Health concerns about mobiles

Monday May 12, 2008

Mobiles have been the subject of controversy regarding possible health risks since their inception. The alleged adverse effects of mobiles on the human body have ranged from repetitive stress injuries to brain tumours and infertility. Varying results have been found regarding most of these health concerns, with some studies finding a potential for detriment in certain areas, while others have considered the low levels of radiation exposure in mobiles to have a negligible effect.

It has not been conclusively proven that mobiles present enough of a health risk to discourage their usage, especially when so much of social interaction and business is conducted on them. Furthermore, the World Health Organisation has concluded from research that it is exceptionally unlikely that radiation from mobiles is responsible for headaches and similar complaints that have previously been attributed to it. This does not mean that it is unwise to take certain recommendations to heart to reduce the chances that the use of mobiles will adversely affect you.

Carry your mobile phone in a bag

Certain studies have shown a significant reduction in the reproductive ability of males who carry mobiles in their hip pockets. Most recommendations about the healthy use of mobiles focus on reducing contact with the body entirely, so you may wish to carry your mobile phone in a bag.

Increase the proximity of your head to your mobiles

As mobiles use microwaves and can heat up the head and eyes somewhat, there are concerns that mobiles may potentially be able to cause early cataracts, although many sources believe this to be unlikely. You could use speakerphone to keep your mobiles away from your head, although you must be aware that this could be very impolite in public.

There are many other actions you may take to potentially reduce exposure to radiation from mobiles, but it is generally believed to be at a very safe level. Many of the tests that have caused concern about mobiles have been specifically tests of the effect of microwave radiation on organisms. Often these have been effects obtained at far higher levels of radiation. If you have particular concerns, you may wish to consult a doctor, however most people believe that they are unlikely to suffer from long term harm from using mobiles.

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