Don’t get it mixed up, the cell phone is not like your best friend, it’s more like an appendage to your body. According to Motorola, if a fire was to break out, most people would choose to save their phone instead of their cat! Wow! But it’s true. Let’s face it, your phone has more to offer than your furry friend, right?
So, is your cell phone a friend or an enemy? Better yet, does your cell phone cause Cancer?
For many years, we have been taught to believe that cell phones were safe. It’s true, cell phones do emit radiation, but it was said that the non-ionizing radiation from these devices was harmless. Cell phones emit an electromagnetic field referred to as radio frequency, and it just might not be as safe as we thought.
Cell phone radiation has the ability to penetrate the body and it can cause a lot of damage to your health. The World Health Organization in 2011 said that cell phone radiation is indeed classified as a 2B Carcinogen, or a possible, not probable Carcinogen.
Brain Tumors
Most people believe there is more risk than that, and peer studies back this up. Apparently, using your cell phone for a half hour a day increases your chances of getting a brain tumor by 40%!
Glioma-Most people only live 1-3 years with this type of brain tumor. It is deadly.
Acoustic Neuromas(Non-malignant)-These tumors are non-cancerous but life-threatening because they are intracranial.
The Interphone Study
The latest study of cell phones in relation to Cancer backs up theories about the risks. Apparently, using your cell phone as little as a half hour a day does increase the risk of Gliomas, as much as 40% more likely to be stricken with this fatal disease.
The Hardell Research Group in Sweden backed this study as well and conducted a study in 2013, on 790,000 middle-aged women. The risk of acoustic neuroma increased according to how many years these women used cellular phones.
What about other Cancers?
Studies have also shown a link between cell phone usage and other Cancers as well. A list of the different areas and Cancer types helps us see the grand scheme of things, and helps us make wise decisions concerning cell phone usage.
- Thyroid Cancer
- Melanoma
- Lymph Node Cancer
- Leukemia
- Parotid Malignant Tumors
- Stem cell Cancer
- Eye Cancer
- Cancer of the Pituitary Gland
- Multifocal Breast Cancer
Your DNA
Cell phone radiation can also damage your DNA. In 1990, at the University of Washington, Professor Lai discovered that RF Radiation cause DNA strand breaks. This did not pertain to cell phones at the time but was a study on non-ionizing microwaves on rats.
This radiation is the same emitted by cell phones, however, and points toward probably DNA damage in humans. Micronuclei Proliferation, DNA damage, was found in pregnant rats. This same damage is seen in Cancer patients. And as we know, Cancer appears after the damage has been done to cells.
Here are a few tips to avoid over-exposure to cell phone radiation.
- Wear headphones when taking calls
- Text more instead of call
- Do not use Bluetooth, it also has high radiation levels
- Opt to meet in person or call on a landline to avoid long conversations.
- Avoid making calls in bad reception
I don’t know about you but I feel paranoid about my cell phone now. I will be practicing these tips to ensure my risks decrease. Take care of yourself and always be aware of Cancer risks. Adjust and change accordingly.
