We are surrounded by electronic devices all the time.These devices emit electo-magnetic radiation. Be it our phones, laptops or even lamps. But is this radiation harmful to us, even in the long term?
Electro-Magnetic Radiation. What is It?
Radiation/Radiate seems like a dangerous word, doesn’t it. But in actuality, it just means to ‘Give Off’. Different types of electro-magnetic spectrum correspond to different types of electro-magnetic radiation.
The electro-magnetic spectrum includes:
Radio waves: Low Frequency and long wavelength (In phones and cell phone towers).
Microwaves: Low Frequency (Higher than radio) and long wavelength (shorter than radio).
Infrared, Visible and Ultraviolet: Frequency ranging from 300 GHz to 30 PHz and wavelength ranging from 1mm to 10nm.
X-Ray: High Frequency and Short Wavelength.
Gamma Rays: Very High Frequency and Very Short Wavelength.
Most of these types of radiation are not harmful but radiation with very high frequencies and short wavelengths (Gamma and X-Ray) can rip apart electrons from atoms in our body causing burns and genetic damage.
The common misconception is that the radiation from X-Rays and Gamma Rays is the only type of radiation. But in fact, this is the only type of harmful radiation.
Cell Phone Radiation (From Radio Waves)
Before we begin, I recommend watching this video:
Quoting from cancer.org
“...the RF waves given off by cell phones don’t have enough energy to damage DNA directly or to heat body tissues. Because of this, it’s not clear how cell phones might be able to cause cancer. Most studies done in the lab have supported the idea that RF waves do not cause DNA damage…”
“Some scientists have reported that the RF waves from cell phones produce effects in human cells (in lab dishes) that might possibly help tumors grow. However, several studies in rats and mice have looked at whether RF energy might promote the development of tumors caused by other known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). These studies did not find evidence of tumor promotion.”
A recent study done by the US National Toxicology Program exposed large groups of rats and mice to RF energy over their entire bodies for about 9 hours a day, starting before birth and continuing for up to 2 years (which is the equivalent of about 70 years for humans). Though the study found that the rats (only male) exposed to RF radiation had an increased risk of tumors called malignant schwannomas, it is very difficult to link these results to humans. The main reasons are:
>There was no clear increased risk among female rats or among male or female mice in the study.
>The doses of RF radiation in the study were also generally higher than those used in cell phones (ranging from 1.5 W/kg to 6 W/kg in rats, and 2.5 W/kg to 10 W/kg in mice), the animals’ entire bodies were exposed, and the amount of time they were exposed was longer than most people typically spend on the phone each day.
>The male rats in the study exposed to RF waves also lived longer, on average, than the rats who were not exposed.
Quoting from the conclusions of many studies (sourced from cancer.org)
>In most studies patients with brain tumors do not report more cell phone use overall than the controls. This finding is true when all brain tumors are considered as a group, or when specific types of tumors are considered.
>Most studies do not show a “dose-response relationship,” which would be a tendency for the risk of brain tumors to be higher with increasing cell phone use. This would be expected if cell phone use caused brain tumors.
>Most studies do not show that brain tumors occur more often on the side of the head where people hold their cell phones. This might also be expected if cell phone use caused brain tumors.
>Some studies have found a possible link. For example, several studies published by the same research group in Sweden have reported an increased risk of tumors on the side of the head where the cell phone was held, particularly with 10 or more years of use. It is hard to know what to make of these findings because most studies by other researchers have not had the same results, and there is no overall increase in brain tumors in Sweden during the years that correspond to these reports.
Radiation From Laptops
Laptops too emit the same RF frequencies that phones emit. Thus, I can come to the conclusion that laptops too do not have any negative effects on the human body. But it is recommended that you do not keep them on you lap because of the heat produced.
There are not many reputable government or university sites for reference so this conclusion is based on logic. I shall update this as soon as proper documentation is available.
Conclusion
Based on the provided facts, I believe that electro-magnetic radiation form phones does not cause cancer. I encourage you to do your own research and come to your own conclusions.
Quoting form who.int (World Health Organization)
“Recent press coverage has reported that "the World Health Organization (WHO) now recognizes electromagnetic fields (EMF) as a probable or possible cause of cancer". This was reported in relation to a cluster of cancers in Spain in young children claimed to have been caused by the EMF fields emitted from mobile telephone base stations.
This statement is a distortion of WHO's position on the possible health effects of exposure to the radiofrequency (RF) fields mobile phones or their base stations.
In WHO Fact Sheet 193, "Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Mobile Phones and their Base Stations," revised in June 2000, it states: "None of the recent reviews have concluded that exposure to the radiofrequency (RF) fields from mobile phones or their base stations causes any adverse health consequence. However, there are gaps in knowledge that have been identified for further research to better assess health risks. It will take about 3-4 years for the required RF research to be completed, evaluated and to publish the final results of any health risks." ”
This document will take months to read if I start to quote all of the conclusion arrived upon by modern scientific studies. That is why I have linked some sites that you might want to visit.
Note
Note that, in this document, I have not cherry-picked any information. I have provided information on studies with both types of conclusion (positive or negative). Though you may note that studies with negative conclusions have been disproven or not considered due to their lack of evidence or reproducibility.
Also, I strongly recommend that you take a look at the studies that I have provided. Please read them thoroughly and with an open mind.
I encourage you to do your own research and come to your own conclusions. Do not cherry pick studies that prove your own point. If you still wish to believe single small studies and youtube videos showcasing information from shady sources, then you are just ignorant.
Thoughts on the ‘Better Be Safe Than Sorry’ Argument
I, personally, would not inconvenience myself because of the bleak and evidence lacking possibility that smartphones may cause ‘negative health effects’. Also, you might want to hear the precautions people ask you to take. Most of them are hilarious. I do not want to keep the caller at the other end waiting until I fumble for my earphones and then take a call. I do not want to stop all my work and wait for my phone/laptop to charge until I can use it again.
Further Reading