We usually linked fear of wifi and cellphone radiation with the tinfoil hat brigade, but more evidence is coming out that indicates we should be concerned. A 13-country study looked at the issue, and Tyler Hamilton says it is " the most comprehensive look at the potential link between cellphone use and cancer, involves the pooled analysis of thousands of cases of tumours in the head and neck area: gliomas, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas and parotid gland tumours. It was originally supposed to be completed in 2004 and published in 2006. Years later the final report has still not been released, a source of frustration among some scientists who say such a delay would never be tolerated in the context of a drug study."
the highest-radiation cellphones in the US from CNET- a lot of blackberries!
One researcher explains that over 50 scientists have to sign off on the final, but that it will come out "soon." Some of the reports that are part of the study have been released, and they point to increases in tumours and cancer. Their biggest worry is the use by young people, who have a lot of years of cumulative cellphone use ahead of them. As one researcher said:
"Nobody will stop using this technology. There are car accidents and still we keep driving cars. The question is what precautions do we take?" ::Tyler Hamilton in the Star
Tara Parker-Pope in the New York Times weighed in on the issue:
Some doctors say the real concern is not older cellphone users, who began using phones as adults, but children who are beginning to use phones today and face a lifetime of exposure.
"More and more kids are using cellphones," said Dr. Paul J. Rosch, clinical professor of medicine and psychiatry at New York Medical College. "They may be much more affected. Their brains are growing rapidly, and their skulls are thinner." ::New York Times
Tyler Hamilton's recommendations to minimize cellphone radiation exposure:
Use an earpiece instead of holding the device to your head, particularly for longer conversations.
Keep conversations to a minimum.
Avoid long conversations in locations, such as rural areas or enclosed areas, where a cellphone's network signal is weak. A weak signal makes the phone emit more power so it can connect to a faraway cell tower.
If you buy your preteen or young teenager a phone, make sure he or she follows the above precautionary measures.
TreeHugger on Cellphone Radiation
Mobile phones 'more dangerous than smoking' : TreeHugger
Survey: Your Brain on Cellphones : TreeHugger
Ask TreeHugger: Do Cell Phones Give You a Headache? : TreeHugger
Electrical Smog: More on "Frequency Pollution" : TreeHugger
and our favourite:
