HOW CELL PHONES AFFECT YOUR HEALTH
July 29th, 2008
There has been a recent debate over whether cell phones and the electromagnetic radiation that they emit can increase a person’s cancer risk. Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, warned consumers this week to limit exposure to cell phone radiation.
Herberman outlined ways to reduce exposure including switching ears during talking to limit radiation concentration, using a hands-free earpiece, decreasing use of mobile phones in public places to limit second-hand radiation, and reducing overall cell phone use. While published evidence is inconclusive in terms of finding a causal link between phone use and cancer, Herberman said people should take precautions to reduce health risk. He commented on recent studies indicating that living tissue is vulnerable to the electromagnetic fields within frequency bands used by cell phones.
“Really at the heart of my concern is that we shouldn’t wait for a definitive study to come out, but err on the side of being safe rather than sorry later,” Herberman said. He sent a memo this week to faculty and staff warning them to limit cell phone use. “Although the evidence is still controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory to share some precautionary advice on cell phone use,” he wrote in his memo.
Advice on cell phone usage by the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute includes:
1. Do not allow children to use a cell phone except for emergencies.
2. While communicating using your cell phone, try to keep the cell phone away from the body.
3. Avoid using your cell phone in places where you can passively expose others to your phone’s electromagnetic field.
4. Avoid carrying your cell phone on your body at all times.
5. If you must carry your cell phone on you, make sure that the keypad is positioned toward your body.
6. Only use your cell phone to establish contact or for conversations lasting a few minutes.
7. Switch sides regularly while communicating on your cell phone.
8. Avoid using your cell phone when the signal is weak or when moving at high speed.
9. When possible, communicate via text messaging rather than making a call.
10. Choose a device with the lowest SAR possible (SAR = Specific Absorption Rate.)
Two studies released last year assessed the link between cell phone use and cancer. A study from Israel showed an association between prolonged cell phone use and salivary gland tumors. A second study from Sweden showed an association between heavy cell phone use for 10 years and two types of central nervous system tumors.
More than 250 million Americans (84 percent) now subscribe to a cellular phone service, according to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, the leading industry trade group.
For information about acupuncture for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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