Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer?

Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer?
By Jordy

Some researchers say there is a possible link between cell phone use and brain cancer. There have also been links to other health problems such as headaches, dizziness and memory loss. But the U.S.F.D.A. (United States Food and Drug Administration) disagrees and says there is no danger in cell phone use.

Mobile phones sold in the United States are regulated for RF (radio frequency) emissions. That way the emissions are kept at a low level. These emissions can be unhealthy for young people if they are at high enough levels. Believe it or not, RF emissions have the ability to heat living tissue. In a microwave oven, it's RF energy that cooks the food, but the heat generated by cell phones is very small in comparison.

If you are still worried, try to limit your calling and choose a hands-free option to keep your body away from the antenna (which lets out most of the radiation). Also, don't use the phone when the signal is low and more radiation is let out. With cell phones, make sure that the antenna is fully extended to stop some of the radiation.

Citations

Magazine

Tecco, Betsy Dru. "Staying Connected: How to Use CELL PHONES Safely." Current Health 2; Feb2002: Vol.28 Issue 6, p20, 3p, 3bw.

Images

Copyrighted clip art of red cross and animated cell phones from "Microsoft Office Online" <http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/default.aspx?lc=en-us&cag=1> (October-March, 2004-2005). Clip art available only to licensed users for non-commercial purposes.