Cell Phones and Cancer

In today's innovative era of technological breakthroughs, we enjoy many benefits of technology, which give us the power to get things done faster, enjoy greater convenience, and have access to wonderful tools that improve all areas of life (Siepmann, 2004). However, there are many concerns that we are paying a price for these benefits-perhaps in the form of cancer. Major concerns arise from the fact that we are increasingly exposed to logarithmically increasing non-ionizing radiation from wireless systems, cell phones, satellite transmissions, electricity transmission, and other products. This paper aims to present a solid argument that cell phones, in particular, may be a cause of cancer. Researchers suggest that high power electrical distribution lines may increase the incidence of certain cancers (Siepmann, 2004). According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) (1990): “In conclusion, the several studies showing leukemia, lymphoma and cancer of the nervous system in children exposed to magnetic fields from residential 60 Hz electrical power distribution systems, supported by similar findings in adults in several occupational studies also involving electrical power frequency exposures, show a consistent pattern of response that suggests, but does not prove, a causal link. Frequency components higher than 60 Hz cannot be ruled out as contributing factors. Evidence from a large number of biological test systems shows that these fields induce biological effects that are consistent with several possible mechanisms of carcinogenesis.” This situation suggests the need to continue to evaluate the information from ongoing research and to further evaluate the mechanisms of carcinogenic action and the characteristics of exposure that cause these effects. A Medscape (2000) review article concludes (Siepmann, 2004): “Taken together, the WTR research findings are not conclusive with respect to an increased risk of brain cancer or benign tumors associated with wireless phone usage. Indeed, these findings could be chance occurrences and should be confirmed. Alternatively, these findings could be early indications of a serious public health problem; thus, an immediate and focused follow-up is clearly necessary.” As new technologies become indispensable economically and politically, it is important that we take the time to examine what type of negative effects they may have on our health (Siepmann, 2004). By studying situations where the radiation is more intense and localized such as in cell phones, we can get a clearer picture of what the future may hold.
Debate Over Cell Phones A recent report from the General Accounting Office found that federal agencies often fail to give the latest information and research on cell phone radiation to consumers, and, in many cases, what they do provide is too technical for the average consumer to fully understand. According to Dr. Ted Schwartz, a neurosurgeon from New York Presbyterian Hospital: “There are currently over one hundred million cell phone users in this country. Along with the increase of cell phone usage, there has been an increase in the number of brain tumors diagnosed each year in the United States.
Since cell phones emit electromagnetic energy, which in certain circumstances has been linked with causing tumors, and since the cell phones are held directly against the head, many people fear that the two statistics might be linked.” It would be a shame to wait until it is too late to determine what should be done about cell phone use. In 20 years, it is possible that an epidemic of brain cancer will emerge across the world causing millions to die due to the increase in cell phone usage that began in the 1990's (Yi, 2001). According to Yi (2000): “The increasing demands of society make these devices virtually a necessity. Cell phones are no longer just for the rich and elite. Many affordable plans today offer more than 1,000 minutes per month. With phone prices and monthly minutes becoming less expensive, cell phone use has skyrocketed over the past decade. Despite the public's enthusiastic acceptance of cell phones, their safety remains uncertain.” Moses Kim, an M.D./Ph. D. student at the University of California, San Francisco, argues that cell phone radiation does not cause damage to the brain. “These waves are [low energy] waves, so hypothetically, they should not harm the body in any way.” However, Kim notes that there is a possibility for cellular damage. “The low energy waves could, in theory, cause damage to cells by destroying protein and DNA structures.” Kim also points out that radiation can result in cancer (Yi, 2001). “Prolonged exposure to [low energy] waves has been a concern due to past observations of high incidence of brain tumors in children living under power wires.” Just how these waves affect cells is unknown, but a slight change in DNA can cause cancer. “Most cancer arises due to DNA damage,” according to Kim, “for example, sunlight causes DNA damage in skin cells, giving rise to skin cancer.” However, recent studies have proposed that cell phone use does not cause cancer. Some researchers argue that the link between cell phones and cancer is nonexistent (Kolata, 2000). Two of the most comprehensive studies to date on the relationship between cell phones and brain tumors reveal that cell-phone users are no more likely than anyone else to develop benign tumors or malignant brain cancers.
