Effects of Cell Phone Radiation

Radiation can be defined as energy that is transmitted in the form of rays, waves or particles. Human body is exposed to various types of radiation. Some are harmful to our body, whereas others are not. Electromagnetic radiation is emitted by cell phones for the purpose of communication.

Effects of Cell Phone Radiation on Human Body

The amount of emissions made by cell phones is quite minimal. Our body is exposed to cell phone radiation while making or receiving calls. The radio waves given out by the mobile handsets are absorbed by the human body. This type of radiation has a mild heating effect on the living tissues in the body. It is likely that this rise in temperature does not cause any damage to the cells, per se.

However, there are indications that cell phone radiation can cause a few changes in the functioning of cells. These changes are mostly temporary in nature. The functions that get affected by radiation include activation of proteins, communication between the body cells, genetic functions etc. Though the exact reasons behind these changes have not yet been ascertained, it has been confirmed that they are not caused by heating of the tissues.

Impact on the Blood-brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier present in the central nervous system is responsible for restricting the passage of unwanted substances between the blood stream and the neural tissue. As the term suggests, the function of the blood brain barrier is to block or prevent certain harmful substances from entering the brain or the spinal cord, while allowing useful substances, like oxygen, in. Radio waves radiated from cell phones may enhance the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, as a result of which, some microscopic objects like bacteria may enter into the restricted zone between blood stream and neural tissue. However, it has been observed that this is minimal and does not last long. Usually, normal functioning is restored when the radiation stops. The probable cause of such a change is believed to be due to microscopic heating. No major harm due to this, has been ascertained yet.

Increases the Risk of Tumors

Attempts have been made to establish a link between the risk of tumor and cell phone radiation. But so far, there is no strong evidence to prove that use of cell phones can give rise to such a health risk. However, some studies reported that the risk of brain tumor increases manifold, if cell phone is used for a prolonged period of time.

Increases the Risk of Cancer

Several intensive research works are being conducted to investigate if cell phone radiation causes cancer. The possibility is not totally ruled out. Cancer takes many years to develop within the human body, whereas, common use of cell phones began just ten years ago. Naturally, it will take some more time to find out whether there is any relation between cancer and cell phone radiation.

Many hospitals discourage usage of cell phones within their premises. This is because the electromagnetic signals of cell phones may interfere with some of the medical devices, even when they are kept in standby mode. Possibility of major disturbances is high in intensive care unit (ICU) and Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Growth in mobile phone technology is taking place at a rapid pace. On the other hand, research works have not made any major breakthrough to prove the actual effects of cellular radiation. Therefore, it is better if we take some safety measures to minimize our exposure to cell phone radiation.