Possible cancer-causing effects of radiofrequency energy of cell phones and how can people reduce their exposure.
Cellular phones are now an integral part of modern telecommunications. In many countries, over half the population use mobile phones and the market is growing rapidly. At the end of 2009, there were an estimated 4.6 billion subscriptions globally. In some parts of the world, mobile phones are the most reliable or the only phones available. The world now has over 5.6 billion mobile phone users. Cell phones emit radiofrequency energy, a form of non-ionizing or electromagnetic radiation, and tissues nearest to where the phone is held can absorb this energy. The majority of the radiofrequency energy emitted by a cell phone is absorbed by the hand and head of the user. The total energy absorbed is a function of the specific absorption rate (SAR), duration of use, and the manner in which the cell phone is used. In addition, people are concerned that cell phones might have the potential to cause certain types of cancer or other health problems. Possible damage in our tissues, increase in the risk of brain glioma and risk of tumors by heating the cells in the head and neck are three possible cancer-causing effects of radiofrequency (RF) energy of cell phones. The use of speaker mode or a hands-free device, a cell phone with a low SAR value, and reducing the amount of time spent on the cell phone are three ways to reduce RF exposure.
Since 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has required that all wireless communications devices sold in the United States meet its minimum guidelines for safe human exposure to radiofrequency energy. These guidelines specify exposure limits for hand-held wireless devices in terms of the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The SAR is a measure of the rate that RF energy is absorbed by the human body. For exposure to RF energy from wireless devices, the allowable SAR limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg), as averaged over one gram of tissue. For example, all wireless devices sold in the U.S. go through a formal FCC approval process
Since 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has required that all wireless communications devices sold in the United States meet its minimum guidelines for safe human exposure to radiofrequency energy. These guidelines specify exposure limits for hand-held wireless devices in terms of the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The SAR is a measure of the rate that RF energy is absorbed by the human body. For exposure to RF energy from wireless devices, the allowable SAR limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg), as averaged over one gram of tissue. For example, all wireless devices sold in the U.S. go through a formal FCC approval process