CELL PHONES essay
In today’s world millions of people use portable equipment, including mobile communication devices. This is due to the rapid pace of life, the development of scientific thought, increased demands of society, fashion and many other factors. Mobile phones became important part of our daily lives, and now a resident of any metropolis can not imagine how he could do without such a useful electronic assistant or two. And according to opinion polls more than 30% of people know, or at least heard something about the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones on human health. But just a few people realize how much of this impact and how mobile users will have to pay for it over time. Though, according to the UN, there are about five billion subscribers of mobile operators, and this number in recent years is growing, especially among young people and children that is a cause for concern of doctors.
Over the past few years, data began to appear on the harmful effects of these devices on the human body when they are used frequently. Mobile phones and base stations emit radio frequency or microwave radiation, which can directly affect health. In the scientific literature it is reported on the number of clinical complaints related to the use of mobile phones that include headache, fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory loss, dizziness, feeling of heat or tingling in the ear or head, imbalance, hearing loss and blurred vision.. However, it should be noted that this is common, nonspecific symptoms that may be caused by many different causes. Mobile phone use also leads to indirect effects, such as traffic accidents and the impact on the work of medical equipment.
What are the health risks associated with mobile phones? Given the huge number of people using mobile phones, even a slight increase in the incidence of adverse health effects could have large implications for public health. Therefore, during last 5-10 there were held plenty of epidemiological studies of populations, including those conducted at the community level, that focus on a possible causal relationship between mobile phone use and development of disease, particularly brain tumors. The influence of mobile on human health have repeatedly been investigated, and findings are often interpreted in the opposite way. Disputes about the harm or the safety of mobile phones are carried out continuously, and now they are based on the enormous amount of experimental and theoretical studies published in leading international scientific journals. So far the number of scientific publications on the biological effects of radiation from mobile phones than 1,000 and is growing. However, different studies provide different data, which often have conflicting results, some may contradict each other. Since 2000 numerous reports considered the results of relevant studies and summarized the available knowledge on the impact of mobile phones on health, and in particular the occurrence of cancer.
The purpose of this paper is to review available data and determine the impact of RF and radiation from mobile phones and base stations on human health. It is necessary to review scientific publications, as well as publications in the popular press. The task of this paper is to consider different points of view on this issue, presented in the scientific and popular journals. It is also necessary to determine the difference between reporting on the impact of mobile phones on the human body that exists in scientific journals and popular magazines, how does it differ between the way the popular press looks at the issue versus the way the scholarly articles examine the issue.
- THE FIRST POINT OF VIEW: CELL PHONES CAUSE BRAIN CANCER
Many scientists claim that mobile phones, as well as any other source of harmful electromagnetic radiation (computer, TV, microwave oven or cordless) have huge impact on human health. Moreover this effect has a “negative direction”. But, unlike other devices, the mobile phone is in close proximity to the brain and eyes, that’s why the damage of electromagnetic radiation on human organism is great.
Electromagnetic radiation of radio frequency generated by a cell phone, is absorbed by the tissues of human head (in particular, the tissues of the brain, retina, optic structures, the vestibular and auditory analyzers); it influences directly to the individual organs and tissues and indirectly on the nervous system. The constant influence of electromagnetic waves adversely affects the functioning of the whole body, and particularly of the nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems.
Thus, it is necessary to consider several scientific studies that confirm the link between mobile phone use and cancer.
From 24-31 May 2011, the special Working Group, which included 31 scientists from 14countries, held meetings in the headquarters of the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, in order to assess the possible carcinogenic effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields. This assessment was published in the IARC Monograph. The Working Group examined the possibility of long-term impact of radio frequency electromagnetic fields on the human body, in particular, the increased risk of developing cancer. These data are important for society, especially for mobile users, since their number is large and growing, especially among children and young adults. IARC Working Group reviewed the available literature on the following types of radio frequency electromagnetic fields:
• in the course of professional activity (microwaves);
• in the Environment (signal transmission by radio, television, wireless);
• in the personal use (wireless devices).
The study was conducted on 2 most common brain tumor types – glioma and meningioma. The other diseases were not considered. The study was conducted among 12,848 mobile phone users in 13 countries, including Canada, Britain, France, Germany and Japan, for 10 years – from 2000 to 2010. In its course were analyzed in 2708 cases of glioma and meningioma cases in 2409 – whether they were due to electromagnetic radiation or other factors (the maximum time a call that indicated the respondents – 1.5 hours per day). Data for glioma and acoustic neuroma were critically examined and evaluated as a) limited to users of wireless phones, and b) inadequate to form an opinion on other types of cancer. Data on occupational exposure, and that associated with the environment, have also been assessed as inadequate. The Working Group has not conducted a quantitative risk analysis, however, one study on the use of cell phones showed an increased risk of glioma by 40% among active users of mobile phones (30 minutes per day for 10 years). (IARC 2011)
The experts warned that the use of mobile phones can cause cancer. “A growing evidence gives us a good reason to declare that the use of mobile phones, may cause cancer in humans. The results indicate the danger and the relationship between mobile phones and cancer risk”, says Jonathan Samet, a chairman of the working group. (ScienceDaily 2011)
In its report, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined radio frequency electromagnetic fields as potentially carcinogenic to humans (group 2B), this category includes pesticides, exhaust fumes and coffee. In particular, in the report IARC stated that the use of cellular telephones is associated increased risk of gliomas – malignant brain tumor. (IARC 2011)
“This study found no increased risk, but we can not conclude that any risk does not exist, because the authors of previous studies indicate a possible risk,” – said Elisabeth Cardis, who led a group of medical experts. However, the working group was unable to accurately assess the extent of the risks. According to Professor Lafargue, conclusions were based on a study of Interphone, which found 40% increased risk of glioma among the most active users (at the time this meant the use of mobile phones on average 30 minutes per day for 10 years). (International Agency for Research on Cancer 2008)
Another International Agency for Research on Cancer member, Kurt Straif stated several possible solutions: “The highest level of exposure is likely to be achieved when using a mobile phone for calls, – he stressed. – If you send a sms or talk with a headset, you reduce it to 10 times.” (ScienceDaily 2011)
The head of the IARC Christopher Wilde stated that more research is needed to study the effect of prolonged and intensive use of mobile phones. And before that he said it was necessary to take “pragmatic steps” to be subjected to less radiation from cell phones, such steps may be to use hands-free headsets or voice SMS messages. (ScienceDaily 2011)
Another study was published in the Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography in 2010. According to it, prolonged exposure to microwaves from mobile phones may lead to an increased risk of brain tumors. While the debate continues, independent study strongly argues that there is a risk to get a brain tumor and is associated with the use of cellular and cordless phones. “We conclude that the current level of microwave exposure during the use of mobile phones is not safe for long-term impacts and needs revision,” a conclusion was made by the study authors, led by RB Dubey from Apeejay College of Engineering, India. (Dubey et al., 2010)
The risk to get a brain tumor is doubled after 10 years of cell phone use. There is increasing public concerns about the potential risks of cancer from microwaves from mobile phones ( not just from cell phones but also base station at home). The authors argue that according to some studies, long-term use of wireless phones leads to an increase in brain tumors, including malignant gliomas and benign acoustic nerve neuromas. However, other studies found no such association. To understand the controversy, Dubey and colleagues conducted a detailed analysis of studies on health risks associated with microwave radiation from mobile phones.
One of the largest source of data was a series of studies called the Internal investigations that were mainly funded by the wireless industry. Based on data from thirteen countries, and studies of Interphone, it was concluded that the impact of mobile phones did not increase the risk of brain tumors. In addition to the possible bias associated with the financing of the industry, the studies have some important drawbacks, including a relatively short time cell phone use. However, independent series of studies led by Swedish cancer specialist Dr. Lennart Hardella, showed different conclusion. Dr. Hardella studied patients who used mobile phones for ten years or more, and conducted research without financial support from the wireless industry. His conclusion was that the more hours a person used mobile phone, the higher was the risk of brain tumors. Risk also increased due to the power level of the wireless device.
Based on the analysis of all the data from different studies, researchers stated that the use of mobile phone can roughly double the risk for glioma or acoustic neuroma. It is not clear yet exactly how the effects of microwave radiation from mobile phones may increase the risk of brain cancer. (Dubey et al., 2010)
However, studies have found that the signal penetrates to a depth of two inches in an adult human skull. That is why tere is particular concern about the risks in younger age groups as well as mobile phone signals penetrate much deeper into the brain in children. Further studies are needed to definitively determine the risk of brain cancer and other health effects associated with long-term mobile phone use. Meanwhile, Dr. Dubey and colleagues suggest some steps that can make mobile phone users to reduce the harmful effects. These include limiting the number and duration of calls, restricting children to use cell phone, to communicate via SMS, to wear a special headset, rather than hold the phone by the ear. Researchers also encouraged to use the new phones and other technologies to reduce harmful effects, as well as urge the Government to revise the standards for microwave exposure. Dubey and colleagues concluded that “precautionary principle is clearly defined in this case, because these problems can be solved. More than 3 billion people use cell phones, including children, it is time for governments to review precautionary measures to protect its citizens.” (Wolters et al., 2010)
The same information is presented in popular articles by Kresge N. (2011) and Mukherjee S. (2011) in The New York Times. The authors refer to the studies, without any facts or evidence, but only state the conclusions.
- THE SECOND POINT OF VIEW: CELL PHONES DO NOT CAUSE BRAIN CANCER
On this issue there are many studies and their results do not provide any evidence on the relationship between cancer and use of mobile phones.
