum testosterone levels and
cause hypospermatogenesis and maturation arrest in the spermatozoa in
the testis of albino rats [16]. There are many new studies reporting
sperm damage in humans and animals, leading to substantial concerns for
fertility, reproduction and health of the offspring (unrepaired de novo
mutations in sperm). Exposure levels are similar to those resulting
from wearing a cell phone on the belt, or in the pants pocket, or using
a wireless laptop computer on the lap. Sperm lack the ability to repair
DNA damage. Several international laboratories have replicated studies
showing adverse effects on sperm count, motility, viability, morphology
and pathology in men who use and particularly those who wear a cell
phone, PDA or pager on their belt or in a pocket [17-24]. Animal
studies have demonstrated oxidative and DNA damage, pathological
changes in the testes of animals, decreased sperm mobility and
viability, and other measures of deleterious damage to the male germ
line [25]. There are fewer animal studies that have studied effects of
cell phone radiation on female fertility parameters, eg- decrease
number of follicles, decrease ovary size, decrease ovarian development,
premature cell dearth of ovarian follicles [26].
Radiation &
Carcinogen effect
There is a consistent pattern of increased risk of brain
tumors (glioma and acoustic neuroma) associated with use of mobile
phones and cordless phones[10,14]. Poulsen AH et al (2013), in their
cohort study found that there is increased risk of skin cancers (basal
cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma of head and neck)
[13,33]. There is also increase incidence of childhood malignancies
like leukemia [31] and salivary gland tumor (parotid gland tumor) [32].
Exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) may increase breast cancer
risk by inducing oxidative stress and suppressing the production of
melatonin [34]. Mobile phone radiation can increase the risk of genital
cancer. Watson JM et al (1998) in their in vitro study found that
cancer cells from the steroid sex hormone regulated tissues of
endometrium and prostate appeared to be more responsive to EMF than
cells from ovarian cancers [35]. We need more studies of long term cell
phone usage to better assess the cancer risk, but studies done till
date clearly indicate “cancer culprit” in next few
years. One study also shows that cell phone radiation may cause
disturbance in immune system [37], but most of animal studies does not
favor. There is strong epidemiologic evidence that exposure
to EMF radiation is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease
[37]. Some positive health effects due to the exposure to the
EMF radiation such as improve bone healing and reduce toxic effects of
chemotherapy [36]
Radiation &
Children
Mobiles are used so widely by children now that most people assume they
are safe. Because the use of mobiles by children is such a new
phenomenon, scientists haven’t studied it enough to be able
to produce conclusive proof either way. But ongoing research shows a
link between mobile phone use and serious health risks and differences
in children’s anatomy make them significantly more
vulnerable. There are many physiological factors that lead to higher
radiation absorption rate and child has increased susceptibility to the
effects of cell phone radiation:-
1. A smaller brain size
2. Their thinner skull bones allow for
greater penetration of cell phone radiation.
3. Their brains hold more fluid, allowing
for greater absorption of radiation
4. Radiation can enter all the way into
their midbrain, where tumors are more deadly.
5. Children’s cells reproduce
more quickly, so they’re more susceptible to aggressive cell
growth.
6. Children’s immune systems
are also not as well-developed.
7. They face a far greater lifetime
exposure.
Children are particularly vulnerable referring to the effect of
microwaves from a mobile phone. The main effects are neurological,
causing headaches, lack of concentration, memory loss, dizziness,
fatigue, sleep disturbance and impaired hearing and vision, burning
sensations or a heating around the ear. It can also cause epilepsy in
children. The American Academy of Pediatrics, in a letter to
Congressman Dennis Kucinich dated 12 December 2012 states
“Children are disproportionately affected by environmental
exposures, including cell phone radiation. The differences in bone
density and the amount of fluid in a child’s brain compared
to an adult’s brain could allow children to absorb greater
quantities of RF energy deeper into their brains than adults. It is
essential that any new standards for cell phones or other wireless
devices be based on protecting the youngest and most vulnerable
populations to ensure they are safeguarded through their
lifetimes”.
Effect on Pregnancy
& Fetus
Fetal and neonatal exposures to cell phone radiation and wireless
technologies in general may be a risk factor for hyperactivity,
learning disorders and behavioral problems in school. Divan et al
(2008) found that children born of mothers who used cell phones during
pregnancy develop more behavioral problems and hyperactivity problem
around age of school entry, had 25% more emotional problems, 35% more
hyperactivity, 49% more conduct problems and 34% more peer problems
[27]. One animal study also shows that cell phone exposure has been
linked to altered fetal brain development and ADHD-like behavior in the
offspring of pregnant mice [28]. Few studies also shows that there may
be important link between electromagnetic radiation and autism [29].
With the continue increasing rate of autism and expected epidemic,
public needs to know that these risks and transition to wireless from
wire should not be presumed safe. The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a
protective barrier that prevents the flow of toxins into sensitive
brain tissue. Increased permeability of the BBB caused by cell phone
RFR may result in neuronal damage. Many research studies show that very
low intensity exposures to RFR can affect the blood-brain barrier [30].
A single 2-hours exposure to cell phone radiation can result in
increased leakage of the BBB, and 50 days after exposure, neuronal
damage can be seen, and at the later time point also albumin leakage is
demonstrated.
How to reduce radiation
Exposure
It is very difficult to keep away own self from mobile and
other electromagnetic radiation emitting devices, but by taking some
precautions we decrease radiation damage. Experts agree you will reduce
your exposure to radiation if you follow a few simple steps:-
1. Distance is your friend.
2. Don’t hold a cell phone
directly up to your head, hold it away from your head (at least 15 mm
away from body).
3. Use a headset/ear piece or
speakerphone to talk on the phone, or a nonmetal case that has been
independently tested to reduce radiation up to 90 percent.
4. Text instead of calling
5. Don't use your phone when you have a
weak signal
6. Don't put the phone to your ear until
after the call connects
7. Don't put your phone in your pocket
8. Don't put your phone on your belt loop
9. Pregnant women should keep cell phones
away from their abdomens, and men who wish to become fathers should
never keep activated phones in their pockets.
10. Don’t allow children to
play with or use your cell phone, because they are most vulnerable to
radiation.
11. Wireless laptops and other wireless
devices should be strongly discouraged in schools for children of all
ages.
12. Older children should use a headset
or speakerphone when talking on a cell phone.
13. Do not text and drive, and use
specially adapted antennas for cars to avoid absorbing maximum power as
the phone moves from one cell system to another.
14. Turn off your wireless router at
night to minimize exposure to radiation.
15. Eat green vegetables and get a good
night’s sleep in a dark room to enhance natural repair of DNA
that may have been damaged by cell phone use.
You Can Protect Your
Children!
The good news is that you can greatly reduce cell phone health risks to
your children with “cell phone radiation
protection”. Simply attach an EarthCalm Quantum Cell to their
phones, and they will be protected.
Conclusion
Today mobile phone is essential part of our life. Use of this
technology has been accompanied by concerns about health. Though many
studies shown clear-cut ill effect on health but other studies were
non-conclusive. Due to the lack of any conclusive data
related to adverse effect of long term use of mobile phones, limit
exposure by reducing call time, by making calls where reception is
good, by using hands-free devices or speaker options, or by texting
keeping in mind that children are more prone for radiation injury.
Funding:
Nil, Conflict of
interest: Nil
Permission from IRB:
Yes
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How to cite this article?
Patel VK, Patel U, Patel NP. Time to think on danger of Mobile Phone
Radiation: Some evidences to support! Int J Med Res Rev
2014;2(4):373-378. doi:10.17511/ijmrr.2014.i04.018