cells phones and your health

According to a six-year British study, cellphones have no short-term adverse health effects. Unfortunately the report couldn't make any conclusions for longer-term exposure since studies so far have only included a limited number of participants who have used their cellphones for 10 years or more. That's not too surprising since cell phones haven't been around all that long--particularly the small ones that get pressed directly against our noggins.

The Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Program said in its 2007 Report that it found no association between short-term cellphone use and brain cancer, said study leader Lawrie Challis, Emeritus Professor of Physics at The University of Nottingham in England. In addition, studies on volunteers also showed no evidence that brain function was affected by cellphone signals.

"The results are so far reassuring but there is still a need for more research, especially to check that no effects emerge from longer-term phone use from adults and from use by children," Challis said in a statement.

And here's a complete shocker: the study also confirmed that cellphone use while driving, whether hand-held or hands-free, causes impairment in performance. Duh! Most people can't chew gum and walk in a straight line. As a species, global warming takes a back seat to cell phone use in cars as our most direct threat.

While the jury is still out on long term use, I find this study comforting. I gave up my land line almost 4 years ago and have been on cell phones only since then. And since I often use mine for quite extended amounts of time--just last week I had a call that was over 9 hours long--hearing that brain cancer isn't a risk is good.

Comments

Unknown said…
Long phone call...good thing the research is encouraging.
Pearl said…
That must have been an enjoyable call.

I wonder about long term risks myself. We've been without a landline for a few years too.
Diane Mandy said…
Whew! I had wondered!
rosemary said…
We just switched cell carriers...before we couldn't get reception in the house (metal siding). But it is OK now. I will still keep our land line though. Steve would be lost without his cell....with his traveling it is really a good thing.
SassyAssy said…
With so many other things than can cause harm....I just never give it a thought with the cell phone....except when I see a nut about to hit me because of being on a cell phone!
Smug said…
I gave up the land line in my home about 8 years ago and have never looked back! I did it because I was poor(er) at the time and had to choose one or the other, and since my car at the time was slightly unreliable - the cell phone won! I love my phone and I am ashamed to admit - I use it while driving all the time!
Into the Light said…
I'm sure glad that the kazillion cell-phone users aren't doomed to brain cancer. It's not a fun prospect!

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