One study, supported by the National Cancer Institute, matched a similar study, which was paid for by the cell phone industry and the federal government (Kolata, 2000). Scientists and public health experts hoped that the results would diminish the fears of the public that cell phones can cause brain cancer, which affects 16,500 Americans per year. Dr. Peter Inskip, a researcher for the cancer institute, concluded (Kolata, 2000): "Based on the published evidence to date, I don't think there's any evidence that cell phones cause cancer," Dr. Inskip said. Scientists said a study from Denmark, which was published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, provided similar results. Danish researchers identified thousands of cell-phone users from telephone company records, and then examined medical records to examine if any link existed between use of the device and development of brain cancers. None were found. Public health scientist George Carlo and Martin Schram (2000) discuss the connection between cell phones and brain cancer in their book, "Cell Phones: Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age.” The book asserts that cell phones were not adequately tested for safety before they were marketed for sale, even though numerous studies linked radio frequency radiation (which is emitted by cell phones) with brain tumors, lymphoma and leukemia. Modern research indicates cell phone users may have a greater risk of rain cancer, and that emissions from the phones can damage the blood brain barrier and cause micronuclei in cells, small areas of genetic damage that are a sign of cancer. The interesting part of the book is that the authors discuss why the government and ultimately the public ignore the link between cell phones and cancer. "The industry," they write (p. 47), "had teamed up with the government agency that was regulating it (the Food and Drug Administration) to foil the media's effort to inform the public. . . ." As for the FDA, the authors refer to it as "the people's myopic watchdog" who "never barked (p. 47)." Despite these reports, the FDA states that some studies suggest acceleration in cancer growth due to the low level radiation of cell phones is a possibility (Yi, 2001). Dr. George Carlo, a public health researcher hired by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), suggests that radio frequency radiation causes genetic damage to the blood and increases the chance of brain tumors among cell phone users. Despite these findings, the CTIA disavowed his conclusions after a fellow of researchers claimed the results were biased. Due to inconclusive studies on long-term use, it is impossible to formulate a definite conclusion (Yi, 2001). Dennis Shin, a sales manager at E-Phones, believes that more people are concerned about cell phone radiation. “Mobile phone radiation hadn't been an issue until last year due to a special that aired on 20/20,” said Shin (Yi, 2001), “Customers casually ask if I had 'heard' about possible risks.” Still, even though customers are aware of the risks, phone sales continue to increase. Experts advise that studies that say there are no proven inks between cancer and cell phones are not the definitive answer to the debate on the health effects of cell phone use (Dwyer, 2000). The cell phone industry is still in its early stages and data on health claims related to digital cell phone use is very limited. There are many reasons that current research is limited. The journal article acknowledged that newer, digital phones might have a different effect on biological tissue than analog cell phones. For the most part, analog phones are now outdated technology, although many early research studies were based on them. In addition, it is important to note that most solid brain tumors take 10 to 15 years to develop, so the long-term health effect of cell phones may not be known for several years (Dwyer, 2000). Research studies on animals found that analog signals have no effect, but digital signals do have some effect on their health (Dwyer, 2000). In 2002, researchers partnered with the cell phone industry to conduct significant scientific studies on the health risks of cell phones. The FDA supported many studies in response to public concerns that radiation from cell phones may pose health risks. The contract between the FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) allows the FDA to select scientists and oversee the projects, while the CTIA provides funding. Both entities were adamant that the cellular industry should not influence the research.
Solutions
Because cellular communication is a relatively new innovation, health experts are divided on the reliability of the most recent conclusions drawn by researchers. Still, while most current studies are inconclusive, many recommend precautions. The FDA suggests separating the body and antenna as possible (Yi, 2001). Shin recommends using phones with less radiation. “Of the test results I have come across, the Ericsson T20 line has had poor results in terms of emitting low amounts of radiation. Any phone with an antenna that extends away from the head is recommended.” Kim also advised that children should not use cell phones because “growing children probably have a higher risk of cancer due to their rapid growth and increased cell division rate.” He also recommended using cell phones for less time since he believes very long exposure may be damaging. Dr. Joseph Mercola, author of the Total Health Program, reports that he has known for many years that cell phones are dangerous yet has had a cell phone for well over a decade. However, he uses his phone about five minutes every year. According to Mercola (1999): “It is for emergency purposes only. Most individuals have no clue of the harm that they are exposing themselves to by putting that microwave transmitter next to their head.” Mercola observes that there is no need to abandon this technology, as it very useful. The simple solution is for consumers to buy a new cell phone that would allow you plug in a hands free headset. Older phones do not have the pin adapters, but many of the newer models do. This moves the phone away from the most important area of the body, the brain. According to Mercola: “Ideally, it would be best to keep the phone as far away from your body as possible; but attaching the phone to your belt or pocket thatis far better than putting it next to your brain. This is also true for the portable phone in your home. Throw away your current model and get one of the newer ones that allow you put a headset on and talk without holding the transmitter next to your head. Portable phones have far less radiation than a cell phone, but they still transmit radiation.”

