Studies show that radiofrequency (RF) radiation from cell phones may cause heart schwannomas in rats; however, such research does not translate to humans. Yet activists are pushing the FDA and FCC to alter their guidelines regarding permitted exposure levels from mobile devices.
For maximum safety, hold the phone away from your head during calls and use a hands-free kit to reduce exposure. Furthermore, pregnant women should avoid keeping their phone in their pocket or bra.
Cell Phone Radiation
Mobile phone antennas emit low levels of non-ionizing radiation to communicate with base stations, which may produce heat in parts of your head or body near antennae. Some people believe this radiation may cause cancer or other health complications; however, the US Food and Drug Administration states that its weight of scientific evidence does not demonstrate such a connection between cell phone radiation and any health problems.
Children may be particularly at risk. Their thinner skulls and developing brains make them more prone to absorb radiation than adults, according to research done by the American Academy of Pediatrics. As such, it has asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to raise radiation standards on phones targeted specifically at kids.
So until we know for certain, it is wise to keep your cellphone as far from your head and body as possible, such as by using hands-free devices, keeping the phone on speakerphone or using wired earphones when speaking on it. Furthermore, avoid calling when signal strength is poor as this increases exposure.
Electromagnetic Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is energy that travels in waves with different wavelengths and frequencies, like radio waves or visible light; EMR can come from human-made or natural sources and includes X-rays, radio waves, visible light, infrared wavelengths or microwave radiation as examples of electromagnetic energy sources.
Non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are generated by wireless devices like cell phones and smart meters, radar, satellite radio, and MRI machines. Ionizing radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays produced from nuclear reactions may damage DNA.
Some studies have linked workplace exposure to ELF radiation with an increased risk of leukemia, brain tumors and male breast cancer; other studies have not. Health Canada scientists employ a weight-of-evidence approach that examines all peer-reviewed scientific studies related to EMF exposure and health; when evaluating this evidence they give more weight to well-conducted and replicated studies as well as exposure duration and intensity; they use this data when setting ICNIRP guidelines on EMFs exposure both at work and home.
Cell Tower Radiation
Cell towers are structures designed to transmit radio signals between mobile phones. Commonly seen as utility pole-style structures, cell towers may seem intimidating but research shows no evidence that radiation from these structures poses any harm to people living nearby.
Cellphone towers emit low-level radio-frequency electromagnetic waves on the electromagnetic spectrum between FM radio waves and microwaves, known as radio-frequency or RF waves. These non-ionizing waves don’t directly damage DNA in cells but stronger forms of radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays have been known to cause cancer by disrupting molecules in cells.
Some individuals living nearby 5G cell towers have reported various symptoms in addition to radiation from RF/MW base stations, making it imperative that public health agencies understand these risks and reevaluate safety standards before placing new towers and antennas in communities.
Cell Phone Safety
In the US, government regulators such as the Federal Communications Commission determine how much radiation mobile phones may emit across the nation. Furthermore, scientific studies are monitored by FDA for possible links to health concerns; and public health data show no surge in brain or nervous system cancer cases over 30 years due to mobile phone use.
Studies investigating potential long-term risks from radiofrequency radiation typically investigate associations rather than causal connections; however, two recent studies found that even low levels of exposure led to DNA changes in lab rats’ brain cells, although the risk was small; researchers acknowledged flaws in study design may have altered results.
The AAP suggests regulators reassess standards to reflect how people actually use phones, and ensure consumers are informed about safety. They also support further research into how radiofrequency (RF) exposure impacts human health long term, particularly children’s health. For those concerned about long-term exposure, they suggest taking steps such as using hands-free kits with lower radiation exposure while calling or texting or turning airplane mode when not on their phone.