Can Cell Phones Cause Health Problems?

By now, you know the routine with cell phone science: One day we get a study saying cell phones are completely safe and the next day we find research saying they give you cancer! So why should you care if I say I have some new information on the dangers of cell phones? Well, according to analysis we found in the Bottom Line Personal, all that conflicting research should be your biggest red flag! That’s the word from Dr. David Carpenter, director for the Institute For Health and the Environment in New York.

He agrees there are no definitive studies showing that cell phones cause health problems, but we do know this: New evidence confirms that low-frequency electromagnetic radiation – the kind emitted from cell phones – can cause biological cell mutations and breakage of DNA structure. Admittedly, that radiation can also come from things like high tension power lines or household appliances. Dr. Carpenter was intrigued by a 10-year study which found that heavy cell phone users had a 50% greater risk for developing cancerous tumors – compared to adults who barely use a cell phone.

Even more telling: Many of those tumors developed in areas where a person typically holds a cell phone. Like the salivary gland of the mouth, the auditory nerve of the ear, or on the brain itself. Basically, Dr. Carpenter says people shouldn’t wait for scientists to dot every “i” and cross every “t” before taking steps to minimize their radiation exposure. How can you do that?

• Use the speakerphone option or an earpiece attachment with a wire whenever possible. Just like cell phones themselves, Dr. Carpenter says more research is needed on the safety of those wireless Bluetooth earpieces.
  
  
• Send text messages whenever possible. It’s simply quicker than making a phone call, so it reduces your radiation exposure.
  
  
• Avoid carrying a cell phone on your body. Because phones continue to connect to relay antennas even when you’re not using them.
  
  
• Don’t keep a cell phone in your bedroom! Having one on a bedside table will expose your body to electromagnetic pulses all night long.