CELL PHONES….do you think they are a safe choice?
Cell phones have become a popular way of communicating since the late 1900’s. About 91% of adults and 60% of teens own cell phones in the 21st century. Even my grandson has one and he is a pre-teen. The average time spent on phones is over 2 hours per day. I see almost everyone using them in the morning before 8 a.m. on the way to work. Some are just checking email, but many are talking. What is so important at 7 a.m.? Are cell phones really safe to use? And are they helping or hindering our relationships? And what affect do they have on our health?
It’s hard to believe, but I worked in the telecom industry for almost 40 years. I know phones….but not cell phones so much. I had to have one for my job later in my career and the first one was like carrying a brick. At least it could be used for muscle-building! I have a smart phone now, but I try to use it minimally. I maintain my land line and I recommend you do too! Land lines are far safer, more reliable, and most will work when electricity or cell towers are not working (make sure you have at least one phone that isn’t electronic). The network is very reliable and doesn’t get overwhelmed in emergencies with calls as much as cell towers do.
This year I am reading more and more about the dangers of cell phones. As Sue Kovich writes in an article, “Every day, we’re swimming in a sea of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) produced by electrical appliances, power lines, wiring in buildings, and a slew of other technologies that are part of modern life. From the dishwasher and microwave oven in the kitchen and the clock radio next to your bed, to the cellular phone you hold to your ear—sometimes for hours each day—exposure to EMR is growing and becoming a serious health threat. EMR from cellular phones—both the radiation from the handsets and from the tower-based antennas carrying the signals—which studies have linked to development of brain tumors, genetic damage, and other exposure-related conditions.” Can this be good for us? By the way, I also got rid of my microwave, which I replaced with a toaster oven.
European research suggests that cell phone radiation contributes to brain dysfunction, tumors, and potentially to conditions such as autism, attention deficit disorder, neurodegenerative disease, and behavioral and psychological problems. In the advent of so many children being diagnosed with these disorders, it makes me wonder if there is some correlation between modern electronics and health concerns growing over the past decade or more. I am not saying cell phones are the only reason as I believe our environment and food are also responsible, but it is worth consideration. Younger children’s brains are particularly susceptible to the powers of these waves to their growing brains.
Medical Daily article states that there are five concerns about cell phone usage: the first is the negative impact of emotions due to less concentration in conversations, the second is the increase in stress levels when phones are constantly buzzing and ringing as well as sleep disturbances, the third is chronic pain especially associated with texting (repetitive motion), the fourth is vision by staring at cell phones and computers which can cause squinting and digital eye strain, and the last one is the health concerns of radiation exposure. You may add to that the risk of driving while using cell phones. I saw one accident that probably would have been avoided if one of the drivers wasn’t on their cell phone.
Also, the overuse of cell phones is impacting the quality of our conversations and interaction with one another. Does anyone just have dinner or listen to a meeting anymore without texting or looking down at their phones frequently? Since I have hosted young people in my home since the 90’s the use of cell phones has increased dramatically. It has impacted my desire to host as they are always ‘connected’ and it really does interfere with our conversations which is part of the reason for hosting. Can other texting or conversations not wait a half an hour while you dine with someone? It’s not like being a doctor on call for emergencies!
There are a number of concerns about communications. Mix-ups occur such as when walking down the street I have frequently thought that someone was talking to me and answered their questions when they were really just using blue tooth technology and not talking to me at all! I have friends who met their spouses on the bus. I doubt that will happen anymore with everyone looking at their phones and few having even a ‘good morning’ greeting these days. Furthermore, I suspect children are not conversing with their parents as much because their moms and dads are slaves to technology (not only phones but computers too). I experienced this on vacation with my son and grandson. There were times when we all were on our cells or games not relating to one another. There needs to be a ‘phone’ time out! Make a pact to put them away for an hour or two an evening….you will have better relationships and probably not miss a thing! Enjoy your children while you can. Your phone will be around when they are not.
Men should especially careful with their cell phones. Keeping your cell phone in your pocket near your private parts can reduce your sperm count and cause ED. Yes I brought up that topic even though I am tired of all the commercials for products to help ED. But there does appear to be a correlation with cell phones and this dysfunction. In one article from the Huffington Post, “The researchers came to this conclusion by studying two groups of men over the course of six years. The 20 men in the first group suffered from erectile dysfunction, while the 10 men in the second reported having no sexual health problems. Each participant in the study filled out a questionnaire to record his daily mobile phone use.
The researchers noted that there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of average age, weight, height, smoking habits or testosterone levels. However, a difference was observed in the amount of time the men spent with their phone turned on and in their hand or pocket. Those suffering from erectile dysfunction carried a switched-on mobile phone 4.4 hours per day on average, compared to just 1.8 hours per day for the men who did not experience impotence.” Truly more studies are needed, but it is worth taking precautions.
Here are just a few tips for safer cell phone usage:
- Keep a safe distance from cell phone radiation
- Always use a headset to minimize exposure to harmful cell phone radiation
- Do not sleep with your cell phone near your pillow; actually leave it outside the bedroom (hearing some people are even on the phone while having sex)
- Make sure young ones use cell phones very minimally
WIFI is suspect too but that is for another discussion.
There are bound to be more studies in the future that may confirm these suspicions further since cell phones are a relatively new phenomenon. I suspect we will have much more data in a decade or so that will be more definitive. Also, several books are being written about how our cell phones affect our ability to have meaningful conversations. Possibly it is one way to run away from them? Ponder that…avoiding anyone by using technology? Meantime, please take precautions to use your cell phones carefully.
One Article referenced:
The Hidden Dangers of Cell Phone Radiation
August 2007 By Sue Kovach
One New Book
Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age, by Sherry Turkle