Are Cell Phones Really Dangerous to People - Research Proposal Example

? Are cell phones really dangerous to people? The involvement of technology in all aspects of social and economic life has been a key characteristic of our era. This involvement is reflected in various daily human activities; in the communication sector, the use of technology has allowed the elimination of time required to share views and exchange information on various issues. Cell phones are part of this phenomenon as expanded in countries worldwide. However, the use of cell phones as a tool of communication has been extensively criticized. In fact, the above devices have been considered as being a threat for health – especially if used for a long term. Moreover, the terms under which the access to cell phones has been permitted to teenagers have been reviewed – taking into consideration the fact that people of this age are less likely to pay attention at the risks related to the use of cell phones – as highlighted in relevant academic studies. At this point, the following problem has been identified: children have often access to cell phones with the permission of their parents. This trend is extremely dangerous especially since scientists have set severe restrictions regarding the potential use of cell phones by children – but these restrictions seem to be ignored by most of people worldwide. At this point the following problem appears: are cell phones really dangerous to people? This problem has been explored through a series of relevant studies. It is proved that cell phones can actually harm the health; moreover, it seems that the risks for health can be severe for people of all ages. At the next level, it has been made clear that the ways in which cell phones can affect the health of humans can vary; the direct use of cell phone may be less harmful compared to the residence near a cell phone tower. Dr Vini Khurana studied the effects of cell phones on health; his research led to the following findings: ‘the use of handsets for 10 years or more can double the risk of brain cancer’ (Geoffrey 2008). In the above study, emphasis is given on the fact that certain types of cancer can take quite long to develop – even up to a decade; therefore, the above study – having lasted for such period - provides a precise estimation of the potential effects of cell phones on brain. Another important finding of the study of Khurana has been the following one: cell phones can be more dangerous from smoking; the above finding indicates the level of risk related to the use of cell phones but also the level at which cell phones intervene in daily activities having led to the development of addiction similar to smoking – as this problem is revealed through the study presented above. The various aspects of the danger of cell phones for human health are analyzed in the article of Kovach (2007); in the above article reference is made to the findings of the research developed by George Carlo, a medical scientist who has spent years on studying the effects of cell phones – both of handsets and cell phone towers – on health; his research lasted from 1993 up to 1999 and reveals a series of important aspects of the health risks related to the use of cell phones. The key findings of his study could be summarized as follows: a) cell phones are not tested as for their risks for health; they enter the market without any testing, as a result of a legislative gap of the period when these devices appeared – the 1980s, b) cell phones can cause severe problems of health, even death, since they are involved in the continuous transmission of waves which can adversely affect the bio-field of humans (Kovach 2007); it is possible for this reason that cell phones have been also related to the changes in the DNA of their users – as also highlighted below. At the next level, in the article of Chow (2008) reference is made to three specific problems of health which have been related to the use of cell phones: the limitation of male fertility, the increase of risks for cancer and the increased risk for the health of children (Chow 2008). The relationship between the use of cell phones and the above problems of health is based on the research developed by scientists in different healthcare settings; for example, the effects of cell phones on male fertility have been derived through the research made at Cleveland clinic in 2007, the increased risks for cancer due to the use of cell phones have been identified through the research made by D.McCormick – ‘Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute in Chicago’ (Chow 2008) – and the research made by S. Sadetzki (Gertner Institute). As for the risks of cell phone for children, these are highlighted by referring to the findings of a survey conducted by the ‘consulting firm Harris Interactive’ (Chow 2008); in the above survey it is revealed that the number of teens used cell phone has been doubled compared to 2005 – a result, probably, of the extended advertising of cell phones through the media, the press and the Internet. In the article of Chaw (2008) reference is also made to the research of Kheifets, L. - ‘professor at UCLA's School of Public Health’ (Chaw 2008); in the research made by Kheifets it was proved that the effects of radiation of cell phones on children can vary; they can be related to several organs – not just the brain. Regarding this issue, the findings of Kheifets are verified by the views stated in a relevant report of Sir Stewart ‘chairman of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB)’ (The Times 2005); based on the findings of a German study, sir Stewart noted that the use of cell phones can lead to problems in ‘cognitive function’ (The Times 2005); however, Sir Stewart avoided to make clear the relationship between the use of cell phones and health problems – he just noted that this issue is still under examination – even if, in practice, many studies have proved the direct relationship between the use of cell phones and severe health problems. In any case, in the report of Chaw (2008) it is made clear that tumours in ear and brain have been identified as related to the extensive use of cell phones (The Times 2005). A similar view is stated in a report published by Newsweek (2007); in the above report it is explained that the use of cell phones