Brain cancer fears over heavy mobile phone use

A top Australian neurosurgeon suggested that mobile phones could be a greater threat to human health than smoking and even asbestos. A recent 15-month critical review showed the link between mobile phones and malignant brain tumors. The research said that using a person’s risk of getting brain cancer is actually double after 10 years of mobile use. This is caused by exposure to the invisible electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by the handsets.

The world is become more and more dependent on these useful devices. Today, there are currently 3 billion mobile phone users. This number is growing daily as people as young as three are starting use them. The phone radiation heats up the side of the head or thermoelectrically interact with the brain. It has been noted that the recent brain tumors are appearing on the same side as the user’s preferred ear for making calls. Bluetooth devices and “unshielded” headsets could convert the user’s head into a self-harming antenna.

Dr. Khurana, the neurosurgeon leading this research explained that the malignant tumor could take between 10-20 years to form after the commencement of the mobile phone usage. This makes research on recent occurrences difficult.

Some ideas that could be used to decrease the incidences could include restricted use of the devices, properly shielded cell phones, and hands-free devices such as headsets.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/essential-gadgets/brain-cancer-fears-over-heavy-mobile-phone-use/2008/03/31/1206850867797.html