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Your letters: Reducing impact of cell phones
Technology transfer: A leader of the Dani tribe in Papua speaks to a member of his family on a cellular phone
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Technology transfer: A leader of the Dani tribe in Papua speaks to a member of his family on a cellular phone. JP/P.J. Leo
When talking on a cell phone, most users place the phone against their head. In this position, there is a good chance that some of the radiation will be absorbed by human tissue. Cancer, brain tumors, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, fatigue and headaches could potentially be associated with radiation from cell phones. Studies have only made this issue more confusing.
Limited studies have shown evidence of the connection between cell phone radiation and brain tumor risks and there are some reasons for these discrepancies.
There is often recall bias (where brain tumor patients are unable to recollect their past memories) and participation bias, inaccurate reporting, mortality among cancer patients and advancement in technology and so on.
For those of you who are worried about the hazards of radiation caused by cell phones, here are some tips to reduce the risks. Use a headset or speaker to allow minimal contact with your phone. Hands-free kits reduce the amount of radio-frequency energy exposure to the head because the antenna, which is the source of energy, is not placed against the head.
Text more and talk less because phones emit less radiation when sending text messages compared to voice communications. Also, make calls when there are high signals and use your phone in open spaces. Research has shown that radiation exposure increases when cell phone signals weaken.
Also, do not keep your phones in your pocket (especially the pocket near your chest) or under your pillow. Even though a phone is on and not in use, it will still keep sending signals, meaning that radiation exposure still occurs, so when not in use, switch your cell phones off.
Use cell phones for short conversations and try to extend the antenna during use. In theory, children have the potential to be at greater risk than adults for developing brain cancer from cell phones. At a store, try purchasing phones that have low specific absorption rate (SAR) values. Specific absorption rate is a measure of the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the body when using a cell phone.
Studies thus far have not shown a consistent link between cell phone use and cancers of the brain, nerves or other tissues of the head or neck.
More research is needed to assess whether cell phones pose a potential risk because cell phone technology and how people use cell phones have been changing rapidly.
Yamini Rao
Jakarta
