Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 02/08/2012 12:30:08

Title: What are the health effects of mobile phone radiation?
Post by: thedoc on 02/08/2012 12:30:08

Chey Anunaki  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
What are the health effects of mobile phone radiation? Can you tell me more about electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range?

What do you think?

Title: Re: What are the health effects of mobile phone radiation?
Post by: evan_au on 03/08/2012 11:50:41

The World Health Organisation is monitoring studies on this topic. Their conclusion is "To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use.".
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs193/en/

Since mobile phones are a relatively new phenomenon over the past decade, and some health problems only appear after 20 years, WHO will continue to monitor it.

Mobile phones have quite lower power. In contrast, high-powered microwave radiation from ovens with broken door seals, or microwave transmission links (parabolic dishes) can cause heating of the body. This is usually cooled by the blood supply; however, organs like the cornea at the front of the eye have a very poor blood supply, and can overheat, causing cataracts.

By far the biggest health risk from mobile phones is because they distract car drivers - the WHO estimates that using a phone while driving increases the chance of a motor vehicle accident by a factor of 4. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs358/en/