Electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation has the potential to produce a number of negative side effects in the human body. Since 2011, radiofrequency (RF) radiation, that is a form of EMF radiation, has been categorized as a possible human carcinogen, Group 2B, by the World Health Organisation. It’s important for every individual to understand what cell phone radiation is and how to protect themselves from the potential health issues that could arise from too much exposure.
Do Cell Phones Emit Radiation?
To quickly answer the question, “Do cell phones emit radiation?”, yes they do. All cell phones emit EMF, regardless if they are a flip phone that cannot connect to the internet or ever increasing popular smartphone.
Cell phones emit two types of radiation – RF radiation and ELF (extremely low frequency) radiation – both are forms of non ionizing EMF radiation.
So long as the phone is operating, the radiation is released from the phone. The EMF cell phone radiation is emitted in two ways. The first is RF radiation from the cell signal that provides service to the phone in addition to Bluetooth and WiFi. Next is the ELF radiation, which is generated through the electrical components that comprise the phone’s hardware.
The amount of exposure an individual can receive is dependent on a few factors, such as:
- Type of Cell Phone
- Cell Phone Usage
- Distance from Antenna
- Features Available (Bluetooth, WiFi)
- Proximity to Cell Towers
It’s important to understand what effects cell phone radiation can have on the human body.
Cell Phone Radiation Effects On The Human Body
Once the radiation is emitted from the phone, it is absorbed into the body tissue that is closest to where the phone is being held or stored. It can be absorbed anywhere in the body, including the hand that holds to the phone, the ear and area of the brain closest to the phone while taking a call, the tissue near the back pocket or someone’s pants, the area of the heart that is by the pocket nurse’s use to store their phone during shifts, and anywhere else.
Those with smartphones are more likely to use their cell phone more often and keep them nearby at all times. This increases an individual’s risk of increased cell phone radiation exposure and the effects it has on the human body.
Research has long been conducted on the effects of EMF on the body by organizations of all sizes. Some of the effects that have been discovered due to cell phone radiation include cancer, DNA damage, tumors, reproduction complications, and hypersensitivity, to name a few. The degree of severity of these effects have been found to be dependent on the age, years of exposure, and general health of the individual.
Relevant Research and Studies
Hundreds of studies have been conducted to learn more about the effects of EMF and cell phone radiation on the human body. Some studies from smaller organizations have created a controversy among the scientific community. However, the most relevant and respected studies agree that EMF radiation is causing harm to the human body and should be limited whenever possible.
In a comments paper on Appeals on the Deployment of 5G by Lennart Hardell and Rainer Nyberg, their joint research determined that the more recent scientific studies reflected “results add scientific evidence to a previous evaluation. Thus, RF radiation may now be classified as human carcinogen, Group 1. That is the strongest classification which is the same as for e.g., asbestos and smoking”. The paper was accepted in January 2020.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted a two year long study to gather concrete evidence of cell phone radiation effects. The tests involved RF radiation frequencies between 700 MHz and 2700 MHz, similar to frequencies produced by 2G and 3G cell phones, exposure on lab rats. The study concluded there was a clear evidence of malignant schwannomas in male rats, a form of a heart tumor. It also found some evidence of brain tumors in the form of malignant gliomas in addition to some evidence of adrenal gland tumors. The latter varied between “benign, malignant, or complex combined pheochromocytoma” tumors.
The 2018 study by the Ramazzini Institute (RI) found that the exposure to the level of radiation emitted from cell towers that is deemed legally safe caused cancerous tumors in lab rats. The study concluded their tests were consistent “to environmental levels of RF.. and reinforce the results of the US NTP studies on cell phone radiation.” RI calls for the IARC to re-evaluate their conclusions on carcinogenic potential of radiofrequency radiation potential in humans.
A Swedish based study has found that the number of brain tumor rates are rising throughout Sweden. The rate is also increasing in the United States, but no studies have been directly tied to cell phone radiation. Carlberg and Hardell determined through their research that those who use a cell phone for more than 1,436 hours (59 days) in their lifetime have a 1.7-fold greater risk of developing a meningioma, a non-malignant brain tumor. Heavier cell phone users that exceed 3,358 hours (139 days) in their lifetime increase their risk 2.0-fold.
How To Protect Yourself From Cell Phone Radiation
The effects from the radiation emitted by cell phones do not typically appear immediately. It may take years for the negative health effects to show. Fortunately, there are simple steps that can be taken to avoid potentially harmful cell phone radiation and reduce any possible effects by taking a few simple precautions:
- Switch cell phones into an airplane mode to cut EMF radiation. If possible, turn off the phone altogether.
- Reduce phone usage.
- Use speakerphones when making phone calls.
- Use wired headphones rather than WiFi enabled headsets.
- Use quality cell phone radiation shields.
- Leave the cell phone in another room at night.
By simply being mindful of how often you are around phones that aren’t even in use, you can greatly reduce your chance of cell phone radiation penetrating the body. Every small step can help prevent potentially devastating health effects in the future.
Final Thoughts
A cell phone of any shape, age, size, or capabilities emits EMF radiation. Any amount of EMF radiation is absorbed into the body and can potentially create adverse short term or long term health effects. While scientists continue to study the health effects of cell phone radiation, so far multiple scientific studies have reached the same conclusion: cell phone radiation is a carcinogen that can cause tumors and other negative health issues. Until we know for sure, whenever possible, it makes sense to take small proactive steps to shield against cell phone radiation exposure to decrease the chances of developing potentially harmful effects in a long run.
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