Cell phone radiation - A+ PDF

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Ajay Ajmera

Physics Cell Phone Electromagnetic Radiation is Not a Significant Danger Cell phones are a relatively new innovation. The number of mobile phones has risen sharply since their introduction in the early 1980s, with “nearly 5 billion handsets in use today”. (Steenhuysen and Melvin Online) A fairly innocuous device, studies have shown that cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation. In 2011, the World Health Organization declared cell phone radiation to be a potential carcinogen, which has triggered many to question whether the Federal Communications Commission’s mobile phone emissions standards should be re-evaluated. Cell phones are not dangerous to a person’s health because the intensity of electromagnetic radiation generated by cell phones is not significant, there are no known cases of cell phone- caused cancer, and the quantity of radiation emitted by cell phones is not in the range that is considered dangerous. Quantitatively speaking, cell phones do not emit enough electromagnetic radiation to be considered significant. Since 1996, the FCC has required that all wireless communications devices sold in the United States meet its minimum guidelines for safe human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) energy. According to the FCC, the guidelines and rules regarding RF exposure are based upon standards developed by IEEE and NCRP and input from other federal agencies. A comparative study published on Cnet.com cited average cell phone electromagnetic radiation to be in the range of 0.9-1.92. (La and German online) Most cell phones listed a level of radiation within the acceptable limits set by the FCC. Therefore, the level of electromagnetic radiation is not dangerous. The number of mobile phones has risen sharply since the early 1980s, with nearly 5 billion handsets in use today, prompting lengthy debate about their potential link to the main types of brain tumor, glioma and meningioma. In May 2011 the World Health Organization added cell phone radiation to a list of possible carcinogens, putting it in the same category as lead, chloroform and coffee, and said more study is needed. But what many do not understand is that unlike ionizing radiation such as that from gamma rays, radon and X-rays, which can break chemical bonds in the body and are known to cause cancer, radiofrequency devices such as cell phones and microwaves emit radiofrequency energy, a form of non-ionizing radiation. According to the National Cancer Institute, “there is no consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases the risk of cancer”. (Steenhuysen and Melvin Online) In addition, a study by Danish researchers “involving more than 350,000 people concluded that mobile phones do not increase the risk of cancer, concurring with other studies that have reached similar conclusions… And a study last July looking at children and adolescents aged 7 to 19 concluded that those who used mobile phones were at no greater risk of developing brain cancer than those who did not use the devices.

(Steenhuysen and Melvin Online) So, there is no link between cell phones and brain cancer. This is probably due to the fact that cell phones emit a safe level of radiation. To ensure public safety the FCC, in 1996, established a limit on emissions and a safe level of human exposure. "The FCC's safety standards include a 50-fold safety factor and, as the FCC has noted, are the most conservative in the world," stated John Walls, CTIA's vice president of public affairs, said. (Melvin Online). According to the FCC: These guidelines specify exposure limits for hand-held wireless devices in terms of the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The SAR is a measure of the rate that RF energy is absorbed by the body. For exposure to RF energy from wireless devices, the allowable FCC SAR limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg), as averaged over one gram of tissue. (FCC Online) Furthermore, “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration limits the radiation leakage of microwave ovens to no more than 5.0 mW/cm2 at a distance of 2.00 in. A typical cell phone, which also transmits microwaves, has a peak output power of about 2.0 W”. (“Cell Phone Radiation” Online) According to one report, mobile phones sold in the United States are tested and must be within the limit established by the FCC before they are granted FCC approval to be marketed in the United States. FCC spokeswoman Tammy Sun said that the existing guidelines do not pose any harm or risk to cell phone users, adding that the United States "has the most conservative emissions standards in the world." (Steenhuysen and Melvin Online) The FCC has stressed that it believes there is no evidence tying cancer, headaches, dizziness, memory loss or other health problems to mobile phones. (Melvin Online) Also, the wireless trade association, CTIA, noted that two decades of scientific research, evaluated by government agencies and impartial health organizations, have yet to establish that wireless phone use causes adverse health effects. There are simply no reported cases of cell phone related cancer. According to James Geary, author of “Disconnected,” a study of cell phone radiation, cell phones do not affect health. “Let's be clear," Geary writes. "Cell phones are not like cigarettes. There is a proven mechanism by which cigarettes cause cancer, even if you live an otherwise healthy life. There is as yet no proven mechanism by which cell phones do the same. Most experts say there is no such mechanism." Regardless of the quantity of radiation or the time of exposure there is no link between electromagnetic radiation and health hazards. However, the range established by the FCC would ensure public safety, so no individual using a cell phone could possibly develop any kind of condition that could be detrimental to their health. The FCC deems such a low level as appropriate, so if there was any kind of excess per chance in the level of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a certain phone it will still not cause any kind of damage to the individual using it. This was put in place by the FCC to stand as a fool proof system which would ensure

that no matter how high the electromagnetic radiation may be in an individual’s cell phone, they would be protected.

