Students, now more than ever, have their cell phones on them at all times, and with smart-phones becoming increasingly popular, cell phones are letting us do a lot more than what they used to just a few years ago.
However, a report issued by the World Health Organization in early June highlights the potential risk of cell phone radiation and its association with brain tumors. The announcement gained significant media attention, but health experts worry it is just hype.
The report came following a comprehensive literature search by a team of 31 scientists from 14 countries around the world, including the U.S. Specifically, the researchers found some evidence to label it a “possible carcinogen,” but said more research is needed. The researchers have not concluded certainty regarding the study and the WHO did not conduct their own research—they gathered data from other studies.
A significant reason why cell phone radiation studies have not been definitive yet is that most environmental factors take decades of exposure before consequences appear. Because cell phone use has only become popular in the past 15 years, it will take time for more conclusive studies to emerge.
Dr. Anita Flick, director of Health Professions Advising, isn’t convinced by the study. According to her own research on the report, Flick said “…the panel that reviewed this actually was torn between labeling cell phone radiation as a ‘possible carcinogen’ or saying there was ‘insufficient evidence.’ They were actually more on the insufficient evidence end.”
Flick said airing on the side of caution is a good idea with just common sense.
“With respect to how we should proceed, just use common sense. We have, as a society, become way too dependent on our phones for access and we should proceed with common sense in reasonable moderation. However, as we now text more than call, we are probably already limiting exposure.”
The Federal Communications Commission still does not advise any precautions for cell phone use despite cell phone manufacturers doing so. Cell phone giants such as Apple and Blackberry indicate in their instruction manuals to hold the phone about an inch away from the ear. Further, the FCC limit on the amount of radiation allowed to be expelled by a cell phone is based on the assumption the phone will be held about an inch away from the ear, and not directly held on the ear.
The further the phone is away from the head, the less exposure to radiation. This is great news for those who use phones primarily for texting.
Yoseph Saleh, a senior in biochemistry, said he isn’t affected by all the media attention surrounding the report.
“Everything causes cancer these days,” Saleh said. “If we stopped using everything that they say causes cancer, we wouldn’t be able to function as normal individuals in today’s society. Cell phones play too vital a role these days to just give them up because they are ‘potentially carcinogenic.'”
Tareq Said, a senior in business administration, said he shares the same sentiment as Saleh.
“Everyone uses a cell phone, especially in the business field,” Said said. “When I graduate and go out in the real world, I will rely heavily on my cell phone and I don’t think there’s any way to get around that. It’s a competitive world out there and not using a cell phone, or even limiting its use, would put me at a disadvantage.”
Not everyone on campus sees it that way, though. Kaaenaat Mustafa, a senior in business management, said she doesn’t think the advisory will get people to stop using their cell phones.
“Maybe it’ll get people to seek alternatives,” Mustafa said. “Texting, using a wired headset, or holding your cell phone all seem to be good ways to decrease radiation exposure. By using these methods, I’ll have my phone and my health.”
