.jpg) By Johnny Firecloud | Naturally, with recent estimates placing half the world's population in the "can you hear me now?" demographic, there's an understandable resistance to any damaging findings regarding the safety of these little pieces of communication magic. |
Especially when accessories like the iPhone have become such status symbols in America (and beyond). But there are some scary findings rising to the surface, and it's time we started paying attention.
Women who use mobile phones when pregnant are much more likely to give birth to children with behavior problems, according to several recent studies.
One such study that surveyed more than 13,000 families found that using cell phones only two to three times a day while pregnant was enough to sharply increase the risk of the child developing hyperactivity, difficulties with behavior, relationships and emotional control in the earliest years. According to the study, conducted at UCLA and the university in Aarhus, Denmark (and published in the July issue of the Epidemiology journal), if the kids themselves actually use the phones before they turn seven, the likelihood is even greater: 80% more likely to suffer from difficulties with behavior, run a 25% higher risk of emotional problems, 34% more likely to suffer from difficulties relating to their peers, 35% more likely to be hyperactive and 49% more prone to problems with conduct.
A bit scary, huh? Well buckle up, cause things are about to get worse.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has revamped its review of wireless-phone safety following a recently published study that raised concerns about a heightened risk of brain cancer. The researchers at the Swedish National Institute for Working Life compared data from 2,200 cancer patients and an equal number of healthy patients. Those who heavily used wireless phones had a 240 percent increased risk of a cancerous tumor on the side of the head where they used their phone, they reported.
A study published in the Ear, Nose and Throat Journal announced that frequent cell users face a 50% greater risk of developing cancerous tumors of the parotid gland (the largest human salivary gland, located where the jaw and ear meet) than those who don't.
The Independent's Geoffrey Lean wrote an interesting article referencing a cancer study by award-winning scientist Dr. Vini Khurana. Here's an excerpt from the article: "Mobile phones could kill far more people than smoking or asbestos, a study by an award-winning cancer expert has concluded. He says people should avoid using them wherever possible and that governments and the mobile phone industry must take “immediate steps” to reduce exposure to their radiation."
It doesn't take a brilliant mind to establish that phrases like "high radio frequency exposure" and "cell radiation output" aren't exactly harmless things. So you might want to think twice before adopting your dad's super-cool cell phone hip clip look. Experts also recommend the use of hands-free devices at all times, holding the phone away from one's body and making shorter, less frequent calls (seems like kids have figured that part out already with texting). They also advise that parents limit the amount of time children can talk on mobile phones.
I say let's just throw all the cell phones away. This Macbook buzzing away in my lap has all the capabilities of a phone, except for the fitting in my pocket part. But give it time. Nevermind the increased spots of incontinence, impotence and reverse migration of body hair - this laptop is harmless. Anyways I've gotta run - I'm getting some bifocals to help the strain on my eyes from the computer screen.
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