Ajay Ajmera Physics Dangerous Electromagnetic Radiation from Cell Phones Cell phones are a relatively new innovation. The number of mobile phones has risen sharply since their introduction in the early 1980s, with “nearly 5 billion handsets in use today”. (Steenhuysen and Melvin Online) A fairly innocuous device, studies have shown that cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation. In 2011, the World Health Organization declared cell phone radiation to be a potential carcinogen, which has triggered many to question whether the Federal Communications Commission’s mobile phone emissions standards should be re-evaluated. Due to the high intensity of the electromagnetic radiation, potential health hazards, and potential for overexposure to radiation, cell phones are dangerous to a person’s health. Cell phones emit low-level radio-frequency (RF) radiation, which is close to the frequency of microwaves. (Challem Online) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration limits the radiation leakage of microwave ovens to no more than 5.0 mW/cm2 at a distance of 2.00. If a typical cell phone, which also transmits microwaves, has a similar peak output power of about 2.0 W then it has the potential of causing health hazards if a person has prolonged exposure. (“Cell Phone Radiation” Online) In order to maintain past regulations, “The head of the Federal Communications Commission is asking for a review of the [FCC]'s stance on radio frequency energy emitted from cell phones amid lingering concerns that the devices may cause brain tumors. (Steenhuysen and Melvin Online) This is important, because without constant review and updated information the technology could evolve more quickly than regulations could cover. The research linking cell phone use to brain cancer has been conflicting, but in 2011 the World Health Organization declared cell phone radiation to be a potential carcinogen. Many health hazards have been potentially linked with overexposure to cell phone electromagnetic radiation. In fact, “several studies have found that excessive cell phone use may disrupt sleep, cause headaches, and result in depression”. (Challem Online) What these devices produce is energy in the form of heat, and many are concerned that frequent use of cell phones (when the phone is held up to the ear) can change brain activity on a cellular level, as some studies have suggested. (Steenhuysen and Melvin Online) While the final word is still out on cancer risk, studies have shown changes in brain activity and brain glucose levels after someone holds a cell phone against their ear. "While the Government Accountability Office report indicates there is not evidence to suggest using a cell phone causes cancer, it's important that safety standards are current and account for changing trends in cell phone use and technology," Anna Eshoo, a Democratic Representative said. Many are also concerned with the lack of studies examining the dangers

of electromagnetic radiation to pregnant women and babies. Some authorities recommend that pregnant women keep cell phones well away from their abdomens and that moms not let babies play with the phones. "You don't wait for a car crash before putting your baby in car seat," Dr. Devra Davis, epidemiologist and toxicologist, who wrote about radiation in The Secret History of the War on Cancer and Disconnect, says. "You need to take similar precautions with cell phones. Distance is your friend." (Slater Online) Essentially, Dr. Devra Davis is saying how important it is to take precautions before anything happens. It is always better to be safe than sorry. It is better to do something about cell phone electromagnetic radiation early on, otherwise it could potentially cause major harm in the future. Furthermore, the younger the person, “the greater the likely effect on the brain and other tissues, so children are especially at risk”. (Challem Online) The increases in technology usage by younger generations (especially cell phones), means a correlative increase in electromagnetic radiation. The use of cell phones has become pervasive in today’s society, increasing exposure to electromagnetic radiation. According to one statistic: Collectively, Americans spend more than 6 billion minutes a day glued to their cell phones. But new science suggests a link between heavy cell phone use (30 minutes or more a day) and an increased risk of a type of brain cancer. And now a brand-new study from the National Institutes of Health reports that the electromagnetic radiation that's given off by a cell phone antenna triggers an increase of brain glucose in the area of the head that's closest to where the cell phone is held. (Schocker Online) Those who argue the cell phone electromagnetic radiation is not dangerous because it is comparative to that of a microwave have not considered the damage that could be done by a person spending 30 minutes or more a day with his or her head inside a microwave oven. Therefore, it is imperative to consider length of exposure along with the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation when deducing the potential health hazards of cell phone radiation. The increase in cell phone usage, coupled with the declaration by the World Health Organization that cell phone generated electromagnetic radiation is a potential carcinogen, has prompted many to believe that the Federal Communications Commission’s mobile phone emissions standards should be re-evaluated due to potential health hazards. Due to the high intensity of the electromagnetic radiation, potential health hazards, and potential for overexposure to radiation, cell phones are dangerous to a person’s health. Quantitatively, the amount of radiation emitted by a cell phone is similar to that of a microwave, at or below 2.0 W. Yet people are using their phones for an average of 30 minutes a day, prolonging their exposure. If the 30 minutes a day are spent with the phone to a person’s ear, then they have an increased risk of glucose levels elevating in the area of the brain closest to the phone. They also run the risk of insomnia, increased headaches, and possibly depression. In addition, some studies have

shown that increased electromagnetic radiation, such as that from cell phones, can lead to an increase in brain cancer. Therefore, cell phones are dangerous to a person’s health....