POSSIBLE DANGERS OF CELL PHONES

Today's cell phones have become a part of almost every person's life, especially in South Africa. They have not been around for very long, so the long-term health implications have not been established as yet. Here is a review of the possible dangers that some preliminary studies have come up with:

- Lower fertility: A study from 2006 in India found that men who used their cell phones for more than 4 hours a day had less sperm and fewer normal sperm. (reference)

- Disturbed sleep: A 2007 study done by U.S. and Swedish researchers demonstrated that cell phone radiation did affect sleep patterns, finding that the study participants took longer to reach deep sleep and spent less time in the deepest state of sleep when our bodies actually do the most healing from the rigours of the day. (reference)

- Increased cancer risk: There are conflicting studies on this issue. However, more and more studies are showing a higher risk of developing tumours for people with high amounts of exposure to mobile phones over a long period of time. One study found that the risk is even greater for those that are less than 20 years of age. (reference)

Until the true safety of cell phone use has been established, in light of the few studies thus far, it is wise to limit your exposure to the electromagnetic radiation from cell phones. Here are a few precautionary steps you can take:

1. Avoid talking on your cell phone the last hour before bed and avoid placing the phone at your bedside. Radiation is emitted even when the phone is not in use.

2. Limit your cell phone use to no more than an hour a day, if at all possible. Use land lines whenever available.

3. Try not to keep the phone on you at all times.

4. Do not allow growing children to use cell phones, even to play games or take pictures. They should only use them for emergencies.