Conclusion Because cell phone are a relatively new technology, there is a lack of long-term research on their possible health effects. It is difficult to prove that any product or exposure is completely safe, especially when there is no long-term research available. The following summary from the Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health (1999) offers the following recommendations to people concerned about risks: “If there is a risk from these products-and at this point we do not know that there is-it is probably very small. But if people are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, there are simple steps they can take to do so. People who must conduct extended conversations in their cars every day could switch to a type of mobile phone that places more distance between their bodies and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, they could switch to: a mobile phone in which the antenna is located outside the vehicle, a hand-held phone with a built-in antenna connected to a different antenna mounted on the outside of the car or built into a separate package, or a headset with a remote antenna to a mobile phone carried at the waist. Again the scientific data do not demonstrate that mobile phones are harmful. But if people are concerned about the radiofrequency energy from these products, taking the simple precautions outlined above can reduce any possible risk.” According to Yi (2000): “Even though current studies cannot verify that short term cell phone usage is not harmful, long term effects cannot be determined for years to come. Cell phones may be a hidden epidemic of the future. Not until it was too late did we know the hazardous effects of seemingly harmless activities such as sun bathing, smoking, and using lead paint.” (okay, this is my comment ya to!!gua juga kaga tau bener apa kaga, Cuma after I read your paper, I think I can not find your thesis, bias sih diapply Cuma loe mesti state clearly and then loe kaga usa masukin effectnya ke animal segala and yang foto2 itu loe kaga usa masukin, inget to SPECIFIC!!!, terus kaga usa dipisah2 gini..biar aja ngalir to, overall source loe bagus Cuma loe have to make sure what is your thesis..
Oc..

Works Cited

Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA). (1990). An Evaluation of the Potential Carcinogenicity of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). Retrieved from the Internet at: http://www.microwavenews.com/epa.html.

Medscape. (June 31, 2000). “Scientific Progress - Wireless Phones and Brain Cancer: Current State of the Science. Retrieved from the Internet at: https://profreg.medscape.com/px/getlogin.do?urlCache=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5tZWRzY2FwZS5jb20vdmlld2FydGljbGUvNDA4MDY2&WebLogicSession=Qb2Cc1sHoy7B7RdPCHg3Nlgv6war5HCc55GcUWzPIW78Jn2847kp|6124382936670787564/184161394/6/7001/7001/7002/7002/7001/-1.

George Carlo and Martin Schram. (2002). Cell Phones: Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age: An Insider's Alarming Discoveries about Cancer and Genetic Damage", Carroll & Graf Publishers. ISBN: 078670960X.

Yi. Thomas. (Spring, 2001). Calling Cancer. Berkeley Medical Journal. Retrieved from the Internet at: http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~issues/spring01/cellphone.html.

Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (1999). Consumer Update on Mobile Phones. Retrieved from the Internet at: www.fda.gov/cdrh/ocd/mobilphone.html.

Mercola, J. (1999). Cell Phones and Cancer. Retrieved from the Internet at: http://www.mercola.com/1999/archive/cell_phones_and_cancer.htm.

Kolata, Gina. (December 20, 2000). The New York Times Company. Retrieved from the Internet at: http://www.zurichmednet.org/development/CellPhoneStudiesSeeNoLinktoBrainCancer.htm.

Dwyer, Sheila. (December 28, 2000). Do Cell Phones Cause Brain Cancer? MedTech News. Retrieved from the Internet at: http://www.medtech1.com/new_tech/newtechnologyfeature.cfm/22/1.

Schwartz, T. (May, 2001). Cell Phones and Brain Tumors - A Neurosurgeon's Thoughts. Healthology, Inc. Retrieved from the Internet at: http://www.healthology.com/printer_friendlyAR.asp?b=healthology&f=xmlpressfeed&c=tumors_cellphones.

Siepmann, D. (February/March, 2004). Is Technology Killing Us? Journal of Theoretics: Vol. 6-1. Retrieved from the Internet at: http://www.journaloftheoretics.com/Editorials/Vol-6/e6-1.htm.