Interesting in this regard is the study conducted by a team of scientists from Denmark, headed by Dr. Patricia Frei – a medical scientist from the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology. This study was conducted to study the influence of mobile phones on the risk of cancer. A along-term study showed no statistically significant association between prolonged cell phone use and risk of brain tumors. This is stated in the article of Danish researchers, published in the British Medical Journal in autumn 2010. The publication, prepared by the Danish Cancer Society, is a regular analysis of data obtained during long-term monitoring of hundreds of thousands of Danes who regularly use mobile phones. The study used medical records of 358,000 mobile phones users during the period from 1990 to 2007. In general, a study revealed 5111 cases of brain cancer in men and 5618 cases in women. At the same time in both men and women who use mobile phones more than 13 years, the relative risk for this disease was 1.03 (95% CI 0,83-1,27) and 0.91 (0,41-2,04), respectively, in compared with the control group. Morphological analysis of tumors showed that among those who used mobile communications, the most frequently occurred glioma. The risk of this type of tumor in this category surveyed was increased by 20%. It is necessary to note that for men of the experimental group meningioma risk was reduced by 20%, and for women the figure was comparable with the control (1.02 0,71-1,47). Comparing these data with the incidence of brain tumors in the whole population, the researchers found no statistically significant connection between the duration of mobile phone usage and increased risk of some types of tumors. In particular, the researchers failed to detect increased incidence of gliomas and meningiomas of the brain in a subgroup of participants who used cell phones for 13 years or more. Also, the results of the study showed no association between use of mobile phones and increased risk for tumors of the brain areas that are closest to the phone when talking. (Frei et al., 2010)
In general, the findings suggest that mobile phones have no effect on the risk of brain cancer. It should be added that this study is the most ambitious of its kind: it examined more than 350 thousand people who use mobile phones. Though despite such optimistic findings, the study authors note that the currently available data do not exclude the relationship between the radiation of mobile phones and the risk of certain CNS tumors. For example, additional research is needed to assess the risk of these diseases among those who had often and long talk on a cell phone, or use these devices for more than fifteen years.
The same study is mentioned in the article by Hope J., published in Dailymail on 21 October 2010. The author claims that the study by Danish scientists is one of the largest in recent years, as it nvestigated data about 358,000 mobile users over 18 years. The article provides statements of famous scientists (Professor Malcolm Sperrin, Director of Medical Physics at Royal Berkshire Hospital and Fellow of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine; Denis Henshaw, Emeritus Professor of Human Radiation Effects, Bristol University). Though many other scientists disagree with the results and argue the study was not accurate.
ANALYSIS
In this paper were presented several studies published in the scientific and popular press. In scientific journals are presented the results of scientific research on the basis of experiments. From these experiments, scientists made conclusions about the impact of mobile phones on human health. However, in the presented scientific publications has not been made precise statements, but only assumptions that have a high probability. But the authors of studies in each case confirm the need for additional research. The available evidence does not allow to get a clear picture that would confirm a link between the influence of high-frequency radiation from mobile phones and direct health effects (such as increased risk of cancer). However, the quality of these studies and the relatively short period of time for which data are available do not allow to completely eliminate the negative health consequences. In other words, there was no evidence of negative health effects associated with the use of mobile phones, but also notevidence of absence of such effects. At the moment it is impossible to assert that exposure to radio frequency radiation (even below the permissible levels) does not have a negative impact on public health. However, the available evidence now suggests that, such risk may be insignificant. Therefore, it is necessary to get a more scientific data on health effects of this communication technology, and before that it is recommended to follow the precautionary principle (which is recommended by the European Union).
What can we see? There are numerous costly research held around the world, many scientists argue about the dangers of mobile communications, and studies do not show any results. Are mobile phones is absolutely harmless? In fact, in order to prove that mobile phones cause a particular disease it is necessary first to obtain statistically reliable results and, secondly, to obtain such results with the same equal preconditions. It is necessary to take into account many factors, and group results by categories such as: person’s age, his health, heredity, physiological state in general and especially in moments of mobile phone usage, time of day, seasonal changes, temperature, barometric pressure, moon phases , presence of drugs and alcohol in the blood, the type and brand of mobile phone, call duration, frequency of calls, number of calls per day, month, etc., etc. Since it is quite complicated, there are no exact results and any conclusions can not be done.
However, the articles on this issue in the popular press are quite different in nature. Authors of articles in the popular press make strong statements on the basis of inaccurate facts, interpretations of research and expert opinions. Such articles are usually biased, as the author chooses one side and defends his opinion. Also in these articles, we can not see any precise evidence, links to research, but only interpretations of facts. The authors of these articles have no responsibility for written material, and therefore can safely express their views. That is the main difference between the way the popular press looks at the issue versus the way the scholarly articles examine it. Of course, it is recommended to read and believe only information from scholarly articles that are based on evidence.
CONCLUSION
In this paper was considered the controversial issue of the harmful effect of cell phones on the human organism , published in the scientific and popular journals. In the scientific articles there are many studies of the effect of mobile phones on the human body, but according to their results scientists were unable to reach an unambiguous conclusion as to whether the cell phones threat to human health. Some studies have given a positive answer to this question . Though many critics argue that these findings were biased and contain a variety of statistical errors. So the available evidence does not allow to get a clear picture that would confirm a link between the influence of high-frequency radiation from mobile phones and direct health effects (such as increased risk of cancer). The popular press also gives arguments both for and against that cell phones can cause cancer in users, but in such articles there are no evidence or confirming facts, but only opinions of the authors with reference to other sources. So it is possible to make a conclusion that readers must believe only scientific sources on such controversial issues.
