Cell phone radiation and its effects has long been the subject of research. Many of the studies have shown that cell phones are linked to a wide range of health problems - such as fatigue, vision impairment, cancer, brain tumor, and memory loss. Scientists also agree that children are more susceptible because their nervous system, immune system, and critical organs are still developing.

Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)

Here’s how using your cell phone can cause some damage. Your cell phone emits what is known as electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The living cells in your body also emit electromagnetic signals. The natural electromagnetic signals are used by your body cells to communicate with each other. The man-made fields, however, are different from the natural signals and are recognized as toxins by the cells.

The cellular phone radiation interfere with the body cells’ natural electromagnetic signals. The cells become stressed and respond by going through biochemical reactions and harden its membrane to protect itself.

Over a period of time the hardening of the cell membrane leads to build up of waste, free radicals and toxins in the cells. Free radicals have been shown in studies to damage the cells and interfere with normal DNA repair. Cancer and tumors are some of the serious diseases that are caused due to free radicals.

Effects Documented By Numerous Studies

The harmful effects of cell phone radiation have been documented in many studies. Interestingly, in 1993, the powerful telecom industry funded a series of research projects to prove that cell phones are absolutely safe. The total cost of the project amounted to over $25 million in a period of 6 years. The results proved in the end, however, that there are valid health concerns. The studies showed that cell damage and tumors occurred in one third of the lab experiments. The experiments were conducted under strict exposure guidelines set by FCC.

The industry panicked and tried to discredit the studies. But not for long. Numerous other studies on cell phone radiation showed the same results. In 1995, research carried out by Dr. Henry Lai and Dr. Singh at the Washington University showed that DNA damage occurred in animals that were exposed to EMR. The study showed that the EMR exposure lead to double-strand breakage in DNA which can lead to serious genetic damage. This can further also cause cancer, mutagenic problems and cell death.

In January 2001, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a report that said that some studies have shown a 300% increase in cancer risk in people using cell phones for 500-1,000 minutes per day.

Professor Sir William Stewart, chairman of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), has - in his report, Mobile Phones and Health - given a warning on cell phone usage. In this report he mentions that certain studies in recent years have shown that cell phone users are more prone to non-malignant tumors in the ear and brain (this was reported by a ten year study in Sweden). Such a publication from a leading expert on the field led to many authorities calling for a ban of cell phone use among children.

Here’s a partial list of what studies show cell phone radiation can do:

- damage nerve cells in the brain

- precipitate damage to eye

- cause dizziness, nausea, headache and fatigue

- cause memory problems

- cause genetic damage and tumor

The wireless communications industry always counter such revealing studies with statements that they are not conclusive and that more research needs to be done. But do you really want to wait?