Mobile is an inseparable part of our lives. We are completely dependent on our mobile phones, and everyone has one, even schoolchildren.
Key points
We are pretty sure that most of us are nomophobes, at least to some extent. You may have read reports that this tiny, super-functional gadget can be life-threatening, but is that the truth? There are reports that radiation can even turn your brain into an omelette. We did a little research and got you some factual answers.
Radiation from your mobile?
Yes! Radiation is present in mobile phones in the form of electromagnetic waves. Through a particular radio frequency on these electromagnetic waves, you are able to make and receive calls. The radiation emission is present in small amounts from your mobile, as these emissions are short-range waves.
Radiation absorption
A small amount of radio waves emitted from your mobile are absorbed by the body. According to Wikipedia, the maximum power output from a mobile phone is regulated by the mobile phone standard. In most systems, the mobile and the base station check reception quality, signal strength, and power level. It is increased or decreased automatically within a certain span to accommodate different situations, whether you are inside or outside the building or vehicle.
The rate at which energy is absorbed by the human body is measured by the specific absorption rate (SAR). SAR data for specific mobile phones, along with other useful information, can be found directly on manufacturers’ websites.
Effects of mobile radiation
The effects can be of two types: thermal and non-thermal.
Thermal effects
One of the most common effects of electromagnetic waves is dielectric heating. When a person uses a cell phone, most of the heating effect will occur at the surface of the head.
This heating can increase your head temperature by a fraction of a degree. However, this heat is less than the heat obtained by sunlight. The blood circulation isn’t affected much, as the brain’s blood circulation is capable enough to deal with excess heat, but the cornea of the eyes is not accustomed to a lot of heat.
Non-thermal effects
The communications procedures used by mobile phones often result in a low-frequency pulse from the carrier signal.
“Non-thermal effects” could be reinterpreted as a normal cellular response to an increase in temperature. This heat can activate several messenger systems, gene expression, and the production of heat shock proteins in order to defend the cell against stress caused by heat.
According to a study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association, exposure to radio frequency signal waves within parts of the brain closest to the cell phone antenna resulted in increased levels of glucose metabolism.
In non-thermal effects, the following problems can be seen:
- Blood-brain barrier effects
- Cancer
- Cognitive effects
- Electromagnetic hypersensitivity is like a tingling sensation in the skin of the head, headache, dizziness, loss of mental attention, etc.
- Sleep disorders
- Behavioural effects
Reduce the effect of phone radiation.
In order to lower the effects of mobile phone radiation, follow these simple steps:
Keep some distance.
Behind every phone’s packaging, in fine print, most mobile brands recommend keeping your cell at least 10 millimeters away from your body. Learn to maintain some distance with your tiny buddy. It may sound difficult, but it is not impossible.
A weak signal is bad.
Cell phones release more radiofrequency radiation when the signal is low. That means if your signal is low, avoid using your cell phone to prevent unnecessary harm.
Choose hands-free headsets.
Always choose hands-free headsets, as they will help reduce radiation emissions to the brain.
Switch sides
Change hands (and ears) frequently while talking on your cell phone to limit the amount of exposure to one side of your head.
Use speakers to dial numbers.
The radiofrequency radiation is strongest when your phone is attempting to place a call, so hold it away from your head until you hear someone pick up.