among people of all ages has been significantly increased; at the same time, the need for increase of the precautions take when using cell phones is highlighted referring to the fact that many studies have proved the relationship between the cell phones and severe health problems. On the other hand, reference should be made to the studies presented by the National Cancer Institute; these studies indicate the potential dangers of cell phones for their users. Two important issues are highlighted in the relevant report: a) cell phones send waves (radiomagnetic waves) continuously; it is noted that even if the effects of these wavers on health have not precisely measured, there are many cases revealing the relationship between the cell phones and severe health problems – especially cancers, b) cell phones can affect many parts of the body – not just the brain; for this reason, even if it they are not used, cell phones should be kept far from humans (National Cancer Institute 2010). The following studies are used by the National Cancer Institute in order to highlight the dangers of cell phones for their users: a) the Interphone study – developed across 13 countries; the above study, which was published in the ‘International Journal of Epidemiology in 2010’ (National Cancer Institute 2010), proved that the health risks from cell phones involve only in those individuals who make extensive use of these devices, b) the research developed by the National Cancer Institute from 1987 up to 2007 (National Cancer Institute 2010); it should be noted that in the above study no direct link has been proved between the use of cell phones and brain cancer, a finding which is opposed with the findings of other studies developed in this field – as presented in this paper. Indeed, in the article of Wenner (2008) reference is made to the severe effects of cell phones on the health of their users, especially for those people who are likely to make extensive use of these devices; in the above study, emphasis is given on the fact that most studies which highlight the relationship between cell phones and increased health risks have been developed in Scandinavia – where mobile phones have been used for almost two decades – a period appropriate for making credible assumptions on the potential risks of cell phones for health (Wenner 2008). Towards the same direction, in a research funded by the European Union – the research lasted for four years – it was revealed that the exposure of humans to electromagnetic fields can cause alterations to the cells; furthermore, it has been made clear that these alterations may not be repaired, i.e. it is possible that the damage on the DNA is permanent (BBC News 2004). In a relevant report published by the Health Canada, it is noted that the exact effects of cell phones on health have not been identified; moreover, it is noted that cell phones can be danger from humans under the following terms: a) if they are used simultaneously with another activity, for instance, driving or cycling, b) if they are used by people who are depended on certain health devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, or c) if they are used while another communication system is in place, for instance the use of cell phone during the flight can affect the aircraft’s communication system (Health Canada 2009); in other words, in the above report no reference is made to the danger of cell phones from health – referring to the direct health risks of the use of cell phones. It is assumed that the key aim of the study was to highlight the risks of cell phones for specific human activities – as described above – and not to emphasize on the effects of cell phones on health. In accordance with the issues discussed above, cell phones can be extremely dangerous for human health. However, the issue that made clear, through the literature presented in this paper, is the following one: despite the extensive publication of reports and studies related to the negative effects of cell phones, most people seem to ignore the implications of these devices for their health. In fact, cell phones are rather considered as just a tool of communication similar to the traditional home phone. This fact has led to the following phenomenon: severe problems of health – even deaths – because of the use of cell phones are continuously increased. It is suggested that additional efforts are made towards the publication of the dangers of cell phones for health. The control of the advertising of cell phones would be another important measure for preventing the extended exposure of people to the cell phones’ radiation. Cell phones should be regarded, as tools of communication and their use should be limited in cases of emergency. Otherwise, the increase of fatal incidents and diseases because of cell phones would not be controlled. Works Cited BBC News. “Mobile phones 'alter human DNA'” 21 December 2004. Web. 08 March 2011. < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4113989.stm> Chow, Reuben. “Three Possible Health Dangers of Long-Term Cell Phone Use”. Natural News. 14 November 2008. Web. 08 March 2011. Coates, Sam, Hawkes, Nigel and Alexandra, Blair. “Mobile phones tumour risk to young children” The Times. 12 January 2005. Web. 08 March 2011. < http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article411329.ece> Health Canada. “Safety of Cell Phones and Cell Phone Towers”. October 2009. Web. 08 March 2011. < http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/prod/cell-eng.php> Kovach, Sue. “The Hidden Dangers of Cell Phone Radiation” LifeExtension. August 2007. Web. 08 March 2011. Lean, Geoffrey. “Mobile phones 'more dangerous than smoking'” The Independent. 30 March 2008. Web. 08 March 2011. National Cancer Institute. “Cell Phones and Cancer Risk” 19 May 2010. Web. 08 March 2011. < http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/cellphones> Newsweek. “How Safe Are Cell Phones?” 19 December 2007. Web. 08 March 2011. < http://www.newsweek.com/2007/12/18/how-safe-are-cell-phones.html> Wenner, Melinda. “Fact or Fiction?: Cell Phones Can Cause Brain Cancer. Should you be worried about that mobile plastered to your ear?” 21 November 2008. Web. 08 March 2011. < http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=fact-or-fiction-cell-phones-can-cause-brain-cancer> Read More