West Palm Beach, South Florida (JusticeNewsFlash.com – News Report) -– Cellular telephones are everywhere. Flip phones, sliders and even the new touch screen iPhone; in every shape and every color, they have populated our planet and become the most convenient way to keep in touch no matter where your location. A cell phone beams radiofrequency energy that can penetrate the outer edge of the brain, which posed questions about cancers of the head and neck, brain tumors or leukemia. According to the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA), there are now more than 180 million subscribers to cellular telephone service in the United States. This has increased from 110 million users just 3 years ago. Experts estimate that by 2010, there will be 2.2 billion subscribers worldwide.
With all of the rumors circling around cell phones, a vast study was conducted in order to give individuals a definite, precise answer. Published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the study tracked 420,000 Danish cell phone users, including 52,000 who had been using cell phones for 10 years or more, and some who started using them 21 years ago. This is the largest study so far to find no bad news about the safety of cell phones and the radio frequency energy they emit. According to the article in the Associated Press ‘among 420,000 callers tracked through 2002, there were 14,249 cancers diagnosed — fewer than the 15,001 predicted from national cancer rates. Nor did the study find increased risks for any specific tumor type.’ Yet, another French study based on Interphone research was published in 2007, and concluded that regular cell phone users had “no significant increased risk” for three major types of nervous system tumors. However it also stated that “the possibility of an increased risk among the heaviest users” for one type of brain tumor, but that needs to be verified in future research.
Other researchers and doctors, such as Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, believe there is still some risk associated with cell phone usage, stating that long-term evidence is lacking. In addition to this further research, brain specialists are investigating the risk of Electromagnetic radiation and its possible effects on children. Children and young kids should limit their use of cellular devices because their brains are still developing. Many parents are being urged to err on the side of caution because the findings are still conflicting. Some think there is no harm, others oppose.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that cellular telephone users should invest in a hands-free headset and or use the speaker feature, in addition to limiting the amount of time spent on the phone – if they are concerned about potential health risks from cellular telephones. When it comes down to it, there is more of a potential danger when driving and using the cell phone than there is from the radiation emitted.
Contributor: Jana Simard
