An update of the latest findings on the possible health risks associated with prolonged mobile/cellular phone use.
Let’s face it. Your smartphone is not only an essential part of your life, but also has become an extension of yourself. It is almost always within arm’s reach and you never leave home without it. However, with the uptick in mobile/cellular phone ownership, and from at least the mid-2000s, there has been concern about the health risks associated with mobile/cellular phone use. As a result, there have been numerous studies and debates on the issue.
We, at ICT Pulse, have been tracking the mobile/cellular phones and health risks issue for at least a decade – starting from July 2011 and with our last update in 2016. We thus thought it opportune to revisit the subject, recap and update key findings and recommendations, noting the amount of time we spend daily on our electronic devices.
Update on the health risks
Cancer risk
One of the most significant concerns surrounding cell phones is their emission of non-ionising radiofrequency (RF) radiation, which remains unchanged. This type of radiation is emitted by cell phones as they communicate with cell towers and other devices, and is similar to that used by microwave ovens. As a result, the health concern with non-ionising radiation is with respect to the heat it generates and the impact of that heat on the body.
To that end, the location of the mobile/cellular phone use appears to matter. Holding a phone close to the head for extended periods, such as during long calls, may expose the brain to higher levels of RF radiation. Further, some studies suggest that the risk is greater for children and adolescents, as their developing brains may be more susceptible.
The findings of earlier studies that prolonged exposure to RF radiation from mobile/cellular phones may lead to an increased risk of both malignant and benign brain tumours, particularly gliomas, meningiomas and acoustic neuromas, seem to remain. It is emphasised that although the absolute risk remains relatively low, the debate continues regarding the longer-term impact; hence the potential consequences remain serious enough to warrant caution.
Electromagnetic yypersensitivity
Another controversial area of research relates to electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), a condition in which individuals claim to experience a range of symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, when exposed to electromagnetic fields emitted by cell phones and other electronic devices. Although many of these claims remain unproven, studies have shown that some people do experience real symptoms in response to electromagnetic radiation.
The latest research on a link between mobile/cellular phones and EHS is still inconclusive. Some studies have suggested a psychological effect rather than a direct physical reaction to the radiation. However, the area continues to be investigated.
Impact on sleep
Mobile/cellular phones have also been linked to disruptions in sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by these and other electronic devices can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Thus, using a cell phone before bedtime may make it more difficult to fall asleep and lead to poorer sleep quality.
Research also indicates that the sleep disturbances caused by phones, such as when alerts and notifications are received, can contribute to various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. It is thus the reason why we have been advised to cut down on screen time at least 30 minutes before bed and to turn off notifications.
Precautions and Recommendations
While the latest research continues to suggest potential health risks associated with mobile/cellular phone usage, the evidence is not yet conclusive, as many studies have produced mixed results. However, outlined below are some precautions you can take to help mitigate potential risks:
- Use a speakerphone or a hands-free device: To reduce RF radiation exposure to the head, use the speakerphone function or a hands-free device when making or receiving calls.
- Limit screen time before bed: To improve sleep quality, avoid using mobile/cellular phones or other electronic devices with bright screens for at least an hour before bedtime.
- Keep your phone at a distance: Avoid carrying your phone in your pocket or bra to minimize RF radiation exposure to sensitive areas of your body.
- Consider activating airplane mode: When not actively using your phone, switch it to airplane mode to reduce radiation emissions. At bedtime, many smartphones have a sleep or do-not-disturb feature that automatically activates during the period when you should be sleeping.
- Encourage safe cell phone use in children: Educate children about responsible mobile/cellular phone use, and consider limiting their screen time, especially during sleep hours.
Final thoughts
In smarmy, although the latest research on the health risks posed by mobile/cellular phones is still ongoing, it is crucial that we stay informed and take precautions to minimise potential harm. The evidence, though inconclusive, highlights the importance of responsible phone usage, especially when it comes to limiting radiation exposure to sensitive parts of our bodies and protecting our sleep patterns. In an increasingly connected world, striking a balance between the benefits and potential risks of mobile/cellular phone use is essential for our long-term health and well-being.
Image credit: StockSnap (Pixabay)
