Can the use of a cell phone cause health hazards?

Did you know that the WHO (World Health Organization) says that brain cancer can possibly result from cell phone use?

After reviewing numerous studies on the use of cell phones and brain cancer, the WHO listed cell phones as being “possibly carcinogenic.” Simply put, that means there’s enough evidence to raise concern, but the information is not exactly conclusive.

Other items in their “possibly carcinogenic” category are the banned pesticide DDT and gasoline engine exhaust. Hmmm. Not a good sign.

On the other hand, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states “that although some studies have raised concerns, the scientific research as a whole does not support a significant association between cell phone use and health effects.” Here is a comprehensive list of scientific studies done by the National Cancer Institute regarding cell phones and the risk of cancer.

Mobile phones do meet federal safety requirements, but to be cautious, here are

Five tips for cell phone safety:

A cell phone is almost indispensible now.

1. Limit your time on your cell phone. If you have a choice between your land-line and your cell phone, choose the land-line.

2. When you do talk on your cell phone, use the speaker phone feature so you don’t have to hold the phone near your head.

3. Or better yet, use a hands-free headset.

4. Don’t sleep with a turned on cell phone by your bed. If it’s your only phone, put it in “airplane mode.”

5. Children, because of their thinner skulls and developing brains, should use cell phones only on rare occasions according to Devra Davis at University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Environmental Oncology.

It is a fact that cell phones do emit radio active waves, similar to the danger of microwave ovens – it is just not certain whether they are truly harmful yet. The surge in cell phone use is fairly recent and it can take a decade before cancer shows up, so the jury is really still out on the human evidence factor.

However, cell phone usefulness is here to stay so it behooves us all to take precautions to protect our health as much as we can and engage in safety precautions.

Remember there is no such thing as a brain transplant, so turn that speaker on next time your cell phone vibrates.

What do you think? Leave a comment below to let us know if you believe there a danger in too much cell phone use.

Photo Source: Man

Photo Source: Two girls

Disclaimer: Remember that this post is my opinion and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Check with your health professional for all your medical concerns including cell phone use.

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