A study in 2018 by the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) found a “possible” link between long-term “high levels” (900 MHz) of exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) used in 2G and 3G cell phones and the tumors developing in the heart and brains of male rats. This also confirms to the 2011 assessment of the World Health Organization (WHO), through International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which suggests a “Group 2B” (possibly carcinogenic) link to brain cancer in humans exposed to RFR. However, further studies are still needed to obtain more “clear” evidences.
The numbers of mobile phone users today are way more different 5 or 3 years ago. Technology is rapidly changing and so are services too. In addition, network providers encourage people to have unlimited calls and texts. So given that these were the situations observed, it is important for people to take safety precautions with their mobile phone use before it’s too late. Mobile phones are clearly going to exist; until when, that we don’t know. The capacity of technologies is getting higher all the time, evolving year after year. This is evident in the coming 5G trend. For us to have a clear idea on how to do the safety measures here are few tips we must apply:
Limit the amount of use – epidemiological studies seems to suggest that the risk to developing cancers in humans is higher for those who use at least 1 call per week successively for 6 months. However, it is difficult to get accurate results since technology is changing fast and cellphone use varies in people. Therefore, it is important to control the use your self. So far, some agencies suggest that a call per day should not exceed 20 minutes.
Do not put the phone in your pocket – this is a warning given also by cellphone manufacturers themselves. Some women put them in their bras; this possibly adds to the factors leading breast cancers due to the direct exposure to the breast, especially for a longer period of time.
Use a speaker phone or a headset when doing the call – using these devices will reduce your exposure to RFR
When the signal is weak, avoid using it – using your mobile phone in an irregular signal makes the RFR more harmful
Turn off the cellphone as much as possible when not in use – this will lessen the RFR use
Put it in an airplane mode when you don’t need a signal – this controls the signal or stop the emission
Do not use it while charging – this not only increases the risk to RFR exposure but many people were hospitalized as their mobile phone exploded because of using it while charging the battery
As much as possible, use texts instead of calls – texting does not enable RFR emissions on your head or brain
Use each side of your head or ear when using especially in longer minutes – this helps lessen the exposure on each side
Always keep it away from your body or your head especially when sleeping
And lastly, do not use it while driving especially texting. Also, do not let children use mobile phone, especially toddlers.
References:
- https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/topics/cellphones/index.html
- https://www.momjunction.com/articles/side-effects-of-mobile-phones-on-teenagers_00352682/#gref
- https://www.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr208_E.pdf
- http://www.saferphonezone.com/tools/10-things-you-can-do-to-reduce-the-cancer-risk-from-cell-phones/
