Is cell phone radiation bad? See how to protect yourself

Many people are afraid of the radiation emitted by cell phones, worried about whether it is harmful and the potential health risks, especially due to the proximity of these devices to the body and the frequency with which they are used. This fear is fueled by concerns about possible associations between radiation exposure and health conditions such as brain tumors, insomnia and headaches, despite a lack of conclusive evidence in humans.

The “myth or truth” fame fueled by the media, social networks and rumors often highlights potential risks of cell phones without clear evidence, which can contribute to widespread fear. The interesting thing is that the fear exists, the research (often carried out using the cell phone itself) is great, but no one puts the device down, right?

So the best thing is to clarify the information, explain what is true, what is an assumption, what studies prove and what remains under analysis. So, let's get to the facts.

Is cell phone radiation bad?

The radiation emitted by cell phones is a type of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which has insufficient energy to directly damage DNA or cause cellular damage like ionizing radiation (example: X-rays). However, the potential long-term effects of prolonged exposure to cell phone radiation are still being studied, and the results are not conclusive.

Now, let’s look at what Science says so far. Most human studies to date have not found a clear link between cell phone use and cancer. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified cell phone radiation as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B), a category that indicates there may be some risk, but there is not enough evidence to prove this.

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Some animal studies, such as the one carried out by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) in the USA, have observed a small incidence of tumors in rats exposed to high levels of cell phone radiation. However, these animal results are not directly applicable to humans, as the exposure levels used were much higher than normal cell phone use levels.

In addition to cancer, some people report symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and insomnia associated with cell phone use. However, these effects have not yet been proven to be directly caused by cell phone radiation. They may be linked to other factors, such as excessive use of the device and prolonged exposure to screens.

How to protect yourself from radiation?

Although the radiation emitted by cell phones and other electronic devices is considered safe within regulated limits, you can adopt some practices to reduce exposure:

1. Keep your cell phone away from your body

• Whenever possible, keep your cell phone away from your body, especially during calls.
• Use wired headphones or speakerphone to reduce the proximity of the device to your head.

2. Avoid using your cell phone with a weak signal

• When the signal is weak (for example, in rural areas or closed buildings), the cell phone increases radiation emission to connect to the network. Avoid prolonged use under these conditions.

3. Prefer text messages to calls

• Texting instead of talking on the phone reduces the amount of time your cell phone is held next to your body.

4. Limit use close to the body when charging

• Avoid using your cell phone while it is charging as it may emit slightly higher levels of radiation.

5. Don't sleep with your cell phone close to your head

• If possible, leave your cell phone away from the bed or, if you need to have it nearby, activate “airplane mode” to reduce the emission of radio frequency signals.

6. Use anti-radiation cover or stand

• Some cell phone cases are designed to reduce radiation emitted toward the user. However, check the effectiveness of these covers before purchasing, as not all of them have scientific proof.

7. Reduce exposure time

• Try to limit call time and avoid prolonged and unnecessary use of your cell phone, especially on long calls.

8. Consider Bluetooth speakerphones or headphones (in moderation)

• Although Bluetooth headphones also emit radiation, it is generally much less than that from a cell phone. Switching between using speakerphones and wired headphones is a good strategy.

These measures are preventative and can help minimize exposure, even though non-ionizing radiation from cell phones is considered safe at normal levels of use.

There are several significant studies on the effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, especially as it relates to cell phone use and exposure to other electronic devices.

In addition to radiation emitted by cell phones, other examples of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation include radios and TVs, microwaves, infrared (IR), visible light, low-frequency ultraviolet (UV-A and UV-B), low-frequency electromagnetic fields (electronic devices such as computers, fluorescent lamps, power lines and household appliances).

These forms of non-ionizing radiation do not have enough energy to break chemical bonds in DNA, but some, such as UV-B, can still be harmful at high intensity or prolonged exposure.

One of the largest studies on the topic, the Interphone Studycoordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), investigated the relationship between cell phone use and the risk of brain tumors in 13 countries. Although the study found a possible association between heavy cell phone use and some types of brain tumors, the results were inconclusive and raised the need for more studies.

The NTP, part of the US Department of Health, conducted an animal study to investigate the impact of prolonged exposure to radiofrequency radiation (like that used in cell phones). The study found a small incidence of tumors in rats exposed to high levels of cell phone radiation, but the animal results are not directly applicable to humans.

THE Cohort Study of Mobile Phone Use and Health (COSMOS) is an ongoing long-term study looking at the effects of long-term exposure to cell phones on more than 300,000 participants in five European countries. This study aims to understand the long-term impact of daily cell phone use and investigate possible associations with cancer, neurological problems and other health effects.

The WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reviewed hundreds of studies to evaluate the possible effects of non-ionizing radiation on human health. In 2011, IARC classified radiofrequency radiation (such as that from cell phones) as “possibly carcinogenic” (Group 2B), a classification that indicates that there is some evidence, but that it is not yet conclusive.

These studies are essential to understand the possible risks associated with prolonged exposure to non-ionizing radiation and to guide public health recommendations.